Method and network system for performing sidelink positioning / ranging procedure in a communication system

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for ranging / SL positioning in a communication system, wherein the communication system includes a network system (20), an application server (AS), a first user equipment (UE1) and a second user equipment (UE2), and wherein the network system (20) includes a Network Open Function (NEF), a Unified Data Management Function (UDM) and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The method includes the following steps: registering UE1 and UE2 with the network system (20); receiving (110) a direct link positioning request or ranging service request from the AS; sending (120) a data retrieval request to the UDM; evaluating (140) privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2; performing (150) ranging / SL positioning; and sending (160) ranging / SL positioning results to the AS.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for performing direct link positioning and / or ranging procedures (also known as SL positioning / ranging or ranging / SL positioning) in a communication system, particularly in a 5G communication system. The invention also relates to a method for providing auxiliary information to network functionalities to perform ranging / SL positioning in a communication system, and a method for providing location estimation data corresponding to a first user equipment (also known as UE1) and a second user equipment (also known as UE2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a network system configured for implementation in a communication system, particularly in a 5G communication system. Finally, the invention relates to user equipment (UE) and computer program products implemented in a communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Ranging and range finding (SL) positioning are key functions in communication systems such as 5G communication systems. In some applications, the technologies mentioned allow for effective communication between two vehicles (also known as V2V or vehicle-to-vehicle communication) or between a vehicle and another component located near the vehicle, such as traffic lights or monitoring equipment in a construction area (also known as V2X or vehicle-to-everything communication). Therefore, ranging / SL positioning is a critical technology when it comes to key applications such as autonomous driving.

[0003] Typically, ranging / SL positioning can be initiated by a network functional entity (NF) of the network system, or alternatively, by an external application server (AS). In applications, the application server may also be referred to as a ranging server (RS) or an application functional entity (AF). According to this disclosure, ranging / SL positioning is initiated by the AS.

[0004] Due to the importance of ranging / SL positioning, different technologies have been proposed in various communication standards, such as 5G communication standards, to provide high-precision positioning measurements.

[0005] However, for privacy reasons, users who register their user equipment in a communication system and use various communication services (such as voice or messaging services) from telecommunications providers may not agree to share their current location (i.e., the current location of the user equipment they are using) with the provider. However, the technologies proposed based on existing technology do not provide any effective means to address the issue of user consent to sharing location information.

[0006] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for performing a ranging / SL positioning process in a communication system (particularly a 5G communication system) so as to effectively handle user privacy preferences, wherein the ranging / SL positioning process is initiated by the AS. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for performing a direct link positioning process and / or ranging process in a communication system, particularly a 5G communication system, wherein the communication system includes a network system, an application server (AS), a first user equipment (UE1), and a second user equipment (UE2), and wherein the network system includes a Network Open Function (NEF), a Unified Data Management Function (UDM), and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the method comprising the following steps:

[0008] -UE1 and UE2 register with the network system;

[0009] -NEF receives direct link positioning requests or ranging service requests from AS;

[0010] -NEF sends a data retrieval request to UDM, which prompts UDM to provide privacy profile data for UE1 and UE2, and the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a first user who agrees to share location information associated with UE1, and whether there is a second user who agrees to share location information associated with UE2;

[0011] -NEF receives privacy profile data from UDM;

[0012] -NEF evaluates the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2;

[0013] -In cases where the previous assessment indicated the existence of a first user who consented to sharing location information associated with UE1 and a second user who consented to sharing location information associated with UE2:

[0014] - Perform the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process;

[0015] -NEF sends the direct link positioning results or ranging service results to AS.

[0016] This invention allows for the effective handling of user privacy preferences without adversely affecting the ranging / SL positioning process. Furthermore, this invention allows for the implementation of additional measures on existing network architectures without causing any compatibility issues.

[0017] The communication system according to the invention can be a 5G communication system or other communication systems based on the architecture of a 5G communication system. For example, the method according to the invention can also be applied to communication systems based on the 5G standard but not including all functionalities provided within the 5G standard. Furthermore, the method can be applied to communication systems that include other additional functionalities not covered by the 5G standard (e.g., in future communication standards that include substantially the same network architecture, particularly including the same functionalities listed above and involved in the method according to the invention). Preferably, the network system can be implemented as a 5G core network system.

[0018] A ranging / SL positioning procedure can be performed between the first and second UEs. However, the ranging / SL positioning procedure can also cover additional UEs. The ranging procedure is generally known from the prior art. Ranging refers to the process of determining the distance between two or more UEs via the PC5 interface. SL positioning refers to the process of locating a UE using the PC5 interface.

[0019] The network system according to the present invention can be a computer system including a processing unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0020] An application server (AS) can also be called an application function body (AF) or a ranging server (RS). An AS can be implemented as a computer system that includes a processing unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0021] AMF is typically configured to interact with the access network and the UE. AMF can support the establishment of encrypted signaling connections to the UE, allowing the UE to register, be authenticated, and move between different radio cells in the network.

[0022] According to the present invention, the registration of UE1 / UE2 with the network system may include the registration of UE1 / UE2 with the AMF and the exchange of authentication data, setting parameters, etc. between each UE and the AMF.

[0023] Sending a data retrieval request from NEF to UDM may include sending the UE1 ID and UE2 ID used to identify each UE.

[0024] Privacy profile data can include different types of information. For example, privacy profile data can include a first binary flag indicating whether user consent is granted to UE1 and a second binary flag indicating whether user consent is granted to UE2. Furthermore, to handle more specific privacy preferences, privacy profile data can include region-specific consent data or time-specific consent data. Therefore, privacy profile data can indicate absolute authorization to share location information or consent to share location information, depending on predetermined conditions. Preferably, privacy profile data for at least one UE can be bound to the corresponding UE's SUPI or GPSI.

[0025] Preferably, evaluating the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 includes the following steps:

[0026] -NEF determines whether the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; and

[0027] -If the privacy profile data is determined to include region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2:

[0028] -NEF acquires location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data; and

[0029] -NEF determines whether the region-specific consent data matches the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 that are associated with the region-specific consent data.

[0030] Region-specific consent data can also be called region-related consent data. For example, region-specific consent data may indicate granting user consent for a specific region, such as a specific country, province, city, district, or street. The indicated region may be in text format or encoded in location data via GPS location data. For example, region-specific consent data may include different fields indicating the country and city for which user consent is granted. Alternatively, region-specific consent data may include GPS location defining a specific location and additional distance data indicating how far away from the encoded GPS location for which user consent is granted. Region-specific consent data may define a contiguous region, or alternatively, define separate regions that are not connected to each other. For example, region-specific consent data may define granting user consent to share location information between two cities in different provinces or between two streets in different cities.

[0031] Preferably, obtaining location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data includes the following steps:

[0032] -NEF sends a request message to AMF to obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data;

[0033] -NEF receives location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 from AMF, which is associated with area-specific consent data.

[0034] Preferably, sending a request message for obtaining location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data includes the following steps:

[0035] -NEF sends a request message to UDM to obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data; and

[0036] - The UDM sends a request message to the AMF to obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data;

[0037] and / or

[0038] Receiving location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data from the AMF includes the following steps:

[0039] - The UDM receives location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data requested by the AMF; and

[0040] -NEF receives location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 from UDM, which is associated with area-specific consent data.

[0041] Preferably, evaluating the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 includes the following steps:

[0042] -NEF determines whether the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; and

[0043] -If the privacy profile data is determined to include time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2:

[0044] -NEF determines whether the requirements for time-specific consent data are met.

[0045] Time-specific consent data can also be referred to as time-related consent data. For example, time-specific consent data may include predetermined fields indicating specific dates and / or specific times within a week for granting a user consent to share their location information. As an illustrative example, time-specific consent data could indicate that user consent is granted from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Outside of these defined times, a user may not consent to share their location information. Alternatively, time-specific consent data could indicate specific times during which user consent is not granted. For example, time-specific consent data could indicate that location information should not be shared between 5:00 PM Friday and 8:00 AM Monday. Similarly, time-specific consent data could indicate that location information may be shared on specific days of each month, or may not be shared during specific periods of the year.

[0046] Preferably, if the previous evaluation results indicate the existence of a first user who agrees to share location information associated with UE1 and a second user who agrees to share location information associated with UE2, the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process are performed, including the following steps:

[0047] -NEF sends a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to UE1;

[0048] - UE1 uses UE2 to initiate the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process;

[0049] -UE1 provides NEF with the results of the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process.

[0050] Preferably, sending a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to UE1 includes the following steps:

[0051] -NEF sends a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to AMF; and

[0052] -AMF sends a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to UE1;

[0053] as well as

[0054] - Providing NEF with direct link positioning and / or ranging results includes the following steps:

[0055] -UE1 provides the AMF with the results of the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process; and

[0056] -AMF provides NEF with the results of the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for providing auxiliary information to the Network Open Function (NEF) through a Unified Data Management Function (UDM) for performing a direct link positioning process and / or ranging process in a communication system, particularly in a 5G communication system, wherein the communication system includes a network system, an application server (AS), a first user equipment (UE1) and a second user equipment (UE2), and wherein the network system includes the Network Open Function (NEF), the Unified Data Management Function (UDM), and the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the method comprising the following steps:

[0058] - The UDM receives a data retrieval request from the NEF, wherein the data retrieval request prompts the UDM to provide privacy profile data for UE1 and UE2, and wherein the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a first user who consents to sharing location information associated with UE1, and whether there is a second user who consents to sharing location information associated with UE2;

[0059] - UDM retrieves privacy profile data for UE1 and UE2 from its internal databases, specifically from the Unified Data Repository (UDR) of UDM; and

[0060] -UDM sends the retrieved privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 to NEF.

[0061] A User-Defined Management (UDM) can be implemented as a front-end for user subscription data stored in a database. This database can also be referred to as a Unified Data Repository (UDR). Typically, when a UE connects to a network system, the UDM authenticates access and performs multiple checks on supported features. Subscription data, which typically defines various types of network or user policies, is stored in the UDM. The data stored in the UDM is provided as a service to other Network Functional Elements (NFs), particularly NEFs.

[0062] Preferably, the UDM is configured to receive privacy profile data from UE1 and UE2 to update its database regarding the current privacy settings of UE1 and UE2.

[0063] Preferably, the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2.

[0064] Preferably, the method may include the following steps:

[0065] -UDM receives a request message from NEF to obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data;

[0066] - The UDM sends a request message to the AMF to obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data;

[0067] - The UDM receives location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data requested by the AMF; and

[0068] - The UDM sends the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2, associated with the region-specific consent data, to the NEF.

[0069] Preferably, the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2.

[0070] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for providing location estimation data of a first user equipment (UE1) and a second user equipment (UE2) by an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) for performing a direct link positioning process and / or ranging process in a communication system, particularly in a 5G communication system, wherein the communication system includes a network system, an application server (AS), a first user equipment (UE1) and a second user equipment (UE2), and wherein the network system includes a Network Open Function (NEF), a Unified Data Management Function (UDM) and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the method comprising the following steps:

[0071] -AMF receives a request message from NEF or UDM to obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data;

[0072] -AMF sends the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2, associated with the area-specific consent data, to the requesting NEF or requesting UDM.

[0073] Preferably, the location estimation data includes Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) or Cell ID, particularly NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI).

[0074] According to another aspect of the present invention, a network system that can be implemented in a communication system, particularly in a 5G communication system, is proposed, wherein the network system includes a Network Open Function (NEF), a Unified Data Management Function (UDM), and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the NEF is configured as follows:

[0075] - Receive direct link positioning requests or ranging service requests from the application server (AS);

[0076] - Send a data retrieval request to the UDM, wherein the data retrieval request prompts the UDM to provide privacy profile data of the first user equipment (UE1) and the second user equipment (UE2), and wherein the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a first user who agrees to share location information associated with UE1, and whether there is a second user who agrees to share location information associated with UE2;

[0077] - Receive privacy profile data from UDM;

[0078] - Evaluate the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2;

[0079] -In cases where the previous assessment indicates the existence of a first user who consents to sharing location information associated with UE1, and a second user who consents to sharing location information associated with UE2:

[0080] -Initiate the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process;

[0081] - Send direct link positioning results and / or ranging service results to AS.

[0082] A network system may include computing units, communication modules, and storage media. The network system can be implemented as a 5G core network system applicable to 5G communication systems.

[0083] Preferably, NEF is further configured as follows:

[0084] - Determine whether the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; and

[0085] -If the privacy profile data is determined to include region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2:

[0086] - Obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data; and

[0087] - Determine whether the region-specific consent data matches the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 that are associated with the region-specific consent data.

[0088] Preferably, NEF is further configured as follows:

[0089] - Send a request message to the AMF to obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data;

[0090] - Receive location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 that are associated with area-specific consent data requested from the AMF.

[0091] Preferably, NEF is further configured as follows:

[0092] - Send a request message to the UDM to obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data; and

[0093] - Receive location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data from the UDM.

[0094] Preferably, NEF is further configured as follows:

[0095] - Determine whether the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; and

[0096] -If the privacy profile data is determined to include time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2:

[0097] - Determine whether the requirements for time-specific consent data are met.

[0098] Preferably, NEF is further configured as follows:

[0099] - Send a direct link positioning procedure request and / or ranging procedure request to UE1; and

[0100] - Receive the results of the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process from UE1.

[0101] Preferably, NEF is further configured as follows:

[0102] - Send a direct link positioning procedure request and / or ranging procedure request to the AMF; and

[0103] - Receive the results of the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process from the AMF.

[0104] According to another aspect of the present invention, a network system that can be implemented in a 5G communication system is proposed, wherein the network system includes a Network Open Function (NEF), a Unified Data Management Function (UDM), and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the UDM is configured as follows:

[0105] - Receive a data retrieval request from NEF, wherein the data retrieval request prompts UDM to provide privacy profile data for UE1 and UE2, and wherein the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a first user who consents to sharing location information associated with UE1, and whether there is a second user who consents to sharing location information associated with UE2;

[0106] - Retrieve privacy profile data for UE1 and UE2 from databases within the UDM, specifically from the UDM's Unified Data Repository (UDR); and

[0107] - Send the retrieved privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 to NEF.

[0108] Preferably, the UDM is further configured to receive privacy profile data from UE1 and UE2 to update its database with respect to the current privacy settings of UE1 and UE2.

[0109] Preferably, the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2.

[0110] Preferably, the UDM is further configured as follows:

[0111] - Receive a request message from NEF for obtaining location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data;

[0112] - Send a request message to the AMF to obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data.

[0113] - Location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data received from the AMF; and

[0114] - Location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data, which are sent to NEF as requested.

[0115] Preferably, the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2.

[0116] According to another aspect of the present invention, a network system that can be implemented in a communication system, particularly in a 5G communication system, is proposed, wherein the network system includes a Network Open Function (NEF), a Unified Data Management Function (UDM), and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the AMF is configured as follows:

[0117] - Receive a request message from NEF or UDM to obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data;

[0118] - Send location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with area-specific consent data to the request NEF or request UDM.

[0119] Preferably, the location estimation data includes Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) or Cell ID, particularly NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI).

[0120] According to another aspect of the invention, a user equipment (UE) that can be used in a communication system, particularly in a 5G communication system, is proposed, wherein the UE includes a processing unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit has privacy profile data stored thereon, wherein the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a user who consents to sharing location information associated with UE1.

[0121] Preferably, the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data.

[0122] Preferably, the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data.

[0123] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided that, when executed by a processing unit, causes the processing unit to perform any of the methods described above. Attached Figure Description

[0124] Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as shown below:

[0125] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to the present invention.

[0126] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ranging / direct link positioning process according to the present invention.

[0127] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the present invention.

[0128] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating more detailed method steps for evaluating privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating more detailed method steps for obtaining location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the NEF is configured to communicate with the AMF via the UDM.

[0131] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the NEF is configured to communicate directly with the AMF, and

[0132] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a user equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0133] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a communication system according to the present invention. Figure 1The communication system shown corresponds to a typical 5G communication system known in the prior art. The communication system includes a network system 20, an application server (AS), user equipment (UE), an access network (referred to as NG-RAN or Next Generation Radio Access Network), a user plane function (UPF), and a data network (DN). Network system 20 includes several function units, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Network Openness Function (NEF), Unified Data Management Function (UDM), Policy Control Function (PCF), Direct Discovery Name Management Service (DDNMF), and Additional Network Functions (NF). The UE connects to network system 20 via interface N1. More specifically, the UE connects to the AMF of network system 20 via interface N1. Furthermore, the AMF connects to NG-RAN via interface N2. Different function units of network system 20 can interact and exchange data. For example, the UDM can provide the user equipment's subscription data to other network function units. Data retrieval from the UDM can be initiated by sending a corresponding request to the UDM. Network system 20 is connected to the UPF, and the UPF is connected to the DN. The AS can be implemented as an application function or a ranging server. The AS can be configured to send requests to the NEF in network system 20. Specifically, the AS can be configured to send ranging / SL positioning requests to the NEF. Figure 1 The communication system shown is, in principle, referred to as a 5G communication system according to existing technology. However, the present invention can also be implemented in other communication systems that do not fully meet all the requirements of the 5G communication standard but only implement some of the core elements involved in the method according to the present invention.

[0134] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a ranging / SL positioning process known from the prior art. In step 1, the application layer provides ranging / SL positioning parameters to the ranging layer. In step 2, the first user equipment UE1 can send a ranging / SL positioning request to the second user equipment UE2, the third user equipment UE3, and / or the fourth user equipment UE4. The ranging / SL positioning request can be broadcast from UE1 to other UEs. The corresponding message may include the application layer ID of UE1, the application ID of the target UE, and the required quality of service (QoS). In response to receiving the ranging / SL positioning request, if the application layer ID used for UE2 matches, UE2 can return a ranging / SL positioning response to UE1 (see step 3). Subsequently, in steps 4 to 6, UE1 can initiate the SL positioning process, UE1 or UE2 can acquire positioning measurement data and calculate the ranging / SL positioning result, and UE1 and UE2 can share the ranging / SL positioning result. Finally, in step 7, the ranging layer of UE1 can provide the ranging / SL positioning result to the application layer.

[0135] exist Figure 3The diagram illustrates an embodiment of the method 100 according to the present invention. In a first step 110, the NEF can receive a ranging / SL positioning request from the AS. In a second step 120, the NEF sends a data retrieval request to the UDM. The data retrieval request prompts the UDM to provide privacy profile data for UE1 and UE2. The privacy profile data indicates whether to grant consent to a first user to share location information associated with UE1, and whether to grant consent to a second user to share location information associated with UE2. In a third step 130, the NEF receives the privacy profile data from the UDM. In a fourth step 140, the NEF evaluates the received privacy profile data associated with UE1 and UE2. In a fifth step 150, if the result of the previous evaluation in step 140 is that there is a first user who consents to share location information associated with UE1 and a second user who consents to share location information associated with UE2, then the SL positioning / ranging process is performed in the fifth step 150. In other words, the SL positioning / ranging process is initiated if the first user and the second user have already consented to their UE's location information being shared with the network system 20. Finally, in step 6, 160, NEF sends the ranging / SL position results to AS.

[0136] exist Figure 4The present invention illustrates in more detail the method steps for evaluating privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to a first sub-step 142, it is determined whether the privacy profile data received by the UDM includes area-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2. This determination step is performed by the NEF, which may be the AMF or any other network functional entity of the network system. If it is determined that the privacy profile data includes area-specific consent data for at least one of UE1 and UE2, then in a second sub-step 144, the NEF acquires location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data. If the privacy profile data includes area-specific consent data for both UEs, location estimation data for each UE is acquired accordingly. To acquire the location estimation data, any process known in the prior art can be implemented. For example, the NEF can estimate the location of UE1 / UE2 by evaluating the cell ID of UE1 / UE2. Furthermore, the Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) can be used to determine the (coarse) location of one of the UEs. In a third sub-step 146, the NEF determines whether the area-specific consent data matches the acquired location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data. For example, if region-specific consent data indicates that the first user's consent to share his location information is granted for a specific city, and location estimation data indicates that the first user (i.e., his user equipment UE1) is located in the same city, then the acquired location estimation data matches the region-specific consent data. In this case, it is determined that user consent to share location information is granted for the first user's current location. However, if user consent to share location information is not granted for the first user's current location, the ranging / SL positioning process can be aborted and a corresponding notification can be generated. If the first sub-step 142 has determined that region-specific consent data is not included in the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2, then location estimation data is not acquired (see sub-step 148).

[0137] exist Figure 5 The present invention illustrates in more detail the method steps for obtaining location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with region-specific consent data according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, in the first sub-step 144a, a request message for obtaining location estimation data associated with region-specific consent data is sent from the NEF to the AMF. Subsequently, in the second sub-step 144b, the NEF receives from the AMF the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data.

[0138] exist Figure 6 The image shows a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the NEF is configured to communicate with the AMF via the UDM. Figure 6 The method steps implemented in the illustrated embodiment are as follows:

[0139] Step 1: Perform the service authorization and policy / parameter provisioning process between UE1 / UE2 and the network system respectively.

[0140] Step 2: The AF / ranging server sends a ranging service request to the NEF, including UE1 ID, UE2 ID, result content (distance, angle or both) and required QoS, etc.

[0141] Step 3: The NEF sends a message (e.g., Nudm_SDM_Get Request) to the UDM to discover the serving AMF of UE1 / UE2 based on the UE1 / UE2 ID (e.g., the GPSI of UE1 / UE2). The NEF can also check with the UDM whether the AF is authorized to obtain the SL location of UE1 and UE2. Simultaneously, the NEF requests user consent preferences from the UDM for UE1 and UE2. It is important to note that UE1 and UE2 (reference and target UEs) that can discover each other for SL positioning should ideally be nearby. Therefore, the UEs are preferably served by the same serving AMF.

[0142] Step 4: UDM checks the user consent preferences of UE1 and UE2 against the privacy profiles of the UE based on UE1 ID and UE2 ID.

[0143] Step 5: UDM returns the UE's user consent preferences to NEF.

[0144] Step 6: The NEF checks the user consent preferences of the two UEs. If no UE grants user consent for SL location, or if only one UE does not grant user consent for SL location, the NEF suspends network-assisted SL location service (step 12b). If both UEs grant user consent without location restrictions, the NEF proceeds to step 12a. If both UEs grant user consent, but only for a certain area, the NEF proceeds to step 7.

[0145] Step 7: NEF sends a request message (e.g., Nudm_ParameterProvision_Get Request) to UDM to request the approximate location of UE1 / UE2 (e.g., TAI or Cell-ID of UE1 / UE2).

[0146] Step 8: UDM sends a request message (e.g., Namf_Location_ProvideLocationInfoRequest) to AMF.

[0147] Step 9: The AMF of UE1 / UE2 sends a response message (e.g., Namf_Location_ProvideLocationInfo Response) to the UDM, which contains the approximate location of UE1 / UE2 (e.g., the TAI or Cell-ID of UE1 / UE2).

[0148] Step 10: UDM returns a message to NEF (e.g., Nudm_ParameterProvision_Get Response) containing the approximate location of UE1 / UE2 (e.g., TAI or Cell-ID of UE1 / UE2).

[0149] Step 11: NEF checks whether UE1 / UE2 is within an area granted with user consent based on the approximate location of UE1 / UE2.

[0150] Step 12a: If both UEs grant user consent at their current location, the NEF sends the SL location service request to the AMF of the UE (e.g., UE1).

[0151] Step 12b: If there is no UE or one of the UEs has not granted user consent at its current location, the NEF responds to the AF / ranging server with the reason for the failure.

[0152] Step 13: The AMF forwards the SL location service request to UE1 via NAS. It should be noted that UE1 can be either the target UE or the reference UE, depending on the request from the NEF.

[0153] Step 14: UE1 initiates a ranging / SL positioning procedure to UE2 to trigger measurement and result calculation. The ranging / SL positioning procedure may include direct link location discovery and service operations.

[0154] Step 15: UE1 sends the ranging / SL positioning results to AMF.

[0155] Step 16: The AMF forwards the SL location results to the NEF.

[0156] Step 17: NEF forwards the ranging results to the AF / ranging server.

[0157] exist Figure 7 The image shows a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the NEF is configured to communicate directly with the AMF (rather than according to...). Figure 6 The embodiment shown is via UDM). Direct communication between NEF and AMF is as follows: Figure 7 Steps 7 and 8 are shown. In addition to these steps, Figure 7 The further steps 1 to 6 and 9 to 15 described in the text correspond to Figure 6 Steps 1 to 6 and 11 to 17 are shown.

[0158] Finally, Figure 8 The image shows a user equipment (UE) according to the present invention. The UE includes a processing unit 32, a communication unit 34, and a storage unit 36.

Claims

1. A method for performing a direct link location process and / or ranging process in a communication system, wherein the communication system includes a network system, an application server AS, a first user equipment UE1, and a second user equipment UE2, and wherein the network system includes a Network Open Function (NEF), a Unified Data Management Function (UDM), and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the method comprising: UE1 and UE2 register with the network system; The NEF receives a direct link positioning request or a ranging service request from the AS. The NEF sends a data retrieval request to the UDM, wherein the data retrieval request prompts the UDM to provide privacy profile data for UE1 and UE2, and wherein the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a first user who agrees to share location information associated with UE1, and whether there is a second user who agrees to share location information associated with UE2; The NEF receives the privacy profile data from the UDM; The NEF evaluates the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2; In the case where the previous assessment indicated the existence of a first user who consented to sharing location information associated with UE1 and a second user who consented to sharing location information associated with UE2: The NEF initiates the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process; The NEF sends the direct link positioning result or ranging service result to the AS.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein evaluating the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 comprises: The NEF determines whether the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; as well as If it is determined that the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2: The NEF acquires location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data; as well as The NEF determines whether the region-specific consent data matches the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 that are associated with the region-specific consent data.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Obtaining location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data includes: The NEF sends a request message to the AMF to obtain the location estimation data of the UE1 and / or the UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; The NEF receives from the AMF the location estimation data of the UE1 and / or the UE2 that is associated with the region-specific consent data.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The NEF sends a request message to the AMF for obtaining the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data, including: The NEF sends a request message to the UDM to obtain the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; and The UDM sends a request message to the AMF to obtain the location estimation data of the UE1 and / or the UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; And / or, The NEF receives from the AMF the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data, including: The UDM receives from the AMF the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; and The NEF receives from the UDM the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein evaluating the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 comprises: The NEF determines whether the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; as well as If it is determined that the privacy profile data includes the time-specific consent data of UE1 and / or UE2: The NEF determines whether the requirements for the time-specific consent data are met.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, if the result of a previous evaluation is that there is a first user who agrees to share location information associated with UE1 and a second user who agrees to share location information associated with UE2, the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process is initiated, comprising: The NEF sends a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1. The direct link positioning process and / or ranging process initiated by UE1 to UE2; The UE1 provides the NEF with the results of the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The NEF sending a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1 includes: The NEF sends a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the AMF; and The AMF sends a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1. And / or, The direct link positioning process results and / or ranging process results provided by UE1 to NEF include: The UE1 provides the AMF with the results of the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process; and The AMF provides the NEF with the results of the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The location estimation data includes: Track the region identifier (TAI), or the cell ID, or the NR cell global identifier (NCGI).

9. A method for performing a direct link location process and / or ranging process, applied to a Network Open Functions (NEF) entity, the method comprising: Receive direct link positioning requests or ranging service requests from the application server AS; Send a data retrieval request to the Unified Data Management Function (UDM), wherein the data retrieval request prompts the UDM to provide privacy profile data for the first user equipment (UE1) and the second user equipment (UE2), and wherein the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a first user who agrees to share location information associated with the UE1, and whether there is a second user who agrees to share location information associated with the UE2. Receive the privacy profile data from the UDM; Evaluate the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2; In the case where the previous assessment indicated the existence of a first user who consented to sharing location information associated with UE1 and a second user who consented to sharing location information associated with UE2: Initiate the direct link positioning and / or ranging process; Send the direct link positioning result and / or ranging service result to the AS.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The privacy profile data used to evaluate UE1 and UE2 includes: Determine whether the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; and If it is determined that the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2: Acquire location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data; and Determine whether the region-specific consent data matches the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 that are associated with the region-specific consent data.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The acquisition of location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data includes: Send a request message to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to obtain location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; Receive from the AMF the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The request message sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) for obtaining location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data includes: The UDM sends a request message to the AMF for obtaining the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; And / or, The receipt of location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data requested by the AMF from the AMF includes: The location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2, which are associated with the area-specific consent data, are received from the AMF via the UDM.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The privacy profile data used to evaluate UE1 and UE2 includes: Determine whether the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; and If it is determined that the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2: Determine whether the requirements for the time-specific consent data are met.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The initiation of the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process includes: Send a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1; Receive the results of the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process from the UE1.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Sending the direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1 includes: The AMF sends the direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1. And / or, Receiving the direct link positioning process results and / or ranging process results from the UE1 includes: The direct link positioning process results and / or ranging process results are received from the UE1 via the AMF.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein, The location estimation data includes: Track the region identifier (TAI), or the cell ID, or the NR cell global identifier (NCGI).

17. A method for performing a direct link positioning process and / or ranging process, applied to a unified data management function (UDM), the method comprising: The network open function body (NEF) receives a data retrieval request, wherein the data retrieval request prompts the UDM to provide privacy profile data for a first user equipment (UE1) and a second user equipment (UE2), and wherein the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a first user who agrees to share location information associated with the UE1, and whether there is a second user who agrees to share location information associated with the UE2. Retrieve the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 from the Unified Data Repository (UDR) of the UDM; as well as The retrieved privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 is sent to the NEF for evaluation. If the evaluation result indicates that there is a first user who agrees to share the location information associated with UE1 and a second user who agrees to share the location information associated with UE2, the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process are initiated, and the direct link positioning result or ranging service result is sent to the application server AS.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The UDM is configured to receive the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 to update its database regarding the current privacy settings of UE1 and UE2.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: The UDM receives a request message from the NEF for obtaining location estimation data of the UE1 and / or the UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data; The UDM sends a request message to the Mobility Management Function (AMF) to obtain location estimation data of the UE1 and / or the UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; The UDM receives from the AMF the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; as well as The UDM sends the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2, associated with the region-specific consent data, to the NEF.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The location estimation data includes: Track the region identifier (TAI), or the cell ID, or the NR cell global identifier (NCGI).

22. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2.

23. A method for performing a direct link location process and / or ranging process, applied to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the method comprising: Receive a request message from the Network Open Function (NEF) or the Unified Data Management Function (UDM) for obtaining location estimation data of the first user equipment UE1 and / or the second user equipment UE2 associated with region-specific consent data; The location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data is sent to the NEF or the UDM so that the NEF can evaluate the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2. If the evaluation result is that there is a first user who agrees to share the location information associated with UE1 and a second user who agrees to share the location information associated with UE2, the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process is initiated, and the direct link positioning result and / or ranging service result is sent to the application server AS. The privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 is obtained by the NEF sending a data retrieval request to the UDM. The privacy profile data includes the region-specific consent data of UE1 and / or UE2.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: Receive direct link positioning process requests and / or ranging process requests from the NEF; as well as Send the direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1; And / or, Receive the direct link positioning process results and / or ranging process results from the UE1; as well as Send the results of the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process to the NEF.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein, The location estimation data includes: Track the region identifier (TAI), or the cell ID, or the NR cell global identifier (NCGI).

26. A communication system, wherein the communication system includes a network system, an application server AS, a first user equipment UE1 and a second user equipment UE2, and the network system includes a Network Open Function (NEF), a Unified Data Management Function (UDM), and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); UE1 and UE2 are configured to register with the network system; The NEF is configured as follows: Receive direct link positioning requests or ranging service requests from the AS; Send a data retrieval request to the UDM, wherein the data retrieval request prompts the UDM to provide privacy profile data for UE1 and UE2, and wherein the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a first user who agrees to share location information associated with UE1, and whether there is a second user who agrees to share location information associated with UE2; Receive the privacy profile data from the UDM; Evaluate the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2; If the previous assessment indicates the existence of a first user who agrees to share location information associated with UE1 and a second user who agrees to share location information associated with UE2, the NEF is further configured as follows: Initiate the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process; Send the direct link positioning result or ranging service result to the AS.

27. The communication system of claim 26, wherein the NEF is specifically configured as follows: Determine whether the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; and If it is determined that the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2: Acquire location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data; and Determine whether the region-specific consent data matches the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 that are associated with the region-specific consent data.

28. The communication system according to claim 27, wherein, The NEF is also configured to: Send a request message to the AMF to obtain the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; The location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2, which are associated with the area-specific consent data, are received from the AMF as requested.

29. The communication system according to claim 28, wherein, The NEF is also configured to: Sending a request message to the UDM for obtaining the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; and The UDM is configured as follows: Send a request message to the AMF to obtain the location estimation data of the UE1 and / or the UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; And / or, The NEF is also configured to: Receive from the UDM the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; and The UDM is configured as follows: The AMF receives the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data.

30. The communication system according to any one of claims 26-29, wherein, The NEF is specifically configured as follows: Determine whether the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; and If it is determined that the privacy profile data includes the time-specific consent data of UE1 and / or UE2: Determine whether the requirements for the time-specific consent data are met.

31. The communication system according to any one of claims 26-29, wherein, in the case that a previous evaluation indicates the existence of a first user who agrees to share location information associated with UE1 and a second user who agrees to share location information associated with UE2, the NEF is specifically configured as follows: Send a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1; The UE1 is configured as follows: The direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process that initiates a request to the UE2; Provide the NEF with the results of the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process.

32. The communication system according to claim 31, wherein, The NEF is also configured to: Send a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the AMF; and The AMF is configured as follows: Send a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1; And / or, The UE1 is also configured as follows: Provide the AMF with direct link positioning process results and / or ranging process results; and The AMF is configured as follows: Provide the NEF with the results of the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process.

33. The communication system according to any one of claims 27-29, wherein, The location estimation data includes: Track the region identifier (TAI), or the cell ID, or the NR cell global identifier (NCGI).

34. A Network Open Function (NEF) configuration, wherein the NEF is configured to: Receive direct link positioning requests or ranging service requests from the application server AS; Send a data retrieval request to the Unified Data Management Function (UDM), wherein the data retrieval request prompts the UDM to provide privacy profile data for the first user equipment (UE1) and the second user equipment (UE2), and wherein the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a first user who agrees to share location information associated with the UE1, and whether there is a second user who agrees to share location information associated with the UE2. Receive the privacy profile data from the UDM; Evaluate the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2; In the case where the previous assessment indicated the existence of a first user who consented to sharing location information associated with UE1 and a second user who consented to sharing location information associated with UE2: Initiate the direct link positioning and / or ranging process; Send the direct link positioning result and / or ranging service result to the AS.

35. The NEF according to claim 34, wherein, The NEF is specifically configured as follows: Determine whether the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; and If it is determined that the privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2: Obtain location estimation data for UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data; as well as Determine whether the region-specific consent data matches the location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 that are associated with the region-specific consent data.

36. The NEF according to claim 35, wherein, The NEF is also configured to: Send a request message to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to obtain location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; Receive from the AMF the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data.

37. The NEF according to claim 36, wherein, The NEF is also configured to: Send a request message to the UDM to obtain the location estimation data of the UE1 and / or the UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; And / or, The location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2, which are requested and associated with the area-specific consent data, are received from the UDM.

38. The NEF according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein, The NEF is specifically configured as follows: Determine whether the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2; and If it is determined that the privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2: Determine whether the requirements for the time-specific consent data are met.

39. The NEF according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein, The NEF is specifically configured as follows: Send a direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1; Receive the results of the direct link positioning process and / or the ranging process from the UE1.

40. The NEF according to claim 39, wherein, The NEF is also configured to: Send the direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the AMF; and / or, Receive the results of the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process from the AMF.

41. The NEF according to any one of claims 35-37, wherein, The location estimation data includes: Track the region identifier (TAI), or the cell ID, or the NR cell global identifier (NCGI).

42. A unified data management function body (UDM), wherein the UDM is configured as follows: The network open function body (NEF) receives a data retrieval request, wherein the data retrieval request prompts the UDM to provide privacy profile data for UE1 and UE2, and wherein the privacy profile data indicates whether there is a first user who agrees to share location information associated with UE1, and whether there is a second user who agrees to share location information associated with UE2; Retrieve the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 from the Unified Data Repository (UDR) of the UDM; as well as The retrieved privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 is sent to the NEF for evaluation. If the evaluation result indicates that there is a first user who agrees to share the location information associated with UE1 and a second user who agrees to share the location information associated with UE2, the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process is initiated, and the direct link positioning result or ranging service result is sent to the application server AS.

43. The UDM according to claim 42, wherein, The UDM is also configured to receive the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 to update the database regarding the current privacy settings of UE1 and UE2.

44. The UDM according to claim 42, wherein, The privacy profile data includes region-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2.

45. The UDM according to claim 44, wherein, The UDM is also configured to: Receive a request message from the NEF for obtaining location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data; Send a request message to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to obtain location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data; Receive the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the area-specific consent data from the AMF; as well as Send the requested location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2, associated with the region-specific consent data, to the NEF.

46. ​​The UDM according to claim 45, wherein, The location estimation data includes: Track the region identifier (TAI), or the cell ID, or the NR cell global identifier (NCGI).

47. The UDM according to any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein, The privacy profile data includes time-specific consent data for UE1 and / or UE2.

48. An Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein, The AMF is configured as follows: Receive a request message from the Network Open Function (NEF) or the Unified Data Management Function (UDM) for obtaining location estimation data of the first user equipment UE1 and / or the second user equipment UE2 associated with region-specific consent data; The location estimation data of UE1 and / or UE2 associated with the region-specific consent data is sent to the NEF or the UDM so that the NEF can evaluate the privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2. If the evaluation result is that there is a first user who agrees to share the location information associated with UE1 and a second user who agrees to share the location information associated with UE2, the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process is initiated, and the direct link positioning result and / or ranging service result is sent to the application server AS. The privacy profile data of UE1 and UE2 is obtained by the NEF sending a data retrieval request to the UDM. The privacy profile data includes the region-specific consent data of UE1 and / or UE2.

49. The AMF of claim 48, further configured to: Receive direct link positioning process requests and / or ranging process requests from the NEF; as well as Send the direct link positioning process request and / or ranging process request to the UE1; And / or, Receive the direct link positioning process results and / or ranging process results from the UE1; as well as Send the results of the direct link positioning process and / or ranging process to the NEF.

50. The AMF according to claim 48 or 49, wherein, The location estimation data includes: Track the region identifier (TAI), or the cell ID, or the NR cell global identifier (NCGI).

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