Timing and power quality indicator in sample-based representation

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for a timing and power quality indicator in a sample-based representation. A method may include receiving, from a network element, a request for location information. The method may also include transmitting, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

Description

TIMING AND POWER QUALITY INDICATOR IN SAMPLE-BASED REPRESENTATIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US provisional application No. 63 / 717611 , filed November 7, 2024. The content of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD

[0002] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology, or 5G beyond, or sixth generation (6G) access technology, or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to a timing and power quality indicator in a sample-based representation.BACKGROUND

[0003] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology and / or sixth generation (6G) radio access technology. Fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G and 6G network technology is mostly based on new radio (NR) technology, but the 5G / 6G (or NG) network can also build on E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR may provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit / s or higher, and may support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (loT).SUMMARY

[0004] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request for location information. The method may also include transmitting, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatusat least to receive, from a network element, a request for location information. The apparatus may also be caused to transmit, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0006] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a network element, a request for location information. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0007] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request for location information. The method may also include transmitting, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request for location information. The method may also include transmitting, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0009] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a network element, a request for location information. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0010] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for location information. The method may also include receiving, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0011] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit, to a user equipment, a request for location information. The apparatus may also be caused to receive, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain exampleembodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0012] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for location information, the apparatus may also include means for receiving, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0013] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for location information. The method may also include receiving, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0014] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for location information. The method may also include receiving, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0015] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to transmit, to a user equipment, a request for location information. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator.

[0016] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request for a quality indicator of a sample-based representation based on sample-based parameters. The method may also include performing a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. The method may further include transmitting, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0017] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a network element, a request for a quality indicator of a sample-based representation based on sample-based parameters. The apparatus may also be caused to perform a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. The apparatus may further be caused to transmit, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0018] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a network element, a request for a quality indicator of a sample-based representation based onsample-based parameters. The apparatus may also include means for performing a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0019] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request for a quality indicator of a sample-based representation based on sample-based parameters. The method may also include performing a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. The method may further include transmitting, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0020] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request for a quality indicator of a sample-based representation based on sample-based parameters. The method may also include performing a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. The method may further include transmitting, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0021] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a network element, a request for a quality indicator of a sample-based representation based on sample-based parameters. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to perform a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to transmit, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0022] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include transmitting, to a network element, a request for a quality indicator of the sample-based representation based on the samplebased parameters. The method may also include receiving, from the network element in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0023] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit, to a network element, a request for a quality indicator of the sample-based representation based on the sample-based parameters. The apparatus may also be caused to receive, from the network element in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0024] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means fortransmitting, to a network element, a request for a quality indicator of the sample-based representation based on the sample-based parameters. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the network element in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0025] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include transmitting, to a network element, a request for a quality indicator of the sample-based representation based on the sample-based parameters. The method may also include receiving, from the network element in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0026] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include transmitting, to a network element, a request for a quality indicator of the sample-based representation based on the sample-based parameters. The method may also include receiving, from the network element in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0027] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to transmit, to a network element, a request for a quality indicator of the sample-based representation based on the sample-based parameters. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive, from the network element in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0028] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request for capability reporting. The method may also include transmitting, to the network element, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and including at least one of an offset grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0029] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a network element, a request for capability reporting. The apparatus may also be caused to transmit, to the network element, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and including at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0030] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a network element, a request for capability reporting. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting, to the network element, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0031] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request for capability reporting. The method may also include transmitting, to the network element, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at leastone of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0032] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a request for capability reporting. The method may also include transmitting, to the network element, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0033] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a network element, a request for capability reporting. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit, to the network element, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0034] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for capability reporting. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an offset grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0035] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit, to a user equipment, a request for capability reporting. The apparatus may also be caused to receive, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0036] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for capability reporting. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0037] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for capability reporting. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0038] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for capability reporting. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0039] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured totransmit, to a user equipment, a request for capability reporting. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] For proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an example graphical representation of parameters to enhance the sample-based representation in the time domain, according to certain example embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates an example signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of another signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of another signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates a set of apparatuses, according to certain example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for timing and power quality indicator in sample-based representation. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to a timing and power quality indicator in a sample-based representation for artificial intelligence / machine learning (AIML) positioning.

[0053] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, theusage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Further, the terms “base station”, “cell”, “node”, “gNB”, “network” or other similar language throughout this specification may be used interchangeably.

[0054] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0055] The specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) describe artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) based positioning related to time domain channel measurements. For example, 3GPP describes sample-based measurements where timing information is an integer multiple of sampling periods (e.g., time interval between successive samples). The samples of the sample-based measurements may represent timing information such as, for example, power delay profile (PDP), delay profile (DP), or channel impulse response (CIR) on a discrete grid with a fixed period in the time domain. The samplebased measurement may include the channel representation of the measurements obtained from the reference signals where the timing information is mapped on the sample grid, which may be characterized by a fixed period Tc or a multiple of Tc. 3GPP also describes path-based measurements where the timing information is according to a dedicated path timing. In addition to timing information, the components for the channel measurement for model input may include power and phase information.

[0056] The sample-based measurements may be defined as a measurement that is composed of Nt’ samples (e.g., information in the time and power domain of the channel response obtained from reference signals) of an estimated channel response in a time domain. The timing information for the Nt’ samples may be reported with a timing granularity T, where T = 2k x Tc, k represents the timing reporting granularity factor (e.g., sub-sampling granularity), and Tc is the basic time unit for NR. The corresponding measurement (e.g., power, if reported) may correspond to the measurement for the reported Nt’ samples, and the Nt’ and k parameters may be reported / signaled to a network element such as, for example, a location management function (LMF). Additionally, the timing information may be defined relative to a reference time, and the Nt’ may correspond to selected samples that have the highest power.

[0057] Sample-based representations may be defined as a process to converge between multiple companies.However, contributions from these companies often insert certain ambiguity on the sample-based definition that may impact the quality assessment of the timing and / or power information (e.g., timing may refer to the delay information of the channel response, and power information may refer to the power correlation between the reference signal and the channel response). The ambiguity may include a set of characteristics that may not be standardized since they may be implementation dependent, which derives to ambiguous interpretation if such information is shared between different companies. For instance, one ambiguity is the mapping between a sample grid (e.g., a grid showing relationships between power information with respect to time) and a first detected path (e.g., a starting point of the Nt consecutive samples), and consequently a power quantization. The first detected path may be reported as a relative information to the sample grid and may, for example, be reported as TOSG. Additionally, the first detected path may be determined by sophisticated oversampling techniques or by using specialized signal processing techniques that enhance the sensibility of the determination of an accurate peak of the path.

[0058] In view of these drawbacks, certain example embodiments may address the ambiguities by providing a parameter in the definition of the sample-based measurement to enable the assessment of a channel measurement using a quality indicator for the timing information and the power information. Other example embodiments may provide a quality indicator that complements the legacy quality indicator with a specific quality indicator of sample-based representation used in AI / ML positioning. Additionally, certain example embodiments may assess the quality of sample-based representation based on the ambiguities that potentially may be part of the definition of sample-based representation, where one of the ambiguities may be the definition of the first sample of Nt, which may depend on a first detected path.

[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates an example graphical representation of parameters to enhance the sample-based representation in the time domain, according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, it may be possible to enhance the definition of the sample-based representation. For instance, certain example embodiments may provide an off-set grid (TOSG) parameter for the first detected path. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the TOSG may be determined by taking the difference between the first detected path and tO. Additionally, the TOSG may have a range between 0 and T, where T = 2k x Tc, k represents a timing reporting granularity factor (e.g., the reported information indicating the subsampling factor used to represent the sample-based information), and Tc is the basic time unit (e.g., ns) for NR. In some example embodiments, the TOSG may be a positive value, and may be represented by a real number between tO and t1. In other example embodiments, TOSG may be equal to zero; however, TOSG may still be used to report vendor implementation where tOSG is different than zero. In addition to parameters k, Nt, and Nt’, the TOSG parameter may also be included in a measurement report information (e.g. provided location information) sent to a network element (e.g., LMF).

[0060] When using TOSG, a first sample, tO (e.g., the first reported sample of sample-based representation),of the sample-based representation may be before the first detected path. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , certain example embodiments may include a tO-offset value which indicates that tO is shifted a specific number of samples before the first detected path. In some example embodiments, the tO-offset may not be larger than tO- offset-requirement, for example tO-offset-requirement = Integer (1 / 5 * Nt).

[0061] In certain example embodiments, tO may introduce an ambiguity on the accuracy of the timing information and / or power information. Thus, to quantify tO, quality indicators for timing information and / or power information may be provided in the sample-based representation.

[0062] In certain example embodiments, when TOSG is reported, it may be possible to identify the timing quality of the sample-based representation. In some example embodiments, identifying the quality of the sample-based representation may depend on an alignment between the first detected path and the sample grid (e.g., alignment related to the value of TOSG). A large TOSG value may suggest an alignment between the first detected path and the sample grid. The quality is inversely related to the value of TOSG such that if TOSG is large, a low quality is expected. Thus, when TOSG is reported, the quality indicator (e.g., time quality indicator), which is independent of the TOSG value, may be represented by 1 (e.g., the highest quality). However, when TOSG is not reported, additional parameters may be considered to perform an assessment of the timing quality information. In certain example embodiments, the quality may be represented by a real number between 0 and 1 (the granularity may be specified). For instance, when k = 4, TOSG may be close to t1 , and the quality indicator may be approximately 0. When k = 1, TOSG may be in the middle between tO and t1 , and the quality indicator may be approximately 0.5. When k = 0, TOSG may be close to tO, and the quality indicator may be approximately 0.9. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator of timing information may be quantified by the following: ( T - ( TOSG / (Kmax - K +1) ) ) / T, where T is the timing granularity defined by T = 2k x Tc, where k represents the timing reported granularity factor, Tc represents the basic time unit for NR, Kmax is the maximum “K” that is supported by the target device (UE / gNB), and K represents the subsampling of the sample-based representation. For a short TOSG, the quality indicator may be a value of one. However, for a large values of TOSG, the quality indicator may be zero.

[0063] In certain example embodiments, when TOSG is not reported, the entity generating a measurement report may be capable of identifying the drifting between the first detected path and the grid sample. However, the entity that is generating the report may not be capable of transmitting the report. Thus, the entity generating the report may use TOSG internal information as an assessment to report the quality indicator.

[0064] According to certain example embodiments, another quality indicator may be directed to power (e.g., power quality indicator). For instance, in certain example embodiments, the quality of the measurements with respect to power (e.g., power generated by the convolution of the reference signal and the channel response) information may depend on the first path. In some example embodiments, the power quality indicator may bedefined as a function of the measured power of the peak of the first path (Ppeak), and the power of one or more samples measured around the first detected path (e.g., P_tO at tO or P_t1 at t1). According to certain example embodiments, the power quality indicator may provide information on how much the actual peak power of the first detected path in the sample grid deviates from the samples in the measurement.

[0065] In certain example embodiments, various power quality indicators may be defined, and which may produce a value between 0-1 . For example, when the power quality indicator may be referenced as: Quality Q1 = 1 - (Ppeak - PtO) / Ppeak; Quality Q2 = 1 - (Ppeak - P_t1 ) / Ppeak; Quality Q3 = PtO / Ppeak; Quality Q4 = Pt1 / Ppeak; Quality Q5 = avg(Q1 , Q2) (i.e., average of the first and second quality metrics above); or Quality Q6 = avg(Q3, Q4) (i.e., average of the third and fourth metrics).

[0066] FIG. 2 illustrates an example signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates a reporting configuration between UE 200 and LMF 205 to enable the usage of sample-based representation including, for example, TOSG and tO-offset. Other parameters that may be used may include k, Nt, and Nt’.

[0067] At 210, the LMF 205 transmits a request for UE capabilities. At 215, the UE 200 transmits supporting sample-based capabilities to the LMF 205. In certain example embodiments, the capabilities transmitted to the LMF 205 may include ranges of values for at least one of k, Nt, Nt’, support for TOSG reporting, and / or tO-offset. At 220, the LMF 205 transmits assistance data which may include reporting configuration for at least one of k, Nt, Nt’, and / or tO-offset. At 225, the LMF 205 transmits a request to the UE 200 for location information. At 230, the UE 200 transmits location information including a new reporting configuration of container (e.g., enhanced reference signal received path power (RSRPP)), and the UE 200 may report the TOSG. The location information may further include at least one of k, Nt, and Nt’, or TOSG.

[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of another signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 3, operations 310 to 325 may be similar to operations 210 to 225 except the TOSG parameter is not supported in operations 310 to 325 as shown at operation 322. At 330, the UE 300 performs a quality indicator assessment related to assessment of the time and power quality indicators of the sample-based representation based a quantization of the peak detected path on the sample grid. At 335, the UE 300 transmits location information, which may include a new reporting configuration of a container (e.g., enhanced RSRPP). In certain example embodiments, the reporting at 335 may include the quality indicator (e.g., assessment of the timing and power information that quantify the ambiguity of parameter values that are defining the sample-based representation) for sample-based representation. The location information may further include at least one of k, Nt, and Nt’, or TOSG.

[0069] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of another signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates a signalization reporting configuration between a gNB 400 and an LMF 405 to enableusage of sample-based representation. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the signalization includes using parameters such as TOSG and tO-offset, as well as k, Nt, and Nt’. According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 300 may report quality metrics (e.g., quality metric of the sample-based representation generated by the UE / gNB and later reported to the LMF) for the sample-based measurement and optionally for TOSG.

[0070] At 410, the LMF 405 transmits a request for information pertaining to, for example, sample-based parameters k, Nt, Nt’, TOSG, and / or tO-offset. At 415, the gNB 400 transmits a response to the request, the response including enhanced UL-RSRPP. At 420, if the TOSG reporting field is not included (e.g., TOSG is not reported to the LMF 405), the quality indicator (e.g., timing information or power quality indicator) of the samplebased representation may be requested. At 425, the LMF 405 transmits a request for a quality indicator. In certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may be reported in the signalization / reporting at 415. This may be an additional example embodiment where for both cases UE-LMF and gNB-LMF channel measurements and the quality indicator are reported together without the necessity to generate an additional / exclusive reporting request for only quality information. At 430, since the TOSG reporting is empty, the request for the quality indicator is transmitted at 425. At 435, the gNB 400 performs a quality indicator assessment (e.g., assessment related to an assessment of the time and / or power quality indicators) of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between the first detected path and the sample grid. The mapping may be performed by a quantization of the first detected path on the sample grid. At 440, the gNB 400 transmits a response to LMF 405, the response including an indication of the requested quality indicator of the sample-based representation.

[0071] According to certain example embodiments, if the TOSG is reported, the quality indicator of the samplebased representation may be explicitly indicated as 1 . However, when TOSG is not reported / considered, quality indicators may be reported with values in the range between 0 and 1 , where 0 indicates a poor quality (e.g., assessment outcome that indicates that the quality of the sample-based representation) and 1 indicates a high quality.

[0072] In certain example embodiments, there may be various ways to determine TOSG, which may be left to UE-implementation. For instance, the UE may utilize an oversampling approach to acquire a more granular sampling grid. As an example, an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system may have 64 subcarriers. Without oversampling, the time domain samples may be calculated where such calculation may involve using an inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) on the 64 points. However, by oversampling by a factor of 2 (i.e., IDFT on 128 points), the time resolution of the time domain samples may effectively be doubled, which may allow for a more granular view of the channel.

[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 5 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, themethod of FIG. 5 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11 .

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the method may include, at 500 receive, from a network element, a request for location information. At 505, the method may also include transmitting, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator comprises at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0075] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the network element, assistance data including at least one of a request for an off-set grid parameter or a configuration for an offset shift parameter. According to some example embodiments, the off-set grid parameter corresponds to a difference between a time value of a first detected path and a time value of a first sample of the sample-based representation. According to other example embodiments, the offset shift parameter may correspond to a number of samples shifted from a time value of a first sample to before a first detected path of the sample-based representation.

[0076] In certain example embodiments, the power quality indicator may be defined as a function of a measured power peak of a first path of the sample-based representation, and a power of one or more samples measured around the first path. In some example embodiments, a capability information of the apparatus may include at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples.

[0077] According to certain example embodiments, the assistance data further comprises at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples. According to some example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the network element, a request for capability reporting. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include transmit, to the network element, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an offset grid parameter (tOSG) or an offset shift parameter.

[0078] In certain example embodiments, the method may further include performing a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. In some example embodiments, the location information may further include the quality indicator for sample-based representation. In other example embodiments, the method may also include transmitting a measurement report, wherein the measurement report includes at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, a list of selected samples, or the off-set grid parameter.

[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 6 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 6 may be performed by a NW or gNB, LMF, or similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the method may include, at 600, transmit, to a user equipment, a request for location information . The method may also include, at 605, receiving, in response to the request, location information comprising a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0081] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include transmitting, to the user equipment, assistance data including at least one of a request for an off-set grid parameter or a configuration an offset shift parameter. According to some example embodiments, the off-set grid parameter may correspond to a difference between a time value of a first detected path and a time value of a first sample of the sample-based representation. According to other example embodiments, the offset shift parameter may correspond to a number of samples shifted from a time value of a first sample to before a first detected path of the sample-based representation.

[0082] In certain example embodiments, the power quality indicator may be defined as a function of a measured power peak of a first path of the sample-based representation, and a power of one or more samples measured around the first path. In some example embodiments, a capability information of the user equipment may include at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples. In other example embodiments, the assistance data may also include at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples.

[0083] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for capability reporting. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include receiving, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and comprises at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter. According to other example embodiments, the location information may further include the quality indicator for sample-based representation. According to further example embodiments, the method may also include receiving a measurement report, wherein the measurement report may include at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, a list of selected samples, or the off-set grid parameter.

[0084] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a NW or gNB, LMF, or similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the method may include, at 700, receiving, from a network element, a request for a quality indicator of a sample-based representation based on sample-based parameters. The method may also include, at 705, performing a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on amapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. The method may further include, at 710, transmitting, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0086] According to certain example embodiments, the method may include, receiving, from the network element, a request to report sample-based parameters including at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter. The method may also include, transmitting , to the network element in response to the request, a reference signal power parameter.

[0087] According to certain example embodiments, the off-set grid parameter may correspond to a difference between a time value of a first detected path and a time value of a first sample of the sample-based representation. According to some example embodiments, the offset shift parameter may correspond to a number of samples shifted from a time value of a first sample to before a first detected path of the sample-based representation. According to other example embodiments, the quality indicator may correspond to at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0088] In certain example embodiments, a value of the quality indicator may be dependent upon whether the at least one of the off-set grid parameter or the offset shift parameter is reported. In other example embodiments, the value of the quality indicator may be 1 or between 0 and 1.

[0089] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a NW or gNB, LMF, or similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the method may include, at 800, transmitting, to a network element, a request for a quality indicator of the sample-based representation based on the sample-based parameters. The method may also include, at 805, receiving, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information comprising the quality indicator.

[0091] According to certain example embodiments, transmitting, to the network element, a request to report sample-based parameters including at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter. The method may also include, receiving, from the network element in response to the request, a reference signal power parameter.

[0092] the off-set grid parameter may correspond to a difference between a time value of a first detected path and a time value of a first sample of the sample-based representation.

[0093] In certain example embodiments, the offset shift parameter may correspond to a number of samples shifted from a time value of a first sample to before a first detected path of the sample-based representation. In some example embodiments, the quality indicator may correspond to at least one of a power quality indicator ora time quality indicator. In other example embodiments, a value of the quality indicator may be dependent upon whether the at least one of the off-set grid parameter or the offset shift parameter is reported. In further example embodiments, the value of the quality indicator may be 1 or between 0 and 1.

[0094] FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the method may include, at 900, receiving, from a network element, a request for capability reporting. The method may also include, at 905, transmitting, to the network element, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0096] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the network element, assistance data comprising at least one of a request for the off-set grid parameter or a configuration for the offset shift parameter. According to some example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the network element, a request for location information. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include transmitting, in response to the request, location information comprising a quality indicator.

[0097] In certain example embodiments, the off-set grid parameter may correspond to a difference between a time value of a first detected path and a time value of a first sample of the sample-based representation. In some example embodiments, the offset shift parameter corresponds to a number of samples shifted from a time value of a first sample to before a first detected path of the sample-based representation. In some example embodiments, the power quality indicator may be defined as a function of a measured power peak of a first path of the sample-based representation, and a power of one or more samples measured around the first path. In other example embodiments, a capability information of the apparatus comprises at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples. In further example embodiments, the assistance data further comprises at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples.

[0098] According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include performing a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. According to some example embodiments, the location information may further include the quality indicator for sample-based representation. According to other example embodiments, the method may also include transmitting a measurement report, wherein the measurement report comprises at least one of atiming reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, a list of selected samples, or the off-set grid parameter.

[0099] FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 10 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 10may be performed by a NW or gNB, LMF, or similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the method may include, at 1000, transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for capability reporting. The method may also include, at 1005, receiving, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0101] According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include transmitting, to the user equipment, assistance data including at least one of a request for the off-set grid parameter or a configuration for the offset shift parameter. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include transmitting, to the user equipment, a request for location information, and receiving, in response to the request, location information comprising a quality indicator. According to other example embodiments, the off-set grid parameter may correspond to a difference between a time value of a first detected path and a time value of a first sample of the sample-based representation.

[0102] In certain example embodiments, the offset shift parameter may correspond to a number of samples shifted from a time value of a first sample to before a first detected path of the sample-based representation. In some example embodiments, the power quality indicator may be defined as a function of a measured power peak of a first path of the sample-based representation, and a power of one or more samples measured around the first path. In other example embodiments, a capability information of the apparatus comprises at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples.

[0103] According to certain example embodiments, the assistance data may also include at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples. According to some example embodiments, the location information may further include the quality indicator for sample-based representation. According to other example embodiments, the method may also include receiving a measurement report, wherein the measurement report includes at least one of a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, a list of selected samples, or the off-set grid parameter.

[0104] FIG. 11 illustrates a set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be elements in a communications network or associated with such a network. For example, apparatus 10 may be a UE, or other similar radio communication computerdevice, and apparatus 20 may be a BS, gNB, LMF, network, or other similar computing device.

[0105] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-loT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatuses 10 and 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 11.

[0106] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 11 , apparatuses 10 and 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 and 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processors 12 and 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processors 12 and 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 and 22 is shown in FIG. 11 , multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processors 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0107] Processors 12 and 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatuses 10 and 20 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatuses 10 and 20, including processes and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-10.

[0108] Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to a memories 14 and 24 (internal or external), which may be respectively coupled to processors 12 and 24 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processors 12 and 24. Memories 14 and 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memories 14 and 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memories 14 and 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processors 12 and 22, enable the apparatuses 10 and 20 toperform tasks as described herein.

[0109] In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processors 12 and 22 and / or apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform any of the methods and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-10.

[0110] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 and 25 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an UL from apparatuses 10 and 20. Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a transceivers 18 and 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceivers 18 and 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antennas 15 and 25. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-loT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an UL.

[0111] For instance, transceivers 18 and 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antennas 15 and 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna 15 and 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatuses 10 and 20. In other example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and / or output device (I / O device). In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0112] In certain example embodiments, memories 14 and 34 store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processors 12 and 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The components of apparatuses 10 and 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may optionally be configured to communicate each other (in any combination) via a wireless or wired communication links 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0113] According to certain example embodiments, processors 12 and 22 and memories 14 and 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0114] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive, from a network element, a request for location information. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit, in response to the request, location information comprising a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0115] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, to a user equipment, a request for location information. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, in response to the request, location information comprising a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0116] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from a network element, a request for a quality indicator of a sample-based representation based on sample-based parameters. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to perform a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0117] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, to a network element, a request to report sample-based parameters including at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from the network element in response to the request, a reference signal power parameter.

[0118] In other example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive, from a network element, a request for capability reporting. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit, to the network element, capability information that supports samplebased representation, and including at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0119] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, to a user equipment, a request for capability reporting. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0120] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing a method, a process, or any of the variants discussed herein. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations.

[0121] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing anyof the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving, from a network element, a request for location information. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting, in response to the request, location information comprising a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0122] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for location information. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, in response to the request, location information including a quality indicator. According to certain example embodiments, the quality indicator may include at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

[0123] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving, from a network element, a request for a quality indicator of a sample-based representation based on sample-based parameters. The apparatus may also include means for performing a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information including the quality indicator.

[0124] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for transmitting, transmit, to a network element, a request to report sample-based parameters comprising at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the network element in response to the request, a reference signal power parameter.

[0125] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving, from a network element, a request for capability reporting. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting, to the network element, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0126] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for transmitting, to a user equipment, a request for capability reporting. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and includes at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

[0127] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For instance, in some example embodiments, it may be possible to introduce new UE capabilities to represent a sample-based representation. Certain example embodiments may also1 provide new quality indicators for timing and power information, including their respective signalization. Additionally, certain example embodiments may provide a TOSG parameter that may include new information to be represented out of the periodicity of the sample grid (e.g., when TOSG is different than zero). Furthermore, it may be possible to reduce additional reporting overhead to indicate the timing information of the first-detected peak.

[0128] According to other example embodiments, it may be possible to provide multiple ways to calculate TOSG, which may be left to UE-implementation. For instance, the UE may utilize an oversampling approach to have a more granular sampling grid. As an example, an OFDM system may have 64 subcarriers. Without oversampling, calculating the time domain samples which may involve using an inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) on these 64 points. However, by oversampling by a factor of 2 (i.e., IDFT on 128 points), which effectively doubles the time resolution of the time domain samples, allows for a more granular view of the channel.

[0129] A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computerexecutable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of certain example embodiments may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

[0130] As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and / or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0131] In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0132] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computerelement, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.

[0133] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the disclosure as discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and / or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technology, the above embodiments may also apply to any other present or future 3GPP technology, such as LTE-advanced, and / or fourth generation (4G) technology.Partial Glossary:

[0134] 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0135] 5G 5th Generation

[0136] 5GCN 5G Core Network

[0137] 5GS 5G System

[0138] Al Artificial Intelligence

[0139] BS Base Station

[0140] DL Downlink

[0141] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0142] E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN

[0143] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB

[0144] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0145] LMF Location Management Function

[0146] ML Machine Learning

[0147] NN Neural Network

[0148] NR New Radio

[0149] UE User Equipment

[0150] UL Uplink

Claims

24CLAIMS1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network element, a request for location information; and transmit, in response to the request, location information comprising a quality indicator, wherein the quality indicator comprises at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

2. The apparatus according to claims 1 , wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: receive, from the network element, assistance data comprising at least one of a request for an off-set grid parameter or a configuration for an offset shift parameter.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the off-set grid parameter corresponds to a difference between a time value of a first detected path and a time value of a first sample of the sample-based representation.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the offset shift parameter corresponds to a number of samples shifted from a time value of a first sample to before a first detected path of the sample-based representation.

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the power quality indicator is defined as a function of a measured power peak of a first path of the sample-based representation, and a power of one or more samples measured around the first path.

6. The apparatus, according to any of claims 1-5, wherein a capability information of the apparatus comprises at least one of the following: a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein the assistance data further comprises at least one of the following: a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples.

8. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: receive, from the network element, a request for capability reporting; transmit, to the network element, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and comprises at least one of an off-set grid parameter (tosc) or an offset shift parameter.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: perform a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid.

10. The apparatus according to any of any of claims 1-9, wherein the location information further comprises the quality indicator for sample-based representation.11 . The apparatus according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: transmit a measurement report, wherein the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, a list of selected samples, or the off-set grid parameter.

12. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:transmit, to a user equipment, a request for location information; and receive, in response to the request, location information comprising a quality indicator, wherein the quality indicator comprises at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: transmit, to the user equipment, assistance data comprising at least one of a request for an off-set grid parameter or a configuration an offset shift parameter.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the off-set grid parameter corresponds to a difference between a time value of a first detected path and a time value of a first sample of the sample-based representation.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the offset shift parameter corresponds to a number of samples shifted from a time value of a first sample to before a first detected path of the sample-based representation.

16. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the power quality indicator is defined as a function of a measured power peak of a first path of the sample-based representation, and a power of one or more samples measured around the first path.

17. The apparatus according to any of claims 12-16, wherein a capability information of the user equipment comprises at least one of the following: a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples.

18. The apparatus, according to any of claims 12-17, wherein the assistance data further comprises at least one of the following: a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, or a list of selected samples.Z119. The apparatus according to any of claims 12-18, wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: transmit, to the user equipment, a request for capability reporting; receive, from the user equipment, capability information that supports sample-based representation, and comprises at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter.

20. The apparatus according to any of claims 12-17, wherein the location information further comprises the quality indicator for sample-based representation.21 . The apparatus according to any of claims 12-20, wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: receive a measurement report, wherein the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: a timing reporting granularity factor, a list of consecutive samples, a list of selected samples, or the off-set grid parameter.

22. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network element, a request for a quality indicator of a sample-based representation based on sample-based parameters; perform a quality indicator assessment of the sample-based representation based on a mapping between a first detached path and a sample grid; and transmit, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information comprising the quality indicator.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: receive, from the network element, a request to report sample-based parameters comprising at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter; and transmit, to the network element in response to the request, a reference signal power parameter.2824. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit, to a network element, a request for a quality indicator of the sample-based representation based on the sample-based parameters; and receive, in response to the request for the quality indicator, information comprising the quality indicator.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: transmit, to the network element, a request to report sample-based parameters comprising at least one of an off-set grid parameter or an offset shift parameter; and receive, from the network element in response to the request, a reference signal power parameter.

26. A method, comprising: receiving, from a network element, a request for location information; and transmitting, in response to the request, location information comprising a quality indicator, wherein the quality indicator comprises at least one of a power quality indicator or a time quality indicator.

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