Positioning method determination method and device

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for determining a positioning method, belonging to the field of communication technology. The method includes responding to a positioning process initiated by a first terminal device by performing at least one of the following operations: determining a positioning method corresponding to the positioning process; and receiving a positioning method corresponding to the positioning process sent by a network-side device. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when a positioning process is initiated by a first terminal device. This reduces situations where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or where positioning information cannot be obtained, thereby reducing the number of situations where positioning cannot be performed. It can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a positioning method, apparatus, device and storage medium for determining positioning mode. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems, sidelink positioning between terminal devices includes absolute positioning, relative positioning, and ranging. Ranging typically involves only two terminal devices, meaning distance is measured between them. However, absolute and relative positioning may involve multiple positioning methods, such as Uu-port positioning, SL-port positioning, or a combination of both. Therefore, when the specific positioning method cannot be determined, positioning information may be unavailable, leading to positioning failure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure discloses a positioning method, apparatus, device, and storage medium that can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when a positioning process is initiated by a first terminal device. This reduces the possibility of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, thereby reducing the possibility of being unable to perform positioning. It can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0004] This disclosure provides a positioning method determination method according to one embodiment, the method being executed by a first terminal device, the method comprising:

[0005] In response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device, perform at least one of the following operations:

[0006] Determine the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process;

[0007] Receive the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process sent by the network-side device.

[0008] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a positioning mode determination method, the method being executed by a second terminal device, the method comprising:

[0009] Receive first request information sent by a first terminal device, wherein the first request information is used to determine the positioning method.

[0010] Another embodiment of this disclosure proposes a positioning mode determination method, which is executed by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The method includes:

[0011] Receive a location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0012] The location request is sent to the location management function (LMF).

[0013] Another embodiment of this disclosure proposes a positioning mode determination method, the method being executed by an LMF, the method comprising:

[0014] Receive location requests sent by AMF;

[0015] In response to the location request, a discovery process is triggered, and the location method is determined.

[0016] Another embodiment of this disclosure proposes a method for determining a positioning mode, the method comprising:

[0017] AMF receives a location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0018] The AMF sends the location request to the LMF;

[0019] The LMF receives the location request;

[0020] In response to the location request, the LMF triggers the discovery process and determines the location method.

[0021] Another embodiment of this disclosure proposes a method for determining a positioning mode, the method comprising:

[0022] The network-side device receives a location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0023] The network-side device responds to the location request, triggers the discovery process, and determines the location method.

[0024] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a positioning method determination device, the device being disposed on a first terminal device side, the device comprising:

[0025] In response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device, perform at least one of the following operations:

[0026] The determination module is used to determine the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process;

[0027] The receiving module is used to receive the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process sent by the network-side device.

[0028] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a positioning method determination device, the device being disposed on a second terminal device side, the device comprising:

[0029] The receiving module is used to receive first request information sent by the first terminal device, wherein the first request information is used to determine the positioning method.

[0030] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a positioning method determination device, the device being disposed on the AMF side, the device comprising:

[0031] The receiving module is used to receive the location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0032] The sending module is used to send location requests to the Location Management Function (LMF) entity.

[0033] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a positioning method determination device, the device being disposed on the LMF side, the device comprising:

[0034] The receiving module is used to receive positioning requests sent by the AMF.

[0035] The determination module is used to respond to a location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method.

[0036] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a positioning method determination device, the device comprising:

[0037] AMF is used to receive location requests sent by the first terminal device;

[0038] The AMF is also used to send the location request to the LMF;

[0039] The LMF is used to receive the location request;

[0040] The LMF is also used to respond to the location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method.

[0041] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a positioning method determination device, the device comprising:

[0042] The receiving module is used by the network-side device to receive the location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0043] The determination module is used by the network-side device to trigger the discovery process and determine the positioning method in response to the positioning request.

[0044] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a first terminal device, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in the preceding aspect of the embodiment.

[0045] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a second terminal device, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in the preceding aspect of the embodiment.

[0046] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an AMF (Automatic Device for Utilization) is provided, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in the preceding aspect of the embodiment.

[0047] In another aspect of this disclosure, an LMF is provided, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in the preceding aspect of the embodiment.

[0048] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a core network, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in the preceding aspect of the embodiment.

[0049] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a network-side device, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in the preceding aspect of the embodiment.

[0050] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit;

[0051] The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor;

[0052] The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as proposed in one aspect of the embodiments.

[0053] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in one aspect of the disclosure to be implemented.

[0054] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a positioning method determination system, the system comprising:

[0055] The first terminal device is used to send a location request to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF);

[0056] The AMF is used to receive a location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0057] The AMF is used to send the location request to the location management function entity LMF.

[0058] The LMF is used to receive location requests sent by the AMF;

[0059] The LMF is used to respond to the location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method.

[0060] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, in response to a positioning process initiated by a first terminal device, at least one of the following operations is performed: determining a positioning method corresponding to the positioning process; and receiving a positioning method corresponding to the positioning process sent by a network-side device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a positioning method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the likelihood of not being able to obtain positioning information. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when a positioning process is initiated by a first terminal device, reducing the likelihood of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, thus reducing the likelihood of being unable to perform positioning. It can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. Attached Figure Description

[0061] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a positioning method determination method provided in one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0063] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0065] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0066] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0067] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0068] Figure 7This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0069] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0070] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0071] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0072] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0073] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0074] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0075] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0076] Figure 15 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0077] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0078] Figure 17 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0079] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0080] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0081] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0082] Figure 21This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0083] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0084] Figure 23 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0085] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0086] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0087] Figure 26 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0088] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0089] Figure 28 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0090] Figure 29 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0091] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0092] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0093] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a positioning method determination system provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0094] Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0095] Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0096] Figure 35This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0097] Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0098] Figure 37 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0099] Figure 38 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0100] Figure 39 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0101] Figure 40 This is a block diagram of a terminal device provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0102] Figure 41 This is a block diagram of a network-side device provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0103] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0104] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0105] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in embodiments of this disclosure, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information without departing from the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the words “if” and “suppose” as used herein may be interpreted as “when”, “when”, or “in response to a determination”.

[0106] The network elements or network functions involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by independent hardware devices or by software in hardware devices. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0107] Positioning based on the user equipment (UE) and the sidelink link between UEs includes absolute positioning, relative positioning, and ranging. Absolute positioning determines the absolute coordinates of the UE, relative positioning determines the coordinates of the UE relative to a reference point, and ranging determines the distance and / or angle of the UE relative to a reference point. Ranging usually refers to measuring the distance between only two UEs, but absolute and relative positioning may involve multiple auxiliary UEs participating in the positioning process.

[0108] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an example of a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, taking the positioning method based on downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) as an example, multiple Road Side Units (RSUs) can be set up on the roadside, and each RSU can correspond to fixed location information. The UE determines its specific position relative to the RSUs by measuring the positioning signals transmitted by the multiple RSUs through the sidelink. The multiple RSUs can be, for example, three or more. For example, the positioning signals may include the location information of the RSUs. The UE can, for example, measure the time difference of arrival of three positioning signals transmitted by three RSUs. Based on the time difference of arrival of the three positioning signals and the location information of each RSU, the UE can determine its own location information, or its location information relative to a specific RSU.

[0109] Besides DL-TDOA, positioning schemes also include Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA), Multiple Round Trip Time (Multiple RTT), Angle of Arrival (AOA) or Angle of Departure (AOD), carrier phase positioning, and so on. If the positioning result does not convert absolute position information such as GPS based on the RSU into absolute position coordinates, then the positioning result is relative positioning. Otherwise, it is absolute positioning. The RSU involved in relative or absolute positioning is the positioning-assisted UE.

[0110] In one embodiment of this disclosure, if positioning involves only two UEs, then the two UEs are each other's positioning assistance UEs.

[0111] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, different types of positioning-assisted UEs exist, such as RSU-type positioning-assisted UEs. RSU-type positioning-assisted UEs are a type of infrastructure that can provide positioning services by collaborating with other RSUs. For example, a regular UE can also function as a positioning-assisted UE, but it would be difficult for it to assist in providing positioning services with other UEs. Additionally, some positioning-assisted UEs possess GPS or other location information, enabling them to assist other UEs in absolute positioning; others may not possess GPS or other location information.

[0112] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a location-assistant UE is required when there is no SL link between two UEs. In order to perform SL positioning between the two UEs, the SL positioning result between the two UEs is determined by measuring the SL positioning results between the two UEs and the location-assistant UE respectively.

[0113] For a location request initiated by the UE, you can choose Uu interface location, SL interface location, or a combination of Uu interface location and SL interface location.

[0114] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, for example, to measure the distance between two UEs, the distance can be measured directly using the SL-round trip time (RTT) method, or the absolute position of one of the UEs can be calculated first using the SL-TDOA and / or SL-AOA method, and then the relative distance can be calculated based on the absolute positions of the two UEs.

[0115] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, for example, to measure the absolute position of a UE, the relative positions of two UEs can be measured by SL-RTT, and the absolute position of the target UE can be calculated based on the absolute position of one of the UEs, or the absolute position can be calculated by SL-TDOA, or the absolute position of the target UE can be calculated by the Uu port positioning method.

[0116] Therefore, if a positioning method is chosen blindly, there is a risk that there may be no available auxiliary UEs around the target UE to support the positioning method, resulting in positioning failure. That is, when the specific positioning method cannot be determined, positioning information may not be obtained, leading to positioning failure.

[0117] The following is a detailed description of a positioning method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0118] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0119] Step 201: In response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device, perform at least one of the following operations:

[0120] Determine the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process;

[0121] Receive the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process sent by the network-side device.

[0122] It should be noted that, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. The terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks via a Radio Access Network (RAN). The terminal device can be an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal device, such as a sensor device, a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone), and a computer with an IoT terminal device. For example, it can be a fixed, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted device. Examples include a station (STA), subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user agent. Alternatively, the terminal device can also be a device from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Alternatively, the terminal device can also be a vehicle-mounted device, such as a vehicle computer with wireless communication capabilities, or a wireless terminal device connected to an external vehicle computer. Alternatively, the terminal device can also be a roadside device, such as a street light, traffic light, or other roadside device with wireless communication capabilities.

[0123] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device may be, for example, the terminal that initiates the location process. The first terminal device may be, for example, an RSU (Responsible Unit). The first terminal device may be, for example, the terminal device being located.

[0124] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0125] In response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device, determine whether to send a location request to the network-side device.

[0126] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, determining whether to send a location request to the network-side device includes at least one of the following:

[0127] When the first terminal device is outside the coverage of the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the sidechain SL positioning method, no positioning request is sent to the network-side device.

[0128] When the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning, a positioning request is sent to the network-side device.

[0129] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports SL positioning, the positioning information requested in response to the positioning request belongs to the first preset positioning information, and no positioning request is sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information.

[0130] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, the location information requested in response to the location request is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends a location request to the network-side device.

[0131] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, it is determined whether to send a location request to the network-side device according to the configuration policy, wherein the configuration policy includes at least one of the network configuration policy and the pre-configuration policy;

[0132] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device does not support the SL positioning method, a positioning request is sent to the network-side device.

[0133] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports SL positioning, it does not send a positioning request to the network-side device.

[0134] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first preset location information refers to the location information used by the first terminal device to determine whether to send a location request to the network-side device. The "first" in the first preset location information is only used to distinguish it from other preset location information and does not specifically refer to any fixed preset location information.

[0135] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0136] In response to the first terminal device not sending a location request to the network-side device, the location method is determined;

[0137] In response to the first terminal device sending a location request to the network-side device, the device receives the location method sent by the network-side device in response to the location request.

[0138] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, determining the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process includes at least one of the following:

[0139] When the first terminal device is currently outside the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method;

[0140] When the first terminal device is currently within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be Uu port positioning.

[0141] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via SL Relay, and the first terminal device supports SL positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be SL positioning.

[0142] When the location information requested by the first terminal device belongs to the second preset location information and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method, wherein the second preset location information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information;

[0143] When the first terminal device only supports Uu port positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be Uu port positioning.

[0144] When the first terminal device only supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method;

[0145] When the Quality of Service (QoS) condition of the location request sent to the network-side device meets the threshold condition, and the first terminal device supports SL positioning mode and Uu interface positioning mode, the positioning mode corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be a joint positioning mode of SL positioning mode and Uu interface positioning mode.

[0146] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second preset positioning information refers to the positioning information used by the first terminal device when determining the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process. The "second" in the second preset positioning information is only used to distinguish it from other preset positioning information and does not specifically refer to any fixed preset positioning information.

[0147] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after determining the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process, the method further includes:

[0148] The specific SL positioning method is determined in response to the positioning process.

[0149] Initiate the SL positioning process based on the specific SL positioning method.

[0150] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, determining the specific SL positioning method includes:

[0151] The specific SL positioning method is determined by the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the following: the sidechain positioning protocol layer (SLPP), the ranging sidechain positioning protocol layer (RSPP), and the long-term evolution technology positioning protocol layer (LPP).

[0152] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0153] The upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the upper layer is at a higher level than the location protocol layer.

[0154] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request includes at least one of the following:

[0155] Location type;

[0156] Positioning accuracy.

[0157] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning type does not specifically refer to a particular fixed positioning type. The positioning type may include, for example, the distance and / or angle of the first terminal device relative to a certain terminal device or a group of terminal devices, the absolute position, or the relative position relative to a certain terminal device or a group of terminal devices.

[0158] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy includes, but is not limited to, distance accuracy, angle accuracy, relative position accuracy, and absolute position accuracy. This positioning accuracy does not specifically refer to a fixed precision. For example, the positioning accuracy can be distance accuracy or angle accuracy. The distance accuracy or position accuracy can be, for example, 10 cm, 0.5 m, 1 m, 3 m, or 5 m. The angle accuracy can be, for example, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 20 degrees.

[0159] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy may be, for example, a requirement that can be distinguished as vertical and horizontal.

[0160] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0161] When the upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, the upper layer sends information about neighboring terminal devices to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device.

[0162] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device can discover neighboring terminal devices through a discovery process. This discovery process includes, but is not limited to, a Proximity Services (ProSe) discovery process or a V2X discovery process.

[0163] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information includes at least one of the following:

[0164] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0165] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0166] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0167] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0168] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0169] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0170] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0171] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0172] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the signal quality information includes, but is not limited to, Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), and Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR).

[0173] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the role information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, assistant UE, anchor UE, and location server UE.

[0174] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning method information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, SL-RTT, SL-TDOA, SL-AOA, and Uu positioning.

[0175] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0176] The first terminal device can send neighboring terminal device information to its positioning protocol layer at any of the following layers: PC5-Data Link Layer (PC5-D), Proximity Service Layer (ProSe), and V2X Layer (V2X).

[0177] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer may send the discovery result to the SLPP layer after each execution of the discovery process; or, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer may send the discovery result to the RSPP layer after each execution of the discovery process; or, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer may send the discovery result to the LPP layer after each execution of the discovery process.

[0178] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer of the first terminal device can be configured to periodically execute the discovery process from any one of the PC5-D layer, the ProSe layer, and the V2X layer.

[0179] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, determining a specific SL positioning method includes:

[0180] Trigger the discovery process;

[0181] Based on the discovery results corresponding to the discovery process, determine the specific SL positioning method.

[0182] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, triggering the discovery process includes:

[0183] The discovery process is triggered when the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device receives a positioning request sent by the upper layer of the first terminal device.

[0184] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the discovery process includes at least one of the following:

[0185] ProSe discovery process;

[0186] V2X discovery process.

[0187] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning protocol layer can instruct the ProSe or V2X layer to initiate a discovery process, and can also impose certain limitations on the UEs to be discovered. The positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the following: the Sidechain Positioning Protocol (SLPP) layer, the Ranging Sidechain Positioning Protocol (RSPP) layer, and the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) layer.

[0188] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after completing the discovery process, the ProSe or V2X layer can inform the SLPP or RSPP layer of the discovery results.

[0189] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the triggering conditions for the process are found to include at least one of the following:

[0190] The upper layer of the first terminal device does not provide information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device;

[0191] The information on neighboring terminal devices provided by the upper layer does not meet the information requirements.

[0192] The information on neighboring terminal devices provided by the upper layer has expired.

[0193] The positioning protocol layer has no available information on nearby terminal devices. The positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the following: Sidelink Positioning Protocol (SLPP) layer, Ranging and sidelink Positioning Protocol (RSPP) layer, and Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) layer.

[0194] The location request from the upper layer is for a relative location type.

[0195] The location request from the upper layer is for an absolute location.

[0196] The requested location type is a relative location type and / or an absolute location type.

[0197] The first terminal device is currently outside the coverage area of ​​the network-side equipment.

[0198] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer includes at least one of the following:

[0199] Application layer;

[0200] Non-access stratum (NAS) layer;

[0201] PC5-S Signaling Transport Layer;

[0202] Location Service (LCS) layer.

[0203] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the discovery process is triggered by:

[0204] When triggering the discovery process, specify the type of terminal device to be discovered.

[0205] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the specific type of terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0206] SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE);

[0207] SL positioning anchor UE with location information;

[0208] Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning methods include at least one of SL-Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), SL-Angle of Arrival (AOA), and SL-Round Trip Time (RTT);

[0209] SL locates the location server terminal device (UE).

[0210] SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

[0211] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, determining a specific SL positioning method includes:

[0212] In response to the location request, the requested location information belongs to the third preset location information, and the specific SL positioning method is determined to be SL-RTT positioning method, wherein the third preset location information includes at least one of distance information and angle information.

[0213] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the third preset positioning information refers to the positioning information used by the first terminal device when determining the specific SL positioning method according to the positioning request. The "third" in the third preset positioning information is only used to distinguish it from other preset positioning information and does not specifically refer to any fixed preset positioning information.

[0214] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request may be, for example, a location request received by a location protocol layer. The location protocol layer includes at least one of the following: a sidechain location protocol layer (SLPP), a ranging sidechain location protocol layer (RSPP), and a long-term evolution technology location protocol layer (LPP).

[0215] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request may be a request received by a layer that has the capability to determine the location method.

[0216] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, determining a specific SL positioning method includes:

[0217] If the positioning accuracy of the positioning request meets the accuracy requirements, the specific SL positioning method is determined to be SL-TDOA positioning method and / or SL-AOA positioning method.

[0218] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy includes, but is not limited to, distance accuracy, angle accuracy, relative position accuracy, and absolute position accuracy. For instance, when the distance or position accuracy requirement is higher than 1m, or the angle accuracy requirement is higher than 10 degrees, the SL-TDOA or SL-AOA method can be used.

[0219] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method includes:

[0220] Determine the precision conditions based on the condition configuration sent by the network-side device; or

[0221] Based on the pre-condition configuration, determine the accuracy conditions.

[0222] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location type corresponding to the location request is a relative location type and / or an absolute location type.

[0223] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device has the capability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself supports determining the positioning method.

[0224] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0225] When the first terminal device does not have the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself does not support determining the positioning method, a first request message is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a neighboring terminal device that has the ability to determine the positioning method.

[0226] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0227] Location request information;

[0228] Information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0229] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request information includes, for example, the terminal device for location, the location type, and the accuracy requirement, and the location type includes, but is not limited to, distance type, angle type, relative location type, and absolute location type.

[0230] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information of the first terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0231] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0232] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0233] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0234] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0235] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0236] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0237] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0238] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0239] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device may be a nearby terminal device capable of determining the positioning method. This second terminal device may, for example, be an SL positioning server terminal device (server UE).

[0240] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after sending the request information to the second terminal device, the method further includes:

[0241] Receive the positioning method sent by the second terminal device in response to the first request information.

[0242] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning method includes, but is not limited to, RTT, TDOA, and AOA. Simultaneously, the second terminal device can also send a list of terminal devices participating in the positioning method.

[0243] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0244] Send a location request to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0245] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after the first terminal device sends a location request to the AMF, the AMF can send the location request to the LMF. The LMF can receive the location request sent by the AMF; and in response to the location request, trigger a discovery process and determine the location method.

[0246] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, in response to a positioning process initiated by a first terminal device, at least one of the following operations is performed: determining a positioning method corresponding to the positioning process; and receiving a positioning method corresponding to the positioning process sent by a network-side device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a positioning method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the likelihood of not being able to obtain positioning information. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when a positioning process is initiated by a first terminal device, reducing the likelihood of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, thus reducing the likelihood of being unable to perform positioning. It can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0247] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0248] Step 301: In response to the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device, determine whether to send a positioning request to the network-side device.

[0249] In one embodiment of this disclosure, determining whether to send a location request to the network-side device includes at least one of the following:

[0250] When the first terminal device is outside the coverage of the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the sidechain SL positioning method, no positioning request is sent to the network-side device.

[0251] When the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning, a positioning request is sent to the network-side device.

[0252] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports SL positioning, the positioning information requested in response to the positioning request belongs to the first preset positioning information, and no positioning request is sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information.

[0253] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, the location information requested in response to the location request is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends a location request to the network-side device.

[0254] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, it is determined whether to send a location request to the network-side device according to the configuration policy, wherein the configuration policy includes at least one of the network configuration policy and the pre-configuration policy;

[0255] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device does not support the SL positioning method, a positioning request is sent to the network-side device.

[0256] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports SL positioning, it does not send a positioning request to the network-side device.

[0257] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0258] In response to the first terminal device not sending a location request to the network-side device, the location method is determined;

[0259] In response to the first terminal device sending a location request to the network-side device, the device receives the location method sent by the network-side device in response to the location request.

[0260] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, in response to the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device, it is determined whether to send a positioning request to the network-side device. The embodiments of this disclosure can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain positioning information. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose whether to send a positioning request to the network-side device to receive the positioning method sent by the network-side device. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a positioning process, reducing the possibility of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, thus reducing the possibility of being unable to perform positioning. It can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0261] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0262] Step 401: In response to the first terminal device not sending a location request to the network-side device, determine the location method;

[0263] Step 402: In response to the first terminal device sending a location request to the network-side device, receive the location method sent by the network-side device in response to the location request.

[0264] In one embodiment of this disclosure, step 401 and step 402 are performed selectively. That is, the first terminal device may perform step 401 without performing step 402, and the first terminal device may perform step 402 without performing step 401.

[0265] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device determines the positioning method, including at least one of the following:

[0266] When the first terminal device is currently outside the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method;

[0267] When the first terminal device is currently within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be Uu port positioning.

[0268] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via SL Relay, and the first terminal device supports SL positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be SL positioning.

[0269] When the location information requested by the first terminal device belongs to the second preset location information and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method, wherein the second preset location information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information;

[0270] When the first terminal device only supports Uu port positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be Uu port positioning.

[0271] When the first terminal device only supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method;

[0272] When the QoS conditions for the location request sent to the network-side device meet the threshold conditions, and the first terminal device supports both SL and Uu interface positioning methods, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be a joint positioning method of SL and Uu interface positioning methods.

[0273] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, in response to the first terminal device not sending a location request to the network-side device, a location method is determined; in response to the first terminal device sending a location request to the network-side device, the location method sent by the network-side device in response to the location request is received. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a location method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the location method in response to the initiated location process, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain location information. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme for the first terminal device to determine the location method or receive the location method sent by the network-side device in response to the location request. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "location method determination" scenario, which can provide a location method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a location process, reducing the possibility of inaccurate location method determination leading to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or the inability to obtain location information, reducing the possibility of not being able to perform location, determining location information corresponding to the location method, and improving the accuracy of location information determination.

[0274] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0275] Step 501: In response to the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device, and the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is SL positioning method, determine the specific SL positioning method;

[0276] Step 502: Initiate the SL positioning process according to the specific SL positioning method.

[0277] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the specific SL positioning method can be determined through the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device. The positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the following: the sidechain positioning protocol layer (SLPP), the ranging sidechain positioning protocol layer (RSPP), and the Long Term Evolution (LTE) positioning protocol layer (LPP).

[0278] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the upper layer is at a higher level than the location protocol layer.

[0279] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request includes at least one of the following:

[0280] Location type;

[0281] Positioning accuracy.

[0282] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning type does not specifically refer to a particular fixed positioning type. The positioning type may include, for example, the distance and / or angle of the first terminal device relative to a certain terminal device or a group of terminal devices, the absolute position, or the relative position relative to a certain terminal device or a group of terminal devices.

[0283] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy includes, but is not limited to, distance accuracy, angle accuracy, relative position accuracy, and absolute position accuracy. This positioning accuracy does not specifically refer to a fixed precision. For example, the positioning accuracy can be distance accuracy or angle accuracy. The distance accuracy or position accuracy can be, for example, 10 cm, 0.5 m, 1 m, 3 m, or 5 m. The angle accuracy can be, for example, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 20 degrees.

[0284] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy may be, for example, a requirement that can be distinguished as vertical and horizontal.

[0285] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0286] When the upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, the upper layer sends information about neighboring terminal devices to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device.

[0287] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information includes at least one of the following:

[0288] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0289] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0290] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0291] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0292] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0293] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0294] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0295] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0296] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the signal quality information includes, but is not limited to, Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), and Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR).

[0297] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the role information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, assistant UE, anchor UE, location server UE, etc.

[0298] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning method information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, SL-RTT, SL-TDOA, SL-AOA, and Uu positioning.

[0299] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0300] The first terminal device can send neighboring terminal device information to its positioning protocol layer at any of the following layers: PC5-Data Link Layer (PC5-D), Proximity Service Layer (ProSe), and V2X Layer (V2X).

[0301] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer may send the discovery result to the SLPP layer after each execution of the discovery process; or, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer may send the discovery result to the RSPP layer after each execution of the discovery process; or, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer may send the discovery result to the LPP layer after each execution of the discovery process.

[0302] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer of the first terminal device can be configured to periodically execute the discovery process from any one of the PC5-D layer, the ProSe layer, and the V2X layer.

[0303] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, determining a specific SL positioning method includes:

[0304] Trigger the discovery process;

[0305] Based on the discovery results corresponding to the discovery process, determine the specific SL positioning method.

[0306] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, triggering the discovery process includes:

[0307] The discovery process is triggered when the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device receives a positioning request sent by the upper layer of the first terminal device.

[0308] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the discovery process includes at least one of the following:

[0309] ProSe discovery process;

[0310] V2X discovery process.

[0311] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning protocol layer can instruct the ProSe or V2X layer to initiate a discovery process, and can also impose certain limitations on the UEs to be discovered. The positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the following: the Sidechain Positioning Protocol (SLPP) layer, the Ranging Sidechain Positioning Protocol (RSPP) layer, and the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) layer.

[0312] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after completing the discovery process, the ProSe or V2X layer can inform the SLPP or RSPP layer of the discovery results.

[0313] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the triggering conditions for the process are found to include at least one of the following:

[0314] The upper layer of the first terminal device does not provide information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device;

[0315] The information on neighboring terminal devices provided by the upper layer does not meet the information requirements.

[0316] The information on neighboring terminal devices provided by the upper layer has expired.

[0317] The location protocol layer has no available information on nearby terminal devices, and the location protocol layer includes at least one of the SLPP layer, RSPP layer and LPP layer;

[0318] The location request from the upper layer is for a relative location type.

[0319] The location request from the upper layer is for an absolute location.

[0320] The requested location type is a relative location type and / or an absolute location type.

[0321] The first terminal device is currently outside the coverage area of ​​the network-side equipment.

[0322] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer includes at least one of the following:

[0323] Application layer;

[0324] Non-access layer (NAS layer);

[0325] PC5-S Signaling Transport Layer;

[0326] Location Service (LCS) layer.

[0327] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the discovery process is triggered by:

[0328] When triggering the discovery process, specify the type of terminal device to be discovered.

[0329] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the specific type of terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0330] SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE);

[0331] SL positioning anchor UE with location information;

[0332] Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning methods include at least one of SL-Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), SL-Angle of Arrival (AOA), and SL-Round Trip Time (RTT);

[0333] SL locates the location server terminal device (UE).

[0334] SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

[0335] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, determining a specific SL positioning method includes:

[0336] In response to the location request, the requested location information belongs to the third preset location information, and the specific SL positioning method is determined to be SL-RTT positioning method, wherein the third preset location information includes at least one of distance information and angle information.

[0337] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request may be, for example, a location request received by a location protocol layer. The location protocol layer includes at least one of the following: a sidechain location protocol layer (SLPP), a ranging sidechain location protocol layer (RSPP), and a long-term evolution technology location protocol layer (LPP).

[0338] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request may be a request received by a layer that has the capability to determine the location method.

[0339] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, determining a specific SL positioning method includes:

[0340] If the positioning accuracy of the positioning request meets the accuracy requirements, the specific SL positioning method is determined to be SL-TDOA positioning method and / or SL-AOA positioning method.

[0341] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy includes, but is not limited to, distance accuracy, angle accuracy, relative position accuracy, and absolute position accuracy. For instance, when the distance or position accuracy requirement is higher than 1m, or the angle accuracy requirement is higher than 10 degrees, the SL-TDOA or SL-AOA method can be used.

[0342] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method includes:

[0343] Determine the precision conditions based on the condition configuration sent by the network-side device; or

[0344] Based on the pre-condition configuration, determine the accuracy conditions.

[0345] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location type corresponding to the location request is a relative location type and / or an absolute location type.

[0346] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device has the capability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself supports determining the positioning method.

[0347] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0348] When the first terminal device does not have the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself does not support determining the positioning method, a first request message is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a neighboring terminal device that has the ability to determine the positioning method.

[0349] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0350] Location request information;

[0351] Information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0352] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after sending the request information to the second terminal device, the method further includes:

[0353] Receive the positioning method sent by the second terminal device in response to the first request information.

[0354] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning method includes, but is not limited to, RTT, TDOA, and AOA. Simultaneously, the second terminal device can also send a list of terminal devices participating in the positioning method.

[0355] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, in response to a positioning process initiated by a first terminal device, and the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is the SL positioning method, a specific SL positioning method is determined; based on the specific SL positioning method, an SL positioning process is initiated. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a positioning method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain positioning information. Specifically, this disclosure discloses a scheme for determining the specific SL positioning method after determining the SL positioning method. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when a positioning process is initiated by a first terminal device, reducing the possibility of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, reducing the possibility of not being able to perform positioning, determining positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0356] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0357] Step 601: Determine the specific SL positioning method through the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the SLPP layer, RSPP layer and LPP layer.

[0358] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the upper layer is at a higher level than the location protocol layer.

[0359] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request includes at least one of the following:

[0360] Location type;

[0361] Positioning accuracy.

[0362] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning type does not specifically refer to a particular fixed positioning type. The positioning type may include, for example, the distance and / or angle of the first terminal device relative to a certain terminal device or a group of terminal devices, the absolute position, or the relative position relative to a certain terminal device or a group of terminal devices.

[0363] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy includes, but is not limited to, distance accuracy, angle accuracy, relative position accuracy, and absolute position accuracy. This positioning accuracy does not specifically refer to a fixed precision. For example, the positioning accuracy can be distance accuracy or angle accuracy. The distance accuracy or position accuracy can be, for example, 10 cm, 0.5 m, 1 m, 3 m, or 5 m. The angle accuracy can be, for example, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 20 degrees.

[0364] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy may be, for example, a requirement that can be distinguished as vertical and horizontal.

[0365] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0366] When the upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, the upper layer sends information about neighboring terminal devices to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device.

[0367] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device can discover neighboring terminal devices through a discovery process. This discovery process includes, but is not limited to, the ProSe discovery process or the V2X discovery process.

[0368] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information includes at least one of the following:

[0369] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0370] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0371] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0372] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0373] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0374] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0375] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0376] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0377] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the signal quality information includes, but is not limited to, Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), and Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR).

[0378] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the role information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, assistant UE, anchor UE, location server UE, etc.

[0379] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning method information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, SL-RTT, SL-TDOA, SL-AOA, and Uu positioning.

[0380] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0381] The first terminal device can send neighboring terminal device information to its positioning protocol layer at any of the following layers: PC5-Data Link Layer (PC5-D), Proximity Service Layer (ProSe), and V2X Layer (V2X).

[0382] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer may send the discovery result to the SLPP layer after each execution of the discovery process; or, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer may send the discovery result to the RSPP layer after each execution of the discovery process; or, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer may send the discovery result to the LPP layer after each execution of the discovery process.

[0383] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer of the first terminal device can be configured to periodically execute the discovery process from any one of the PC5-D layer, the ProSe layer, and the V2X layer.

[0384] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer includes at least one of the following:

[0385] Application layer;

[0386] Non-access layer (NAS layer);

[0387] PC5-S Signaling Transport Layer;

[0388] Location Service (LCS) layer.

[0389] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the specific SL positioning method is determined through the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device. The positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the SLPP layer, RSPP layer, and LPP layer. This disclosure provides a positioning method determination mechanism that can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing situations where positioning information cannot be obtained. This disclosure specifically discloses a scheme for determining the specific SL positioning method. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a positioning process. This reduces situations where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or where positioning information cannot be obtained, thus reducing the possibility of being unable to perform positioning. It can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0390] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0391] Step 701: The upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the upper layer is at a higher level than the location protocol layer.

[0392] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device can determine the positioning method. The positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the SLPP layer, RSPP layer, and LPP layer.

[0393] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request includes at least one of the following:

[0394] Location type;

[0395] Positioning accuracy.

[0396] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning type does not specifically refer to a particular fixed positioning type. The positioning type may include, for example, the distance and / or angle of the first terminal device relative to a certain terminal device or a group of terminal devices, the absolute position, or the relative position relative to a certain terminal device or a group of terminal devices.

[0397] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy includes, but is not limited to, distance accuracy, angle accuracy, relative position accuracy, and absolute position accuracy. This positioning accuracy does not specifically refer to a fixed precision. For example, the positioning accuracy can be distance accuracy or angle accuracy. The distance accuracy or position accuracy can be, for example, 10 cm, 0.5 m, 1 m, 3 m, or 5 m. The angle accuracy can be, for example, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 20 degrees.

[0398] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy may be, for example, a requirement that can be distinguished as vertical and horizontal.

[0399] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer includes at least one of the following:

[0400] Application layer;

[0401] Non-access layer (NAS layer);

[0402] PC5-S Signaling Transport Layer;

[0403] Location Service (LCS) layer.

[0404] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the upper layer is at a higher level than the location protocol layer. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a location method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the location method in response to the initiated location process, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain location information. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme for determining a specific SL location method. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "location method determination" scenario, which can provide a location method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a location process, reducing the possibility of inaccurate location method determination leading to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or the inability to obtain location information, thus reducing the possibility of being unable to perform location checks. It can determine the location information corresponding to the location method and improve the accuracy of location information determination.

[0405] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0406] Step 801: When the upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, the upper layer sends information about neighboring terminal devices to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device.

[0407] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device can determine the positioning method. The positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the SLPP layer, RSPP layer, and LPP layer.

[0408] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information includes at least one of the following:

[0409] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0410] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0411] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0412] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0413] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0414] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0415] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0416] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0417] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the signal quality information includes, but is not limited to, Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), and Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR).

[0418] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the role information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, assistant UE, anchor UE, location server UE, etc.

[0419] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning method information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, SL-RTT, SL-TDOA, SL-AOA, and Uu positioning.

[0420] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer includes at least one of the following:

[0421] Application layer;

[0422] Non-access layer (NAS layer);

[0423] PC5-S Signaling Transport Layer;

[0424] Location Service (LCS) layer.

[0425] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, when the upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, the upper layer sends neighboring terminal device information to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a location method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the location method in response to the initiated location process, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain location information. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme for determining a specific SL location method. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "location method determination" scenario, which can provide a location method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a location process, reducing the possibility of inaccurate location method determination leading to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or the inability to obtain location information, thus reducing the possibility of being unable to perform location checks. It can determine the location information corresponding to the location method and improve the accuracy of location information determination.

[0426] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0427] Step 901: The first terminal device sends the neighboring terminal device information to the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device through any one of the PC5-Data Link Layer (PC5-D layer), the Proximity Service (ProSe) layer, and the V2X Layer (V2Xlayer).

[0428] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device can determine the positioning method. The positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the SLPP layer, RSPP layer, and LPP layer.

[0429] In one embodiment of this disclosure, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer can send the discovery result to the SLPP layer after each execution of the discovery process; or, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer can send the discovery result to the RSPP layer after each execution of the discovery process; or, any one of the PC5-D layer, ProSe layer, and V2X layer can send the discovery result to the LPP layer after each execution of the discovery process.

[0430] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer of the first terminal device can be configured to periodically execute the discovery process from any one of the PC5-D layer, the ProSe layer, and the V2X layer.

[0431] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, any one of the PC5-D data link layer, the ProSe proximity service layer, and the V2X layer of the first terminal device sends neighboring terminal device information to the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a positioning method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain positioning information. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme for determining a specific SL positioning method. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a positioning process, reducing the possibility of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, thus reducing the possibility of being unable to perform positioning. It can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0432] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0433] Step 1001: Trigger the discovery process;

[0434] Step 1002: Determine the specific SL positioning method based on the discovery results corresponding to the discovery process.

[0435] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the triggering of the discovery process includes:

[0436] The discovery process is triggered when the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device receives a positioning request sent by the upper layer of the first terminal device.

[0437] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the discovery process includes at least one of the following:

[0438] ProSe discovery process;

[0439] V2X discovery process.

[0440] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning protocol layer can instruct the ProSe or V2X layer to initiate a discovery process, and can also impose certain limitations on the UEs to be discovered. The positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the following: the Sidechain Positioning Protocol (SLPP) layer, the Ranging Sidechain Positioning Protocol (RSPP) layer, and the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) layer.

[0441] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after completing the discovery process, the ProSe or V2X layer can inform the SLPP or RSPP layer of the discovery results.

[0442] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the triggering conditions for the process are found to include at least one of the following:

[0443] The upper layer of the first terminal device does not provide information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device;

[0444] The information on neighboring terminal devices provided by the upper layer does not meet the information requirements.

[0445] The information on neighboring terminal devices provided by the upper layer has expired.

[0446] The location protocol layer has no available information on nearby terminal devices, and the location protocol layer includes at least one of the SLPP layer, RSPP layer and LPP layer;

[0447] The location request from the upper layer is for a relative location type.

[0448] The location request from the upper layer is for an absolute location.

[0449] The requested location type is a relative location type and / or an absolute location type.

[0450] The first terminal device is currently outside the coverage area of ​​the network-side equipment.

[0451] The upper layer includes at least one of the following:

[0452] Application layer;

[0453] Non-access layer (NAS layer);

[0454] PC5-S Signaling Transport Layer;

[0455] Location Service (LCS) layer.

[0456] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a discovery process is triggered; based on the discovery result corresponding to the discovery process, the specific SL positioning method is determined. The embodiments of this disclosure can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain positioning information. The embodiments of this disclosure specifically disclose a scheme for determining the specific SL positioning method. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a positioning process, reducing the possibility of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, thus reducing the possibility of being unable to perform positioning. It can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0457] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0458] Step 1101: When triggering the discovery process, specify the type of terminal device to be discovered.

[0459] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the specific type of terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0460] SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE);

[0461] SL positioning anchor UE with location information;

[0462] Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning methods include at least one of SL-Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), SL-Angle of Arrival (AOA), and SL-Round Trip Time (RTT);

[0463] SL locates the location server terminal device (UE).

[0464] SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

[0465] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, when the discovery process is triggered, a specific type of terminal device is specified for discovery. The embodiments of this disclosure can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain positioning information. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme for determining a specific SL positioning method and specifying the discovery of a specific type of terminal device in the discovery process. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a positioning process, reducing the possibility of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, thus reducing the possibility of being unable to perform positioning. It can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0466] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0467] Step 1201: In response to the location request, the requested location information belongs to the third preset location information, and the specific SL positioning method is determined to be SL-RTT positioning method, wherein the third preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information and angle information.

[0468] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request may be, for example, a location request received by a location protocol layer. The location protocol layer includes at least one of a Sidechain Location Protocol (SLPP) layer, a Ranging Sidechain Location Protocol (RSPP) layer, and a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Location Protocol (LPP) layer.

[0469] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request may be a request received by a layer that has the capability to determine the location method.

[0470] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the location information requested in response to the location request belongs to the third preset location information, and the specific SL positioning method is determined to be the SL-RTT positioning method. The third preset location information includes at least one of distance information and angle information. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a positioning method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain positioning information. The embodiments of this disclosure specifically disclose a scheme for determining the specific SL positioning method. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a positioning process, reducing the possibility of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and the positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, reducing the possibility of not being able to perform positioning, determining the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0471] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0472] Step 1301: In response to the positioning accuracy meeting the accuracy condition corresponding to the positioning request, determine the specific SL positioning method as SL-TDOA positioning method and / or SL-AOA positioning method.

[0473] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request may be, for example, a location request received by a location protocol layer. The location protocol layer includes at least one of a Sidechain Location Protocol (SLPP) layer, a Ranging Sidechain Location Protocol (RSPP) layer, and a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Location Protocol (LPP) layer.

[0474] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request may be a request received by a layer that has the capability to determine the location method.

[0475] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location type corresponding to the location request is a relative location type and / or an absolute location type.

[0476] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning accuracy includes, but is not limited to, distance accuracy, angle accuracy, relative position accuracy, and absolute position accuracy. For instance, when the distance or position accuracy requirement is higher than 1m, or the angle accuracy requirement is higher than 10 degrees, the SL-TDOA or SL-AOA method can be used.

[0477] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0478] Determine the precision conditions based on the condition configuration sent by the network-side device; or

[0479] Based on the pre-condition configuration, determine the accuracy conditions.

[0480] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device has the capability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself supports determining the positioning method.

[0481] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, in response to the positioning accuracy corresponding to the positioning request meeting the accuracy condition, the specific SL positioning method is determined to be SL-TDOA positioning method and / or SL-AOA positioning method. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a positioning method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the situation where positioning information cannot be obtained. The embodiments of this disclosure specifically disclose a scheme for determining the specific SL positioning method. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a positioning process, reducing the situation where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, reducing the situation where positioning cannot be performed, determining the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0482] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0483] Step 1401: When the first terminal device does not have the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself does not support determining the positioning method, a first request message is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a neighboring terminal device that has the ability to determine the positioning method.

[0484] In one embodiment of this disclosure... Figure 15 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. When the first terminal device does not have the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself does not support determining the positioning method, the first terminal device can send a first request message to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a neighboring terminal device that has the ability to determine the positioning method.

[0485] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0486] Location request information;

[0487] Information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0488] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request information includes, for example, the terminal device for location, the location type, and the accuracy requirement, and the location type includes, but is not limited to, distance type, angle type, relative location type, and absolute location type.

[0489] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information of the first terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0490] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0491] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0492] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0493] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0494] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0495] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0496] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0497] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0498] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device may be a nearby terminal device capable of determining the positioning method. This second terminal device may, for example, be an SL positioning server terminal device (server UE).

[0499] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, when the first terminal device lacks the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself does not support determining the positioning method, a first request message is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a neighboring terminal device that has the ability to determine the positioning method. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a positioning method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the situation where positioning information cannot be obtained. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme for sending the first request message to the second terminal device. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a positioning process, reducing the situation where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, reducing the situation where positioning cannot be performed, determining the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0500] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0501] Step 1601: When the first terminal device does not have the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself does not support determining the positioning method, a first request message is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a neighboring terminal device that has the ability to determine the positioning method.

[0502] Step 1601: Receive the positioning method sent by the second terminal device in response to the first request information.

[0503] In one embodiment of this disclosure... Figure 17 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. When the first terminal device does not have the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself does not support determining the positioning method, the first terminal device can send a first request message to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a neighboring terminal device that has the ability to determine the positioning method; the first terminal device can receive the positioning method sent by the second terminal device in response to the first request message.

[0504] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0505] Location request information;

[0506] Information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0507] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, when the first terminal device lacks the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself does not support determining the positioning method, a first request message is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a neighboring terminal device that has the ability to determine the positioning method; the positioning method sent by the second terminal device in response to the first request message is received. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a positioning method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the situation where positioning information cannot be obtained. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme for receiving the positioning method sent by the second terminal device in response to the first request message. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a positioning process, reducing the situation where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, reducing the situation where positioning cannot be performed, determining the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0508] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 18 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0509] Step 1801: Send a location request to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0510] In one embodiment of this disclosure, for example, when the first terminal device determines to send a location request to the network-side device, the first terminal device may send a location request to the AMF.

[0511] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a location request is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). This disclosure provides a location method determination mechanism that determines the location method in response to the initiated location process, reducing the likelihood of location information not being available. Specifically, this disclosure discloses a scheme for sending a location request to the AMF. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "location method determination" scenario, which provides a location method determination mechanism when a location process is initiated by a first terminal device. This reduces situations where inaccurate location method determination leads to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or where location information cannot be obtained, thus reducing the likelihood of location failure. It can determine the location information corresponding to the location method and improve the accuracy of location information determination.

[0512] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a second terminal device, such as... Figure 19 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0513] Step 1901: Receive first request information sent by the first terminal device, wherein the first request information is used to determine the positioning method.

[0514] In one embodiment of this disclosure, after receiving the request information sent by the first terminal device, the method further includes:

[0515] Send the location method for the first request information to the first terminal device.

[0516] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after receiving the first request information sent by the first terminal device, the method further includes:

[0517] Determine the location method and initiate the location process accordingly.

[0518] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning method includes, but is not limited to, RTT, TDOA, and AOA, and the second terminal device may further provide a list of terminal devices (UEs) participating in the positioning method.

[0519] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first request information refers to the request information sent by the first terminal device to the second terminal device. The "first" in the first request information is only used to distinguish it from the second request information and does not specifically refer to a certain fixed request information.

[0520] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0521] Location request information;

[0522] Information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0523] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request information includes, for example, the terminal device for location, the location type, and the accuracy requirement, and the location type includes, but is not limited to, distance type, angle type, relative location type, and absolute location type.

[0524] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information of the first terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0525] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0526] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0527] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0528] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0529] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0530] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0531] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0532] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0533] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device may be a nearby terminal device capable of determining the positioning method. This second terminal device may, for example, be an SL positioning server terminal device (server UE).

[0534] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a first request information sent by a first terminal device is received, wherein the first request information is used to determine the positioning method. The embodiments of this disclosure can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, which can determine the positioning method based on the first request information, reducing the number of situations where positioning information cannot be obtained. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "positioning method determination" scenario, which, when receiving the first request information sent by the first terminal device, can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, reducing the situation where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, reducing the number of situations where positioning cannot be performed, determining positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0535] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a second terminal device, such as... Figure 20 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0536] Step 2001: Receive first request information sent by the first terminal device, wherein the first request information is used to determine the positioning method;

[0537] Step 2002: Send the location method for the first request information to the first terminal device.

[0538] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0539] Location request information;

[0540] Information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0541] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request information includes, for example, the terminal device for location, the location type, and the accuracy requirement, and the location type includes, but is not limited to, distance type, angle type, relative location type, and absolute location type.

[0542] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information of the first terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0543] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0544] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0545] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0546] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0547] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0548] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0549] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0550] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0551] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device may be a nearby terminal device capable of determining the positioning method. This second terminal device may, for example, be an SL positioning server terminal device (server UE).

[0552] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a first request information sent by a first terminal device is received, wherein the first request information is used to determine a positioning method; and a positioning method corresponding to the first request information is sent to the first terminal device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a positioning method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the positioning method based on the first request information, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain positioning information. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme for sending the positioning method corresponding to the first request information to the first terminal device. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which, when receiving the first request information sent by the first terminal device, can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, reducing the possibility of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, reducing the possibility of being unable to perform positioning, determining positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0553] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a second terminal device, such as... Figure 21 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0554] Step 2101: Receive first request information sent by the first terminal device, wherein the first request information is used to determine the positioning method;

[0555] Step 2102: Determine the positioning method and initiate the positioning process according to the positioning method.

[0556] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0557] Location request information;

[0558] Information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0559] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request information includes, for example, the terminal device for location, the location type, and the accuracy requirement, and the location type includes, but is not limited to, distance type, angle type, relative location type, and absolute location type.

[0560] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information of the first terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0561] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0562] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0563] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0564] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0565] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0566] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0567] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0568] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0569] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device may be a nearby terminal device capable of determining the positioning method. This second terminal device may, for example, be an SL positioning server terminal device (server UE).

[0570] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a first request message sent by a first terminal device is received, wherein the first request message is used to determine the positioning method; the positioning method is determined, and a positioning process is initiated according to the positioning method. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a positioning method determination mechanism can be provided, which can determine the positioning method based on the first request message, reducing the situation where positioning information cannot be obtained. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme for initiating a positioning process based on the positioning method. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which, when receiving the first request message sent by the first terminal device, can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, reducing the situation where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, reducing the situation where positioning cannot be performed, determining positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0571] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by the AMF, as follows: Figure 22 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0572] Step 2201: Receive a location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0573] Step 2202: Send a location request to the Location Management Function Entity (LMF).

[0574] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 23 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 23 As shown, the AMF can receive a location request sent by the first terminal device, and the AMF can send the location request to the LMF.

[0575] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, sending a location request to the LMF includes:

[0576] When sending a location request to the LMF, the neighboring terminal device information of the first terminal device is sent to the LMF.

[0577] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information may be discovered through a discovery process. This discovery process includes, but is not limited to, the ProSe discovery process or the V2X discovery process.

[0578] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information includes at least one of the following:

[0579] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0580] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0581] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0582] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0583] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0584] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0585] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0586] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0587] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the signal quality information includes, but is not limited to, Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), and Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR).

[0588] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the role information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, assistant UE, anchor UE, location server UE, etc.

[0589] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning method information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, SL-RTT, SL-TDOA, SL-AOA, and Uu positioning.

[0590] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after sending a location request to the Location Management Function (LMF) entity, the method further includes:

[0591] Receive the second request information sent by LMF in response to the location request;

[0592] Send a second request message to the first terminal device, wherein the second request message is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0593] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second request information refers to the request information sent by the LMF to the AMF, or the request information received by the AMF from the LMF and forwarded to the first terminal device. The "second" in the second request information is only used to distinguish it from the first request information and does not specifically refer to a certain fixed request information.

[0594] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second request information includes a request to discover a specific type of terminal device.

[0595] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a particular type of terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0596] SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE);

[0597] SL positioning anchor UE with location information;

[0598] Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning methods include at least one of SL-Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), SL-Angle of Arrival (AOA), and SL-Round Trip Time (RTT);

[0599] SL locates the location server terminal device (UE).

[0600] SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

[0601] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a location request sent by a first terminal device is received; the location request is then sent to the Location Management Function (LMF). This disclosure provides a location method determination mechanism that can receive the location request sent by the first terminal device and send it to the LMF, reducing situations where the location method cannot be determined. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "location method determination" scenario, which, upon receiving a first request information sent by the first terminal device, can provide a location method determination mechanism to reduce situations where inaccurate location method determination leads to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or where location information cannot be obtained, thus reducing the possibility of being unable to perform location checks. It can determine the location information corresponding to the location method and improve the accuracy of location information determination.

[0602] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by the AMF, as follows: Figure 24 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0603] Step 2401: Receive a location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0604] Step 2402: When sending a location request to the LMF, send the information of the nearest terminal devices of the first terminal device to the LMF.

[0605] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a location request sent by a first terminal device is received; when sending the location request to the Nearest Terminal Filter (LMF), information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device is sent to the LMF. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a location method determination mechanism can be provided, which can receive the location request sent by the first terminal device and send the location request to the LMF, reducing situations where the location method cannot be determined. Specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme for sending information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device to the LMF, which can improve the accuracy of location method determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "location method determination" scenario, which can provide a location method determination mechanism when receiving a first request information sent by the first terminal device, reducing situations where inaccurate location method determination leads to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or where location information cannot be obtained, reducing situations where location cannot be performed, determining location information corresponding to the location method, and improving the accuracy of location information determination.

[0606] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by the AMF, as follows: Figure 25 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0607] Step 2501: Receive a location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0608] Step 2502: Send a location request to the Location Management Function Entity (LMF);

[0609] Step 2503: Receive the second request information sent by LMF in response to the location request;

[0610] Step 2504: Send a second request message to the first terminal device, wherein the second request message is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0611] In one embodiment of this disclosure... Figure 26 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 26 As shown, the AMF can receive a location request sent by the first terminal device; the AMF can send a location request to the location management function entity LMF; the AMF can receive a second request message sent by the LMF in response to the location request; the AMF can send the second request message to the first terminal device, wherein the second request message is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0612] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a location request sent by a first terminal device is received; the location request is sent to a Location Management Function (LMF); a second request message sent by the LMF in response to the location request is received; and the second request message is sent to the first terminal device, wherein the second request message is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a location method determination mechanism can be provided, which can receive the location request sent by the first terminal device and send the location request to the LMF, reducing situations where the location method cannot be determined. The embodiments of this disclosure specifically disclose a scheme for receiving the second request message and sending the second request message to the first terminal device, which can improve the accuracy of location method determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "location method determination" scenario, which, when receiving the first request message sent by the first terminal device, can provide a location method determination mechanism, reducing situations where inaccurate location method determination leads to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or where location information cannot be obtained, reducing situations where location cannot be performed, determining location information corresponding to the location method, and improving the accuracy of location information determination.

[0613] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by the LMF, as follows: Figure 27 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0614] Step 2701: Receive the location request sent by AMF;

[0615] Step 2702: In response to the location request, trigger the discovery process and determine the location method.

[0616] In one embodiment of this disclosure... Figure 28 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 28 As shown, the AMF can send a location request to the LMF. The LMF can receive the location request sent by the AMF, and the LMF can respond to the location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method.

[0617] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the discovery process may be a ProSe discovery process or a V2X discovery process. The LMF may instruct the ProSe discovery function network element (such as DDNMF) or the AMF may instruct the ProSe discovery function network element to trigger the target terminal device discovery process.

[0618] In one embodiment of this disclosure, receiving a location request sent by the AMF includes:

[0619] When receiving a location request from the AMF, the device receives information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device from the AMF.

[0620] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information may be discovered through a discovery process. This discovery process includes, but is not limited to, the ProSe discovery process or the V2X discovery process.

[0621] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information includes at least one of the following:

[0622] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0623] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0624] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0625] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0626] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0627] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0628] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0629] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0630] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the signal quality information includes, but is not limited to, Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), and Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR).

[0631] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the role information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, assistant UE, anchor UE, location server UE, etc.

[0632] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning method information supported by the neighboring terminal device includes, but is not limited to, SL-RTT, SL-TDOA, SL-AOA, and Uu positioning.

[0633] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after receiving the location request sent by the AMF, the method further includes:

[0634] Send a second request message to the AMF, wherein the second request message is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0635] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second request information includes a request to discover a specific type of terminal device.

[0636] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a particular type of terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0637] SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE);

[0638] SL positioning anchor UE with location information;

[0639] Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning methods include at least one of SL-TDOA, SL-AOA and SL-RTT;

[0640] SL locates the location server terminal device (UE).

[0641] SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

[0642] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a location request sent by the AMF is received; in response to the location request, a discovery process is triggered, and the location method is determined. The embodiments of this disclosure provide a location method determination mechanism, which can receive the location request sent by the AMF and determine the location method, reducing the number of cases where the location method cannot be determined. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "location method determination" scenario, which, when receiving a location request sent by the AMF, can provide a location method determination mechanism, reducing the situation where inaccurate location method determination leads to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or the inability to obtain location information, reducing the number of cases where location cannot be performed, and can determine the location information corresponding to the location method, thereby improving the accuracy of location information determination.

[0643] Figure 29 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by the LMF, as follows: Figure 29 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0644] Step 2901: Receive the location request sent by AMF;

[0645] Step 2902: Send a second request message to the AMF, wherein the second request message is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0646] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second request information includes a request to discover a specific type of terminal device.

[0647] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a particular type of terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0648] SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE);

[0649] SL positioning anchor UE with location information;

[0650] Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning methods include at least one of SL-TDOA, SL-AOA and SL-RTT;

[0651] SL locates the location server terminal device (UE).

[0652] SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

[0653] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a location request sent by the AMF is received; second request information is sent to the AMF, wherein the second request information is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a location method determination mechanism can be provided, which can receive the location request sent by the AMF and determine the location method, reducing situations where the location method cannot be determined. This disclosure specifically discloses a scheme for sending the second request information to the AMF. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "location method determination" scenario, which, when receiving a location request sent by the AMF, can provide a location method determination mechanism, reducing situations where inaccurate location method determination leads to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or where location information cannot be obtained, reducing situations where location cannot be performed, determining location information corresponding to the location method, and improving the accuracy of location information determination.

[0654] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 30 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0655] Step 3001: The AMF receives a location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0656] Step 3002: AMF sends a location request to LMF;

[0657] Step 3003: LMF receives location request;

[0658] Step 3004: The LMF responds to the location request, triggers the discovery process, and determines the location method.

[0659] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the AMF sends a location request to the LMF, the AMF may send the neighboring terminal device information of the first terminal device to the LMF.

[0660] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after the AMF sends a location request to the LMF, the AMF can receive a second request message sent by the LMF in response to the location request; the AMF can send the second request message to the first terminal device, wherein the second request message is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0661] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second request information includes a request to discover a specific type of terminal device.

[0662] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a particular type of terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0663] SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE);

[0664] SL positioning anchor UE with location information;

[0665] Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning methods include at least one of SL-Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), SL-Angle of Arrival (AOA), and SL-Round Trip Time (RTT);

[0666] SL locates the location server terminal device (UE).

[0667] SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

[0668] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the AMF receives a location request sent by the first terminal device; the AMF sends the location request to the LMF; the LMF receives the location request; and the LMF responds to the location request, triggers a discovery process, and determines the location method. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a location method determination mechanism can be provided, allowing the LMF to receive the location request sent by the AMF and determine the location method, reducing situations where the location method cannot be determined. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "location method determination" scenario, enabling the LMF to provide a location method determination mechanism when receiving a location request sent by the AMF. This reduces situations where inaccurate location method determination leads to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or where location information cannot be obtained, thus reducing the likelihood of being unable to perform location determination. It can determine the location information corresponding to the location method and improve the accuracy of location information determination.

[0669] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method determination method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 31 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0670] Step 3101: The network-side device receives the location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0671] Step 3102: The network-side device responds to the location request, triggers the discovery process, and determines the location method.

[0672] In this embodiment, network-side devices include, but are not limited to, core network devices.

[0673] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the network-side device receives a location request sent by the first terminal device; in response to the location request, the network-side device triggers a discovery process and determines the location method. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a location method determination mechanism can be provided, allowing the network-side device to receive the location request sent by the first terminal device and determine the location method, reducing situations where the location method cannot be determined. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "location method determination" scenario, enabling the network-side device to provide a location method determination mechanism when receiving a location request sent by the first terminal device. This reduces situations where inaccurate location method determination leads to a mismatch between the location method and location information, or where location information cannot be obtained, thus reducing the likelihood of being unable to perform location determination. It can determine the location information corresponding to the location method and improve the accuracy of location information determination.

[0674] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system includes:

[0675] The first terminal device is used to send a location request to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF);

[0676] AMF is used to receive location requests sent by the first terminal device;

[0677] AMF is used to send location requests to the Location Management Function (LMF) entity.

[0678] LMF is used to receive location requests sent by AMF;

[0679] LMF is used to respond to a location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method.

[0680] Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 33 As shown, the device 3300 can be disposed on the side of the first terminal device, and the device 3300 may include:

[0681] In response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device, perform at least one of the following operations:

[0682] The determination module 3301 is used to determine the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process;

[0683] The receiving module 3302 is used to receive the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process sent by the network-side device.

[0684] In summary, in the positioning method determination device of this disclosure embodiment, in response to the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device, at least one of the following operations is performed: the determining module determines the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process; the receiving module receives the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process sent by the network-side device. This disclosure embodiment provides a positioning method determination mechanism that can determine the positioning method in response to the initiated positioning process, reducing the possibility of not being able to obtain positioning information. This disclosure provides a processing device for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which can provide a positioning method determination mechanism when the first terminal device initiates a positioning process, reducing the possibility of inaccurate positioning method determination leading to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, thus reducing the possibility of not being able to perform positioning, determining the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0685] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the determining module 3301 is further configured to determine whether to send a location request to the network-side device in response to a location process initiated by the first terminal device.

[0686] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when determining whether to send a location request to the network-side device, the determining module 3301 is specifically used for at least one of the following:

[0687] When the first terminal device is outside the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the sidechain SL positioning method, no positioning request is sent to the network-side device.

[0688] When the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning, a positioning request is sent to the network-side device.

[0689] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports SL positioning, the positioning information requested in response to the positioning request belongs to the first preset positioning information, and no positioning request is sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information.

[0690] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, the location information requested in response to the location request is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends a location request to the network-side device.

[0691] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, it is determined whether to send a location request to the network-side device according to the configuration policy, wherein the configuration policy includes at least one of the network configuration policy and the pre-configuration policy;

[0692] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device does not support the SL positioning method, a positioning request is sent to the network-side device.

[0693] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send a positioning request to the network-side device.

[0694] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the determining module 3301 is further configured to:

[0695] In response to the first terminal device not sending a location request to the network-side device, the location method is determined;

[0696] In response to the first terminal device sending a location request to the network-side device, the device receives the location method sent by the network-side device in response to the location request.

[0697] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when determining the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process, the determining module 3301 is specifically used for at least one of the following:

[0698] When the first terminal device is currently outside the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method;

[0699] When the first terminal device is currently within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be Uu port positioning.

[0700] When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via SL Relay, and the first terminal device supports SL positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be SL positioning.

[0701] When the location information requested by the first terminal device belongs to the second preset location information and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method, wherein the second preset location information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information;

[0702] When the first terminal device only supports Uu port positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be Uu port positioning.

[0703] When the first terminal device only supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method;

[0704] When the QoS conditions for the location request sent to the network-side device meet the threshold conditions, and the first terminal device supports both SL and Uu interface positioning methods, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be a joint positioning method of SL and Uu interface positioning methods.

[0705] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the determining module 3301 is further configured to: after determining the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process, further configure to:

[0706] The specific SL positioning method is determined in response to the positioning process.

[0707] Initiate the SL positioning process based on the specific SL positioning method.

[0708] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the determining module 3301, when determining a specific SL positioning method, is specifically used for:

[0709] The specific SL positioning method is determined by the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the following: the sidechain positioning protocol layer (SLPP), the ranging sidechain positioning protocol layer (RSPP), and the long-term evolution technology positioning protocol layer (LPP).

[0710] Alternatively, in one embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 34This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 34 As shown, the device 3300 also includes a sending module 3303, which is used to send a positioning request from the upper layer of the first terminal device to the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the upper layer is at a higher level than the positioning protocol layer.

[0711] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location request includes at least one of the following:

[0712] Location type;

[0713] Positioning accuracy.

[0714] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 3303 is further configured to send neighboring terminal device information to the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device when the upper layer of the first terminal device sends a positioning request to the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device.

[0715] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neighboring terminal device information includes at least one of the following:

[0716] Device identification information of nearby terminal devices;

[0717] Signal quality information of the SL link of nearby terminal devices;

[0718] Role information supported by neighboring terminal devices;

[0719] Location method information supported by nearby terminal devices;

[0720] Location information of nearby terminal devices;

[0721] Time point information for acquiring information about neighboring terminal devices;

[0722] Do the neighboring terminal devices support location calculation?

[0723] Do the neighboring terminal devices have the ability to determine the positioning method?

[0724] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 3303 is further configured to send neighboring terminal device information to the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device from any one of the PC5-Data Link Layer (PC5-D), the Proximity Service Layer (ProSe), and the V2X Layer (V2X).

[0725] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the determining module 3301, when determining a specific SL positioning method, is specifically used for:

[0726] Trigger the discovery process;

[0727] Based on the discovery results corresponding to the discovery process, determine the specific SL positioning method.

[0728] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the determining module 3301, when triggering the discovery process, is specifically used for:

[0729] The discovery process is triggered when the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device receives a positioning request sent by the upper layer of the first terminal device.

[0730] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the discovery process includes at least one of the following:

[0731] ProSe discovery process;

[0732] V2X discovery process.

[0733] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the triggering condition for the discovery process includes at least one of the following:

[0734] The upper layer of the first terminal device does not provide information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device;

[0735] The information on neighboring terminal devices provided by the upper layer does not meet the information requirements.

[0736] The information on neighboring terminal devices provided by the upper layer has expired.

[0737] The location protocol layer has no available information on nearby terminal devices, and the location protocol layer includes at least one of the SLPP layer, RSPP layer and LPP layer;

[0738] The location request from the upper layer is for a relative location type.

[0739] The location request from the upper layer is for an absolute location.

[0740] The requested location type is a relative location type and / or an absolute location type.

[0741] The first terminal device is currently outside the coverage area of ​​the network-side equipment.

[0742] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper layer includes at least one of the following:

[0743] Application layer;

[0744] Non-access layer (NAS layer);

[0745] PC5-S Signaling Transport Layer;

[0746] Location Service (LCS) layer.

[0747] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the determining module 3301, when triggering the discovery process, is specifically used for:

[0748] When triggering the discovery process, specify the type of terminal device to be discovered.

[0749] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a particular type of terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0750] SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE);

[0751] SL positioning anchor UE with location information;

[0752] Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning methods include at least one of SL-Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), SL-Angle of Arrival (AOA), and SL-Round Trip Time (RTT);

[0753] SL locates the location server terminal device (UE).

[0754] SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

[0755] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the determining module 3301, when determining a specific SL positioning method, is specifically used for:

[0756] In response to the location request, the requested location information belongs to the third preset location information, and the specific SL positioning method is determined to be SL-RTT positioning method, wherein the third preset location information includes at least one of distance information and angle information.

[0757] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the determining module 3301, when determining a specific SL positioning method, is specifically used for:

[0758] If the positioning accuracy of the positioning request meets the accuracy requirements, the specific SL positioning method is determined to be SL-TDOA positioning method and / or SL-AOA positioning method.

[0759] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the determining module 3301 is further configured to:

[0760] Determine the precision conditions based on the condition configuration sent by the network-side device; or

[0761] Based on the pre-condition configuration, determine the accuracy conditions.

[0762] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the location type corresponding to the location request is a relative location type and / or an absolute location type.

[0763] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device has the capability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself supports determining the positioning method.

[0764] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 3303 is further configured to:

[0765] When the first terminal device does not have the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself does not support determining the positioning method, a first request message is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a neighboring terminal device that has the ability to determine the positioning method.

[0766] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0767] Location request information;

[0768] Information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0769] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after sending the request information to the second terminal device, the receiving module 3302 is further configured to:

[0770] Receive the positioning method sent by the second terminal device in response to the first request information.

[0771] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 3303 is further configured to:

[0772] Send a location request to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0773] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 35 As shown, the device 3500 can be disposed on the second terminal device side, and the device 3500 may include:

[0774] The receiving module 3501 is used to receive first request information sent by the first terminal device, wherein the first request information is used to determine the positioning method.

[0775] In summary, in the positioning method determination device of this disclosure embodiment, a receiving module receives first request information sent by a first terminal device, wherein the first request information is used to determine the positioning method. This disclosure embodiment can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, which can determine the positioning method based on the first request information, reducing the number of situations where positioning information cannot be obtained. This disclosure provides a processing device for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which, when receiving the first request information sent by the first terminal device, can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, reducing situations where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or where positioning information cannot be obtained, reducing the number of situations where positioning cannot be performed, determining positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0776] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 3501 is further configured to: after receiving the request information sent by the first terminal device, further configure to:

[0777] Send the location method for the first request information to the first terminal device.

[0778] The receiving module 3501, after receiving the first request information sent by the first terminal device, is further configured to:

[0779] Determine the location method and initiate the location process accordingly.

[0780] Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 36 As shown, the device 3600 can be disposed on the AMF side, and the device 3600 may include:

[0781] The receiving module 3601 is used to receive a location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0782] The sending module 3602 is used to send a location request to the location management function entity LMF.

[0783] In summary, in the positioning method determination device of this disclosure embodiment, a receiving module receives a positioning request sent by a first terminal device; a sending module sends the positioning request to a positioning management function entity (LMF). This disclosure embodiment provides a positioning method determination mechanism that can receive the positioning request sent by the first terminal device and send the positioning request to the LMF, reducing situations where the positioning method cannot be determined. This disclosure provides a processing method for the "positioning method determination" scenario, which, when receiving a first request information sent by the first terminal device, can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, reducing situations where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or where positioning information cannot be obtained, reducing the number of situations where positioning cannot be performed, determining positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0784] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when sending a location request to the LMF, the sending module 3602 is specifically used for:

[0785] When sending a location request to the LMF, the neighboring terminal device information of the first terminal device is sent to the LMF.

[0786] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 3602 is further configured to: after sending the location request to the Location Management Function (LMF) entity, also be configured to:

[0787] Receive the second request information sent by LMF in response to the location request;

[0788] Send a second request message to the first terminal device, wherein the second request message is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0789] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second request information includes a request to discover a specific type of terminal device.

[0790] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a particular type of terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0791] SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE);

[0792] SL positioning anchor UE with location information;

[0793] Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning methods include at least one of SL-Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), SL-Angle of Arrival (AOA), and SL-Round Trip Time (RTT);

[0794] SL locates the location server terminal device (UE).

[0795] SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

[0796] Figure 37 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 37 As shown, the device 3700 can be disposed on the LMF side, and the device 3600 may include:

[0797] The receiving module 3701 is used to receive the positioning request sent by the AMF;

[0798] The determination module 3702 is used to respond to a location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method.

[0799] In summary, in the positioning method determination device of this disclosure embodiment, the receiving module receives the positioning request sent by the AMF; the determining module responds to the positioning request, triggers the discovery process, and determines the positioning method. This disclosure embodiment provides a positioning method determination mechanism that can receive the positioning request sent by the AMF and determine the positioning method, reducing the number of cases where the positioning method cannot be determined. This disclosure provides a processing device for the "positioning method determination" scenario, which, when receiving the positioning request sent by the AMF, can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, reducing the situation where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or the inability to obtain positioning information, reducing the number of cases where positioning cannot be performed, determining the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0800] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 3701, when receiving a location request sent by the AMF, is specifically used for:

[0801] When receiving a location request from the AMF, the device receives information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device from the AMF.

[0802] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 3701 is further configured to: after receiving the location request sent by the AMF, further configure to:

[0803] Send a second request message to the AMF, wherein the second request message is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

[0804] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second request information includes a request to discover a specific type of terminal device.

[0805] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a particular type of terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0806] SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE);

[0807] SL positioning anchor UE with location information;

[0808] Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning methods include at least one of SL-TDOA, SL-AOA and SL-RTT;

[0809] SL locates the location server terminal device (UE).

[0810] SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

[0811] Figure 38 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 38 As shown, the device 3800 may include:

[0812] AMF3801 is used to receive a location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0813] The AMF3801 is also used to send location requests to the LMF;

[0814] LMF3802 is used to receive location requests;

[0815] The LMF3802 is also used to respond to location requests, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method.

[0816] In summary, in the positioning method determination device of this disclosure embodiment, the AMF receives a positioning request sent by the first terminal device; the AMF sends the positioning request to the LMF; the LMF receives the positioning request; and the LMF responds to the positioning request, triggers a discovery process, and determines the positioning method. This disclosure embodiment provides a positioning method determination mechanism, allowing the LMF to receive the positioning request sent by the AMF and determine the positioning method, reducing situations where the positioning method cannot be determined. This disclosure provides a processing device for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which, when the LMF receives the positioning request sent by the AMF, can provide a positioning method determination mechanism, reducing situations where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or where positioning information cannot be obtained, reducing the number of situations where positioning cannot be performed, and can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method, thereby improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0817] Figure 39 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method determination device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 39 As shown, the device 3900 may include:

[0818] The receiving module 3901 is used for the network-side device to receive the location request sent by the first terminal device;

[0819] The determination module 3902 is used by the network-side device to respond to the location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method.

[0820] In summary, in the positioning method determination device of this disclosure embodiment, the receiving module is used for the network-side device to receive a positioning request sent by the first terminal device; the determining module is used for the network-side device to respond to the positioning request, trigger a discovery process, and determine the positioning method. This disclosure embodiment provides a positioning method determination mechanism, whereby the determining module can trigger a discovery process and determine the positioning method based on the received positioning request, reducing situations where the positioning method cannot be determined. This disclosure provides a processing device for a "positioning method determination" scenario, which, upon receiving a positioning request, can provide a positioning method determination mechanism to reduce situations where inaccurate positioning method determination leads to a mismatch between the positioning method and positioning information, or where positioning information cannot be obtained, thus reducing the possibility of being unable to perform positioning. It can determine the positioning information corresponding to the positioning method and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0821] Figure 40 This is a block diagram of a terminal device UE4000 provided in one embodiment of this disclosure. For example, UE4000 can be a mobile phone, computer, digital broadcasting terminal device, messaging device, game console, tablet device, medical device, fitness device, personal digital assistant, etc.

[0822] Reference Figure 40 The UE4000 may include at least one of the following components: a processing component 4002, a memory 4004, a power supply component 4006, a multimedia component 4008, an audio component 4010, an input / output (I / O) interface 4012, a sensor component 4014, and a communication component 4016.

[0823] Processing component 4002 typically controls the overall operation of UE 4000, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communication, camera operation, and recording. Processing component 4002 may include at least one processor 4020 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, processing component 4002 may include at least one module to facilitate interaction between processing component 4002 and other components. For example, processing component 4002 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 4008 and processing component 4002.

[0824] Memory 4004 is configured to store various types of data to support operation on UE4000. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on UE4000, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 4004 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0825] Power supply component 4006 provides power to various components of UE4000. Power supply component 4006 may include a power management system, at least one power supply, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to UE4000.

[0826] The multimedia component 4008 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the UE 4000 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touchscreen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes at least one touch sensor to sense touch, swipe, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor may not only sense the boundaries of the touch or swipe action but also detect the wake-up time and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 4008 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When the UE 4000 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or the rear-facing camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0827] Audio component 4010 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 4010 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when UE 4000 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 4004 or transmitted via communication component 4016. In some embodiments, audio component 4010 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0828] I / O interface 4012 provides an interface between processing component 4002 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0829] Sensor assembly 4014 includes at least one sensor for providing status assessment of various aspects of UE 4000. For example, sensor assembly 4014 can detect the on / off state of device 4000, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and keypad of UE 4000, changes in position of UE 4000 or one of its components, the presence or absence of user contact with UE 4000, orientation or acceleration / deceleration of UE 4000, and temperature changes of UE 4000. Sensor assembly 4014 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 4014 may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 4014 may also include an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, pressure sensor, or temperature sensor.

[0830] Communication component 4016 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between UE 4000 and other devices. UE 4000 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 4016 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 4016 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0831] In an exemplary embodiment, the UE4000 may be implemented by at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), digital signal processing device (DSPD), programmable logic device (PLD), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), controller, microcontroller, microprocessor or other electronic component to perform the above method.

[0832] Figure 41 This is a block diagram of a base station 4100 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For example, the base station 4100 can be provided as a network-side device. (Refer to...) Figure 41The base station 4100 includes a processing component 4122, which further includes at least one processor, and memory resources represented by memory 4132 for storing instructions executable by the processing component 4122, such as application programs. The application programs stored in memory 4132 may include one or more modules, each corresponding to a set of instructions. Furthermore, the processing component 4122 is configured to execute instructions to perform any of the methods described above applied to the base station, such as... Figure 27 The method shown.

[0833] Base station 4100 may also include a power supply component 4130 configured to perform power management of base station 4100, a wired or wireless network interface 4150 configured to connect base station 4100 to a network, and an input / output (I / O) interface 4158. Base station 4100 can operate on an operating system stored in memory 4132, such as Windows Server™, MacOS X™, Unix™, Linux™, Free BSD™, or similar.

[0834] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the present disclosure are described from the perspectives of the network-side device and the UE, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network-side device and the UE may include hardware structures and software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions can be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0835] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the present disclosure have been described from the perspectives of the network-side device and the UE, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network-side device and the UE may include hardware structures and software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions can be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0836] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the present disclosure have been described from the perspectives of the network-side device and the UE, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network-side device and the UE may include hardware structures and software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions can be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0837] This disclosure provides a communication device. The communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module may include a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module is used to implement the sending function, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function. The transceiver module can implement both sending and / or receiving functions.

[0838] The communication device can be a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments), a device within a terminal device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a network device, a device within a network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a network device.

[0839] This disclosure provides another communication device. The communication device can be a network device, a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0840] A communication device may include one or more processors. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., network-side equipment, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0841] Optionally, the communication device may further include one or more memories, on which computer programs may be stored. The processor executes the computer programs to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories may also store data. The communication device and the memories may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0842] Optionally, the communication device may also include a transceiver and an antenna. The transceiver, also known as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, is used to implement transmission and reception functions. The transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter; the receiver, also known as a receiver circuit, is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter, also known as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0843] Optionally, the communication device may further include one or more interface circuits. The interface circuits are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor. The processor executes the code instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0844] The communication device is a first terminal device (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments): the processor is used to execute... Figures 2-18 Any of the methods shown.

[0845] The communication device is a second terminal device (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments): the processor is used to execute... Figures 19-21 Any of the methods shown.

[0846] The communication device is AMF: the processor is used to execute... Figures 22-26 Any of the methods shown.

[0847] The communication device is an LMF: the processor is used to execute... Figures 27-29 Any of the methods shown.

[0848] The communication device is the core network: the processor is used to execute... Figure 30 The method shown.

[0849] The communication device is a network-side device: the processor is used to execute... Figure 31 The method shown.

[0850] In one implementation, the processor may include a transceiver for implementing receive and transmit functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receive and transmit functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0851] In one implementation, the processor may store a computer program that runs on the processor, causing the communication device to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer program may be embedded in the processor; in this case, the processor may be implemented in hardware.

[0852] In one implementation, the communication device may include circuitry that performs the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this disclosure can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0853] The communication device described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments), but the scope of the communication device described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device is not limited. The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be:

[0854] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0855] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0856] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0857] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0858] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0859] (6) Others, etc.

[0860] When the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, the chip includes a processor and an interface. There can be one or more processors, and multiple interfaces.

[0861] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory for storing necessary computer programs and data.

[0862] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0863] This disclosure also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0864] This disclosure also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0865] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0866] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor do they indicate the order of events.

[0867] At least one of the features described in this disclosure can also be described as one or more, and multiple features can be two, three, four or more, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations. In the embodiments of this disclosure, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", etc., and there is no sequential order or size order among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0868] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0869] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining a positioning mode, characterized in that, The method is executed by a first terminal device, and the method includes: In response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device, determine whether to send a location request to the network-side device; Determine the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process; In response to the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process being SL positioning method, the specific SL positioning method is determined. Initiate the SL positioning process according to the specific SL positioning method described above; Determining whether to send a location request to the network-side device includes at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, in response to the positioning information requested by the positioning request belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send the positioning request to the network-side device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to the first terminal device not sending a location request to the network-side device, the location method is determined; In response to the first terminal device sending a location request to the network-side device, the device receives the location method sent by the network-side device in response to the location request.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process includes at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is currently outside the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method; When the first terminal device is currently within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the Uu port positioning method; When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via SL Relay, and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method. When the location information requested by the first terminal device belongs to the second preset location information and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method, wherein the second preset location information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information; When the first terminal device only supports the Uu port positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the Uu port positioning method. When the first terminal device only supports the SL positioning method, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be the SL positioning method. When the QoS conditions of the location request sent to the network-side device meet the threshold conditions, and the first terminal device supports both SL positioning and Uu port positioning, the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process is determined to be a joint positioning method of SL positioning and Uu port positioning.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the specific SL positioning method includes: The specific SL positioning method is determined by the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the positioning protocol layer includes at least one of the following: the sidechain positioning protocol layer (SLPP), the ranging sidechain positioning protocol layer (RSPP), and the long-term evolution technology positioning protocol layer (LPP).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, wherein the upper layer is at a higher level than the location protocol layer.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The location request includes at least one of the following: Location type; Positioning accuracy.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the upper layer of the first terminal device sends a location request to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device, the upper layer sends information about neighboring terminal devices to the location protocol layer of the first terminal device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The information on the nearest terminal devices includes at least one of the following: Device identification information of nearby terminal devices; Signal quality information of the SL link of the nearby terminal device; The role information supported by the neighboring terminal devices; The location method information supported by the nearby terminal device; The location information of the nearby terminal devices; The time point information for acquiring the information of the neighboring terminal devices; Does the nearest terminal device support location calculation? Does the neighboring terminal device have the ability to determine the positioning method? 9. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first terminal device may send neighboring terminal device information to the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device from any one of the PC5-Data Link Layer (PC5-D layer), the Proximity Service (ProSe) layer, and the V2X layer.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the specific SL positioning method includes: Trigger the discovery process; Based on the discovery results corresponding to the discovery process, the specific SL positioning method is determined.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The trigger discovery process includes: The discovery process is triggered when the positioning protocol layer of the first terminal device receives a positioning request sent by the upper layer of the first terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The discovery process includes at least one of the following: ProSe discovery process; V2X discovery process.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The triggering conditions for the discovery process include at least one of the following: The upper layer of the first terminal device does not provide information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device; The neighboring terminal device information provided by the upper layer does not meet the information requirements; The neighboring terminal device information provided by the upper layer has expired. The location protocol layer has no available information on the nearest terminal device, wherein the location protocol layer includes at least one of the SLPP layer, RSPP layer and LPP layer; The location request of the upper layer is a relative location type; The location request of the upper layer is for an absolute location. The requested location type is a relative location type and / or an absolute location type; The first terminal device is currently outside the coverage area of ​​the network-side device.

14. The method according to claim 5, 7, 11 or 13, characterized in that, in, The upper layer includes at least one of the following: Application layer; Non-access layer (NAS layer); PC5-S Signaling Transport Layer; Location Service (LCS) layer.

15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The trigger discovery process includes: When triggering the discovery process, specify the type of terminal device to be discovered.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, in, The specific type of terminal device includes at least one of the following: SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE); SL positioning anchor UE with location information; Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning method includes at least one of SL-Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), SL-Angle of Arrival (AOA), and SL-Round Trip Time (RTT); SL locates the location server terminal device (UE). SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the specific SL positioning method includes: In response to the location request, if the requested location information belongs to the third preset location information, the specific SL positioning method is determined to be the SL-RTT positioning method, wherein the third preset location information includes at least one of distance information and angle information.

18. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the specific SL positioning method includes: In response to the positioning accuracy meeting the accuracy condition corresponding to the positioning request, the specific SL positioning method is determined to be SL-TDOA positioning method and / or SL-AOA positioning method.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: The precision condition is determined based on the condition configuration sent by the network-side device; or The accuracy conditions are determined based on the pre-condition configuration.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, in, The location request corresponds to a relative location type and / or an absolute location type.

21. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first terminal device has the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself supports determining the positioning method.

22. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first terminal device does not have the ability to determine the positioning method or the first terminal device itself does not support determining the positioning method, a first request message is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a neighboring terminal device that has the ability to determine the positioning method.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first request information includes at least one of the following: Location request information; Information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, After sending the first request information to the second terminal device, the method further includes: Receive the location method sent by the second terminal device in response to the first request information.

25. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a location request to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

26. A method for determining a positioning mode, characterized in that, The method is performed by the AMF, and the method includes: Receive a location request sent by the first terminal device; Send the location request to the Location Management Function Entity (LMF); The location request is sent by the first terminal device when it determines to send a location request to the network-side device in response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device. The positioning process corresponds to the positioning method of SL positioning, and the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device is an SL positioning process initiated according to the specific SL positioning method. Wherein, the location request is determined by the first terminal device to be sent to the network-side device, including at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, in response to the positioning information requested by the positioning request belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send the positioning request to the network-side device.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, Sending the location request to the LMF includes: When sending the location request to the LMF, the neighboring terminal device information of the first terminal device is sent to the LMF.

28. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, After sending the location request to the Location Management Function (LMF) entity, the method further includes: Receive the second request information sent by the LMF in response to the location request; Send the second request information to the first terminal device, wherein the second request information is used to request information on neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, in, The second request information includes a request to discover a specific type of terminal device.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, in, The specific type of terminal device includes at least one of the following: SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE); SL positioning anchor UE with location information; Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning method includes at least one of SL-Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), SL-Angle of Arrival (AOA), and SL-Round Trip Time (RTT); SL locates the location server terminal device (UE). SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

31. A method for determining a positioning mode, characterized in that, The method is executed by LMF, and the method includes: Receive location requests sent by AMF; In response to the location request, a discovery process is triggered, and the location method is determined; The location request is sent to the AMF by the first terminal device when it determines to send a location request to the network-side device in response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device. The positioning process corresponds to the positioning method of SL positioning, and the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device is an SL positioning process initiated according to the specific SL positioning method. Wherein, the location request is determined by the first terminal device to be sent to the network-side device, including at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, in response to the positioning information requested by the positioning request belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send the positioning request to the network-side device.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The receiving of the location request sent by the AMF includes: When receiving a location request sent by the AMF, the device receives the neighboring terminal device information of the first terminal device sent by the AMF.

33. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, After receiving the location request sent by the AMF, the method further includes: Send a second request message to the AMF, wherein the second request message is used to request information about neighboring terminal devices of the first terminal device.

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, in, The second request information includes a request to discover a specific type of terminal device.

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that, in, The specific type of terminal device includes at least one of the following: SL positioning anchor terminal device (UE); SL positioning anchor UE with location information; Supported SL positioning anchor UEs, wherein the specific SL positioning method includes at least one of SL-TDOA, SL-AOA and SL-RTT; SL locates the location server terminal device (UE). SL positioning auxiliary terminal equipment.

36. A method for determining a positioning mode, characterized in that, The method includes: AMF receives a location request sent by the first terminal device; The AMF sends the location request to the LMF; The LMF receives the location request; In response to the location request, the LMF triggers the discovery process and determines the location method; The location request is sent to the AMF by the first terminal device when it determines to send a location request to the network-side device in response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device. The positioning process corresponds to the positioning method of SL positioning, and the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device is an SL positioning process initiated according to the specific SL positioning method. Wherein, the location request is determined by the first terminal device to be sent to the network-side device, including at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, in response to the positioning information requested by the positioning request belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send the positioning request to the network-side device.

37. A method for determining a positioning mode, characterized in that, The method includes: The network-side device receives a location request sent by the first terminal device; The network-side device responds to the location request, triggers the discovery process, and determines the location method; The location request is sent by the first terminal device when it determines to send a location request to the network-side device in response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device. The positioning process corresponds to the positioning method of SL positioning, and the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device is an SL positioning process initiated according to the specific SL positioning method. Wherein, the location request is determined by the first terminal device to be sent to the network-side device, including at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, in response to the positioning information requested by the positioning request belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send the positioning request to the network-side device.

38. A positioning method determination device, characterized in that, The device is installed on the first terminal device side, and the device includes a determining module and / or a receiving module. In response to the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device, the determining module determines whether to send a positioning request to the network-side device; and determines the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process. The determining module is also used for: In response to the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process being SL positioning method, the specific SL positioning method is determined. Initiate the SL positioning process according to the specific SL positioning method described above; Determining whether to send a location request to the network-side device includes at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, in response to the positioning information requested by the positioning request belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send the positioning request to the network-side device.

39. A positioning method determination device, characterized in that, The device is disposed on the AMF side, and the device includes: The receiving module is used to receive the location request sent by the first terminal device; The sending module is used to send the location request to the Location Management Function Entity (LMF). The location request is sent by the first terminal device when it determines to send a location request to the network-side device in response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device. The positioning process corresponds to the positioning method of SL positioning, and the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device is an SL positioning process initiated according to the specific SL positioning method. Wherein, the location request is determined by the first terminal device to be sent to the network-side device, including at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, in response to the positioning information requested by the positioning request belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send the positioning request to the network-side device.

40. A positioning method determination device, characterized in that, The device is disposed on the LMF side, and the device includes: The receiving module is used to receive positioning requests sent by the AMF. The determination module is used to respond to the location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method; The location request is sent to the AMF by the first terminal device when it determines to send a location request to the network-side device in response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device. The positioning process corresponds to the positioning method of SL positioning, and the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device is an SL positioning process initiated according to the specific SL positioning method. Wherein, the location request is determined by the first terminal device to be sent to the network-side device, including at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, in response to the positioning information requested by the positioning request belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send the positioning request to the network-side device.

41. A positioning method determination device, characterized in that, The device includes: AMF is used to receive location requests sent by the first terminal device; The AMF is also used to send the location request to the LMF; The LMF is used to receive the location request; The LMF is also used to respond to the location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method; The location request is sent to the AMF by the first terminal device when it determines to send a location request to the network-side device in response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device. The positioning process corresponds to the positioning method of SL positioning, and the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device is an SL positioning process initiated according to the specific SL positioning method. Wherein, the location request is determined by the first terminal device to be sent to the network-side device, including at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, in response to the positioning information requested by the positioning request belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send the positioning request to the network-side device.

42. A positioning method determination device, characterized in that, The device includes: The receiving module is used by the network-side device to receive the location request sent by the first terminal device; The determination module is used by the network-side device to respond to the location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method; The location request is sent by the first terminal device when it determines to send a location request to the network-side device in response to the location process initiated by the first terminal device. The positioning process corresponds to the positioning method of SL positioning, and the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device is an SL positioning process initiated according to the specific SL positioning method. Wherein, the location request is determined by the first terminal device to be sent to the network-side device, including at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, in response to the positioning information requested by the positioning request belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, it does not send the positioning request to the network-side device.

43. A first terminal device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

44. An AMF, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 26 to 30.

45. An LMF, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 31 to 35.

46. ​​A core network, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the processor to perform the method as described in claim 36.

47. A network-side device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the processor to perform the method as described in claim 37.

48. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and interface circuitry, among which The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25, 26 to 30, 31 to 35, 36, or 37.

49. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The device is configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25, 26 to 30, 31 to 35, 36, or 37 to be implemented.

50. A positioning method determination system, characterized in that, The system includes: The first terminal device is used to send a location request to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); The AMF is used to receive a location request sent by the first terminal device; The AMF is used to send the location request to the location management function entity LMF; The LMF is used to receive location requests sent by the AMF; The LMF is used to respond to the location request, trigger the discovery process, and determine the location method; Wherein, in response to the positioning process initiated by the first terminal device, the first terminal device determines to send the positioning request to the network-side device, including at least one of the following: When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device and the first terminal device supports SL positioning, in response to the positioning request requesting positioning information belonging to the first preset positioning information, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first preset positioning information includes at least one of distance information, angle information, and relative position information. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device, in response to the location request, the requested location information is absolute location information, and the first terminal device supports Uu port positioning mode, and sends the location request to the network-side device. When the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the network-side device via the SL relay and the first terminal device supports the SL positioning method, the positioning request is not sent to the network-side device. The first terminal device is further configured to respond to the positioning method corresponding to the positioning process being SL positioning method, determine the specific SL positioning method, and initiate the SL positioning process according to the specific SL positioning method.

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