Enhancement with respect to sidelink positioning

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a device and method for sidelink positioning and a computer readable storage medium. A first device receives, from a second device, first assistance information for positioning a positioning process of the first device, the first assistance information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process. A first device sends forwarding information about a positioning process to a node in the positioning process, the forwarding information including a process identifier and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process. The first device then transmits data with at least a portion of the node based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process. In this way, sidelink positioning data may be efficiently delivered between network nodes regardless of what positioning protocol is used, various coverage conditions, and / or the action in sidelink positioning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for sidelink (SL) positioning. Background Art

[0002] Traditional Uu positioning requires the target UE to communicate with the Location Management Function (LMF) via the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) using the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP). Since both endpoints of the positioning session (i.e., the target UE and the LMF) are predetermined, the LPP messages are transparently routed via the Non-Access Stratum (NAS). Individual sessions associated with different positioning calls involving the same UE and LMF can be resolved using AMF-based mapping (using association identifiers). The reason is that NAS messages are routed via the AMF (mobility gateway for each UE).

[0003] However, in SL positioning, the situation is more complicated. Unlike Uu positioning, a SL positioning session can involve multiple UEs, such as (multiple) target UEs, anchor UEs and / or server UEs. In addition, the same UE can be in parallel SL positioning sessions. Therefore, it has been proposed to carry a session identifier (ID) and / or transaction ID on NAS to identify a single positioning session. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the first device at least: receives first auxiliary information of a positioning process for locating the first device from a second device, the first auxiliary information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; transmits forwarding information about the positioning process to a node in the positioning process, the forwarding information including a process identifier and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and transmits data with at least a portion of the node based on the forwarding information without considering the positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0005] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the second device at least: sends first auxiliary information of a positioning process for locating the first device to the first device, the first auxiliary information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; and transmits data with at least a portion of the nodes based on the process identifier without considering the positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a third device is provided. The third device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the third device at least: receives forwarding information about a positioning process for locating the first device from the first device, the forwarding information including a process identifier of the positioning process and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and transmits data with at least a portion of nodes associated with the positioning process based on the forwarding information without considering the positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving first auxiliary information of a positioning process for positioning a first device from a second device, the first auxiliary information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; sending forwarding information about the positioning process to a node in the positioning process, the forwarding information including the process identifier and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and transmitting data with at least a portion of the node based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: transmitting first auxiliary information of a positioning process for positioning the first device to a first device, the first auxiliary information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; and transmitting data with at least a portion of the nodes based on the process identifier without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving forwarding information about a positioning process for positioning the first device from a first device, the forwarding information including a process identifier of the positioning process and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and transmitting data with at least a portion of nodes associated with the positioning process based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes a component for receiving first auxiliary information of a positioning process for locating the first device from a second device, the first auxiliary information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; a component for transmitting forwarding information about the positioning process to a node in the positioning process, the forwarding information including the process identifier and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and a component for transmitting data with at least a portion of the node based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes a component for sending first auxiliary information of a positioning process for locating the first device to the first device, the first auxiliary information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; and a component for transmitting data with at least a portion of the nodes based on the process identifier without considering the positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0012] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a third device is provided. The third device includes: a component for receiving, from a first device, forwarding information about a positioning process for positioning the first device, the forwarding information including a process identifier of the positioning process and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and a component for transmitting data with at least a portion of nodes associated with the positioning process based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0013] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0014] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the fifth aspect.

[0015] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the sixth aspect.

[0016] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present invention will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 An example communication environment is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0019] Figure 2 A signaling diagram illustrating data delivery in SL positioning according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 A signaling diagram showing data delivery related to session handover in SL positioning according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 5 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method implemented at a third device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 7 shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] Figure 8 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. Specific embodiments

[0027] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration, and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to the embodiments described below, the embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways.

[0028] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0029] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0030] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. in front of nouns can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element and do not limit the order of nouns. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0031] As used herein, “at least one of: ,” “at least one of ,” and similar descriptions, a list of two or more elements connected by “and” or “or,” means at least any one element, or at least any two or more elements, or at least all the elements.

[0032] As used herein, unless explicitly stated, performing a step “in response to A” does not mean performing the step immediately after “A” occurs, but may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0033] The terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that when used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "having", "having", "includes", and / or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of the described features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0034] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuits) and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware; and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor and software (including a digital signal processor), software and memory that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions; as well as (c) Hardware circuits and / or processors, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that require software (eg, firmware) to operate, but which may not be present when not required for operation.

[0035] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit, or a processor (or multiple processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to the particular claim element.

[0036] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal device and the network device in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G) communication protocol and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there are of course future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement the present disclosure. It should not be considered that the scope of the present disclosure is limited to the above-mentioned system.

[0037] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses a network and receives services from it. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NRNB (also referred to as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node (such as a femto), a micro-net, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment, such as satellite network equipment, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network equipment, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, a radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves similarly to a user equipment (UE) to a parent node, and a distributed unit (DU) portion of the IAB node behaves similarly to a base station to a next-hop IAB node.

[0038] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, the terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS) or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and an application (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and an application (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or automatic processing chain environment), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) part of an IAB node (eg, a relay node).In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "resource", "transmission resource", "resource block", "physical resource block" (PRB), "uplink resource" or "downlink resource" may refer to any resource used to perform communication (e.g., communication between a terminal device and a network device), such as a resource in the time domain, a resource in the frequency domain, a resource in the spatial domain, a resource in the code domain, or any other combination of time, frequency, space and / or code domain resources to achieve communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated, resources in the frequency domain and the time domain will be used as examples of transmission resources for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0040] As used herein, the term "target UE" may refer to a UE to be located. The term "located UE" or "anchor UE" may refer to a UE used as an anchor for positioning purposes. The position of the located UE is known and / or can be easily determined, for example, by using GNSS / Uu based techniques. The term "server" UE may refer to a UE that is capable of calculating or deriving the position of other UEs based on, for example, reports of SL positioning reference signal (PRS) measurements, assistance data, etc.

[0041] The Sidelink Positioning Protocol (SLPP) carried on NAS is used between the UE and the LMF. In SL positioning, the following complex situations may occur: · SLPP positioning sessions may involve multiple a priori unknown UEs, which are selected due to "blind" discovery. Therefore, there is no predetermined endpoint. In addition, as UEs join and leave SL positioning sessions (e.g., under mobility), multiple such dynamically changing endpoints may appear; The same UE may participate in multiple parallel SL positioning sessions and may play different roles, such as target UE, server UE, reference UE, etc. These roles can be of different types, such as based on LPP and / or SLPP; UE can move in and out of network coverage, i.e., it is necessary to ensure that LPP (using LMF coverage) Transition / coexistence between SLPP (out-of-coverage communication mode) and SLPP (out-of-coverage communication mode, which can also be used in conjunction with SLPP when in coverage or partial coverage) to ensure continuity of SL positioning under varying coverage conditions, regardless of the communication mode used; • SL UE may involve session-less positioning, which is characterized by the lack of certain features of session-based positioning, such as the reliable delivery or existence of a session ID.

[0042] In view of the above facts, the need to carry a session ID in an SLPP session has been discussed. On the one hand, the session ID is useful for identifying a single positioning session. Specifically, the session ID can be used to distinguish concurrent sessions between two or more endpoints, or the same UE in different sessions. On the other hand, the introduction of the session ID may require additional session ID management, such as avoiding duplication, signaling, etc.

[0043] In addition, for LPP, concurrent sessions are supported, but explicit session IDs are generally not used in LPP because the routing ID included in the NAS transmission helps identify the serving LMF as well as the session. For periodic auxiliary data delivery sessions, the LMF may change during the periodic auxiliary data delivery process. In this case, the periodicSessionID is included in the LPP message to help maintain a session during the entire auxiliary data delivery process. For SLPP, the transport layer is PC5-U, and the routing identifier cannot be sent over the PC5-U transmission, so the session identifier needs to be carried in the SLPP layer to distinguish different SLPP sessions. In some positioning processes, both LPP and SLPP may be involved, in which case data conversion across the LPP-SLPP interface may occur. However, it may be difficult to carry the session ID in the LPP message.

[0044] In order to improve SL positioning, the present disclosure provides a solution that can effectively transfer SL positioning data between any network nodes regardless of the use of LPP and / or SLPP, network coverage conditions, the total number and role in SL positioning, session-based or session-free positioning.

[0045] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 1 shows an example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. The communication environment 100 can support SL communication and SL positioning between terminal devices. Figure 1 As shown, the communication environment 100 may include a plurality of terminal devices 110 - 1 , 110 - 2 , 120 - 1 , and 120 - 2 and a network device 130 for implementing a management function.

[0047] Depending on the role in SL positioning, the terminal devices 110-1 and 110-2 can act as target UEs, i.e., UEs to be positioned, and the terminal devices 120-1 and 120-2 can act as anchor UEs, i.e., used as anchors for positioning purposes. The position of the anchor UE is known and / or can be easily determined, for example, by using GNSS / Uu-based technologies. In some exemplary embodiments, the anchor UE is discovered by the target UE or determined by the network device 130.

[0048] The terminal devices 110-1, 110-2, 120-1, and 120-2 may communicate with each other via SL communication. For example, the SL communication may include an SLPP session.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, terminal devices 110-1 and 110-2 may also be referred to as target UEs or first devices 110-1 and 110-2, or collectively referred to as terminal devices or first devices 110. Terminal devices 120-1 and 120-2 may also be referred to as anchor UEs or third devices 120-1 and 120-2, or collectively referred to as terminal devices or third devices 120.

[0050] The network device 130 may include all or part of the AMF 130-1 and the LMF 130-2. The AMF 130-1 may act as a mobile gateway for either of the terminal devices 110 and 120. The LMF 130-2 may be a network entity located in a core network (CN) or a radio access network (RAN) that manages the overall coordination and scheduling of resources required for positioning terminal devices registered to or accessing the 5GCN. The LMF 130-2 may calculate or verify the position and / or velocity estimate of the UE. The LMF 130-2 may receive a request for positioning a target UE from other network elements (e.g., a gNB (not shown), an AMF 130-1, etc.). The LMF 130-2 may then interact with the target UE to exchange location information that may be used for UE-assisted and UE-based positioning methods, and return a location report.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal devices 110 and 120 may communicate with the LMF 130-2 via the AMF 130-1 based on the LPP. As mentioned above, the terminal devices 110 and 120 may move in and out of the network coverage. Thus, for the target UE 110-1, in the in-coverage mode, it may communicate directly with the LMF 130-2, and in the out-of-coverage mode, it may communicate directly with the LMF 130-2 via its anchor UE.

[0052] The SL positioning process may be performed between the terminal devices 110 and 120 and the network device 130. The endpoints of the SL positioning process may not be predetermined, and in some cases they may even change dynamically, for example, due to mobility, some terminal devices may join and leave the SL positioning process. In addition, in an example embodiment, a single terminal device may participate in multiple parallel SL positioning processes, possibly in different roles (e.g., target UE, server UE, anchor UE, reference UE, etc.) based on different positioning protocols (e.g., LPP and / or SLPP). It should be noted that in the context of the present disclosure, the SL positioning process may involve session-based positioning and / or session-less positioning.

[0053] In order to facilitate data delivery between any two network nodes (regardless of their roles in SL positioning and positioning protocols), and to ensure the continuity of SL positioning under varying coverage, in some exemplary embodiments, configuration of forwarding information regarding data delivery may be provided. Specifically, the forwarding information may include (i) a process ID of a positioning process, and (ii) a plurality of gateway IDs associated with the positioning process.

[0054] The process ID can be used to identify a given positioning process. To this end, in the SL positioning process, a message or data can be transmitted during delivery together with a specific process ID. The message or data can be, for example, a report of SL PRS measurements.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the process ID may be in the form of an explicit session ID in session-based positioning, or alternatively in the form of an implicit routing ID or correlation ID for session-less positioning.

[0056] Multiple gateway IDs can be used to identify the "next hop" gateway node to which data is to be forwarded during delivery to the final destination node of the SL positioning process, which node can be a specific LMF and / or one or more UEs (e.g., a server UE and / or multiple target UEs), where the AMF is the default gateway.

[0057] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the network device 130 may participate in two positioning procedures, namely, procedure 1 and procedure 2, which are associated with different positioning requests of two target UEs (denoted as tUE). It should be noted that two different protocols, namely, SLPP for inter-UE communication and LPP for LMF-based communication via AMF, are used.

[0058] Specifically, process 1 may be associated with a positioning request of target UE 110-1, and process 2 may be associated with a positioning request of target UE 110-2. In addition, it is assumed that two anchor UEs 120-1 and 120-2 assist in process 1 and process 2, wherein anchor UE 120-2 participates in both process 1 and process 2.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, for process 1, a routing ID (denoted as "rutID1") can be configured as a process identifier. A routing ID can be specified for the AMF. Each member of process 1 (denoted as "PrMe"), including "tUE1", "aUE1" and "aUE2", can be configured with two types of gateway IDs: · Serving AMF 130-1, denoted as "AMF" or "*", represents the default gateway of process 1, and · Other nodes, denoted as "PrMe UE", represent the process member UE of process 1. There may be no specific mapping information configured for process 1 in each node.

[0060] Configuration of the forwarding information may be accomplished using assistance data (AD) delivered to all process members. In some example embodiments, the assistance data may carry appropriate configuration commands, for example in the form of "rutID1@AMF(*)+SM UE", which is interpreted as "rutID1 is a process identifier available at (@) the default gateway AMF (also represented by *) and any process member SM".

[0061] Therefore, multiple data forwarding options are possible. In the case of using the AMF gateway option as the default, preferably, when within network coverage, the SLPP message may be sent from the anchor UE 120-2 (i.e., aUE 120-2) to the target UE 110-1 (i.e., tUE 110-1), and then to the AMF 130-1 and its associated LMF 130-2. In the case where the target UE 110-1 is out of network coverage, the SLPP message may be forwarded via the anchor UE 120-1 (i.e., aUE 120-1).

[0062] For process 2, a session ID (denoted as "sessID") may be configured as the process ID. The session ID may be dedicated to SLPP and used to implement the reliability of SLPP. The target UE 110-2 may act as a default gateway for process 2. In addition, in some example embodiments, messages marked by the session ID "sessID" may be subject to retransmission, acknowledgment (ACK) monitoring, repeat control, etc.

[0063] As described above, the anchor UE 120-2 may participate in both process 1 and process 2. In process 2, the anchor UE 120-2 may simply forward all such SLPP messages to its default gateway, i.e., the target UE 110-2. In this case, the mapping information between the session ID and the routing ID is pre-configured or predetermined. Accordingly, the target UE 110-2 may convert the "sessID" into the corresponding "rutID2" based on the mapping information. The routing ID "rutID2" is configured for the AMF 130-1. Therefore, the target UE 110-2 may then forward the SLPP message to the LMF 130-2 via the AMF 130-1 by using "rutID2" as its NAS routing ID. Additionally or alternatively, as Figure 1 As shown in FIG, in the case of within-coverage, LPP-based data delivery directly from the anchor UE 120-2 to the AMF 130-1 is possible.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the assistance data may carry a configuration command, for example in the form of "[sessID@tUE 110-2]; [RutID2@AMF(*)]", which is interpreted as "sessID" being the procedure identifier used when forwarding to the target UE 110-2, and "rutID2" being the procedure identifier used at (@)AMF 130-1 as the default gateway. It should be noted that the target UE 110-2 should be configured with an association or mapping of "sessID" and "rutID2" with the same procedure ("2"), i.e., they correspond to each other.

[0065] By using this forwarding information for communication (including sending and / or receiving) in a specific positioning process, seamless data conversion across the SLPP-LPP interface can be achieved without relying on coverage conditions. In addition, multi-path multi-hop communication can be achieved regardless of the input and output protocol formats, which will be discussed in detail below.

[0066] In the following, for the purpose of explanation, some example embodiments are described as the first device 110 and the third device 120 operating as terminal devices and the second device 130 operating as a network device. However, in some example embodiments, the operations described in conjunction with the terminal device may be implemented at a network device or other device, and the operations described in conjunction with the network device may be implemented at a terminal device or other device.

[0067] In some example embodiments, if the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 130 is a network device, the link from the second device 130 to the first device 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 130 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 130 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 130 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0068] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices and their connections shown in the figure are for illustration purposes only and do not imply any limitation. The communication network 100 may include any suitable number of devices configured to implement the example embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, it will be understood that one or more additional devices and connections may be deployed in the communication network 100.

[0069] The communication in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), etc., wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, etc., and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, the communication may use any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technology currently known or developed in the future.

[0070] Reference now Figure 2 , Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a signaling diagram of data delivery in SL positioning 200 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, SL positioning 200 includes at least LMF 202, AMF 204, target UE 206 and anchor UE 208. It should be understood that SL positioning 200 may not necessarily be the same as Figure 1 The examples shown in FIG.

[0071] SL positioning 200 may be invoked to locate the target UE 206. When SL positioning is initiated, a UE suitable for use as a reference or anchor UE for the target UE 206 may be discovered. Alternatively, in the case of a mobile terminated location request (MT-LR), it may be the LMF 202 that selects the anchor UE for the target UE 206, and the LMF 202 may then send the selection of the anchor UE to the target UE 206.

[0072] exist Figure 2 In the example shown in , concurrent SL positioning procedures are invoked and LMF 202 is associated with two different procedures 1 and 2. UE 208 is selected as the anchor UE for target UE 206.

[0073] exist Figure 2 In the example of , the target UE 206 may be within the network coverage and communicate with the LMF 202 via its serving AMF 204 using LPP. Forwarding information including a process ID and multiple gateway IDs is configured as part of the SL positioning 200.

[0074] LPP-based data or messages may be encapsulated in NAS according to the Uu specification and forwarded from LMF 202 to target UE 206 via AMF 204 of target UE 206.

[0075] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the forwarding information may be accomplished by delivering assistance data (AD) via an LPP message. In addition, the AD may list at least a portion of the nodes associated with the SL positioning 200.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , LMF 202 (via AMF 204) sends (205) first auxiliary information for positioning process 1, which includes Figure 2 1 and at least a partial list of nodes associated with positioning procedure 1, including a process member denoted as "PrMe UE". Using the process ID, the target UE 206 can then transmit data with the AMF 204 based on the routing ID "rutID1" and with the LMF 202 based on the correlation ID "corID1" in procedure 1.

[0077] The target UE 206 then forwards the AD information to the nodes associated with the positioning process 200 using SLPP. To ensure seamless data forwarding across LPP and SLPP, the AD information to all nodes should indicate the process ID and gateway ID, which in the context of the present invention is call forwarding information.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the target UE 206 sends (210) forwarding information to the anchor UE 208. The forwarding information may include a process ID "rutID1" and a plurality of gateway IDs associated with positioning process 1, ie, "PrMe UE".

[0079] In a similar manner, LMF 202 may also send (215) other auxiliary information for positioning process 2, including the process ID, i.e. Figure 2 "rutID2|corID2" in the positioning process 2, and at least a partial list of nodes associated with positioning process 2. The target UE 206 can transmit data with the AMF 204 based on the routing ID "rutID2" in process 2, and transmit data with the LMF 202 based on the association ID "corID2".

[0080] The target UE 206 then sends (220) to the anchor UE 208 a forwarding message including the process ID "rutID2" and a plurality of gateway IDs associated with positioning process 2 (ie, "PrMe UE").

[0081] In this way, all process members including the target UE and anchor UE are configured to send the corresponding data associated with positioning procedures "1" and "2" to the correct AMF and LMF because they know the correct routing ID. Data transmission can be done directly via the serving gNB (not shown) or AMF, or indirectly via other process members on PC5, for example when the source node is not within the network coverage but a nearby anchor UE is within the coverage. Additionally or alternatively, according to TS23.586, partial coverage conditions require the use of LMF as the positioning management node, so delivery to AMF may be required.

[0082] Figure 2 Examples 1 and 2 of the present invention illustrate example communications in SL positioning based on forwarding information without considering the positioning protocol of the positioning process. In Example 1, the routing ID "rutID1" is used as the process ID. The anchor UE 208 may send (225) a ProvideMeasurement (ProMeas) message with the routing ID "rutID1" to the target UE 206 via SLPP. The ProvideMeasurement message may contain a report of the SL PRS measurement.

[0083] The target UE 206 may then forward (230) the SLPP payload of the ProvideMeasurement message with the same routing ID “rutID1” to the AMF 204, ensuring delivery to the correct LMF 202 based on “rutID1” and corID1”. As part of the reliability implementation of SLPP, a SLPP confirmation may be sent from the target UE 206 to the anchor UE 208. In some cases, the anchor UE 208 may further send (235) a confirmation of the report of the SL PRS measurement with the routing ID “rutID1”.

[0084] In Example 2, the anchor UE 206 may send (240) a report of SL PRS measurements directly to the AMF 204 via LPP using a designated AMF routing ID (e.g., "rutID2" in this particular example). The AMF 204 may then forward (245) the report to the LMF 202.

[0085] However, the process ID may not necessarily be the routing ID. In some example embodiments, the process ID may be a session ID of a different value (e.g. for security purposes). In this case, the mapping between the session ID and the AMF routing ID should be maintained in each configured gateway before the AMF, i.e. all process members that forward data marked with this session ID to the AMF. In this way, the conversion between the session ID and the routing ID can be achieved before the data reaches the AMF.

[0086] In summary, changes in procedure IDs (e.g., due to the use of different delivery protocols) are accompanied by the presence of appropriate mappings at each forwarding gateway. For example, SLPP may forward data related to positioning procedure "1" to / from anchor UE 208 or target UE 206 using the SLPP-specific session ID "sessID", but any gateway delivering such data to AMF 204 should be configured with a mapping on how to convert "sessID" into an ID known to the next hop node (i.e., routing ID "rutID1" known to AMF 204).

[0087] The mapping may be indicated in various formats. For example, in some example embodiments, an AD field in the format of "sessID1@SM>rutID1@AMF" may indicate that the "SM" UE uses session ID "sessID" and forwards to AMF using routing ID "rutID1". Optionally, in some other embodiments, the example format "sessID1:sess ID2|rutID1" may indicate that session IDs "sessID1" and "sessID2" are used for SM (nodes on the left side of the symbol "|"), and routing ID "rutID1" is used for AMF (nodes on the right side of the symbol "|").

[0088] Due to UE mobility and / or changing coverage conditions, or changes in roles between UEs, in SL positioning, session switching may occur between the LMF and the server UE. Figure 3 A signaling diagram of data delivery related to session switching in SL positioning according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, SL positioning 300 includes at least LMF 302, AMF 304, target UE 306, anchor UE 308 and server UE 310. It should be understood that process 300 may not necessarily involve Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example shown in .

[0090] The LMF 302 starts a SL positioning session with the target UE 306, and the AMF 304 is initially used as the default gateway. The LMF 302 may then delegate process control. Assume that the positioning session is switched from the LMF 302 to the server UE 310, for example, to ensure continuity of positioning without undesired interruptions in the event that out-of-coverage conditions are expected to occur. To this end, the LMF 302 may allocate assistance data via LPP and then via SLPP, which designates the server UE 310 (denoted as "sUE") as the default gateway for data delivery.

[0091] Specifically, Figure 3 As shown, LMF 302 sends (305) second assistance information of the positioning process and information related to the positioning process, the second assistance information including the process ID "rutID1|corID1" and at least a partial list of updated nodes associated with the positioning process "sUE+PrMe". For example, the information related to the positioning process may be a positioning session context, denoted as "SessCntx", which may be a history and parameters for use by the server UE 310. The at least partial list of updated nodes includes the server node 310 acting as a new destination node for the positioning process.

[0092] The target UE 306 then sends (315) a forwarding message including the process ID "rutID1", the plurality of updated gateway IDs, and information related to the positioning process to the server UE 310. The plurality of updated gateway IDs may include an indication that the server UE 210 is acting as a new destination node.

[0093] Additionally, the target UE 306 also sends (320) to the anchor UE 308 a forwarding message including the process ID and the plurality of updated gateway IDs.

[0094] For example, “rutID1@sUE” may indicate that data for process ID “rutID1” is delivered to the server UE 310. The process member UE “PrMe UE” may act as a forwarding node to the server UE 310. As such, all nodes may then not deliver their data to the AMF 304 as their next hop, but instead deliver their data directly to the server UE 310.

[0095] Then, Figure 3As an example, assume that the SL UE is at least partially out of coverage (OOC), in which case the LMF 302 becomes unreachable, for example due to the presence of a tunnel on a highway. Once back in network coverage, the server UE 310 may wish to switch session control to the LMF 302. To this end, the server UE 310 allocates assistance data via the target UE 306 to which it is indeed connected, which specifies the AMF 304 as the next hop gateway for all data for this particular positioning procedure. The location session context "SessCntx" may need to be sent. The updated process member list is added.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the server UE 310 sends (325) third assistance information for the positioning procedure to the target UE 306, the third assistance information including the procedure ID "rutID1", a plurality of updated gateway IDs associated with the positioning procedure (e.g., "AMF::PrMe UE"), and information related to the positioning procedure (e.g., location session context "SessCntx"). In this case, the plurality of updated gateway IDs may include an indication that the AMF 304 is acting as a new destination node for the positioning procedure.

[0097] The target UE 306 then sends (330) fourth assistance information of the positioning process to the LMF 302 via the AMF 304, the fourth assistance information including the process ID "rutID1|corID1", at least a partial list of updated nodes "AMF+PrMe" and information related to the positioning process "SessCntx".

[0098] In addition, the target UE 306 also sends (335) a third forwarding information including the process ID "rutID1" and a plurality of updated gateway IDs "AMF::PrMe UE" to the updated node associated with the positioning process (eg, the anchor UE 308 in this example).

[0099] Additionally, in some example embodiments, for example when a validity timer is present, LMF 302 may need to update the process ID. Figure 3 As shown, LMF 302 refreshes (340) the validity of routing ID "rutID1" and its mapping to correlation ID "corID1".

[0100] When a positioning session is started out of coverage (i.e., managed by a server UE), the same or similar steps may be used to switch the session from the server UE to the LMF. The session ID used by the server UE may be used by the serving AMF as its routing ID to avoid the need for auxiliary mapping.

[0101] According to example embodiments, the flexibility and versatility of data delivery in SL positioning are improved in terms of coverage conditions, positioning protocols, etc.

[0102] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method 400 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purpose of discussion, Figure 1 The perspective description method 400 of the first device 110 in FIG.

[0103] At block 410 , the first device 110 receives, from the second device, first assistance information for a positioning process for locating the first device, the first assistance information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process.

[0104] At block 420 , the first device 110 sends forwarding information about the positioning process to a node in the positioning process, the forwarding information including a process identifier and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process.

[0105] At block 430 , the first device 110 transmits data with at least a portion of the node based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the process identifier may include at least one of: a session identifier dedicated to the sidelink positioning protocol, a routing identifier associated with an access and mobility management function, AMF, or an association identifier associated with a location management function, LMF.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information may further include mapping information of the session identifier and the route identifier.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information may include information relating to at least one of: a destination node for a positioning procedure; or at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning procedure.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the gateway node may comprise one of: a second device or a third device acting as a server UE in a positioning procedure.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information may include a routing identifier as a process identifier. The first device is caused to transmit data by: receiving a report of positioning measurements with the routing identifier from a first node in a positioning process; sending the report of positioning measurements with the routing identifier to a second node in the positioning process based on a determination that a destination node of the positioning process is changed, based on the forwarding information; and sending the report of positioning measurements with the routing identifier to a second device based on a determination that the destination node is not changed or returns to a previous destination.

[0111] In some example embodiments, method 400 may further comprise sending an acknowledgement of the report with the routing identifier to the first node.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information may include a session identifier as a process identifier, and mapping information of the session identifier and the routing identifier is preconfigured at the first device. The first device is also caused to transmit data by: receiving a report of positioning measurements with the session identifier from a first node in the positioning process; and sending the report of positioning measurements with the routing identifier to the second device based on the forwarding information and the mapping information.

[0113] In some example embodiments, method 400 may further include: receiving second auxiliary information of the positioning process from the second device, the second auxiliary information including a process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the at least partial list of updated nodes including a third device acting as a server UE and a new destination node for the positioning process; and sending first forwarding information to the third device and sending second forwarding information to the remaining nodes, the first forwarding information including the process identifier, multiple updated gateway identifiers and information related to the positioning process, and the second forwarding information including the process identifier and multiple updated gateway identifiers, the multiple updated gateway identifiers including an indication that the third device acts as the new destination node.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the first assistance information may also include information related to the positioning process. The first device is caused to send forwarding information by: determining that a third device acting as a server UE is a current destination node for the positioning process; and sending forwarding information to the third device, the forwarding information including a process identifier, a plurality of gateway identifiers, and information related to the positioning process, the plurality of gateway identifiers including an indication that the third device acts as a destination node.

[0115] In some example embodiments, method 400 may further include: receiving third assistance information for the positioning process from a third device, the third assistance information including a process identifier, a plurality of updated gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the plurality of updated gateway identifiers including an indication that the second device serves as a new destination node for the positioning process; sending third forwarding information to the updated node associated with the positioning process, the third forwarding information including the process identifier and the plurality of updated gateway identifiers; and sending fourth assistance information for the positioning process to the second device, the fourth assistance information including the process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes, and information related to the positioning process.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the positioning protocol of the positioning process may include at least one of an LTE positioning protocol or a sidelink positioning protocol.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device that implements at least one of AMF or LMF.

[0118] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method 500 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purpose of discussion, Figure 1 The perspective description method 500 of the second device 120 in FIG.

[0119] At block 510 , the second device 120 sends first assistance information for a positioning process for locating the first device to the first device, the first assistance information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process.

[0120] At block 520 , the second device 120 transmits data with at least a portion of the node based on the process identifier without regard to a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the process identifier may include at least one of: a session identifier specific to the sidelink positioning protocol, a routing identifier associated with the AMF, or an association identifier associated with the LMF.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the method 500 may further include receiving, from a node in a positioning process, a report of positioning measurements having an association identifier and a route identifier as a process identifier.

[0123] In some example embodiments, method 500 may further include sending second auxiliary information of the positioning process to the first device, the second auxiliary information including a process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the at least partial list of updated nodes including a third device acting as a server UE and a new destination node for the positioning process.

[0124] In some example embodiments, method 500 may further include: receiving fourth auxiliary information of the positioning process from the first device, the fourth auxiliary information including a process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes, and information related to the positioning process, wherein at least the partial list of updated nodes includes the second device; and determining that the second device serves as a new destination node for the positioning process.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the method 500 may further include: updating the validity of the routing identifier and the association identifier after receiving the fourth assistance information.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the positioning protocol of the positioning process may include at least one of an LTE positioning protocol or a sidelink positioning protocol.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may include a terminal device, and the second apparatus includes a network device implementing at least one of AMF or LMF.

[0128] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a third device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The method 600 is described from the perspective of the third device 130.

[0129] At block 610 , the third device 130 receives, from the first device, forwarding information regarding a positioning process for locating the first device, the forwarding information including a process identifier of the positioning process and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process.

[0130] At block 620 , the third device 130 transmits data with at least a portion of the nodes associated with the positioning process based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the process identifier may include at least one of: a session identifier specific to the sidelink positioning protocol, a routing identifier associated with the AMF, or an association identifier associated with the LMF.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information may further include mapping information of the session identifier and the route identifier.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information may include information relating to at least one of: a destination node for a positioning procedure; or at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning procedure.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the second device acts as a current destination node for the positioning process, and the forwarding information includes a routing identifier as a process identifier. The third device 130 is caused to transmit data by: receiving data with the routing identifier from the first device; and sending data with the routing identifier to the second device.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information may include a session identifier as a process identifier.The third device 130 is caused to transmit data by: sending a report of the positioning measurement with the session identifier to the first device; and receiving an acknowledgement of the report with the session identifier from the first device.

[0136] In some example embodiments, method 600 may further include receiving first forwarding information from the first device, the first forwarding information including a process identifier, an updated gateway identifier and multiple updated gateway identifiers, and information related to the positioning process, the multiple updated gateway identifiers including an indication that the third device acts as a new destination node.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information may further include information related to a positioning procedure, and the plurality of gateway identifiers include an indication that the third apparatus serves as a destination node for the positioning procedure.

[0138] In some example embodiments, method 600 may further include, based on determining that a destination node of the positioning process is to be changed, sending third auxiliary information of the positioning process to the first device, the third auxiliary information including a process identifier, a plurality of updated gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the plurality of updated gateway identifiers including an indication that the second device serves as a new destination node for the positioning process.

[0139] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device may include a first terminal device, and the third device 130 may include a second terminal device. Example devices, apparatus, and media

[0140] In some example embodiments, a first device (eg, Figure 1 The first device 110 in the method 400 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 400. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The first device may be implemented as Figure 1 The first device 110 or is included in Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0141] In some example embodiments, a first device includes: a component for receiving first auxiliary information for a positioning process used to locate the first device from a second device, the first auxiliary information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; a component for sending forwarding information about the positioning process to a node in the positioning process, the forwarding information including the process identifier and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and a component for transmitting data with at least a portion of the node based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the process identifier comprises at least one of: a session identifier dedicated to the sidelink positioning protocol, a routing identifier associated with an access and mobility management function, AMF, or an association identifier associated with a location management function, LMF.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information further includes mapping information of the session identifier and the route identifier.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information comprises information relating to at least one of: a destination node for a positioning procedure; or at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning procedure.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the gateway node may comprise one of: a second device or a third device acting as a server UE in a positioning procedure.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information includes a route identifier as a process identifier. The means for transmitting data includes: means for receiving a report of positioning measurements with the route identifier from a first node in a positioning process; means for sending the report of positioning measurements with the route identifier to a second node in the positioning process based on a determination that a destination node of the positioning process is changed, based on the forwarding information; and means for sending the report of positioning measurements with the route identifier to a second device based on a determination that the destination node is not changed or returns to a previous destination.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for sending an acknowledgement of the report with the routing identifier to the first node.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information includes a session identifier as a process identifier, and mapping information of the session identifier and the route identifier is preconfigured at the first device. The means for transmitting data includes: means for receiving a report of positioning measurements with the session identifier from a first node in the positioning process; and means for sending the report of positioning measurements with the route identifier to the second device based on the forwarding information and the mapping information.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the second device is determined to be the current destination node of the positioning process, and the first device further includes: a component for receiving second auxiliary information of the positioning process from the second device, the second auxiliary information including a process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the at least partial list of updated nodes including a third device acting as a server UE and a new destination node for the positioning process; and a component for sending first forwarding information to the third device and sending second forwarding information to the remaining nodes, the first forwarding information including the process identifier, multiple updated gateway identifiers and information related to the positioning process, and the second forwarding information including the process identifier and multiple updated gateway identifiers, the multiple updated gateway identifiers including an indication that the third device acts as the new destination node.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the first assistance information further includes information related to the positioning process. The means for transmitting the forwarding information includes: means for determining that the third device acting as a server UE is a current destination node for the positioning process; and means for sending the forwarding information to the third device, the forwarding information including a process identifier, a plurality of gateway identifiers, and information related to the positioning process, the plurality of gateway identifiers including an indication that the third device acts as a destination node.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the first device further comprises: means for receiving third assistance information for a positioning process from a third device, the third assistance information comprising a process identifier, a plurality of updated gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the plurality of updated gateway identifiers comprising an indication that the second device serves as a new destination node for the positioning process; means for sending third forwarding information to the updated nodes associated with the positioning process, the third forwarding information comprising the process identifier and the plurality of updated gateway identifiers; and means for sending fourth assistance information for the positioning process to the second device, the fourth assistance information comprising the process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes, and information related to the positioning process.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the positioning protocol of the positioning process includes at least one of an LTE positioning protocol or a sidelink positioning protocol.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device and the second apparatus comprises a network device implementing at least one of AMF or LMF.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the first device further comprises means for performing the method 400 or other operations in some example embodiments of the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to perform the operations.

[0155] In some exemplary embodiments, a second device (eg, Figure 1 The second device 120 in the method 500 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 500. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The second device may be implemented as Figure 1 The second device 120 in or included in Figure 1 In the second device 120.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the second device includes a component for sending first auxiliary information of a positioning process for locating the first device to the first device, the first auxiliary information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; and a component for transmitting data with at least a portion of the nodes based on the process identifier without considering the positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the process identifier includes at least one of: a session identifier specific to the sidelink positioning protocol, a routing identifier associated with the AMF, or an association identifier associated with the LMF.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus acts as a current destination node for a positioning procedure, the second apparatus further comprising means for receiving a report of positioning measurements having an association identifier and a route identifier as a procedure identifier from a node in the positioning procedure.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the second device acts as a current destination node for the positioning process, and the second device further includes: a component for sending second auxiliary information of the positioning process to the first device, the second auxiliary information including a process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the at least partial list of updated nodes including a third device acting as a server UE and a new destination node for the positioning process.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the third device acting as a server UE is the current destination node of the positioning process, and the second device also includes: a component for receiving fourth auxiliary information of the positioning process from the first device, the fourth auxiliary information including a process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes, and information related to the positioning process, and at least the partial list of updated nodes includes the second device; and a component for determining that the second device acts as a new destination node for the positioning process.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the process identifier includes a routing identifier and an association identifier of the positioning process, and the second apparatus further includes: means for updating the validity of the routing identifier and the association identifier after receiving the fourth assistance information.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the positioning protocol of the positioning process includes at least one of an LTE positioning protocol or a sidelink positioning protocol.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device and the second apparatus comprises a network device implementing at least one of AMF or LMF.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the second device further comprises means for performing the method 500 or other operations in some example embodiments of the second device 120. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to perform the operations.

[0165] In some example embodiments, a third device (eg, Figure 1 The third device 130 in the method 600 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 600. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The third device may be implemented as Figure 1 The third device 130 or is included in Figure 1 In the third device 130.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the third device includes: a component for receiving, from the first device, forwarding information about a positioning process for locating the first device, the forwarding information including a process identifier of the positioning process and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and a component for transmitting data with at least a portion of the nodes associated with the positioning process based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the process identifier includes at least one of: a session identifier specific to the sidelink positioning protocol, a routing identifier associated with the AMF, or an association identifier associated with the LMF.

[0168] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information further includes mapping information of the session identifier and the route identifier.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information comprises information relating to at least one of: a destination node for a positioning procedure; or at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning procedure.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the second device acts as a current destination node for the positioning process, and the forwarding information includes a routing identifier as a process identifier. The means for transmitting data includes: means for receiving data with the routing identifier from the first device; and means for sending data with the routing identifier to the second device.

[0171] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information includes a session identifier as a process identifier.The means for transmitting data includes: means for sending a report of the positioning measurement with the session identifier to the first device; and means for receiving an acknowledgement of the report with the session identifier from the first device.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the second device is determined to be a current destination node for a positioning process, and the third device further comprises: a component for receiving first forwarding information from the first device, the first forwarding information comprising a process identifier, an updated gateway identifier and a plurality of updated gateway identifiers, and information related to the positioning process, the plurality of updated gateway identifiers comprising an indication that the third device serves as a new destination node.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the forwarding information further comprises information related to a positioning procedure, and the plurality of gateway identifiers comprises an indication that the third apparatus acts as a destination node for the positioning procedure.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the third device further comprises: a component for sending third auxiliary information of the positioning process to the first device based on determining that the destination node of the positioning process is to be changed, the third auxiliary information comprising a process identifier, a plurality of updated gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the plurality of updated gateway identifiers comprising an indication that the second device serves as a new destination node for the positioning process.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a first terminal device, and the third apparatus comprises a second terminal device.

[0176] In some example embodiments, the third apparatus further comprises means for performing the method 600 or other operations in some example embodiments of the third apparatus 130. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third apparatus to perform the operations.

[0177] Figure 7 700 is a simplified block diagram of a device 700 suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 700 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1 The first device 110, the second device 120 or the third device 130 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the device 700 includes one or more processors 710, one or more memories 720 coupled to the processor 710, and one or more communication modules 740 coupled to the processor 710.

[0178] The communication module 740 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 740 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary to communicate with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 740 may include at least one antenna.

[0179] Processor 710 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Device 700 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock that synchronizes a main processor.

[0180] The memory 720 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 724, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), optical disk, laser disk, and other magnetic and / or optical memories. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 722 and other volatile memories that will not last for the duration of a power outage.

[0181] The computer program 730 includes computer executable instructions executed by the associated processor 710. The instructions of the program 730 may include instructions for performing the operations / actions of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 730 may be stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 724). The processor 710 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 730 into the RAM 722.

[0182] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program 730 so that the device 700 may execute the Figures 2 to 6 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. Example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0183] In some example embodiments, the program 730 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 700 (such as in the memory 720) or in other storage devices accessible by the device 700. The device 700 may load the program 730 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 722 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), not a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0184] Figure 8 An example of a computer readable medium 800 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 800 has a program 730 stored thereon.

[0185] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0186] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium (such as, non-volatile computer-readable medium). The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as those computer executable instructions executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor included in a program module to perform any method as described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of a program module can be combined or split between program modules as needed in different embodiments. Machine executable instructions for program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0187] The program code for performing the method of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, causes the implementation of the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram. The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine, partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0188] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0189] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media will include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0190] In addition, although the operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring the execution of such operations in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or the execution of all described operations, to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Unless explicitly stated, certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, unless explicitly stated, the different features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination.

[0191] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it is to be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Instead, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0192] In some aspects, a first apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0193] at least one processor; and

[0194] At least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive first auxiliary information of a positioning process for locating the first device from a second device, the first auxiliary information comprising a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; send forwarding information about the positioning process to a node in the positioning process, the forwarding information comprising the process identifier and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and transmit data with at least a portion of the node based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0195] In some embodiments, the process identifier comprises at least one of: a session identifier dedicated to the sidelink positioning protocol, a routing identifier associated with an access and mobility management function AMF, or an association identifier associated with a location management function LMF.

[0196] In some embodiments, the forwarding information further includes mapping information of the session identifier and the route identifier.

[0197] In some embodiments, the forwarding information includes information related to at least one of: a destination node for a positioning procedure; or at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning procedure.

[0198] In some embodiments, the gateway node comprises one of: a second device or a third device acting as a server UE in the positioning process.

[0199] In some embodiments, the forwarding information includes a routing identifier as a process identifier, and the first device is caused to transmit data in the following manner: receiving a report of positioning measurements with the routing identifier from a first node in the positioning process; sending the report of positioning measurements with the routing identifier to a second node in the positioning process based on the forwarding information in response to determining that the destination node of the positioning process has been changed; and sending the report of positioning measurements with the routing identifier to the second device in response to determining that the destination node has not been changed or has returned to a previous destination.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first apparatus is further caused to send an acknowledgement of the report with the routing identifier to the first node.

[0201] In some embodiments, the forwarding information includes a session identifier as a process identifier, and mapping information of the session identifier and the routing identifier is pre-configured at the first device, and the first device is also caused to transmit data in the following manner: receiving a report of positioning measurements with the session identifier from the first node in the positioning process; and sending the report of positioning measurements with the routing identifier to the second device based on the forwarding information and the mapping information.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second device is determined to be the current destination node of the positioning process, and the first device is further caused to: receive second auxiliary information of the positioning process from the second device, the second auxiliary information including a process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the at least partial list of updated nodes including a third device acting as a server UE and a new destination node for the positioning process; and send first forwarding information to the third device and send second forwarding information to the remaining nodes, the first forwarding information including the process identifier, multiple updated gateway identifiers and information related to the positioning process, and the second forwarding information including the process identifier and multiple updated gateway identifiers, the multiple updated gateway identifiers including an indication that the third device acts as the new destination node.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary information also includes information related to the positioning process, and the first device is caused to send forwarding information in the following manner: determining that a third device acting as a server UE is the current destination node of the positioning process; and sending forwarding information to the third device, the forwarding information including a process identifier, multiple gateway identifiers, and information related to the positioning process, the multiple gateway identifiers including an indication that the third device acts as a destination node.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first device is further caused to: receive third assistance information of the positioning process from a third device, the third assistance information including a process identifier, multiple updated gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the multiple updated gateway identifiers including an indication that the second device serves as a new destination node for the positioning process; send third forwarding information to the updated node associated with the positioning process, the third forwarding information including the process identifier and the multiple updated gateway identifiers; and send fourth assistance information of the positioning process to the second device, the fourth assistance information including the process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes, and information related to the positioning process.

[0205] In some embodiments, the positioning protocol of the positioning process includes at least one of an LTE positioning protocol or a sidelink positioning protocol.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device and the second apparatus comprises a network device implementing at least one of AMF or LMF.

[0207] In some aspects, a second apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0208] at least one processor; and

[0209] At least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: send first auxiliary information of a positioning process for locating the first device to the first device, the first auxiliary information including a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; and transmit data with at least a portion of the nodes based on the process identifier without considering the positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0210] In some embodiments, the process identifier includes at least one of: a session identifier specific to the sidelink positioning protocol, a routing identifier associated with the AMF, or an association identifier associated with the LMF.

[0211] In some embodiments, the second device acts as a current destination node for a positioning procedure, and the second device is caused to transmit data by receiving a report of positioning measurements having an association identifier and a route identifier as a procedure identifier from a node in the positioning procedure.

[0212] In some embodiments, the second device acts as the current destination node of the positioning process, and the second device is also caused to: send second auxiliary information of the positioning process to the first device, the second auxiliary information including a process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the updated list of nodes including a third device acting as a server UE and a new destination node for the positioning process.

[0213] In some embodiments, the third device acting as a server UE is the current destination node of the positioning process, and the second device is also caused to: receive fourth auxiliary information of the positioning process from the first device, the fourth auxiliary information including a process identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes, and information related to the positioning process, at least the partial list of updated nodes including the second device; and determine that the second device acts as a new destination node for the positioning process.

[0214] In some embodiments, the process identifier comprises a routing identifier and an association identifier of the positioning process, and the second apparatus is further caused to: update the validity of the routing identifier and the association identifier after receiving the fourth assistance information.

[0215] In some embodiments, the positioning protocol of the positioning process includes at least one of an LTE positioning protocol or a sidelink positioning protocol.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device and the second apparatus comprises a network device implementing at least one of AMF or LMF.

[0217] In some aspects, a third apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0218] at least one processor; and

[0219] At least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: receive forwarding information about a positioning process for locating the first device from the first device, the forwarding information including a process identifier of the positioning process and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and transmit data with at least a portion of nodes associated with the positioning process based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0220] In some embodiments, the process identifier includes at least one of: a session identifier specific to the sidelink positioning protocol, a routing identifier associated with the AMF, or an association identifier associated with the LMF.

[0221] In some embodiments, the forwarding information further includes mapping information of the session identifier and the route identifier.

[0222] In some embodiments, the forwarding information includes information related to at least one of: a destination node for a positioning procedure; or at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning procedure.

[0223] In some embodiments, the second device acts as a current destination node for a positioning process, and the forwarding information includes a routing identifier as a process identifier, and the third device is caused to transmit data in the following manner: receiving data with the routing identifier from the first device; and sending data with the routing identifier to the second device.

[0224] In some embodiments, the forwarding information includes a session identifier as a process identifier, and the third device is caused to transmit data by: sending a report of the positioning measurement with the session identifier to the first device; and receiving an acknowledgement of the report with the session identifier from the first device.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second device is determined to be the current destination node of the positioning process, and the third device is further caused to: receive first forwarding information from the first device, the first forwarding information including a process identifier, an updated gateway identifier and multiple updated gateway identifiers, and information related to the positioning process, the multiple updated gateway identifiers including an indication that the third device acts as a new destination node.

[0226] In some embodiments, the forwarding information further comprises information related to a positioning procedure, and the plurality of gateway identifiers comprises an indication that the third apparatus serves as a destination node for the positioning procedure.

[0227] In some embodiments, the third device is further caused to: based on determining that the destination node of the positioning process will be changed, send third auxiliary information of the positioning process to the first device, the third auxiliary information including a process identifier, multiple updated gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process, and information related to the positioning process, the multiple updated gateway identifiers including an indication that the second device serves as the new destination node of the positioning process.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a first terminal device and the third apparatus comprises a second terminal device.

[0229] In some aspects, a method for communication is provided, comprising:

[0230] receiving, at the first device and from the second device, first assistance information for a positioning process for locating the first device, the first assistance information comprising a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process;

[0231] Sending forwarding information about the positioning process to a node in the positioning process, the forwarding information including a process identifier and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; and

[0232] Data is transmitted with at least a portion of the nodes based on the forwarding information without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0233] In some aspects, a method for communication is provided, comprising:

[0234] At the second device, sending first assistance information of a positioning process for locating the first device to the first device, the first assistance information comprising a process identifier of the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; and

[0235] Data is transmitted with at least a portion of the node based on the process identifier without regard to a positioning protocol of the positioning process.

[0236] In some aspects, a method for communication is provided, comprising:

[0237] receiving, at the third device and from the first device, forwarding information regarding a positioning procedure for locating the first device, the forwarding information comprising a procedure identifier of the positioning procedure and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning procedure; and

[0238] Regardless of a positioning protocol of the positioning process, data is transmitted with at least a portion of the nodes associated with the positioning process based on the forwarding information.

[0239] In some aspects, a computer-readable medium is provided, including instructions stored thereon, the instructions being used to cause an apparatus to at least perform a method according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receiving, from a second device, first assistance information for a positioning process for locating the first device, the first assistance information comprising a process identifier for the positioning process and at least a partial list of nodes associated with the positioning process; Sending forwarding information about the positioning process to the node in the positioning process, the forwarding information including the process identifier and a plurality of gateway identifiers associated with the positioning process; as well as Without considering a positioning protocol of the positioning process, data is transmitted with at least a portion of the nodes based on the forwarding information.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the process identifier comprises at least one of the following: A session identifier specific to the sidelink positioning protocol, a routing identifier associated with the access and mobility management function, or An association identifier associated with the location management function LMF. 3 . The first device according to claim 2 , wherein the forwarding information further comprises mapping information of the session identifier and the routing identifier.

4. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the forwarding information includes information related to at least one of the following: the destination node of the positioning process; or The at least partial list of the nodes associated with the positioning process.

5. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the gateway node comprises one of: the second device or a third device acting as a server UE in the positioning process.

6. The first apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the forwarding information includes a routing identifier as the process identifier, and The first device is caused to transmit data in the following manner: receiving, from a first node in the positioning process, a report of positioning measurements with the routing identifier; in response to determining that a destination node of the positioning process is changed, sending the report of the positioning measurement with the routing identifier to a second node in the positioning process based on the forwarding information; as well as Based on determining that the destination node has not changed or returned to a previous destination, sending the report of the positioning measurement with the routing identifier to the second device.

7. The first device of claim 6, wherein the first device is further caused to: An acknowledgement of the report with the routing identifier is sent to the first node.

8. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the forwarding information includes a session identifier as the process identifier, and mapping information of the session identifier and the routing identifier is preconfigured at the first device, The first device is further caused to transmit data in the following manner: receiving, from a first node in the positioning process, a report of positioning measurements with the session identifier; and Based on the forwarding information and the mapping information, the report of the positioning measurement with the routing identifier is sent to the second device.

9. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the second device is determined to be a current destination node for the positioning process, and wherein the first device is further caused to: receiving, from the second apparatus, second assistance information for the positioning procedure, the second assistance information comprising the procedure identifier, at least a partial list of updated nodes associated with the positioning procedure, and information related to the positioning procedure, the at least partial list of updated nodes comprising a third apparatus acting as a server UE and a new destination node for the positioning procedure; and First forwarding information is sent to the third device, and second forwarding information is sent to the remaining nodes, the first forwarding information including the process identifier, a plurality of updated gateway identifiers and the information related to the positioning process, and the second forwarding information including the process identifier and the plurality of updated gateway identifiers, the plurality of updated gateway identifiers including an indication that the third device serves as the new destination node.

10. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first auxiliary information further includes information related to the positioning process, and The first device is caused to send the forwarding information in the following manner: determining a third device acting as a server UE as a current destination node for the positioning process; and The forwarding information is sent to the third device, the forwarding information including the process identifier, a plurality of gateway identifiers, and the information related to the positioning process, the plurality of gateway identifiers including an indication that the third device serves as the destination node.

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