Method, apparatus, and software for ranging and / or sidelink positioning capability negotiation

Abstract

Range measurement and / or direct connection link positioning capability negotiation method, user equipment, and location management function (LMF) entity and software. The method includes: performing range measurement and / or direct connection link positioning process according to an indication to calculate a first range measurement and / or direct connection link positioning calculation mode of the device, where the first range measurement and / or direct connection link positioning calculation mode is determined based on first range measurement / direct connection link positioning capability information of at least one UE; in response to detecting a predetermined event, obtaining second range measurement and / or direct connection link positioning capability information of at least one UE; and sending the second range measurement and / or direct connection link positioning capability information of at least one UE to a location management function (LMF) to determine a second range measurement and / or direct connection link positioning calculation mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to wireless technologies. In particular, this application relates to a method, apparatus, and software for facilitating negotiation of ranging and / or direct link positioning capabilities for promoting determination of ranging and / or direct link positioning result calculation modes. This application generally relates to wireless technologies. In particular, this application relates to a method, apparatus, and software for facilitating negotiation of ranging and / or direct link positioning capabilities for promoting determination of ranging and / or direct link positioning result calculation modes. Background Art

[0002] Positioning has always been a core part of cellular technologies. Direct link positioning brings flexibility to positioning in different operating scenarios with multiple spectrum options.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to use wireless communication systems such as, for example, New Radio (NR) cellular technologies to assist in accurate and efficient ranging or direct link positioning.

[0004] Ranging refers to determining the distance and / or direction and / or relative positioning between two User Equipments (UEs) or multiple UEs, or between one UE (i.e., the target UE) and another UE (i.e., the reference UE) through the PC5 interface. PC5 refers to the reference point at which a User Equipment (UE, e.g., a mobile phone) communicates directly with another UE through a direct channel. In this case, there is no need to communicate with the base station. "Direct link positioning" is a term referring to the direct positioning of a UE through PC5.

[0005] The Location Management Function (LMF) is the core in the 5G positioning architecture. The LMF receives measurement values and assistance information from the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) and mobile devices (also known as User Equipments (UEs)) through the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to calculate the location of the UE.

[0006] Ranging-based services and direct link positioning include distance measurement, direction measurement, or both. A UE is allowed to request only distance measurement, only direction measurement, or both in a service.

[0007] The entire process of ranging and / or direct link positioning includes the following steps:

[0008] - Receiving a ranging and / or direct link positioning request (e.g., from a UE, AMF, or LMF);

[0009] - Measuring the distance between two UEs or between one UE and multiple UEs;

[0010] - Calculating the result (e.g., at the UE, at the LMF, or at both);

[0011] - Send a response to the ranging and / or direct link positioning request (e.g., to the UE, AMF, LMF) based on the calculation result.

[0012] Since the result calculation can be performed at the UE, at the LMF, or both, they must be coordinated.

[0013] Therefore, challenges may include low coordination efficiency during the ranging and / or direct link positioning service. In particular, the calculation mode of the service cannot be dynamically adapted.

[0014] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation method, as well as an apparatus and software capable of improving the coordination between entities during the direct link positioning process. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation, including the steps of: performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to a first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode indicating a calculation device, wherein the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode is determined based at least on first ranging / direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE; determining second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE in response to detecting a first predetermined event; and sending the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE to a Location Management Function (LMF) to determine a second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

[0016] Accordingly, according to the present invention, a session can be established between a UE and an LMF. In other words, first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE is provided to a network entity (e.g., an access and mobility management function (AMF) or an LMF). The UE and the LMF can perform a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to a first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode determined by the network entity at least based on the previously provided first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE. Thereafter, if a first predetermined event (e.g., low power) is detected by the UE, the UE will determine second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information. Preferably, the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information is determined by updating the first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information. Alternatively, the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information can be determined independently of the first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information. Then, the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE is sent to the LMF to determine a second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. It should be understood that the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode can be the same as the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. They can also be different. Accordingly, according to the present invention, the UE is capable of actively synchronizing its ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information with the LMF, enabling the LMF to dynamically adapt the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

[0017] Preferably, the first predetermined event is at least one of the following: turning on the power saving mode; turning off the power saving mode; the usage rate of at least one central processing unit (CPU) increasing to a predetermined threshold; the temperature of the UE increasing to a predetermined threshold; the usage rate of at least one CPU decreasing to a threshold; the temperature of the UE decreasing to a threshold.

[0018] Among them, the different situations as described above can trigger the UE to determine the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information. For example, turning on / off the power saving mode. The power saving mode can refer to a state where the background network usage and synchronization functions of the terminal are disabled. If such an event is detected, some capabilities of the UE may change. Therefore, it is beneficial to use such an event to trigger the process as described above. It should be understood that other events can also be suitable triggers. For example, decreasing or increasing the screen brightness, disabling or enabling the Bluetooth function. Therefore, a suitable trigger for determining the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information ensures that the LMF timely obtains the latest capability information of the UE, so that a more suitable ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode can be determined.

[0019] Preferably, the ranging and / or direct link capability information includes at least one of the following: the ability to calculate the distance between two UEs; the ability to calculate the direction of one UE with respect to another UE; the ability to calculate the high-precision distance between two UEs; the ability to calculate the high-precision direction of one UE with respect to another UE; the ability to calculate the distance between one UE and each of a plurality of UEs; the ability to calculate the direction of one UE with respect to each of a plurality of UEs; the ability to calculate the high-precision distance between one UE and each of a plurality of UEs; the ability to calculate the high-precision direction from one UE with respect to each of a plurality of UEs.

[0020] Among them, in response to different requests, different types of capability information are provided to determine more precisely. Preferably, the high-precision option is defined by the UE. For example, high-precision may refer to a horizontal precision less than 10 meters and a vertical precision less than 3 meters.

[0021] Preferably, the method further includes: receiving a response from the LMF, where the response includes an indication of a second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode; performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

[0022] After sending the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE, the UE may receive a response from the LMF. The response may be a simple reception confirmation. The response may also include an indication of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. Thereafter, the UE may perform a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. It should be understood that the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode may be the same as the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. They may also be different.

[0023] Preferably, the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode includes one of the following: a UE-based calculation mode, where in the UE-based calculation mode, the computing device is at least one UE; an LMF-based calculation mode, where in the LMF-based calculation mode, the computing device is an LMF entity; or a hybrid calculation mode, where in the hybrid calculation mode, the computing device is at least one UE and an LMF entity.

[0024] Preferably, the transmission of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE to the LMF is triggered by a second predetermined event. Preferably, the second predetermined event is at least one of the following: the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE is different from the first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE; a periodic timer configured on the UE expires; an event indicated in a delayed ranging and / or direct link positioning request.

[0025] Among them, the transmission of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE to the LMF can be triggered by different events. For periodic requests, a periodic timer is configured on the UE, and when the time arrives, the ranging and / or direct link positioning process starts. Therefore, when the periodic timer expires, the transmission of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE can be triggered. More preferably, the transmission of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE can be triggered at a predetermined time during each time period of the periodic request. Therefore, in each cycle of the periodic request, the UE's capability information is always up-to-date, and when the periodic timer expires, the ranging and / or direct link positioning process can be immediately executed according to the newly determined ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. Preferably, the trigger for the transmission of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE can be an event indicated in a delayed ranging and / or direct link positioning request. According to the delayed ranging and / or direct link positioning request, an event is configured on the UE, and when the event occurs, the ranging and / or direct link positioning process starts. For similar considerations as described above, the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE can be transmitted before the ranging and / or direct link positioning process starts. More preferably, when the event occurs.

[0026] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation performed by a Location Management Function (LMF) entity is provided, including the steps of: performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to a first ranging and / or direct link positioning result calculation mode indicating a computing device, wherein the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode is determined based on the first ranging / direct link positioning capability information of at least one User Equipment (UE); receiving the second ranging and / or direct link capability information of at least one UE; determining a second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode indicating the computing device based on the second ranging and / or direct link capability information of the UE.

[0027] Among them, according to the present invention, a session can be established between the UE and the LMF. In other words, the first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE is provided to a network entity (e.g., the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or the LMF). The UE and the LMF can perform a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode determined by the network entity based on the previously provided first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE. Thereafter, the LMF receives the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE. Based on the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE, a second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode can be determined. It should be understood that the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode can be the same as the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. They can also be different. Therefore, according to the present invention, the LMF is capable of receiving and determining the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode based on the latest ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE.

[0028] Preferably, the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode includes one of the following: a UE-based calculation mode, in which the calculation device is at least one UE in the UE-based calculation mode; an LMF-based calculation mode, in which the calculation device is the LMF entity in the LMF-based calculation mode; or a hybrid calculation mode, in which the calculation device is at least one UE and the LMF entity in the hybrid calculation mode.

[0029] Preferably, after determining the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode, the method further includes: sending a response to the UE, where the response includes an indication of the determined ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode; performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

[0030] After determining the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode, the LMF may send a response to the UE. The response may be a simple reception confirmation. The response may also include an indication of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. Thereafter, the LMF may perform the ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. It should be understood that the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode may be the same as the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. They may also be different. In addition, if the determined ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode is, for example, a UE-based mode, the step of the LMF performing the ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode is not required. It should also be understood that if the response does not include an indication of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode, the response may be sent before the step of determining the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

[0031] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a user equipment (UE) including: a processor and a memory storage device, wherein instructions executable by the processor are stored in the memory storage device, and when the instructions are executed, the processor is caused to execute the above method for ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation.

[0032] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a location management function (LMF) entity including: a processor and a memory storage device, wherein instructions executable by the processor are stored in the memory storage device, and when the instructions are executed, the processor is caused to execute the above method for ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation.

[0033] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions, which when executed by the processor cause the processor to execute the above method for ranging and / or direct link positioning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present application, and in which the figures show:

[0035] Figure 1 is a direct link channel with a PC5 interface,

[0036] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a ranging and / or direct link positioning negotiation method,

[0037] Figure 3 is an embodiment of the present invention illustrating the process of a UE-initiated ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation method,

[0038] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the LMF entity,

[0039] Figure 5 and it is a schematic diagram of the UE. Detailed implementation manners

[0040] Figure 1 It shows a direct link channel with a PC5 interface. PC5 refers to a reference point at which a user equipment (UE) (e.g., a mobile phone) communicates directly with another UE through a direct channel. In this case, communication with a base station is not required. "Direct link positioning" is a term referring to the direct positioning of a UE through PC5.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 , according to the present disclosure, there is provided a method for ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation.

[0042] In step S20, the UE performs a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to an indication to calculate a first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode of the device, where the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode is determined based on at least the first ranging / direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE. Preferably, the ranging and / or direct link positioning process is performed in cooperation with the LMF.

[0043] In step S21, in response to detecting a predetermined event, the UE obtains the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE. Wherein, the predetermined event may be any event that will cause a change in the ranging and / or direct link positioning capability of the UE (e.g., low power). The UE will obtain the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information. Preferably, the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information is obtained by updating the first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information. Alternatively, the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information may be obtained independently of the first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information. In particular, the UE may also obtain the ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of other UEs (e.g., through the PC5 interface).

[0044] In step S22, the UE sends the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE to the Location Management Function (LMF) to determine the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. It should be understood that the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode may be the same as the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. They may also be different. Therefore, according to the present invention, the UE can actively synchronize its ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information with the LMF, enabling the LMF to dynamically adapt the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined event is at least one of the following: turning on the power saving mode; turning off the power saving mode; the utilization rate and / or temperature of at least one central processing unit (CPU) increasing to a predetermined threshold; the utilization rate and / or temperature of at least one CPU decreasing to a threshold; receiving a periodic ranging and / or direct link positioning request; receiving a delayed ranging / direct link positioning request. Among them, the above different situations can trigger the UE to obtain the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information. For example, the utilization rate and / or temperature of the CPU increases to a predetermined value or decreases to a predetermined value (for example, CPU utilization rate 70% and / or CPU temperature 60 degrees Celsius). If such an event is detected, some capabilities of the UE may change. Therefore, it is beneficial to use such an event to trigger the process as described above. It should be understood that other events can also be suitable triggers. For example, reducing / increasing the screen brightness, disabling / enabling the Bluetooth function. Therefore, a suitable trigger for obtaining the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information ensures that the LMF timely obtains the latest capability information of the UE, so that a more appropriate ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode can be determined.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the ranging and / or direct link capability information includes at least one of the following: the ability to calculate the relative distance between two UEs; the ability to calculate the relative direction between two UEs; the ability to calculate the high-precision relative distance between two UEs; the ability to calculate the high-precision relative direction between two UEs; the ability to calculate the relative distance between one and multiple UEs; the ability to calculate the relative direction between one and multiple UEs; the ability to calculate the high-precision relative distance between one and multiple UEs; the ability to calculate the high-precision relative direction between one and multiple UEs.

[0047] Among them, in response to different requests, different types of capability information are provided for more accurate determination. Preferably, the high-precision option is defined by the UE. For example, high-precision can mean that the horizontal precision is less than 10 meters and the vertical precision is less than 3 meters.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes: receiving a response from the LMF, where the response includes an indication of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode; performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

[0049] After sending the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE, the UE can receive a response from the LMF. The response can be a simple reception confirmation. The response can also include an indication of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. Thereafter, the UE can perform the ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. It should be understood that the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode can be the same as the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. They can also be different. In addition, even if different ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation modes are determined, it is possible that the UE that sent the second ranging and / or direct link capability information will not be notified of the new calculation mode. It is sufficient that the LMF and / or other UEs participating in the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation know the determined calculation mode.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode includes one of the following: a UE-based calculation mode, in which the calculating device is at least one UE in the UE-based calculation mode; an LMF-based calculation mode, in which the calculating device is an LMF entity in the LMF-based calculation mode; or a hybrid calculation mode, in which the calculating device is at least one UE and an LMF entity in the hybrid calculation mode.

[0051] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation performed by a Location Management Function (LMF) entity, including the steps of: performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to a first ranging and / or direct link positioning result calculation mode indicating a calculating device, wherein the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode is determined based on the first ranging / direct link positioning capability information of at least one User Equipment (UE); receiving the second ranging and / or direct link capability information of at least one UE; and determining a second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode indicating a calculating device based on the second ranging and / or direct link capability information of the UE.

[0052] Among them, according to the present invention, a session can be established between the UE and the LMF. In other words, the first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of the UE is provided to a network entity (e.g., the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or the LMF). The UE and the LMF can perform a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to a first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode determined by the network entity based on the previously provided first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE. Thereafter, the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE is received from the UE. Based on the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE, a second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode is determined. It should be understood that the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode can be the same as the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. They can also be different. Therefore, according to the present invention, the LMF is capable of receiving and determining a ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode based on the latest ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode includes one of the following: a UE-based calculation mode, in which in the UE-based calculation mode, the calculation device is at least one UE; an LMF-based calculation mode, in which in the LMF-based calculation mode, the calculation device is an LMF entity; or a hybrid calculation mode, in which in the hybrid calculation mode, the calculation device is at least one UE and an LMF entity.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, after determining the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode, the method further includes: sending a response to the UE, where the response includes an indication of the determined ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode; performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

[0055] After determining the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode, the LMF may send a response to the UE. The response may be a simple reception confirmation. The response may also include an indication of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. Thereafter, the LMF may perform the ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. It should be understood that the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode may be the same as the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. They may also be different. In addition, even if different ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation modes are determined, it is possible that the UE that sent the second ranging and / or direct link capability information will not be notified of the new calculation mode. It is sufficient that the LMF and / or other UEs participating in the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation know the determined calculation mode. It should also be understood that if the response does not include an indication of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode, the response may be sent before the step of determining the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

[0056] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a user equipment (UE), comprising: a processor and a memory storage device, wherein instructions executable by the processor are stored in the memory storage device, and when the instructions are executed, the processor is caused to perform the above method for ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation.

[0057] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a Location Management Function (LMF) entity, comprising: a processor and a memory storage device, wherein instructions executable by the processor are stored in the memory storage device, and when the instructions are executed, the processor is caused to perform the above method for ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation.

[0058] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions, and when the processor-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the processor is caused to perform the above method for ranging and / or direct link positioning.

[0059] Now refer Figure 3 , Figure 3 to a preferred UE-initiated ranging / direct link positioning capability negotiation method according to the present invention.

[0060] Figure 3 The process described in Figure 3 may be triggered by a change in the state of the UE. Any predetermined event described in this application may be an indication of such a state change and thus trigger

[0061] Figure 3Illustrated is that if a session has been established between the UE and the LMF, the UE may wish to update its ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information when detecting a predetermined event (e.g., turning on / off the power saving mode). In step 1, the UE initiates a capability negotiation with the LMF by indicating the updated ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of at least one UE. Before initiating the capability negotiation, the UE may obtain the ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information from other UEs via the PC5 interface, so that all relevant positioning capability information can be provided to the LMF by a single UE. In step 2, the LMF receives the ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information sent by the UE and re-evaluates the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode based on the received information. In step 3, the LMF sends a response to the UE, and the response may include an indication of the determined ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode. If the response does not include an indication of the determined ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode, the response may also be sent before the determination step.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the LMF entity. The LMF entity 40 includes a processor 42 and a memory storage device 44. The memory storage device 44 may store a computer program or application containing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor 42 to perform operations such as those described herein. For example, the instructions may execute a method according to the method described herein. It should be understood that the instructions may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as an optical disc, a flash memory device, a random access memory, a hard disk drive, etc. When the instructions are executed, the processor 42 performs the operations and functions specified in the instructions so as to operate as a dedicated processor for implementing one or more of the described processes. In some examples, such a processor may be referred to as a "processor circuit" or "processor circuitry".

[0063] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the UE. The UE 50 includes a processor 52 and a memory storage device 54. The memory storage device 54 may store a computer program or application containing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor 52 to perform operations such as those described herein. For example, the instructions may execute a method according to the method described herein. It should be understood that the instructions may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as an optical disc, a flash memory device, a random access memory, a hard disk drive, etc. When the instructions are executed, the processor 52 performs the operations and functions specified in the instructions so as to operate as a dedicated processor for implementing one or more of the described processes. In some examples, such a processor may be referred to as a "processor circuit" or "processor circuitry".

[0064] The present application also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method according to the methods described herein.

[0065] Certain adaptations and modifications can be made to the described embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments discussed above are considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Specifically, the embodiments can be freely combined with each other.

Claims

1. A method for ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation, implemented by a user equipment (UE), comprising: Performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to a first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode, wherein the first ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode is determined based on at least one UE's first ranging / direct link positioning capability information, and the calculation mode is used to indicate a calculation device, which includes at least one of the following: at least one UE, a Location Management Function (LMF) entity; Determining the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of the at least one UE in response to detecting a first predetermined event; Sending the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of the at least one UE to a Location Management Function (LMF) to determine a second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode; Wherein, the ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode includes one of the following: A UE-based calculation mode, wherein in the UE-based calculation mode, the calculation device is at least one UE; An LMF-based calculation mode, wherein in the LMF-based calculation mode, the calculation device is an LMF entity; or A hybrid calculation mode, wherein in the hybrid calculation mode, the calculation device is the at least one UE and the LMF entity.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined event is at least one of the following: Turning on the power saving mode; Turning off the power saving mode; The usage rate of at least one Central Processing Unit (CPU) increases to a predetermined threshold; The temperature of the UE rises to a predetermined threshold; The usage rate of at least one CPU decreases to the threshold; The temperature of the UE drops to the threshold.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information includes at least one of the following: - The ability to calculate the distance between two UEs; - The ability to calculate the direction of one UE with respect to another UE; - The ability to calculate the high-precision distance between two UEs; - The ability to calculate the high-precision direction of one UE with respect to another UE; - The ability to calculate the distance between one UE and each of multiple UEs; - The ability to calculate the direction of one UE with respect to each of multiple UEs; - The ability to calculate the high-precision distance between one UE and each of multiple UEs; - The ability to calculate the high-precision direction of one UE with respect to each of multiple UEs.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the method further comprises: Receiving a response from the LMF, wherein the response includes an indication of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode; Performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the transmission of the second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of the at least one UE to the LMF is triggered by a second predetermined event, and the second predetermined event is at least one of the following: - The second ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of the at least one UE is different from the first ranging and / or direct link positioning capability information of the at least one UE; - A periodic timer configured on the UE expires; - An event indicated in a delayed ranging and / or direct link positioning request.

6. A method for ranging and / or direct link positioning capability negotiation, implemented by a Location Management Function (LMF) entity, comprising: Performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to a calculation mode of a first ranging and / or direct link positioning result, wherein the calculation mode of the ranging and / or direct link positioning is determined based on first ranging / direct link positioning capability information of at least one User Equipment (UE), and the calculation mode is used to indicate a calculation device, and the calculation device comprises at least one of the following: at least one UE, the LMF entity; Receiving second ranging and / or direct link capability information of the at least one UE; Determining a calculation mode of second ranging and / or direct link positioning indicating a calculation device based on the second ranging and / or direct link capability information of the at least one UE; Wherein, the calculation mode of the ranging and / or direct link positioning comprises one of the following: A UE-based calculation mode, wherein in the UE-based calculation mode, the calculation device is at least one UE; An LMF-based calculation mode, wherein in the LMF-based calculation mode, the calculation device is the LMF entity; or A hybrid calculation mode, wherein in the hybrid calculation mode, the calculation device is the at least one UE and the LMF entity.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein after determining the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode, the method further comprises: Sending a response to the UE, wherein the response comprises an indication of the determined ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode; Performing a ranging and / or direct link positioning process according to the second ranging and / or direct link positioning calculation mode.

8. A User Equipment (UE) comprising: A processor and a memory storage device, wherein instructions executable by the processor are stored in the memory storage device, and when the instructions are executed, the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. A Location Management Function (LMF) entity comprising: A processor and a memory storage device, wherein instructions executable by the processor are stored in the memory storage device, and when the instructions are executed, the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 6 to 7.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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