Information processing method and apparatus therefor

Abstract

Disclosed in embodiments of the present disclosure are an information processing method and an apparatus therefor. The method comprises: a terminal receives a first message, the first message comprising request location information and a first identifier, and the first identifier being used for instructing the current sidelink mobile originated location request (SL-MO-LR). By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, by means of separate transmission of location information based on a first identifier (such as a routing identifier), an LMF can send request location information and the first identifier to a target terminal and a positioning terminal via an AMF in an SL-MO-LR process, thereby achieving positioning.

Description

Information processing method and device thereof Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an information processing method and device thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the communication system, direct communication between terminals is achieved by introducing a sidelink (SL) communication mode. For terminals connected via SL, positioning based on the sidelink (SL) between terminals includes absolute positioning, relative positioning, and ranging.

[0003] In related technologies, a terminal can determine its own location information or provide it to an external client by initiating the SL-MO-LR (Sidelink Mobility Originated Location Request) process. However, how the LMF (Location Management Function) sends the Request Location Information and routing identifier to the target terminal and the positioning terminal via the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) during the SL-MO-LR process to achieve positioning remains an urgent issue that needs to be resolved.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method and an apparatus thereof.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, including: a first terminal receives a first message, the first message includes requested location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the first terminal is a target terminal.

[0007] According to the second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, including: a second terminal receives a first message, the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element.

[0008] According to the third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, including: a third terminal receives a first message, the first message includes requested location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the positioning terminals with signaling connections, and the first terminal is a target terminal.

[0009] According to the fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, including: a fourth terminal receives a first message sent by a first network element, the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element.

[0010] According to the fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, including: a first network element receives a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR; the first network element sends the first message.

[0011] According to the sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, including: a second network element sends a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the target terminal and the positioning terminal.

[0012] According to the seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, including: a second network element sends a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the target terminal and the positioning terminal; the first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element; and the first network element sends the first message.

[0013] According to the eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, including: a second network element sends a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the target terminal and the positioning terminal; the first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element; the terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element; wherein the terminal includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal; wherein the first terminal is the target terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the positioning terminals with signaling connections, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including:

[0015] A terminal configured to perform optional implementations of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects;

[0016] The core network device is configured to perform the optional implementation of the aforementioned seventh aspect.

[0017] According to the tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first terminal is proposed, including: a transceiver module for receiving a first message, the first message including requested location information and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the first terminal is a target terminal.

[0018] According to the eleventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second terminal is proposed, including: a transceiver module for receiving a first message, the first message including requested location information and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element.

[0019] According to the twelfth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a third terminal is proposed, including: a transceiver module for receiving a first message, the first message including requested location information and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the positioning terminals with signaling connections, and the first terminal is a target terminal.

[0020] According to the thirteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fourth terminal is proposed, including: a transceiver module for receiving a first message sent by a first network element, the first message including request location information and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element.

[0021] According to the fourteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is proposed, including: a transceiver module for receiving a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes requested location information and a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR; the transceiver module is also used to send the first message.

[0022] According to the fifteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element is proposed, including: a transceiver module, used to send a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the target terminal and the positioning terminal.

[0023] According to the sixteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a core network device is proposed, including: a transceiver module, used to send a first message to a target terminal and / or a positioning terminal, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the target terminal and the positioning terminal.

[0024] According to the seventeenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions so that the communication device executes the optional implementation methods of the aforementioned first to eighth aspects.

[0025] According to the eighteenth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the optional implementation methods of the aforementioned first to eighth aspects.

[0026] According to the technical solution disclosed in the present invention, by adopting a method of separate transmission of location information based on a first identifier (such as a routing identifier), LMF can send requested location information and a first identifier to the target terminal and the positioning terminal via AMF during the SL-MO-LR process, thereby achieving positioning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an interaction of an SL-MO-LR process involving LMF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG3B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG3C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG3D is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG3E is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG3F is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG3G is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG3H is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG4 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an SL-MO-LR process involving LMF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG5B is a schematic structural diagram of a first network element proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG5C is a schematic structural diagram of a second network element proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of a core network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG6A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1610 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG6B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip 1620 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method and an apparatus thereof.

[0046] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, including: a first terminal receives a first message, the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the first terminal is a target terminal.

[0047] In the above embodiment, by adopting a method of separate transmission of location information based on the first identifier (such as a routing identifier), the LMF can send the requested location information and the first identifier to the target terminal and the positioning terminal via the AMF during the SL-MO-LR process, thereby achieving positioning.

[0048] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first terminal receives a first message, including: the first terminal establishes a signaling connection with a first network element; the first terminal receives a first message sent by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from a second network element.

[0049] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message also includes a terminal identifier of the second terminal, and the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; the method also includes: the first terminal sends the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal based on the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0050] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first terminal receives the first message, including: the first terminal receives the first message sent by the third terminal, the first message is obtained by the third terminal from the second network element through the first network element, wherein the first terminal has no signaling connection, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, the first network element serves the third terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0051] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes at least one item: the first terminal sends the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal, wherein the fourth terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element; the first terminal sends the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal and the fourth terminal, wherein the fourth terminal does not receive the first message sent by the first network element; wherein the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: the first terminal sends a second message to the first network element, there is a signaling connection between the first terminal and the first network element, and the second message includes the provided location information of the first terminal and the first identifier.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first terminal has a signaling connection, and the method also includes: the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal, the second message including the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier; the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; the first terminal sends the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier to the first network element associated with the first terminal.

[0054] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first terminal does not have a signaling connection, and the method also includes: the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal, the second message including the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier; the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; the first terminal sends the second message to a third terminal, the second message also including the provided location information of the first terminal, and the second message is used by the third terminal to send the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal and the first identifier to the first network element associated with the third terminal, wherein the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the positioning terminals with signaling connections.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first terminal has a signaling connection, and the method further includes: the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal, the second message including the provided location information of the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal and the first identifier; the first terminal sends the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal and the first identifier to the serving AMF.

[0056] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first terminal does not have a signaling connection, and the method further includes: the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal, the second message including the provided location information of the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal and the first identifier; the first terminal sends the second message to the third terminal; wherein the third terminal is a positioning terminal that has a signaling connection and communicates with the network first, and the third terminal has no connection with other positioning terminals, the second message also includes the provided location information of the first terminal, and the second message is used by the third terminal to send the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal and the first identifier to the first network element associated with the third terminal.

[0057] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, including: a second terminal receives a first message, the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element.

[0058] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, and the second terminal receives the first message, including: the second terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal, the first terminal is the target terminal, wherein the first message is obtained by the first terminal from a third terminal, and the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the positioning terminals with signaling connections.

[0059] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, and the method also includes: the second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal, the second message includes the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier, and the second message is used by the first terminal to send the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier to the serving AMF, wherein the first terminal is the target terminal.

[0060] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, comprising: a third terminal receives a first message, the first message including requested location information and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the positioning terminals with signaling connections, and the first terminal is a target terminal.

[0061] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third terminal receives the first message, including: the third terminal establishes a signaling connection with the first network element; the third terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element.

[0062] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: the third terminal sends the first message to the first terminal, and the first message is obtained by the third terminal from the second network element through the first network element, wherein the first network element serves the third terminal, the first terminal is the target terminal, and the first terminal has no signaling connection with the network device.

[0063] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: the third terminal receives a second message sent by the first terminal, the second message is obtained by the first terminal from the second terminal, the second message includes the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier, the first terminal is the target terminal, and the first terminal has no signaling connection with the network device, and the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; the third terminal sends the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal and the first identifier to the first network element associated with the third terminal.

[0064] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: the third terminal receives a second message sent by the first terminal, the second message is obtained by the first terminal from the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal, the second message includes the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal and the first identifier, the first terminal is the target terminal, and the first terminal has no signaling connection with the network device; the third terminal sends the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal and the first identifier to the first network element associated with the third terminal.

[0065] In the fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, including: a fourth terminal receives a first message sent by a first network element, the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, wherein the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element.

[0066] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth terminal has not yet established a signaling connection with the first network element, and the method also includes: the fourth terminal receives a network-initiated service request sent by the first network element, and establishes a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0067] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth receiving of the first message includes: the fourth terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal, the first message is obtained by the first terminal from the second network element through the third terminal via the first network element, the first terminal is the target terminal, and the first terminal has no signaling connection, and the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the positioning terminals with signaling connections.

[0068] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: the fourth terminal sends a second message to the first terminal, the second message including the provided location information of the fourth terminal and the first identifier, wherein the first terminal has a signaling connection, and the second message is sent to the service AMF of the first terminal via the first terminal.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: the fourth terminal sends a second message to the first terminal, the second message including the provided location information of the fourth terminal and the first identifier, wherein the first terminal does not have a signaling connection, and the second message is sent via the first terminal through the third terminal to the first network element associated with the third terminal.

[0070] In the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, including: a first network element receives a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR; the first network element sends the first message.

[0071] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first message also includes terminal identifiers of multiple terminals; the method also includes at least one of the following: the first network element does not have the context of the terminal indicated by the terminal identifier, and sends a first request to a third network element, wherein the first request is used to query the first information of the terminal indicated by the terminal identifier; and receives the first information sent by the third network element.

[0072] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: location service client LCS mobile initiation; terminal location; terminal reachability; terminal registration status; terminal connection status; ranging / sidelink positioning subscription data.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second network sending the first message includes: the first network element sending the first message to a first terminal and / or a fourth terminal, wherein the first terminal is a target terminal and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first network element establishing a signaling connection with a terminal in a connection management-idle state (CM-IDLE) among the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal.

[0074] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second network sends the first message, including: the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal; wherein, the first message also includes the terminal identifier of the second terminal, and the terminal identifier of the second terminal is used by the first terminal to send the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal; wherein, the first terminal is the target terminal, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, and the first terminal and / or the second terminal are not served by the second network element.

[0075] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second network sends the first message, including: the first network element sends the first message to the third terminal, and the first message is sent by the third terminal to the first terminal, wherein the first message also includes the terminal identifier of the second terminal, and the terminal identifier of the second terminal is used by the first terminal to send the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal; wherein the first network element serves the third terminal, and the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the positioning terminals with signaling connections.

[0076] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second network sends the first message, including: the first network element sends the first message to the fourth terminal, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element; the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0077] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes at least one of the following: the first network element receives a second message sent by the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal, there is a signaling connection between the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal and the first network element, and the second message includes the provided location information of the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal and the first identifier; the first network element sends the second message to the second network element associated with the first identifier.

[0078] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes at least one of the following: the first network element receives the provided location information of the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier sent by the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal, and the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier are obtained by the first terminal from the second terminal; wherein, the first terminal is the target terminal, and the first terminal is served by the first network element, and the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; the first network element sends the provided location information of the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier to the second network element associated with the first identifier.

[0079] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, including: a second network element sends a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the target terminal and the positioning terminal.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the method includes at least one of the following: the second network element receives a second message sent by the first network element based on the first identifier, and the second message includes the provided location information of the terminal served by the first network element.

[0081] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, including: a second network element sends a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the target terminal and the positioning terminal; the first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element; and the first network element sends the first message.

[0082] In the eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, including: a second network element sends a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the target terminal and the positioning terminal; the first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element; the terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element; wherein the terminal includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal; wherein the first terminal is the target terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the positioning terminals with signaling connections, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0083] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a terminal comprising at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the terminal is used to execute optional implementation methods of the first to fourth aspects.

[0084] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, comprising at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the above-mentioned network device is used to execute the optional implementation methods of the fifth to seventh aspects.

[0085] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, including:

[0086] A terminal configured as an optional implementation of the first to fourth aspects above;

[0087] A network device is configured to perform the optional implementation of the aforementioned seventh aspect.

[0088] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the optional implementation methods of the aforementioned first to fourth aspects.

[0089] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions so that the communication device executes the optional implementation methods of the aforementioned fifth to seventh aspects.

[0090] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium storing instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the optional implementation methods of the aforementioned first to seventh aspects.

[0091] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation of the first to seventh aspects.

[0092] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0093] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, wherein the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first to seventh aspects above.

[0094] It is understandable that the first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, the fourth terminal, the network device, the first network element, the second network element, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip, or the chip system described above are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0095] The present disclosure provides an information processing method and apparatus thereof. In some embodiments, the terms information processing method, communication method, etc. are interchangeable, the terms information processing apparatus, communication apparatus, etc. are interchangeable, and the terms information processing system, communication system, etc. are interchangeable.

[0096] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0097] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0098] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0099] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0100] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0101] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0102] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0103] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0104] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0105] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0106] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time / frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or the frequency domain.

[0107] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0108] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0109] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0110] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0111] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0112] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0113] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0114] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0115] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, one terminal and one network device. The number and configuration of devices shown in Figure 1 are for example purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure. In practical applications, two or more terminals and two or more network devices may be included. The communication system 100 shown in Figure 1 includes, for example, one terminal 101 and one network device 102.

[0116] In some embodiments, the terminal herein may be an entity on the user side for receiving or transmitting signals, such as a mobile phone. It may also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal may be a car with communication functions, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver functions, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal.

[0117] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may include at least one of the following: a first terminal; a second terminal; a third terminal; or a fourth terminal. In some embodiments, the first terminal is, for example, a target terminal (target UE, also called a Target UE). In some embodiments, the terminal being located may be referred to as a target terminal.

[0118] In some embodiments, the second terminal is, for example, a terminal that cannot be served by AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 1. Exemplarily, the second terminal is, for example, a positioning terminal (positioning UE, also called Located UE) that cannot be served by AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 1. It may have a NAS (Non-Access Stratum) connection (also called a signaling connection) and may not have a NAS connection. Exemplarily, the positioning terminal can be understood as a terminal used for positioning, or a terminal that supports positioning a target terminal, or a terminal used to locate a target terminal. Exemplarily, AMF1 can be understood to refer to the service AMF for the terminal that first communicates with the network.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first terminal first communicates with the network, wherein AMF1 is the serving AMF of the first terminal. The first terminal is the terminal that sends an SL-MO-LR (Sidelink Terminal Originated Location) request to the second network element via the AMF.

[0120] In some embodiments, the fourth terminal is, for example, a positioning terminal that can be served by AMF1, but the fourth terminal is not the first terminal to communicate with the network. AMF1 is both the serving AMF for the terminal that first communicates with the network and the serving AMF for the fourth terminal.

[0121] In some embodiments, the third terminal is, for example, a terminal selected from the fourth terminal to interact with the network. AMF1 is a serving AMF for the third terminal. The third terminal is the terminal that sends a Sidelink Terminal Originated Location (SL-MO-LR) request to the second network element via the AMF.

[0122] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include, for example, at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0123] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal device to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0124] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0125] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0126] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a device comprising one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each of which includes all or part of the one or more network elements. The network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0127] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a single device including a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, etc., or may be a plurality of devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, etc. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0128] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0129] In some embodiments, the first network element is used to "be responsible for functions such as terminal identity authentication, authorization, registration, mobility management and connection management", but the name is not limited to this.

[0130] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, a Location Management Function (LMF).

[0131] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, a sensing function (SF).

[0132] In some embodiments, the second network element is used as "a core network element that provides control plane positioning in 5GC, completes the calculation and feedback of location information in the 5G network, provides positioning process management, terminal capability acquisition, auxiliary data provision, terminal position estimation and other functions", and the name is not limited to this.

[0133] In some embodiments, the third network element is, for example, a unified data management function (UDM). In some embodiments, the third network element is used to "manage user identification, subscription data, authentication data, and user service network element registration management", and the name is not limited to this.

[0134] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0135] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0136] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0137] For ease of understanding, the terms of the present disclosure are explained below.

[0138] 1. Distance-based services and sidechain positioning

[0139] Ranging: Determines the distance between two or more UEs and / or the direction between one UE (the target UE) and another UE (the reference UE) using the PC5 interface. Sidelink positioning uses PC5 to locate a UE. Ranging-based services and sidelink positioning involve distance measurements, direction measurements, or both.

[0140] Network-based operations: Ranging / sidelink positioning operations involving 5GC NFs for service request processing and result calculation.

[0141] UE-only operation: Ranging / sidelink positioning operation where service request processing and result calculation are performed by the UE.

[0142] 2. Ranging Role

[0143] Positioning UE: A SL reference UE whose position is known or can be learned using Uu-based positioning. The positioning UE can be used to determine the position of the target UE using sidelink positioning.

[0144] SL reference UE: A UE that supports positioning of a target UE, for example, by using a side link to send and / or receive reference signals for positioning, provide positioning-related information, etc. Exemplarily, the SL reference UE may also be referred to as an "anchor UE".

[0145] SL positioning client UE: A third-party UE other than the SL reference UE and target UE, which initiates ranging / sidelink positioning service requests on behalf of the applications residing on it.

[0146] Among them, the SL positioning client UE does not have to support ranging / side link positioning functions, but must establish communication between the SL positioning client UE and the SL reference UE / target UE through PC5 or through 5GC to transmit service requests and results.

[0147] SL Positioning Server UE: This UE provides method determination, assistance data distribution, and / or position calculation functionality for sidelink positioning and ranging-based services. It interacts with other UEs via PC5 as needed to determine ranging / SL positioning methods, distribute assistance data, and calculate the position of the target UE. If any of these functions are supported, the target UE or SL reference UE can act as a SL Positioning Server UE.

[0148] Target UE: A UE whose range, direction and / or position is measured using Sidelink with the support of one or more SL reference UEs in ranging-based services and Sidelink positioning.

[0149] 3. UE network-based SL positioning without NAS connection

[0150] When the target UE cannot establish a NAS connection with the AMF because the target UE is out of coverage and at least one discovered positioning UE can establish a NAS connection for 5GC-MO-LR, the following principles apply:

[0151] Note 1: 5GC-MT-LR is not applicable to this version of the specification.

[0152] - The target UE performs discovery and selection of positioning UEs.

[0153] -The target UE and positioning UE perform ranging / SL positioning.

[0154] -The target UE selects at least one positioning UE that can use the SL-MO-LR service for SL positioning.

[0155] - The target UE may send its ranging measurement data / results to the positioned UE.

[0156] - Each positioned UE for which a NAS connection can be established may report ranging / SL positioning measurement data or results and a routing identifier from the target UE to the LMF via the serving AMF of the positioned UE. This may include ranging measurement data / results received from the target UE. The endpoints of the LPP message are the LMF and the positioned UE.

[0157] NOTE 2: The routing identifier indicates the LMF that manages the target UE positioning and is also used to assist the LMF in identifying the target UE positioning.

[0158] In some embodiments, the LMF may use the received information (ie, ranging / SL positioning measurements or estimation results with the same routing identifier) ​​and the position of the positioning UE to calculate the position of the target UE, and provide the resulting position to the target UE via the positioning UE.

[0159] In some embodiments, if the LMF knows multiple positioning UEs associated with the same target UE based on the same routing identifier, it can use all information from these positioning UEs to perform the calculation.

[0160] In some embodiments, the LMF can use the received information (i.e., ranging / SL positioning measurement data / results and the same routing identifier) ​​and the location of the positioning UE to calculate the location of the target UE, and initiate the 5GC-MO-LR process to the target UE by providing the resulting location through the positioning UE. If the LMF has the target UE context, the LMF can provide the resulting location to the LCS client or AF through the GMLC. If the UE context is deleted, this function cannot be performed.

[0161] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, if the target UE selects multiple positioning UEs, the target UE may send a routing ID to the positioning UEs to ensure that the positioning UEs may report ranging / SL positioning measurement data or results to the LMF respectively, which is indicated by the routing ID from the target UE.

[0162] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of an SL-MO-LR process involving LMF provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 2 illustrates a process for enabling a terminal to use one or more other terminals to obtain sidelink positioning / ranging position results with the help of the LMF in the serving public land mobile network (PLMN) of terminal 1. The ranging / SL positioning results may include absolute position, relative position, or distance and direction, depending on the service request. If the target terminal decides to initiate the SL-MO-LR process, it includes one or more sidelink (Sindlink, SL) reference terminals / positioning terminals in the service request. Among them, terminal 1 is within the coverage area and is registered with the serving PLMN. Terminals 2 to n may be within the coverage area or not, and if they are within the coverage area, they may be registered with the same serving PLMN as terminal 1 or not.

[0163] As shown in FIG2 , the method includes the following steps 1 to 23:

[0164] Step 1, SL-MO-LR (Sidelink Terminal Initiated Location Request) procedure and signaling may be used to provide ranging / SL positioning service authorization and policy / parameter provision to terminals 1 to n when in coverage.

[0165] Note: If an indication of terminal-only operation is received, the ranging / sidechain positioning control procedure (or process) is executed.

[0166] Step 2: Based on the trigger of the service request (e.g., received from the application layer), which includes Terminal 1 / ... / Terminal n, perform terminal discovery for ranging / SL positioning:

[0167] If terminal 1 is the target terminal, then terminal 1 discovers terminals 2 to n;

[0168] If the terminal 1 is a positioning terminal, the target terminal (ie, one of the terminals 2 to n) discovers the terminal 1 (and other positioning terminals in the set of terminals 2 to n).

[0169] Step 3: Establish secure multicast and / or unicast links between terminals 1 to n to enable terminal 1 to exchange ranging and sidelink positioning protocol (RSPP) messages with each of terminals 2 to n over the PC5-U reference point, and possibly enable terminals 2 to n to exchange RSPP over PC5-U between each other.

[0170] NOTE: Safety aspects of RSPP signalling need to be defined or agreed by SA WG3.

[0171] In step 4, Terminal 1 and Terminals 2 to n may communicate via PC 5 to authorize ranging / SL positioning and receive QoS parameters if necessary. Each terminal verifies that ranging / SL positioning is permitted based on any service authorization and policy / parameter provisioning received in step 1, including whether ranging / SL positioning results can be transmitted to the location service LCS client or AF (if used). QoS requirements for ranging / SL positioning may also be provided based on the QoS requirements in the service request.

[0172] Step 5: Terminal 1 may use the multicast and / or unicast links established in step 3 to obtain the sidechain positioning capability of terminals 2 to n.

[0173] Steps 4 and 5 may be performed to transmit information of terminals not served by the LMF.

[0174] NOTE: Terminal 2 / ... / Terminal n are not assumed to be served by the same LMF that serves Terminal 1.

[0175] Note: It needs to be verified that RAN2 will provide support for steps 4 and 5.

[0176] Step 6: Based on the sidelink positioning capabilities of Terminal 1 / … / Terminal n, the target terminal determines to perform SL-MO-LR. If Terminal 1 is a positioning terminal (i.e., when the target terminal is one of Terminal 2 / … / Terminal n and does not have a NAS connection), the target terminal initiates an SL-MO-LR service request to Terminal 1.

[0177] Step 7: If Terminal 1 is in the CM-IDLE state, Terminal 1 initiates a terminal-triggered service request to establish a signaling connection with the serving AMF of Terminal 1.

[0178] Step 8. Terminal 1 sends a supplementary service SL-MO-LR request to the serving AMF in an uplink network attached storage transport UL NAS TRANSPORT message. The SL-MO-LR request indicates the other terminals 2 to n (using the application layer identifier (Application Layer ID) and / or the generic public subscription identifier (GSPI)), indicates any auxiliary data required, indicates whether position calculation assistance is required, and indicates whether the position result should be transmitted to the location service LCS client or AF. The message should include the identity of the location service LCS client or AF, and may include the address of the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC), through which the location service LCS client and AF should be accessed (via the Network Repository Function (NRF)). In addition, it may include a service type indicating which MO-LR service the terminal requests from the location service LCS client. For position calculation assistance from the LMF, the preferred type of sidelink positioning / ranging position result (for example, absolute position, relative position, or distance and direction between terminal pairs) and the required quality of service (QoS) are included. If terminal 1 is a positioning terminal, any one of terminal 2 / … / terminal n that has no non-access stratum (NAS) connection with terminal 1 is a target terminal, and the supplementary service SL-MO-LR request includes that terminal 2 / … / terminal n is the target terminal, not terminal 1.

[0179] NOTE: If FFS indicates that assistance data is required from the terminal, the assistance data will be aligned with the RAN WG.

[0180] Note: Whether or not GPSI of other terminals can be obtained will be further aligned with SA WG3.

[0181] Step 9: The serving AMF selects the LMF serving Terminal 1 (e.g., an LMF that supports sidelink positioning / ranging) and sends the Nlmf_LocationDetermine-Location service operation to the LMF using the information from the SL-MO-LR request. The service operation includes the LCS Correlation ID.

[0182] Step 10: LMF sends a request for the capabilities of terminals 1 to n to terminal 1.

[0183] NOTE: Terminal 2 / ... / Terminal n are not assumed to be served by the same LMF that serves Terminal 1.

[0184] Note: FFS is updated when LMF also serves terminal 2 / … / terminal n is aligned with RAN.

[0185] Step 11: Terminal 1 returns its capabilities to LMF. If LMF requests in step 10, Terminal 1 may also return the capabilities of the terminal obtained in step 5.

[0186] Step 12: Terminal 1 may send a request for specific assistance data to the LMF.

[0187] Step 13: The LMF sends the requested assistance data to Terminal 1. Terminal 1 forwards the assistance data received from the LMF to Terminal 2 / ... / Terminal n. The assistance data can help Terminals 1 through n obtain sidelink position measurements in step 15 and / or can help Terminal 1 calculate a sidelink positioning / ranging result in step 16.

[0188] NOTE: If terminal 1 includes a message including the capabilities of terminals 1 to n in the SL-MO-LR request of step 8, steps 10 and 11 may be omitted. If terminal 1 includes a message including a request for specific assistance data in the SL-MO-LR request of step 8, step 12 may be omitted.

[0189] NOTE: Whether steps 10-11 are required will be determined in accordance with the RAN WG.

[0190] Step 14: If the SL-MO-LR request in step 8 indicates that position calculation assistance is required and / or indicates that sidelink positioning / ranging position results are transmitted to the location service LCS client or AF, the LMF sends a request for positioning information to terminal 1, and may also send a request to terminal 2 / ... / terminal n if it is served by the LMF. If the LMF determines to apply terminal-based SL positioning, the LMF includes an indication of terminal-based SL positioning in the request. If an absolute position is requested in step 8, the LMF may also provide a list of candidate positioning terminals. If a scheduled positioning time is received in step 14, the LMF may include the scheduled positioning time.

[0191] Note: If a list of candidate positioning terminals is provided in step 13 or step 14, it needs to be aligned with RAN WG2.

[0192] Step 15. Terminal 1 initiates a sidelink positioning / ranging procedure between terminals 1-n, where terminals 1-n obtain sidelink position measurements, and terminals 2-n transmit their sidelink position measurements to terminal 1 and / or the LMF (depending on the assistance requested). If a scheduled position time is received in step 14, sidelink positioning / ranging is performed at the scheduled position time.

[0193] Step 16: If the absolute location information of the target terminal is required in step 8 and the absolute location of the positioning terminal is not available, the target terminal sends a request to the positioning terminal to trigger the fifth generation mobile communication technology core network (5th generation Core) 5GC-MO-LR process to enable the positioning terminal to obtain its own absolute location. The QoS requirement received in step 8 is included in the request, and the request is used to derive the QoS of the positioning terminal.

[0194] Step 17. If the LMF determines to use terminal-based calculation, at least one of Terminal 1 / ... / Terminal n calculates a sidelink positioning / ranging position result based on the sidelink position measurement obtained in Step 15 and possibly using the assistance data received in Step 13. The sidelink positioning / ranging position result may include an absolute position, a relative position, or a range and direction associated with Terminals 1 to n.

[0195] Step 18. If Terminal 1 receives a request for location information in step 14, Terminal 1 sends a response to the LMF and includes the side chain position measurement obtained in step 15, the side chain positioning / ranging position result obtained in step 17 if step 17 is performed, or the absolute position of the positioning terminal obtained in step 16.

[0196] Step 19. If the absolute location information of the target terminal is required in step 8, and if the absolute location of the positioning terminal is not received in step 18, the LMF can retrieve the location of the positioning terminal locally or trigger the 5GC-MT-LR procedure to the GMLC to obtain the absolute location of the positioning terminal using the application layer ID or GPSI of the positioning terminal. The LMF includes the QoS requirements received in step 8 in the request, which is used to derive the QoS of the positioning terminal. If a scheduled positioning time is used, the LMF includes the scheduled positioning time in the request to the GMLC.

[0197] Step 20: The LMF calculates sidelink positioning / ranging position results for terminals 1 to n based on the sidelink position measurements received in step 18 and the absolute positions of the terminals located in step 19. The sidelink positioning / ranging position results may include absolute positions, relative positions, or ranges and directions associated with terminals 1 to n, depending on the position request received in step 8.

[0198] Step 21. LMF returns the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation service operation response to AMF, and includes the side chain positioning / ranging position result received in step 18 or calculated in step 20.

[0199] Step 22. If the sidelink positioning / ranging position result is received in step 21, the AMF performs steps 7-12 of clause 6.2 to send the sidelink positioning or ranging position result to the GMLC and, if requested in step 8, to the AF or location service LCS client. The sidelink positioning / ranging position result includes the identity of each terminal 1 to n received in step 8.

[0200] NOTE: Sending the location result and global identity of the terminal 1 to n to the AF or location service LCS client may require privacy verification from the terminal 1 to n and / or from the local public land mobile network HPLMN of the terminal 1 to n.

[0201] Step 23: The LMF returns a supplementary service SL-MO-LR response to Terminal 1 in a downlink network attached storage transport (DL NAS TRANSPORT) message, and if step 20 is performed, the LMF includes any sidelink positioning / ranging position results calculated in step 20. If Terminal 1 is a positioning terminal and the target terminal is one of Terminals 2 to n and does not have a NAS connection, Terminal 1 may transmit the sidelink positioning / ranging position results to the target terminal.

[0202] Therefore, a terminal can determine its own location information or provide its location information to an external client by initiating the SL-MO-LR (Sidelink Terminal Initiated Location Request) process. However, how the LMF sends the Request Location Information and routing identifier to the target terminal and the positioning terminal via the AMF during the SL-MO-LR process to achieve positioning remains an urgent issue that needs to be resolved.

[0203] The information processing method and apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0204] FIG3A is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , the information processing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to a communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0205] Step S3101: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first message may be sent by the second network element to the first network element. Optionally, the first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first message may include request location information and a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to indicate this SL-MO-LR service request. Optionally, in some embodiments, the first message may also include a terminal identifier of the terminal. Exemplarily, the first message may also include at least one of the terminal identifier of the first terminal, the terminal identifier of the second terminal, the terminal identifier of the third terminal, and the terminal identifier of the fourth terminal. Exemplarily, the first message may include request location information, the terminal identifier of the first terminal, the terminal identifier of the second terminal, the terminal identifier of the third terminal, the terminal identifier of the fourth terminal, and the first identifier.

[0208] In some embodiments, "request location information" can be understood as the first location information, and the terms "request location information", "first location information", "location information" and the like can be interchangeable and used to request the location information of the terminal. Exemplarily, the requested location information may include at least one of the following: the absolute and / or relative position of the requested first terminal; the absolute and / or relative position of the requested second terminal; the absolute and / or relative position of the requested fourth terminal; the measurement of the absolute and / or relative position of the requested first terminal; the measurement of the absolute and / or relative position of the requested second terminal; the measurement of the absolute and / or relative position of the requested fourth terminal.

[0209] In some embodiments, the terminal identifier may include at least one of the following: SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier); GPSI (Generic Public Subscription Identifier); and application layer ID.

[0210] Exemplarily, the first terminal is, for example, a target terminal. Exemplarily, the first terminal has no NAS connection.

[0211] In some embodiments, the terminal being located may be referred to as a target terminal. The second terminal is, for example, a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element. Exemplarily, the second terminal is, for example, a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element. The third terminal is, for example, a terminal selected from the fourth terminal to interact with the network, wherein the first network element is the service AMF of the third terminal. The third terminal is a UE that sends an SL-MO-LR (Sidelink Terminal Initiated Location) request to the second network element via the AMF. The third terminal may be a target terminal or a positioning terminal. The fourth terminal is, for example, a terminal that can be served by the first network element. Exemplarily, the fourth terminal may be a positioning terminal, such as the fourth terminal is, for example, a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0212] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned "first identifier" may also be referred to as a "routing identifier," "routing ID," "correlation ID," "correlation identifier," or "correlation identifier." For example, the terms "first identifier," "routing identifier," "routing ID," "correlation ID," "correlation identifier," or "correlation identifier" may be used interchangeably.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first identifier may be determined by the first terminal. Exemplarily, the first terminal is the target terminal. If the target terminal has the first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the target terminal initiates this SL-MO-LR.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first identifier may be determined by the third terminal. For example, if the target terminal does not have the first identifier (i.e., routing ID), the first identifier may be the routing ID of the third terminal selected by the target terminal, i.e., used to indicate that the SL-MO-LR is initiated by the third terminal.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first identifier can also be determined by the first network element. For example, if neither the target terminal nor the third terminal has the first identifier (i.e., routing ID), the first network element allocates the corresponding routing ID according to SL-MO-LR, and the routing ID is the above-mentioned first identifier.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first network element may be the AMF1 in this document. For example, the first network element may be understood to refer to the service AMF for the terminal that first communicates with the network.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first message may be included in a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer (n1, n2 interface communication message transmission) message. Exemplarily, the second network element is LMF, and LMF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to AMF1, where the message includes the first message, such as the UE's requested location information, the terminal identifier, and the first identifier. Exemplarily, the first message sent by the second network element to the first network element may also be a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0218] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first message also includes terminal identifiers of multiple terminals; the method also includes at least one of the following: the first network element does not have the context of the terminal indicated by the terminal identifier, and sends a first request to the third network element, wherein the first request is used to query the first information of the terminal indicated by the terminal identifier; the first network element receives the first information sent by the third network element.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: location service client LCS mobile initiation; terminal location; terminal reachability; terminal registration status; terminal connection status; ranging / sidelink positioning subscription data.

[0220] Step S3102: The first network element sends a first message to the third terminal.

[0221] Optionally, the third terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element.

[0222] Exemplarily, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from among the fourth terminals to interact with the network, wherein the first network element is a serving AMF for the third terminal. The first terminal is a target terminal and has no NAS connection. The fourth terminal is, for example, a terminal that can be served by the first network element. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal has not yet established a signaling connection with the first network element. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal has already established a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the third terminal may include a request for location information and a first identifier, and may also include a terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. Exemplarily, the first message sent by the first network element to the third terminal may also include the terminal identifiers of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. After receiving the first message, the third terminal may send the request for location information and the first identifier to the first terminal based on the terminal identifier of the first terminal in the first message, and may also send the terminal identifiers of the second terminal and the fourth terminal to the first terminal. In this way, the first terminal may send the request for location information and the first identifier to the second terminal and the fourth terminal based on the terminal identifiers of the second terminal and the fourth terminal sent by the third terminal.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first message may be included in a DL NAS TRANSPORT (downlink non-access stratum transport) message. Exemplarily, the first network element sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to the third terminal. The message includes the first message, such as the request location information and the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. Exemplarily, the first message sent by the first network element to the third terminal may also be a DL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0225] Step S3103: The third terminal sends a first message to the first terminal.

[0226] Optionally, the first terminal receives a first message sent by the third terminal.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the third terminal to the first terminal may include the request for location information and the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal. Exemplarily, the first message sent by the third terminal to the first terminal may also include the terminal identifiers of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, respectively. After receiving the first message, the first terminal may send the request for location information and the first identifier to the second terminal and the fourth terminal based on the terminal identifiers of the second terminal and the fourth terminal in the first message.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the third terminal may exchange information via PC 5. Exemplarily, the third terminal sends a request for the first message to the first terminal via PC 5.

[0229] Step S3104: The first terminal sends a first message to the second terminal.

[0230] Optionally, the second terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal. Exemplarily, because the first message sent by the third terminal to the first terminal includes the terminal identifier of the second terminal, when the first terminal receives the first message sent by the third terminal including the terminal identifier of the second terminal, the first terminal may send the first message to the second terminal based on the terminal identifier, such as requesting location information and the first identifier.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal may exchange information via the PC 5. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends a request for the first message to the second terminal via the PC 5.

[0232] Step S3105: The first terminal sends a first message to the fourth terminal.

[0233] Optionally, the fourth terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal.

[0234] Exemplarily, since the first message sent by the third terminal to the first terminal includes the terminal identifier of the fourth terminal, when the first terminal receives the first message sent by the third terminal including the terminal identifier of the fourth terminal, it can send the first message to the fourth terminal based on the terminal identifier, such as requesting location information and the first identifier.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the fourth terminal can exchange information via PC 5. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal can establish a NAS connection with the first network element. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends the first message to the fourth terminal via PC 5.

[0236] Step S3106: The second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0237] Optionally, the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal.

[0238] Exemplarily, the first terminal is, for example, a target terminal and has no NAS connection. The second terminal is, for example, a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second message includes the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal, and the second message is used by the first terminal to send the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier to the serving AMF.

[0240] In some embodiments, the provided location information may also be referred to as second location information or location information, and is used to provide the location information of the terminal. In some embodiments, the provided location information may include, for example, at least one of the following: the absolute or relative location of the requested first terminal; the absolute or relative location of the requested second terminal; the absolute or relative location of the requested fourth terminal; the measurement (result or data) of the absolute or relative location of the requested first terminal; the measurement (result or data) of the absolute or relative location of the requested second terminal; the measurement (result or data) of the absolute or relative location of the requested fourth terminal. In some embodiments, the terms "requesting location information," "providing location information," "second location information," "first location information," and "location information" may be used interchangeably.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal may exchange information via the PC 5. For example, the second terminal sends location information and a first identifier to the first terminal via the PC 5.

[0242] Step S3107: The fourth terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0243] Optionally, the first terminal receives a second message sent by the fourth terminal.

[0244] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, and the first terminal has no NAS connection. The fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second message includes provided location information of the fourth terminal and the first identifier.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the fourth terminal may exchange information via the PC 5. For example, the fourth terminal sends the provided location information and the first identifier to the first terminal via the PC 5.

[0247] Step S3108: The first terminal sends a second message to the third terminal.

[0248] Optionally, the third terminal receives a second message sent by the first terminal, where the second message includes the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and the first identifier.

[0249] In some embodiments, the second message may further include a terminal identification of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the third terminal may exchange information via PC 5. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends the second message to the third terminal via PC 5.

[0251] Step S3109: The third terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0252] Optionally, the first network element receives a second message sent by the third terminal. In some embodiments, the second message may include the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and the first identifier. Exemplarily, the second message may include the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and the first identifier.

[0253] In some embodiments, the second message may further include a terminal identification of at least one of the first terminal, the third terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal.

[0254] In some embodiments, the second message may be included in a UL NAS TRANSPORT (Uplink Non-Access Stratum Transport) message. Exemplarily, the third terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the first network element, where the message includes the second message, such as the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and the first identifier. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the third terminal to the first network element may also be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0255] Step S3110: The first network element sends a second message to the second network element.

[0256] Optionally, the second network element receives a second message sent by the first network element. In some embodiments, the second message may include the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and the first identifier. Exemplarily, the second message may include the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and the first identifier.

[0257] In some embodiments, the second message may further include a terminal identification of at least one of the first terminal, the third terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal.

[0258] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may be included in an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message. Exemplarily, the first network element is AMF1, the second network element is LMF, and AMF1 sends an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message to the LMF, which includes the second message, such as the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the third terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may also be an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0259] That is to say, when the first terminal has no NAS connection, the first network element can centrally send the requested location information and the first identifier obtained from the second network element, the provided location information of the fourth terminal and the provided location information of the second terminal can be sent to the first terminal, the first terminal sends the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier to the third terminal, the third terminal centrally sends the collected provided location information and the first identifier to the first network element, and the first network element sends the second network element.

[0260] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0261] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "side", "sidelink (also called side chain, also called sidelink)", "side communication", and "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication" can be interchangeable with each other.

[0262] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0263] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0264] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0265] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0266] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3110. For example, steps S3101 to S3110 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3101 to S3105 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3106 to S3110 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0267] In some embodiments, step S3104 and step S3105 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously, and step S3106 and step S3107 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously.

[0268] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3A .

[0269] FIG3B is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to a communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0270] Step S3201: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element.

[0271] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0272] Step S3202: The first network element sends a first message to the third terminal.

[0273] The optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0274] Step S3203: The third terminal sends a first message to the first terminal.

[0275] The optional implementation of step S3203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3103 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0276] Step S3204: The first terminal sends a first message to the second terminal.

[0277] The optional implementation of step S3204 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3104 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0278] Step S3205: The first terminal sends a first message to the fourth terminal.

[0279] The optional implementation of step S3205 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3105 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0280] Step S3206: The fourth terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0281] Optionally, the first network element receives a second message sent by the fourth terminal.

[0282] In some embodiments, the second message may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the fourth terminal. Optionally, the second message may also include the identifier of the fourth terminal.

[0283] In some embodiments, the provided location information may also be referred to as location information, and the location information may include requested location information such as at least one of the following: the absolute and relative position of the requested first terminal; the absolute and relative position of the requested second terminal; the absolute and relative position of the requested fourth terminal; the measurement (result or data) of the absolute and relative position of the requested first terminal; the measurement (result or data) of the absolute and relative position of the requested second terminal; the measurement (result or data) of the absolute and relative position of the requested fourth terminal.

[0284] In some embodiments, the second message may be included in a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the second message may also be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0285] Step S3207: The second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0286] Exemplarily, the second terminal is, for example, a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element. The second terminal has no NAS signaling connection, or the second terminal is not served by the AMF.

[0287] Optionally, the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal. In some embodiments, the second message may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal. Exemplarily, the second message may also include the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal may exchange information via PC 5. Exemplarily, the second terminal sends the second message to the first terminal via PC 5.

[0289] Step S3208: The second terminal sends a second message to the first network element associated with the second terminal.

[0290] Exemplarily, the first network element associated with the second terminal may be AMF2. That is, the second terminal cannot be served by the first network element, but the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection, such as a NAS signaling connection between the second terminal and AMF2. AMF2 may receive the second message sent by the second terminal and send the second message to the second network element.

[0291] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the second terminal to the first network element associated with the second terminal may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal. Exemplarily, the second message may also include the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0292] In some embodiments, the second message may be included in a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the second terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to a first network element associated with the second terminal. The message includes the second message, such as the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the second terminal to the first network element associated with the second terminal may also be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, although this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0293] Step S3209: The first terminal sends a second message to the third terminal.

[0294] Optionally, the third terminal receives the second message sent by the first terminal. In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first terminal to the third terminal may include the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal, and the first identifier. Exemplarily, the second message may also include the terminal identifier of the second terminal and / or the first terminal. Exemplarily, the second terminal is, for example, a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, and the second terminal has no NAS signaling connection, or the second terminal is not served by the AMF. In this case, the second terminal will send the provided location information and the first identifier to the first terminal, and the first terminal will send the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal and / or the first terminal to the third terminal.

[0295] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first terminal to the third terminal may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the first terminal. Exemplarily, the second terminal is, for example, a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, but the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection, such as a NAS signaling connection between the second terminal and AMF2. The second terminal can directly send the provided location information to the first network element (such as AMF2) serving the second terminal.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the third terminal may exchange information via PC 5. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends the second message to the third terminal via PC 5.

[0297] Step S3210: The third terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0298] Optionally, the first network element receives a second message sent by the third terminal. In some embodiments, the second message may include provided location information of at least one of the third terminal, the first terminal, and the second terminal, and may also include first identification information. Exemplarily, the second message may also include a terminal identification of at least one of the third terminal, the first terminal, and the second terminal.

[0299] For example, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element. The second terminal has no NAS signaling connection, or the second terminal is not served by the AMF. The second message sent by the third terminal to the first network element may include the provided location information of the third terminal, the first terminal and the second terminal, and may also include the first identifier, etc.

[0300] For example, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, but the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection. For example, the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection with AMF2. The second terminal can directly send the provided location information to the first network element (such as AMF2) serving the second terminal. The second message sent by the third terminal to the first network element may include the provided location information of the third terminal and the second terminal respectively, and may also include the first identifier, etc.

[0301] In some embodiments, the second message may be included in a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the third terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the first network element, where the message includes the second message, such as provided location information of at least one of the third terminal, the first terminal, and the second terminal, and may also include the first identifier. Exemplarily, the second message may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the third terminal, the first terminal, and the second terminal. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the third terminal to the first network element may also be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0302] Step S3211: The first network element sends a second message to the second network element.

[0303] Optionally, the second network element receives a second message sent by the first network element. In some embodiments, the first network element sends the second message to the second network element based on the first identifier. In some embodiments, the second message may include provided location information of at least one of the third terminal, the first terminal, and the second terminal, and may also include the first identifier. Exemplarily, the second message may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the third terminal, the first terminal, and the second terminal. Exemplarily, the second message may include the provided location information and the first identifier of each of the third terminal, the first terminal, and the second terminal.

[0304] For example, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element. The second terminal has no NAS signaling connection, or the second terminal is not served by the AMF. The second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include the provided location information of the third terminal, the first terminal, and the second terminal, and may also include the first identifier, etc.

[0305] For example, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, but the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection. For example, the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection with AMF2. The second terminal can directly send the provided location information to the first network element (such as AMF2) serving the second terminal. The second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include the provided location information of the third terminal and the second terminal respectively, and may also include the first identifier, etc.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may be included in an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message. Exemplarily, the first network element sends an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message to the second network element, where the message includes the second message. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may also be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0307] Step S3212: The first network element associated with the second terminal sends a second message to the second network element.

[0308] Optionally, the second network element receives a second message sent by a first network element associated with the second terminal. Exemplarily, the first network element associated with the second terminal is AMF2, which is a different AMF from the first network element. In some embodiments, the second message sent by the second terminal to the first network element associated with the second terminal may include provided location information and a first identifier of the second terminal. Exemplarily, the second message may also include a terminal identifier of the second terminal. In some embodiments, the first network element associated with the second terminal sends the second message to the second network element based on the first identifier.

[0309] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element associated with the second terminal to the second network element may be included in an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message. Exemplarily, the first network element associated with the second terminal sends an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message to the second network element, where the message includes the second message. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first network element associated with the second terminal to the second network element may also be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0310] In some embodiments, the second network element can receive a second message sent by the first network element and a second message sent by the first network element associated with the second terminal (such as AMF2). For example, the second network element can receive at least one of the provided location information, the first identifier, and the terminal identifier sent from different AMFs, and the second network element can associate the message based on the first identifier.

[0311] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3212. For example, steps S3201 to S3212 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3201 to S3205 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3206 + S3207 + S3209 + S3210 + S3211 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3201 + S3202 + S3203 + S3204 + S3205 + S3206 + S3207 + S3209 + S3210 + S3211 can be implemented as independent embodiments. The present invention can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3206+step S3208+step S3209+step S3210 step S3211+step S3212 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3201+step S3202+step S3203+step S3204+step S3205+step S3206+step S3208+step S3209+step S3210 step S3211+step S3212 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3203 to S3209 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited to this.

[0312] In some embodiments, step S3204 and step S3205 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously, step S3206 and step S3207 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously, and step S3206, step S3208, and step S3210 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously.

[0313] In some embodiments, step S3208 and step S3212 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0314] In some embodiments, step S3207 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0315] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3B .

[0316] Figure 3C is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0317] Step S3301: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element.

[0318] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0319] Step S3302: The first network element sends a first message to the third terminal.

[0320] Optionally, the third terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element. The third terminal is, for example, a terminal selected by the first terminal from a fourth terminal for signaling interaction with the network, wherein the first network element is a serving AMF for the third terminal. The first terminal is a target terminal and has no NAS connection. The fourth terminal is, for example, a terminal that can be served by the first network element. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal has not yet established a signaling connection with the first network element. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal has already established a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0321] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the third terminal may include the request location information, the terminal identifier of the first terminal and / or the second terminal, and the first identifier. Exemplarily, the third terminal sends the request location information and the first identifier to the corresponding terminal based on the terminal identifier of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0322] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the third terminal is included in a DL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the first network element sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to the third terminal, the message including the first message. Exemplarily, the first message sent by the first network element to the third terminal may be a DL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0323] Step S3303: The first network element sends a first message to the fourth terminal.

[0324] Optionally, the fourth terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element. The fourth terminal is, for example, a terminal that can be served by the first network element, and the fourth terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element, where the first network element is a serving AMF for the third terminal. The first terminal is a target terminal and has no NAS connection.

[0325] In some embodiments, the fourth terminal has not yet established a signaling connection with the first network element, and the first network element may execute a network-triggered service request to establish a signaling connection with the fourth terminal. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal has already established a signaling connection with the first network element. After the fourth terminal establishes a signaling connection with the first network element, the first network element may send a first message to the fourth terminal.

[0326] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the fourth terminal may include request location information and a first identifier.

[0327] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the fourth terminal is included in a DL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the first network element sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to the fourth terminal, the message including the first message. Exemplarily, the first message sent by the first network element to the fourth terminal may be a DL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0328] Step S3304: The third terminal sends a first message to the first terminal.

[0329] Optionally, the first terminal receives a first message sent by the third terminal. In some embodiments, the first message may include the requested location information and the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of the second terminal. The first terminal sends the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal based on the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0330] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the third terminal may exchange information via the PC 5. Exemplarily, the third terminal sends the first message to the first terminal via the PC 5, such as requesting location information and the first identifier.

[0331] Step S3305: The first terminal sends a first message to the second terminal.

[0332] Optionally, the second terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal. In some embodiments, the first message may include request location information and a first identifier.

[0333] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal may exchange information via the PC 5. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends the first message, such as requesting location information and the first identifier, to the second terminal via the PC 5.

[0334] Step S3306: The second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0335] The optional implementation of step S3306 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3106 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0336] Step S3307: The fourth terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0337] The optional implementation of step S3307 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3107 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0338] Step S3308: The first terminal sends a second message to the third terminal.

[0339] The optional implementation of step S3308 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3108 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0340] Step S3309: The third terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0341] The optional implementation of step S3309 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3109 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] Step S3310: The first network element sends a second message to the second network element.

[0343] The optional implementation of step S3310 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3110 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0344] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3310. For example, steps S3301 to S3310 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3301 and S3302 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3304 to S3310 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0345] In some embodiments, step S3302 and step S3303 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously, and step S3307 and step S3306 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously.

[0346] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3C .

[0347] Figure 3D is an interactive diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3D, the information processing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0348] Step S3401: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element.

[0349] The optional implementation of step S3401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] Step S3402: The first network element sends a first message to the third terminal.

[0351] The optional implementation of step S3402 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3302 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0352] Step S3403: The first network element sends a first message to the fourth terminal.

[0353] The optional implementation of step S3403 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3303 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0354] Step S3404: The third terminal sends a first message to the first terminal.

[0355] The optional implementation of step S3404 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3304 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0356] Step S3405: ​​The first terminal sends a first message to the second terminal.

[0357] The optional implementation of step S3405 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3305 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0358] Step S3406: The fourth terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0359] The optional implementation of step S3406 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3206 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0360] Step S3407: The second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0361] The optional implementation of step S3407 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3207 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] Step S3408: The second terminal sends a second message to the first network element associated with the second terminal.

[0363] The optional implementation of step S3408 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3208 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0364] Step S3409: The first terminal sends a second message to the third terminal.

[0365] The optional implementation of step S3409 can refer to the optional implementation of step S329 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0366] Step S3410: The third terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0367] The optional implementation of step S3410 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3210 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0368] Step S3411: The first network element sends a second message to the second network element.

[0369] The optional implementation of step S3411 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3211 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0370] Step S3412: The first network element associated with the second terminal sends a second message to the second network element.

[0371] The optional implementation of step S3412 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3212 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0372] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3401 to S3412.

[0373] In some embodiments, step S3402 and step S3403 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0374] In some embodiments, step S3406 and step S3407 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously, and step S3406 and step S3408 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously.

[0375] In some embodiments, step S3408 and step S3412 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0376] In some embodiments, step S3407 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0377] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3D .

[0378] Figure 3E is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3E, the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0379] Step S3501: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element.

[0380] The optional implementation of step S3501 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0381] Step S3502: The first network element sends a first message to the first terminal.

[0382] Optionally, the first terminal receives a first message sent by the first network element.

[0383] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0384] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the first terminal may include the requested location information and the first identifier. The first message may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal. The first terminal sends the requested location information and the first identifier to the corresponding terminal based on the terminal identifier of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal.

[0385] Exemplarily, the second terminal is a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, and the fourth terminal is a terminal that can be served by the first network element. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal has not yet established a signaling connection with the first network element. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal has already established a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0386] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the first terminal may be included in a DL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the first network element sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to the first terminal, where the message includes the first message. For example, the first message may include requested location information and a first identifier. The first message may also include a terminal identifier of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal. Exemplarily, the first message sent by the first network element to the first terminal may be a DL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0387] Step S3503: The first terminal sends a first message to the second terminal.

[0388] Optionally, the second terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal. Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second terminal is a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element.

[0389] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first terminal to the second terminal may include a request for location information and a first identifier.

[0390] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal may exchange information via the PC 5. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends the first message, such as requesting location information and the first identifier, to the second terminal via the PC 5.

[0391] Step S3504: The first terminal sends a first message to the fourth terminal.

[0392] Optionally, the fourth terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal. Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, has a NAS signaling connection, and can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The fourth terminal is, for example, a terminal that can be served by the first network element. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal has not yet established a signaling connection with the first network element. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal has already established a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0393] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first terminal to the fourth terminal may include a request for location information and a first identifier.

[0394] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the fourth terminal can exchange information via PC 5. In some embodiments, the fourth terminal can establish a NAS connection with the first network element. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends the first message, such as requesting location information and the first identifier, to the fourth terminal via PC 5.

[0395] Step S3505: The fourth terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0396] Optionally, the first terminal receives a second message sent by the fourth terminal.

[0397] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The fourth terminal is, for example, a terminal that can be served by the first network element, and illustratively, the fourth terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0398] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the fourth terminal to the first terminal may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the fourth terminal, and may also include the terminal identifier of the fourth terminal.

[0399] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the fourth terminal may exchange information via PC 5. Exemplarily, the fourth terminal sends the second message to the first terminal via PC 5, such as including the provided location information and the first identifier. For example, the second message may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the fourth terminal, and may also include the terminal identifier of the fourth terminal.

[0400] Step S3506: The second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0401] Optionally, the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal.

[0402] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second terminal is a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element.

[0403] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the second terminal to the first terminal may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal, and may also include the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0404] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal may exchange information via PC 5. Exemplarily, the second terminal sends the second message to the first terminal via PC 5, such as including the provided location information and the first identifier. For example, the second message may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal, and may also include the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0405] Step S3507: The first terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0406] Optionally, the first network element receives a second message sent by the first terminal.

[0407] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second terminal is a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element. Optionally, the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may include provided location information of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal, and may also include the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal.

[0408] Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may include provided location information of each of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal, and may also include the first identifier.

[0409] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may be included in a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the first network element, the message including the second message. The second message may include provided location information of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal, and may also include the first identifier, and may also include a terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0410] Step S3508: The first network element sends a second message to the second network element.

[0411] Optionally, the second network element receives a second message sent by the first network element. Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second terminal is a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element. Optionally, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include provided location information of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal, and may also include a first identifier, and may also include a terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal.

[0412] Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include provided location information of each of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal, and may also include the first identifier.

[0413] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may be included in an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message. Exemplarily, the first network element is AMF1, the second network element is LMF, and AMF1 sends an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message to the LMF, which includes the second message. For example, the second message may include the provided location information of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal, and may also include the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may also be an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0414] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3501 to S3508. For example, steps S3501 to S3508 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3501, S3502, S3503, and S3504 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3505, S3506, S3507, and S3508 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0415] In some embodiments, step S3503 and step S3504 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously, and step S3505 and step S3506 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously.

[0416] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3E .

[0417] Figure 3F is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3F, the information processing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0418] Step S3601: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element.

[0419] The optional implementation of step S3601 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0420] Step S3602: The first network element sends a first message to the first terminal.

[0421] The optional implementation of step S3602 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3502 in Figure 3E and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3E, which will not be repeated here.

[0422] Step S3603: The first terminal sends a first message to the second terminal.

[0423] The optional implementation of step S3603 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3503 in Figure 3E and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3E, which will not be repeated here.

[0424] Step S3604: The first terminal sends a first message to the fourth terminal.

[0425] The optional implementation of step S3604 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3504 in Figure 3E and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3E, which will not be repeated here.

[0426] Step S3605: The fourth terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0427] Optionally, the first network element receives a second message sent by the fourth terminal.

[0428] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The fourth terminal is, for example, a terminal that can be served by the first network element, and illustratively, the fourth terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0429] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the fourth terminal to the first network element may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the fourth terminal, and may also include the terminal identifier of the fourth terminal.

[0430] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the fourth terminal to the first network element may be included in a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the fourth terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the first network element, where the message includes the second message. The second message may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the fourth terminal, and may also include the terminal identifier of the fourth terminal. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the fourth terminal to the first network element may be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0431] Step S3606: The second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0432] Optionally, the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal.

[0433] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second terminal is a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element. Exemplarily, the second terminal has no NAS signaling connection, such as the second terminal does not serve the first network element. Exemplarily, the second terminal does not serve the AMF.

[0434] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the second terminal to the first terminal may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal, and may also include the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0435] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal may exchange information via PC 5. Exemplarily, the second terminal sends the second message to the first terminal via PC 5, such as including the provided location information and the first identifier. For example, the second message may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal, and may also include the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0436] Step S3607: The second terminal sends a second message to the first network element associated with the second terminal.

[0437] Optionally, a first network element associated with the second terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal. Exemplarily, the first network element associated with the second terminal may be AMF2. That is, the second terminal cannot be served by the first network element, but the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection, such as a NAS signaling connection between the second terminal and AMF2. AMF2 may receive the second message sent by the second terminal and send the second message to the second network element.

[0438] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the second terminal to the first network element associated with the second terminal may include the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal. Exemplarily, the second message may also include the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0439] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the second terminal to the first network element associated with the second terminal may be included in a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the second terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the first network element associated with the second terminal, where the message includes the second message, such as the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal.

[0440] Step S3608: The first terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0441] Optionally, the first network element receives a second message sent by the first terminal. In some embodiments, the second message may include provided location information of at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal, and may also include first identification information. Exemplarily, the second message may also include a terminal identification of at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0442] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second terminal is a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, and the second terminal does not have a NAS signaling connection. If the second terminal does not serve the first network element (exemplarily, the second terminal does not serve the AMF), the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may include the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, and the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0443] Exemplarily, the first terminal is the target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second terminal is a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, but the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection. If the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection with AMF2, the second terminal will send its provided location information and first identifier to the AMF2, and the provided location information and first identifier of the second terminal will be sent to the second network element via AMF2; the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may include the provided location information and first identifier of the provided location information of the first terminal, and may also include the terminal identifier of the first terminal.

[0444] In some embodiments, the second message may be included in a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the first network element, where the message includes the second message, such as provided location information of at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal, and may also include the first identifier. Exemplarily, the second message may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may also be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0445] Step S3609: The first network element sends a second message to the second network element.

[0446] Optionally, the second network element receives a second message sent by the first network element. In some embodiments, the second message may include provided location information of at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal, and may also include first identification information. Exemplarily, the second message may also include a terminal identification of at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0447] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second terminal is a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, and the second terminal does not have a NAS signaling connection. If the second terminal does not serve the first network element (exemplarily, the second terminal does not serve the AMF), the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, and the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0448] Exemplarily, the first terminal is the target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second terminal is a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, but the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection. If the second terminal has a NAS signaling connection with AMF2, the second terminal will send its provided location information and first identifier to the AMF2, and the provided location information and first identifier of the second terminal will be sent to the second network element via AMF2; the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include the provided location information and first identifier of the provided location information of the first terminal, and may also include the terminal identifier of the first terminal.

[0449] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may be in an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message. Exemplarily, the first network element sends an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message to the second network element, where the message includes the second message. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may also be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0450] Step S3610: The first network element associated with the second terminal sends a second message to the second network element.

[0451] Optionally, the second network element receives a second message sent by a first network element associated with the second terminal. Exemplarily, the first network element associated with the second terminal is AMF2, and AMF2 is a different AMF from the first network element. In some embodiments, the second message sent by the second terminal to the first network element associated with the second terminal may include provided location information and a first identifier of the second terminal. Exemplarily, the second message may also include a terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0452] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element associated with the second terminal to the second network element may be included in an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message. Exemplarily, the first network element associated with the second terminal sends an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message to the second network element, where the message includes the second message. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first network element associated with the second terminal to the second network element may also be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0453] In some embodiments, the second network element can receive a second message sent by the first network element and a second message sent by the first network element associated with the second terminal (such as AMF2). For example, the second network element can receive at least one of the provided location information, the first identifier, and the terminal identifier sent from different AMFs, and the second network element can associate the message based on the first identifier.

[0454] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3601 to S3610. For example, steps S3601 to S3610 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3601+step S3602+step S3603+step S3604 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3605+step S3606+step S3608+step S3609 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3605+step S3607+step S3608+step S3609+step S3610 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3601+step S3602+step S3603+step S3604 can be implemented as independent embodiments. 3602+step S3603+step S3604+step S3605+step S3606+step S3608+step S3609 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3601+step S3602+step S3603+step S3604+step S3605+step S3607+step S3608+step S3609+step S3610 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3603 to S3609 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited to this.

[0455] In some embodiments, step S3603 and step S3604 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously, step S3605 and step S3606 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously, and step S3605, step S3607, and step S3608 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously.

[0456] In some embodiments, step S3606 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0457] In some embodiments, step S3607 and step S3610 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0458] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3F .

[0459] Figure 3G is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3G, the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0460] Step S3701: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element.

[0461] The optional implementation of step S3701 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0462] Step S3702: The first network element sends a first message to the first terminal.

[0463] Optionally, the first terminal receives a first message sent by the first network element.

[0464] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0465] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the first terminal may include the request location information and the first identifier, and the first message may also include the terminal identifier of the second terminal. The first terminal sends the request location information and the first identifier to the corresponding terminal based on the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0466] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the first terminal may be included in a DL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the first network element sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to the first terminal, where the message includes the first message. For example, the first message may include requested location information and a first identifier, and the first message may also include a terminal identifier of the second terminal. Exemplarily, the first message sent by the first network element to the first terminal may be a DL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0467] Step S3703: The first network element sends a first message to the fourth terminal.

[0468] Optionally, the fourth terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element. The fourth terminal is, for example, a terminal that can be served by the first network element, and the fourth terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element, where the first network element is a serving AMF for the first terminal. Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0469] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the fourth terminal may include request location information and a first identifier.

[0470] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first network element to the fourth terminal is included in a DL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the first network element sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to the fourth terminal, the message including the first message. Exemplarily, the first message sent by the first network element to the fourth terminal may be a DL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0471] Step S3704: The first terminal sends a first message to the second terminal.

[0472] Optionally, the second terminal receives a first message sent by the first terminal. In some embodiments, the first message may include the requested location information and the first identifier. Exemplarily, the first terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element and includes the terminal identifier of the second terminal. The first terminal sends the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal based on the terminal identifier.

[0473] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal may exchange information via the PC 5. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends the first message, such as requesting location information and the first identifier, to the second terminal via the PC 5.

[0474] Step S3705: The fourth terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0475] Optionally, the first terminal receives a second message sent by the fourth terminal.

[0476] Exemplarily, the fourth terminal is a terminal that can be served by the first network element. For example, the fourth terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element, or can not establish a signaling connection with the first network element. Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second message sent by the fourth terminal to the first terminal may include the provided location information of the four terminals and the first identifier.

[0477] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the fourth terminal may exchange information via the PC 5. For example, the fourth terminal sends the provided location information and the first identifier to the first terminal via the PC 5.

[0478] Step S3706: The second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0479] Optionally, the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal.

[0480] Exemplarily, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, and the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element. The second terminal is, for example, a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element and has no signaling connection, or the second terminal is not served by the AMF. The second message sent by the second terminal to the first terminal may include the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier.

[0481] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal may exchange information via the PC 5. For example, the second terminal sends location information and a first identifier to the first terminal via the PC 5.

[0482] Step S3707: The first terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0483] Optionally, the first network element receives a second message sent by the first terminal.

[0484] Exemplarily, the first terminal is the target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element, the second terminal is, for example, a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, and the second terminal has no signaling connection, or the second terminal is not served by the AMF, the fourth terminal is, for example, a terminal that can be served by the first network element, for example, the fourth terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element, or may not establish a signaling connection with the first network element, then the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may include the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and may also include the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal.

[0485] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may be included in a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. Exemplarily, the first terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the first network element, the message including the second message. The second message may include the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, and the provided location information of the fourth terminal. The first identifier may also be included, and the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal may also be included. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may be a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0486] Step S3708: The first network element sends a second message to the second network element.

[0487] Optionally, the second network element receives a second message sent by the first network element.

[0488] Exemplarily, the first terminal is the target terminal, the first terminal has a NAS signaling connection, the first terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element, the second terminal is, for example, a terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, and the second terminal has no signaling connection, or the second terminal is not served by the AMF, the fourth terminal is, for example, a terminal that can be served by the first network element, for example, the fourth terminal can establish a signaling connection with the first network element, or may not establish a signaling connection with the first network element, then the fourth terminal will send its own provided location information and the first identifier to the first terminal, and the second terminal will send its own provided location information and the first identifier to the first terminal. In this way, the second message sent by the first terminal to the first network element may include the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and may also include the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal.

[0489] Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and may also include the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal.

[0490] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may be included in the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message. Exemplarily, the first network element is AMF1, the second network element is LMF, and AMF1 sends the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message to the LMF, which includes the second message. For example, the second message may include the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, and the provided location information of the fourth terminal, and may also include the first identifier, and may also include the terminal identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. Exemplarily, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may also be the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0491] The method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3701 to S3708. For example, steps S3701 to S3708 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3701, S3702, S3703, and S3704 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3705, S3706, S3707, and S3708 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0492] In some embodiments, step S3701, step S3702, step S3703, and step S3704 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0493] In some embodiments, step S3705, step S3706, step S3707, and step S3708 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0494] In some embodiments, step S3702 and step S3703 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously, and step S3705 and step S3706 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously.

[0495] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3G .

[0496] Figure 3H is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3H, the information processing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0497] Step S3801: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element.

[0498] The optional implementation of step S3801 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0499] Step S3802: The first network element sends a first message to the first terminal.

[0500] The optional implementation of step S3802 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3702 in Figure 3G and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3G, which will not be repeated here.

[0501] Step S3803: The first network element sends a first message to the fourth terminal.

[0502] The optional implementation of step S3803 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3703 in Figure 3G and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3G, which will not be repeated here.

[0503] Step S3804: The first terminal sends a first message to the second terminal.

[0504] The optional implementation of step S3804 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3704 in Figure 3G and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3G, which will not be repeated here.

[0505] Step S3805: The fourth terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0506] The optional implementation of step S3805 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3605 in Figure 3F and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3F, which will not be repeated here.

[0507] Step S3806: The second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal.

[0508] The optional implementation of step S3806 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3606 in Figure 3F and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3F, which will not be repeated here.

[0509] Step S3807: The second terminal sends a second message to the first network element associated with the second terminal.

[0510] The optional implementation of step S3807 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3607 in Figure 3F and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3F, which will not be repeated here.

[0511] Step S3808: The first terminal sends a second message to the first network element.

[0512] The optional implementation of step S3808 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3608 in Figure 3F and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3F, which will not be repeated here.

[0513] Step S3809: The first network element sends a second message to the second network element.

[0514] The optional implementation of step S3809 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3609 in Figure 3F and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3F, which will not be repeated here.

[0515] Step S3810: The first network element associated with the second terminal sends a second message to the second network element.

[0516] The optional implementation of step S3810 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3610 in Figure 3F and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3F, which will not be repeated here.

[0517] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3801 to S3810. For example, step S3801+step S3802+step S3803+step S3804 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3805+step S3806+step S3808+step S3809 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3805+step S3807+step S3808+step S3809+step S3810 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3801+step S3802+step S3803+step S3804+step S3805+step S3806+step S3808+step S3809 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3801+step S3802+step S3803+step S3804+step S3805+step S3807+step S3808+step S3809+step S3810 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited to this.

[0518] In some embodiments, step S3802 and step S3803 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0519] In some embodiments, step S3805 and step S3806 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously. For example, when step S3801 + step S3802 + step S3803 + step S3804 + step S3805 + step S3806 + step S3808 + step S3809 are implemented as independent embodiments, step S3805 and step S3806 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously.

[0520] In some embodiments, steps S3805, S3807, and S3808 may be executed in an interchanged order or concurrently. For example, when steps S3801, S3802, S3803, S3804, S3805, S3807, S3808, S3809, and S3810 are implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3805, S3807, and S3808 may be executed in an interchanged order or concurrently.

[0521] In some embodiments, step S3808 and step S3812 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0522] In some embodiments, step S3807 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0523] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3H .

[0524] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a first terminal. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S4101 to S4104.

[0525] Step S4101: Receive a first message sent by a third terminal.

[0526] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3103 in Figure 3A and step S3304 in Figure 3C, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0527] Step S4102: Send a first message to the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal.

[0528] Optional implementations of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementations of step S3104 and step S3105 in FIG. 3A and step S3305 in FIG. 3C , as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C , which will not be repeated here.

[0529] Step S4103: Receive a second message sent by the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal.

[0530] Optional implementations of step S4103 may refer to optional implementations of step S3106 and step S3107 in FIG. 3A and step S3207 in FIG. 3B , as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0531] Step S4104: Send a second message to the third terminal.

[0532] The optional implementation of step S4104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3108 in Figure 3A and step S3209 in Figure 3C, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0533] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4104. For example, steps S4101 to S4104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S4101 and S4102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S4103 and S4104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0534] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a first terminal. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S4201 to S4204.

[0535] Step S4201: Receive a first message sent by a first network element.

[0536] The optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3502 in Figure 3E and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3E, which will not be repeated here.

[0537] Step S4202: Send a first message to the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal.

[0538] The optional implementation of step S4202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3503, step S3504 in Figure 3E and step S3704 in Figure 3G, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3E and 3G, which will not be repeated here.

[0539] Step S4203: Receive a second message sent by the second terminal and / or the fourth terminal.

[0540] The optional implementation of step S4203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3705, step S3706 in Figure 3G and step S3606 in Figure 3F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3G and 3F, which will not be repeated here.

[0541] Step S4204: Send a second message to the first network element.

[0542] The optional implementation of step S4204 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3507 in Figure 3E and step S3608 in Figure 3F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3E and 3F, which will not be repeated here.

[0543] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4204. For example, steps S4201 to S4204 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S4201 and S4202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S4203 and S4204 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0544] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a second terminal. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S5101 to S5103.

[0545] Step S5101: Receive a first message sent by a first terminal.

[0546] Optionally, the first terminal sends the first message to the second terminal, and the second terminal can receive the first message sent by the first terminal. For optional implementations, see step S3104 of FIG. 3A , step S3305 of FIG. 3C , step S3503 of FIG. 3E , and step S3704 of FIG. 3G , as well as other related portions of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A , FIG. 3C , FIG. 3E , and FIG. 3G , which are not further described here.

[0547] Step S5102: Send a second message to the first terminal.

[0548] Optionally, the second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal, and the first terminal can receive the second message sent by the second terminal. For optional implementations, see step S3106 of FIG. 3A , step S3207 of FIG. 3B , step S3506 of FIG. 3E , and step S3606 of FIG. 3F , as well as other related portions of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A , FIG. 3B , FIG. 3E , and FIG. 3F , which are not further described here.

[0549] Step S5103: Send a second message to the first network element associated with the second terminal.

[0550] Optionally, the second terminal sends a second message to the first network element associated with the second terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3208 of FIG. 3B , the optional implementations of step S3607 of FIG. 3F , and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3F , which will not be described in detail here.

[0551] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 to S5103. For example, step S5101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5101 + step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5101 + step S5103 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0552] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a third terminal. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S6101 to S6104.

[0553] Step S6101: Receive a first message sent by a first network element.

[0554] Optionally, the first network element sends the first message to the third terminal, and the third terminal can receive the first message sent by the first network element. For optional implementations, see step S3102 of FIG. 3A , the optional implementation of step S3302 of FIG. 3C , and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C , which are not described in detail here.

[0555] Step S6102: Send a first message to the first terminal.

[0556] Optionally, the third terminal sends the first message to the first terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3103 of FIG. 3A , the optional implementations of step S3304 of FIG. 3C , and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C , which will not be described in detail here.

[0557] Step S6103: Receive a second message sent by the first terminal.

[0558] Optionally, the first terminal sends a second message to the third terminal, and the third terminal can receive the second message sent by the first terminal. For optional implementations, see step S3108 of FIG. 3A , the optional implementation of step S3209 of FIG. 3B , and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0559] Step S6104: Send a second message to the first network element.

[0560] Optionally, the third terminal sends a second message to the first network element. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3109 of FIG. 3A , the optional implementations of step S3210 of FIG. 3B , and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0561] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S6101 to S6104. For example, steps S6101 and S6102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S6103 and S6104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S6101 to S6104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0562] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a fourth terminal. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S7101 to S7102.

[0563] Step S7101: Receive a first message sent by a first terminal.

[0564] Optionally, the first terminal sends the first message to the fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal can receive the first message sent by the first terminal. For optional implementations, see step S3107 of FIG. 3A , the optional implementation of step S3504 of FIG. 3E , and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3E , which are not described in detail here.

[0565] Step S7102: Send a second message to the first terminal.

[0566] Optionally, the fourth terminal sends a second message to the first terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3105 of FIG. 3A , the optional implementations of step S3505 of FIG. 3E , and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3E , which will not be described in detail here.

[0567] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S7101 and S7102. For example, step S7101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S7102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S7101 + step S7102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0568] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a fourth terminal. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S7201 and S7202.

[0569] Step S7201: Receive a first message sent by a first network element.

[0570] Optionally, the first network element sends the first message to the fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal can receive the first message sent by the first network element. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3303 of FIG. 3C , the optional implementations of step S3703 of FIG. 3G , and other related portions of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3C and FIG. 3G , which are not described in detail here.

[0571] Step S7202: Send a second message to the first network element.

[0572] Optionally, the fourth terminal sends a second message to the first network element. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3206 of FIG. 3B , the optional implementations of step S3605 of FIG. 3F , and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3F , which will not be described in detail here.

[0573] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S7201 and S7202. For example, step S7201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S7202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S7201 + step S7202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0574] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a terminal. The method may include but is not limited to the following step S8101.

[0575] Step S8101: The terminal receives a first message.

[0576] In some embodiments, the first message includes requested location information and a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to indicate this SL-MO-LR service request.

[0577] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, and a possible implementation method for the terminal to receive the first message may include: the first terminal establishes a signaling connection with the first network element; the first terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element.

[0578] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a terminal to be located, the first message also includes at least one of a subscription permanent identifier SUPI and a universal public user identifier GPSI of the second terminal, and the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; the first terminal sends a request for location information and a first identifier to the second terminal based on the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

[0579] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, and a possible implementation method for the terminal to receive the first message may include: the first terminal receives the first message sent by the third terminal, and the first message is obtained by the third terminal from the second network element through the first network element, wherein the first terminal has no signaling connection, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, the first network element serves the third terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0580] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, and the first terminal can also perform at least one of the following actions: the first terminal sends a request for location information and a first identifier to the second terminal, wherein the fourth terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element; the first terminal sends a request for location information and a first identifier to the second terminal and the fourth terminal, wherein the fourth terminal does not receive the first message sent by the first network element; wherein the second terminal is a located terminal that cannot be served by the first network element.

[0581] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, the first terminal sends a second message to the first network element, there is a signaling connection between the first terminal and the first network element, and the second message includes the provided location information and the first identifier of the first terminal.

[0582] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, the first terminal has a signaling connection, the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal, the second message includes the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal; the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; the first terminal sends the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier to the first network element associated with the first terminal.

[0583] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, the first terminal does not have a signaling connection, the first terminal receives a second message sent by the second terminal, the second message includes the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal; the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; the first terminal sends a second message to the third terminal, the second message also includes the provided location information of the first terminal, the second message is used by the third terminal to send the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal and the first identifier to the first network element associated with the third terminal, wherein the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0584] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, the first terminal has a signaling connection, the first terminal receives a second message sent by at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, the second message includes the provided location information and the first identifier of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal; the first terminal sends the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information and the first identifier of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal to the service AMF; wherein the second terminal is a located terminal that cannot be served by the first network element; the fourth terminal is a located terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0585] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, the first terminal does not have a signaling connection, the first terminal receives a second message sent by at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, the second message includes the provided location information and the first identifier of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal; the first terminal sends a second message to the third terminal; wherein the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, the second message also includes the provided location information of the first terminal, the second message is used for the third terminal to send the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal and the first identifier to the first network element associated with the third terminal; wherein the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element; the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0586] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a second terminal, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, and the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element. A possible implementation method for the terminal to receive the first message includes: the second terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal, the first terminal is the target terminal, wherein the first message is obtained by the first terminal from the third terminal, the third terminal is the terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0587] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a second terminal, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, the second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal, the second message includes the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal, and the second message is used by the first terminal to send the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier to the serving AMF, wherein the first terminal is the target terminal.

[0588] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a third terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. A possible implementation method for the terminal to receive the first message includes: the third terminal establishes a signaling connection with the first network element; the third terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element.

[0589] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a third terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, and the fourth terminal is a located terminal that can be served by the first network element. Then, the third terminal can send a first message to the first terminal, and the first message is obtained by the third terminal from the second network element through the first network element, wherein the first network element serves the third terminal and the first terminal has no signaling connection with the network device.

[0590] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a third terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. The third terminal receives the second message sent by the first terminal, and the second message is obtained by the first terminal from the second terminal. The second message includes the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier, wherein the first terminal has no signaling connection with the network device, and the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; the third terminal sends the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal and the first identifier to the first network element associated with the third terminal.

[0591] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a third terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a terminal to be located, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. The third terminal receives a second message sent by the first terminal, the second message is obtained by the first terminal from at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, the second message includes the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, and a first identifier, and the first terminal does not have a signaling connection with the network device; the third terminal sends the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal, and the first identifier to the first network element associated with the third terminal; the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element; and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0592] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a fourth terminal, which is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element. If the fourth terminal has not yet established a signaling connection with the first network element, the fourth terminal can receive a network-initiated service request sent by the first network element and establish a signaling connection with the first network element.

[0593] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a fourth terminal, the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element. A possible implementation of the terminal receiving the first message includes: the fourth terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal, the first message is obtained by the first terminal from the second network element via the first network element via the third terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the first terminal has no signaling connection, and the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal.

[0594] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a fourth terminal, which is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element. The fourth terminal may send a second message to the first terminal, where the second message includes the provided location information of the fourth terminal and the first identifier. The first terminal is the target terminal, and the first terminal has a signaling connection. The second message is sent to the serving AMF of the first terminal via the first terminal.

[0595] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal is a fourth terminal, which is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element. The fourth terminal may send a second message to the first terminal, the second message including the provided location information and the first identifier of the fourth terminal, wherein the first terminal is a target terminal and the first terminal does not have a signaling connection, and the second message is sent via the first terminal through a third terminal to the first network element associated with the third terminal, where the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal.

[0596] The optional implementation methods of the steps involved in the above terminal side embodiments can be found in the relevant descriptions of the above first terminal, second terminal, third terminal, and fourth terminal side embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0597] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a first network element. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S9101 to S9104.

[0598] Step S9101: Receive a first message sent by a second network element.

[0599] Optionally, the second network element sends the first message to the first network element, and the first network element can receive the first message sent by the second network element. The optional implementation method can be referred to step S3101 of Figure 3A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0600] Step S9102: Send a first message to the third terminal and / or the fourth terminal.

[0601] In some embodiments, the first network element sends the first message to the third terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3102 of FIG. 3A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0602] In some embodiments, the first network element sends the first message to the third terminal and the fourth terminal respectively. Optional implementations thereof can be found in steps S3302 and S3303 of FIG. 3C , and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3C , which will not be described in detail here.

[0603] Step S9103: Receive a second message sent by the third terminal and / or the fourth terminal.

[0604] Optionally, the third terminal sends a second message to the first network element, and the first network element can receive the second message sent by the third terminal. The optional implementation method can be referred to step S3109 of Figure 3A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0605] Optionally, the third terminal and the fourth terminal each send a second message to the first network element, and the first network element can receive the second message sent by the third terminal and the fourth terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in steps S3206 and S3210 of FIG. 3B , and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0606] Step S9104: Send a second message to the second network element.

[0607] Optionally, the first network element sends a second message to the second network element. In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include provided location information and a first identifier of at least one of the third terminal, the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. Optional implementations of this method can be found in step S3110 of Figure 3A and other related portions of the embodiments involved in Figure 3A , and are not further described here.

[0608] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include provided location information and a first identifier of at least one of the third terminal, the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3211 of FIG. 3B and other related portions of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3B , and are not further described here.

[0609] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S9101 to S9104. For example, step S9101 and step S9102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, step S9103 and step S9104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and step S9101, step S9102, step S9103, and step S9104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0610] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a first network element. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S9201 to S9204.

[0611] Step S9201: Receive a first message sent by a second network element.

[0612] Optionally, the second network element sends the first message to the first network element, and the first network element can receive the first message sent by the second network element. The optional implementation method can be referred to step S3101 of Figure 3A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0613] Step S9202: Send a first message to the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal.

[0614] In some embodiments, the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3502 of FIG. 3E and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3E , which will not be described in detail here.

[0615] In some embodiments, the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal and the fourth terminal respectively. Optional implementations thereof can be found in steps S3702 and S3703 of FIG. 3G , and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3G , which will not be described in detail here.

[0616] Step S9203: Receive a second message sent by the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal.

[0617] Optionally, the first terminal sends a second message to the first network element, and the first network element can receive the second message sent by the first terminal. The optional implementation method can be referred to step S3507 of Figure 3E and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 3E, which will not be repeated here.

[0618] Optionally, the first terminal and the fourth terminal each send a second message to the first network element, and the first network element may receive the second message sent by the first terminal and the fourth terminal. For optional implementations, see steps S3605 and S3608 of FIG. 3F , and other related portions of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3F , which will not be described in detail here.

[0619] Step S9204: Send a second message to the second network element.

[0620] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include the provided location information and the first identifier of each of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3508 of FIG. 3E and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3E , which will not be described in detail here.

[0621] In some embodiments, the second message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include provided location information and a first identifier of at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the fourth terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3609 of FIG. 3F and other related portions of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3F , and are not further described here.

[0622] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S9201 to S9204. For example, steps S9201 and S9202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S9203 and S9204 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S9201, S9202, S9203, and S9204 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0623] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by the first network element. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S9301 and S9302.

[0624] Step S9301: Receive a first message sent by a second network element.

[0625] Optionally, the second network element sends the first message to the first network element, and the first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element. The optional implementation method thereof can be referred to step S3101 of FIG3A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0626] Step S9302, sending the first message.

[0627] Optionally, the first network element sends a first message.

[0628] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first message also includes a terminal identifier of the terminal; the first network element does not have the context of the terminal indicated by the terminal identifier, and sends a first request to a third network element, wherein the first request is used to query the first information of the terminal indicated by the terminal identifier; the first network element receives the first information sent by the third network element.

[0629] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: location service client LCS mobile initiation; terminal location; terminal reachability; terminal registration status; terminal connection status; ranging / sidelink positioning subscription data.

[0630] Optionally, in some embodiments, a possible implementation method for the first network element to send the first message includes the following: the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal, wherein the first terminal is the target terminal and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. Exemplarily, the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal. Its optional implementation method can refer to step S3502 of Figure 3E and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 3E, which will not be repeated here. Exemplarily, the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal and the fourth terminal respectively. Its optional implementation method can refer to steps S3702 and S3703 of Figure 3G and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 3G, which will not be repeated here.

[0631] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element establishes a signaling connection with a terminal in a CM-IDLE (Connection Management-Idle) state among the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal.

[0632] Optionally, in some embodiments, a possible implementation method for the first network element to send the first message includes the following: the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal; wherein the first message also includes the terminal identifier of the second terminal, and the terminal identifier of the second terminal is used by the first terminal to send the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal; wherein the first terminal is the target terminal, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, and the first terminal and / or the second terminal is not served by the second network element. Exemplarily, the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal. Its optional implementation method can be found in step S3502 of Figure 3E and step S3702 of Figure 3G, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3E and 3G, which will not be repeated here.

[0633] Optionally, in some embodiments, a possible implementation method for the first network element to send the first message includes the following: the first network element sends the first message to the third terminal, and the first message is sent by the third terminal to the first terminal, wherein the first message also includes the terminal identifier of the second terminal, and the terminal identifier of the second terminal is used by the first terminal to send the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal; wherein the first terminal is the target terminal, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, the first network element serves the third terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. Its optional implementation method can be seen in step S3102 of Figure 3A and step S3302 of Figure 3C, as well as other related parts of the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0634] Optionally, in some embodiments, a possible implementation of the first network element sending the first message includes the following: the first network element sends the first message to the fourth terminal, the first message being obtained by the first network element from the second network element; the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. For optional implementations, see step S3303 of Figure 3C and step S3703 of Figure 3G, as well as other related portions of the embodiments involved in Figures 3C and 3G, and will not be further described here.

[0635] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element receives a second message sent by the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal, a signaling connection exists between the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal and the first network element, and the second message includes provided location information and a first identifier of the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal; the first network element sends the second message to the second network element associated with the first identifier; wherein the first terminal is the target terminal and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3507 of Figure 3E, steps S3605 and S3608 of Figure 3F, and other related portions of the embodiments involved in Figures 3E and 3F, which will not be further described here.

[0636] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network element receives the provided location information of the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, and the first identifier sent by the third terminal and / or the fourth terminal, and the provided location information and the first identifier of the second terminal are obtained by the first terminal from the second terminal; wherein the first terminal is the target terminal and the first terminal is served by the first network element, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element; the first network element sends the provided location information of the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, and the first identifier to the second network element associated with the first identifier. Its optional implementation method can be seen in step S3109 of Figure 3A, steps S3206 and S3210 of Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0637] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by the second network element. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S1011 to S1013.

[0638] Step S1011: Send a first message to a first network element.

[0639] Optionally, the second network element sends the first message to the first network element. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3101 of FIG. 3A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0640] Step S1012: Receive a second message sent by the first network element.

[0641] Optionally, the first network element sends a second message to the second network element, and the second network element may receive the second message sent by the first network element. For optional implementations thereof, see step S3110 of FIG. 3A , step S3211 of FIG. 3B , step S3508 of FIG. 3E , step S3609 of FIG. 3F , and other related portions of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A , FIG. 3B , FIG. 3E , and FIG. 3F , which are not further described here.

[0642] Step S1013: Receive a second message sent by a first network element (such as AMF2) associated with the second terminal.

[0643] Optionally, the first network element associated with the second terminal (such as AMF2) sends a second message to the second network element, and the second network element can receive the second message sent by the first network element associated with the second terminal (such as AMF2). Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3212 of FIG. 3B and step S3610 of FIG. 3F , as well as other related portions of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3F , which are not further described here.

[0644] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S1011 to S1013. For example, step S1011 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S1012 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S1013 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S1011 + step S1012 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S1011 + step S1012 + step S1013 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0645] In some embodiments, step S1013 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0646] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by the second network element. The method may include but is not limited to the following step S1021.

[0647] Step S1021: Send a first message to the first network element.

[0648] In some embodiments, the second network element sends a first message to the first network element, where the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the current SL-MO-LR service request, and the first message being used to request location information from the terminal. The terminal may include at least one of a first terminal, a second terminal, and a fourth terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in the optional implementations of step S3101 in FIG. 3A and other related portions of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3A , and are not further described here.

[0649] In some embodiments, the second network element receives a second message sent by the first network element based on the first identifier, where the second message includes provided location information of the terminal served by the first network element. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3110 of FIG. 3A , step S3211 of FIG. 3B , step S3508 of FIG. 3E , step S3609 of FIG. 3F , and other related portions of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A , FIG. 3B , FIG. 3E , and FIG. 3F , which are not further described here.

[0650] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the second message sent by the first network element, and may also receive the second message sent by the first network element associated with the second terminal (such as AMF2). Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3212 of FIG. 3B and step S3610 of FIG. 3F , as well as other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3F , which are not described in detail here.

[0651] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a core network device. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S1111 to S1113.

[0652] In step S1111, the second network element sends a first message to the first network element, where the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate this SL-MO-LR service request, and the first message being used to request location information from the terminal. Optional implementations thereof can be found in the optional implementations of step S3101 in FIG. 3A and other related portions of the embodiment involved in FIG. Such descriptions are omitted here.

[0653] In step S1112, the first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element. Optional implementations thereof can be found in the optional implementations of step S3101 in FIG3A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG3A, which will not be described in detail here.

[0654] Step S1113: The first network element sends a first message.

[0655] Optionally, in some embodiments, a possible implementation method for the first network element to send the first message includes the following: the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal and / or the fourth terminal, wherein the first terminal is the target terminal and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. Exemplarily, the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal. Its optional implementation method can refer to step S3502 of Figure 3E and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 3E, which will not be repeated here. Exemplarily, the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal and the fourth terminal respectively. Its optional implementation method can refer to steps S3702 and S3703 of Figure 3G and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 3G, which will not be repeated here.

[0656] Optionally, in some embodiments, a possible implementation method for the first network element to send the first message includes the following: the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal; wherein the first message also includes the terminal identifier of the second terminal, and the terminal identifier of the second terminal is used by the first terminal to send the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal; wherein the first terminal is the target terminal, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, and the first terminal and / or the second terminal is not served by the second network element. Exemplarily, the first network element sends the first message to the first terminal. Its optional implementation method can be found in step S3502 of Figure 3E and step S3702 of Figure 3G, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3E and 3G, which will not be repeated here.

[0657] Optionally, in some embodiments, a possible implementation method for the first network element to send the first message includes the following: the first network element sends the first message to the third terminal, and the first message is sent by the third terminal to the first terminal, wherein the first message also includes the terminal identifier of the second terminal, and the terminal identifier of the second terminal is used by the first terminal to send the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal; wherein the first terminal is the target terminal, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, the first network element serves the third terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. Its optional implementation method can be seen in step S3102 of Figure 3A and step S3302 of Figure 3C, as well as other related parts of the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0658] Optionally, in some embodiments, a possible implementation of the first network element sending the first message includes the following: the first network element sends the first message to the fourth terminal, the first message being obtained by the first network element from the second network element; the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element. For optional implementations, see step S3303 of Figure 3C and step S3703 of Figure 3G, as well as other related portions of the embodiments involved in Figures 3C and 3G, and will not be further described here.

[0659] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a communication system. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S1201 to S1203.

[0660] In step S1201, the second network element sends a first message to the first network element, where the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier. The first identifier is used to indicate this SL-MO-LR service request, and the first message is used to request location information from the terminal. Optional implementations of this method can be found in step S3101 of Figure 3A and other related portions of the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, and are not further described here.

[0661] In step S1202, the first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element. Optional implementations thereof can be found in step S3101 of FIG. 3A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0662] In step S1203, the terminal receives a first message sent by the first network element; wherein the terminal includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal; wherein the first terminal is a target terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

[0663] Optional implementations of step S1203 can be found in the relevant steps in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3H and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3H , which will not be described in detail here.

[0664] The embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes an information processing method, which can be executed by a communication system. The method may include but is not limited to the following steps S1301 and S1302.

[0665] Step S1301: The core network device sends a first message.

[0666] The first message includes the requested location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate the current SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request the location information from the terminal.

[0667] Exemplarily, the core network device can implement the functions of the above-mentioned first network element and second network element. Its optional implementation method can be found in the relevant description of the above-mentioned first network element and second network element side embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0668] Step S1302: The terminal receives a first message sent by the core network device, and sends a second message to the core network device.

[0669] Exemplarily, the terminal can implement the functions of at least one of the above-mentioned first terminal, second terminal, third terminal, and fourth terminal. Its optional implementation method can be found in the relevant description of the above-mentioned first terminal, second terminal, third terminal, and fourth terminal side embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0670] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an information processing method, which is mainly for a solution in which the LMF sends the requested location information and the routing identifier (i.e., routing information) of the target UE to the target UE and the positioning UE via the AMF during the SL-MO-LR process. As shown in FIG4 , the SL-MO-LR process may include the following steps:

[0671] Step 140 involves steps 1-13 of the SL-MO-LR process of LMF, wherein the description of steps 1-13 can refer to the description of steps 1-13 in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0672] Optionally, in some embodiments, steps 4 and 5 may be performed to transmit information of UEs that are not served by the LMF, the routing ID obtained in the previous process (if available), and the PLMN of the UE.

[0673] Optionally, in some embodiments, in step 6 above, the target UE determines to perform SL-MO-LR based on the sidelink positioning capability, NAS connection status, PLMN, and the routing ID of UE1 / ... / UEn. The target UE should only select positioning UEs within the same PLMN. If UE1 is a positioning UE (i.e., when the target UE is one of UE2 / ... / UEn and does not have a NAS connection), the target UE selects a UE with a NAS connection and initiates a SL-MO-LR service request to UE1.

[0674] Optionally, in some embodiments, in step 8 above, UE1 sends a supplementary service SL-MO-LR request to the serving AMF in a UL NASTRANSPORT message. The SL-MO-LR request indicates UE1 to n (using application layer ID and / or GPSI and / or SUPI), indicates any assistance data required, indicates whether position calculation assistance is required, and indicates whether the position result should be transmitted to the LCS client or AF to indicate the NAS connection status of UE2 to UEn. The message should include the routing ID of the target UE or UE1, the identity of the LCS client or AF, and may include the address of the GMLC through which the LCS client or AF (via the NEF) should be accessed. In addition, it may include a service type indicating which MO-LR service the UE requests for the LCS client. For position calculation assistance from the LMF, the preferred (or preferred) type of Sidelink positioning / ranging position result (e.g., absolute position, relative position, or distance and direction between UE pairs) and the required QoS are included. If UE1 is a positioning UE and one of UE2 / ... / UEn is a target UE without NAS connection, the supplementary service SL-MO-LR request includes an indication that one of UE2 / ... / UEn is a target UE instead of UE1.

[0675] Optionally, in some embodiments, in step 9 above, the serving AMF selects the LMF serving UE1 (e.g., an LMF that supports sidelink positioning / ranging) and sends an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation service operation with information from the SL-MO-LR request to the LMF. The service operation includes the LCS Correlation identifier and the terminal identifiers of UE1 to UEn (e.g., SUPI and / or GPSI and / or application layer ID).

[0676] Exemplarily, AMF->LMF: Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation (related identifiers, SUPI and / or GPSI and / or application layer ID of UE1 to UEn, SL-MO-LR request).

[0677] Illustratively, if a correlation ID is received in step 8, the correlation ID may be a routing ID, and if the routing ID is not included in step 8, the AMF may allocate a routing ID (ie, correlation ID) for the SL-MO-LR request.

[0678] As shown in Figure 4, step 141: LMF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to AMF1, which includes the requested location information, the UE's SUPI or GPSI, and the relevant ID of the target UE.

[0679] Step 142: If AMF1 does not have the context of all UEs indicated by GPSI or SUPI, AMF may send a Nudm_SDM_Get request to UDM to query the UE information, including LCS mobility initiation, UE location, UE reachability tsatus, UE registration status, UE connection status, ranging / sidelink positioning subscription data, etc. Step 142 is optional.

[0680] Step 143: UDM sends Nudm_SDM_Get Response containing the UE's request information to AMF1. Step 143 is optional.

[0681] Step 144: For a UE in the CM-IDLE state, AMF1 may initiate a network-triggered service request process to establish a signaling connection with the UE. Step 144 is optional.

[0682] Step 145 (including step 145a, or including steps 145b-1 and 145b-2): AMF1 sends a request for location information, the UE's SUPI or GPSI, and the routing ID of the target UE to all UEs.

[0683] Step 145a: For the case where all UEs including the target UE and the positioning UE can establish a signaling connection with AMF1, AMF1 sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to all UEs, including the request location information and the routing ID of the target UE.

[0684] Step 145b-1: For cases where not all UEs can establish a signaling connection with AMF1, for example, if UEn does not have a NAS connection and UE2 is served by AMF2, AMF1 sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to the UE to establish a signaling connection. The message includes the requested location information and the routing ID of the target UE. For the target UE (if the target UE can establish a connection to AMF1) or UE1, the DL NAS TRANSPORT message also includes the SUPI or GPSI of the UE that cannot establish a signaling connection with AMF1.

[0685] Step 145b-2: The target UE or UE1 also uses the SUPI or GPSI received from AMF1 in step 145b-1 to send the requested location information and the routing ID of the target UE via the PC5 interface to the UE that cannot establish a signaling connection with AMF1.

[0686] Exemplarily, if AMF1 sends the message to UE1 in step 145b-1, and UE1 is a positioning UE and has no connection with the UE that cannot establish a signaling connection with AMF1, UE1 first sends the message to the target UE (for example, the target UE is UE2), and the target UE can forward the message to the UE that cannot establish a signaling connection with AMF1. If AMF1 sends the message to UE1, and UE1 can establish a connection with the UE that cannot establish a signaling connection with AMF1, or if AMF1 sends the message to the target UE in step 145b-2, the target UE will directly send the request location information and the routing ID of the target UE to the UE that cannot establish a signaling connection with AMF1.

[0687] Step 146: Steps 15 to 17 of the SL-MO-LR process of the LMF are involved. For the description of steps 15 to 17, refer to the description of steps 15 to 17 in FIG2 , which will not be repeated here.

[0688] Step 147 (including the following step 147a, or including the following step 147b, or including the following step 147c): The UE sends location information and routing ID to the AMF.

[0689] Exemplary differences between step 147a, step 147b, and step 147c are as follows:

[0690] Step 147a: All UEs have NAS connections with AMF1 and are sent to AMF1 separately.

[0691] Step 147b (including the following steps 147b-1 and 147b-2): Some UEs have a NAS connection with AMF1, some UEs have a NAS connection with AMF2, and some UEs do not have a NAS connection. UEs with NAS connections send messages to their serving AMFs (AMF1 or AMF2). UEs without NAS connections send messages to the target UE, and the target UE sends messages to its serving AMF (AMF1 or AMF2). If the target UE does not have a NAS connection, further messages are sent to UE1 (locating UEs with NAS and communicating with the network first (step 8 of 6.20.1)). UE1 sends its own information along with the information from all UEs without NAS connections.

[0692] Step 147c (including the following steps 147c-1 and 147c-2): Some UEs have NAS connections with AMF1, some UEs have NAS connections with AMF2, and some UEs have no NAS connections. All located UEs send their information to the target UE, and the target UE sends it to its serving AMF (AMF1 or AMF2). If the target UE does not have a NAS connection, it is further sent to UE1. Steps 147c-1 and 147c-2 are not shown in Figure 4.

[0693] Exemplarily, step 147a: For the case where all UEs including the target UE and the positioning UE can establish a signaling connection with AMF1, the UE sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message containing the provided location information, routing ID, UE identity, and ranging role to AMF1.

[0694] Step 147b-1: For the case where not all UEs can establish a signaling connection with AMF1, for example, UEn has no NAS connection and UE2 is served by AMF2, UEn sends the provided location information, routing ID and UE identity to UE1 or the target UE through the PC5 interface.

[0695] Step 147b-2: Based on the routing ID received in the message, UE1 or the target UE (e.g., UE2) may package the information received in step 7b-1 and its own provided location information, routing ID, UE identity, and ranging role into a UL NAS TRANSPORT and send it to its serving LMF. Other UEs only send their own provided location information, routing ID, UE identity, and ranging role into a UL NAS TRANSPORT and send it to their serving LMF.

[0696] Step 147c-1: UEn (positioning UE without NAS or positioning UE with NAS but with different serving AMF) -> UE2 (target UE without NAS), UE1 (positioning UE with NAS) -> UE2 (target UE); and, UE2 (target UE without NAS) -> UE1 (positioning UE with NAS and connected to the network): provide location information of all UEs (from all positioned UEs), routing ID, UE identity (GPSI and / or SUPI), and ranging roles of all UEs.

[0697] Step 147c-2: UE1->LMF: Provides location information (from all located UEs), routing ID, UE identities (GPSI and / or SUPI) of all UEs, and ranging roles of all UEs.

[0698] Step 148: Based on the routing ID (i.e., Correlation ID) in the received NAS message, different AMFs can send Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation requests to the same LMF, including providing location information, routing ID, UE identity, and ranging role.

[0699] Step 149: Steps 18 to 23 of the SL-MO-LR process involving LMF. For the description of steps 18 to 23, refer to the description of steps 18 to 23 in FIG2 , which will not be repeated here.

[0700] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device in any of the above methods.

[0701] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0702] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with information processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0703] FIG5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5A , terminal 1510 may include at least one of a transceiver module 1511 and a processing module 1512. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to receive a first message, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate the current SL-MO-LR service request. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving executed by the terminal in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S3102 to S3109, steps S3202 to S3210, steps S3302 to S3309, steps S3402 to S3410, steps S3502 to S3507, steps S3602 to S3608, steps S3702 to S3707, and steps S3802 to S3808, but not limited thereto), which will not be further described here. Optionally, the processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0704] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network element proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, first network element 1520 may include at least one of a transceiver module 1521 and a processing module 1522. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to receive a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes requested location information and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate a current SL-MO-LR service request; and the transceiver module is further configured to send the first message. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 1520 in any of the above methods (for example, step S3110, step S3102, step S3202, step S3211, step S3302, step S3303, step S3310, step S3402, step S3403, step S3411, step S3502, step S3508, step S3602, step S3609, step S3702, step S3703, step S3708, step S3802, step S3803, step S3809, but not limited to these), which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0705] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network element proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, the second network element 1530 may include at least one of: a transceiver module 1531, a processing module 1532, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to send a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate this SL-MO-LR service request, and the first message is used to request location information from the terminal. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (such as sending and / or receiving) performed by the second network element 1530 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S3101, step S3201, step S3301, step S3401, step S3501, step S3601, step S3701, and step S3801, but not limited thereto), which are not further described here. Optionally, the processing module is configured to execute at least one of the other steps performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which are not further described here.

[0706] Figure 5D is a structural diagram of the core network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5D, the core network device 1540 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 1541, a processing module 1542, etc. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to send a first message to the target terminal and / or positioning terminal, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate this SL-MO-LR service request, and the first message is used to request location information from the terminal. Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (for example, step S1301, but not limited to this) executed by the core network device 1540 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the above-mentioned processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps executed by the core network device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0707] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0708] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0709] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1610 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 1610 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user device, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 1610 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0710] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 1610 includes one or more processors 1611. The processor 1611 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 1610 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 1611 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 1610 to perform any of the above methods.

[0711] In some embodiments, the communication device 1610 further includes one or more transceivers 1612. When the communication device 1610 includes one or more transceivers 1612, the transceiver 1612 performs the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S3102 to S3109, steps S3202 to S3210, steps S3302 to S3309, steps S3402 to S3410, steps S3502 to S3507, steps S3602 to S3608, steps S3702 to S3707, steps S3802 to S3808, steps S3110, steps S3102, S3202, S3211, S3302, S3309, steps S3402 to S3410, steps S3502 to S3507, steps S3602 to S3608, steps S3702 to S3707, steps S3802 to S3808, steps S3110, S3102, S3202, S3211, S3302, S3309, steps S3402 to S3410, steps S3502 to S3507, steps S3602 to S3608, steps S3702 to S3707, steps S3802 to S3808, steps S3110, S3111 303, step S3310, step S3402, step S3403, step S3411, step S3502, step S3508, step S3602, step S3609, step S3702, step S3703, step S3708, step S3802, step S3803, step S3809, step S3101, step S3201, step S3301, step S3401, step S3501, step S3601, step S3701, step S3801, and step S1301, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1611 executes at least one of the other steps, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be replaced with each other, terms such as transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be replaced with each other, and terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be replaced with each other.

[0712] In some embodiments, the communication device 1610 also includes one or more memories 1613 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 1613 may be located outside the communication device 1610. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 1610 may include one or more interface circuits 1614. Optionally, the interface circuits 1614 are connected to the memory 1612 and can be used to receive data from the memory 1612 or other devices, or to send data to the memory 1612 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 1614 can read data stored in the memory 1612 and send the data to the processor 1611.

[0713] The communication device 1610 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 1610 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 1610 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0714] 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 1620 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 1610 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 1620 shown in FIG6B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0715] The chip 1620 includes one or more processors 1621. The chip 1620 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0716] In some embodiments, chip 1620 also includes one or more interface circuits 1622. The terms interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins are interchangeable. In some embodiments, chip 1620 also includes one or more memories 1623 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 1623 may be located external to chip 1620. Optionally, interface circuit 1622 is connected to memory 1623 and can be used to receive data from memory 1623 or other devices, or to send data to memory 1623 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 1622 can read data stored in memory 1623 and send the data to processor 1621.

[0717] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1622 performs the communication steps of sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S3102 to S3109, steps S3202 to S3210, steps S3302 to S3309, steps S3402 to S3410, steps S3502 to S3507, steps S3602 to S3608, steps S3702 to S3707, steps S3802 to S3808, steps S3110, steps S3102, S3202, S3211, and S3302). , step S3303, step S3310, step S3402, step S3403, step S3411, step S3502, step S3508, step S3602, step S3609, step S3702, step S3703, step S3708, step S3802, step S3803, step S3809, step S3101, step S3201, step S3301, step S3401, step S3501, step S3601, step S3701, step S3801, and step S1301, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 1622 performing the communication steps of sending and / or receiving in the above method, for example, means that the interface circuit 1622 performs data exchange between the processor 1621, the chip 1620, the memory 1623, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 1621 performs at least one of the other steps, but is not limited thereto).

[0718] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0719] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 1610, the communication device 1610 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a transient storage medium.

[0720] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 1610, enables the communication device 1610 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0721] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

[0722] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0723] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0724] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0725] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An information processing method, characterized in that: include: The terminal receives a first message, where the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The terminal is a first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, and the target terminal is a located terminal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The terminal receives a first message, including: The first terminal establishes a signaling connection with the first network element; The first terminal receives a first message sent by the first network element, where the first message is obtained by the first network element from a second network element.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first message also includes a terminal identifier of a second terminal, where the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; and the method further includes: The first terminal sends the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal based on the terminal identifier of the second terminal.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The terminal receives a first message, including: The first terminal receives the first message sent by the third terminal, and the first message is obtained by the third terminal from the second network element through the first network element, wherein the first terminal has no signaling connection, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, the first network element serves the third terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further comprises at least one of: The first terminal sends the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal, wherein the fourth terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element; The first terminal sends the request location information and the first identifier to the second terminal and the fourth terminal, wherein the fourth terminal does not receive the first message sent by the first network element; The second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element.

7. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first terminal sends a second message to a first network element. A signaling connection exists between the first terminal and the first network element. The second message includes the provided location information of the first terminal and the first identifier.

8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first terminal has a signaling connection, and the method further includes: The first terminal receives a second message sent by a second terminal, where the second message includes provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier; the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; The first terminal sends the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, and the first identifier to a first network element associated with the first terminal.

9. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first terminal does not have a signaling connection, and the method further includes: The first terminal receives a second message sent by a second terminal, where the second message includes provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier; the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; The first terminal sends the second message to the third terminal, the second message also includes the provided location information of the first terminal, the second message is used by the third terminal to send the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal and the first identifier to a first network element associated with the third terminal, wherein the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

10. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first terminal has a signaling connection, and the method further includes: The first terminal receives a second message sent by at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, where the second message includes provided location information of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal and the first identifier; The first terminal sends, to the serving AMF, the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, and the first identifier; The second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element; and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

11. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first terminal does not have a signaling connection, and the method further includes: The first terminal receives a second message sent by at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, where the second message includes provided location information of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal and the first identifier; The first terminal sends the second message to a third terminal; wherein the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, the second message also includes provided location information of the first terminal, and the second message is used by the third terminal to send the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, and the first identifier to a first network element associated with the third terminal; The second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element; and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The terminal is a second terminal, and the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, and the terminal receives a first message, including: The second terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, wherein the first message is obtained by the first terminal from a third terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from a fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, and the method further includes: The second terminal sends a second message to the first terminal, the second message including the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier, and the second message is used by the first terminal to send the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal and the first identifier to the serving AMF, wherein the first terminal is the target terminal.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal is a third terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from a fourth terminal, the first terminal is a target terminal, the target terminal is a located terminal, and the fourth terminal is a located terminal that can be served by the first network element.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The terminal receives a first message, including: The third terminal establishes a signaling connection with the first network element; The third terminal receives a first message sent by the first network element, where the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: The third terminal sends the first message to the first terminal, and the first message is obtained by the third terminal from the second network element through the first network element, wherein the first network element serves the third terminal and the first terminal has no signaling connection with the network device.

18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: The third terminal receives a second message sent by the first terminal, where the second message is obtained by the first terminal from the second terminal, and the second message includes the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, and the first identifier, wherein the first terminal has no signaling connection with the network device, and the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element; The third terminal sends the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal, and the first identifier to a first network element associated with the third terminal.

19. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: The third terminal receives a second message sent by the first terminal, where the second message is obtained by the first terminal from at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, the second message includes the provided location information of the first terminal, the provided location information of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, and the first identifier, and the first terminal has no signaling connection with the network device; The third terminal sends the provided location information of the third terminal, the provided location information of at least one of the second terminal and the fourth terminal, the provided location information of the first terminal, and the first identifier to a first network element associated with the third terminal; The second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element; and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein: The terminal is a fourth terminal, the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein: The fourth terminal has not yet established a signaling connection with the first network element, and the method further includes: The fourth terminal receives a network-initiated service request sent by the first network element, and establishes a signaling connection with the first network element.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein: The terminal receives a first message, including: The fourth terminal receives the first message sent by the first terminal, the first message is obtained by the first terminal from the second network element through the third terminal via the first network element, the first terminal is the target terminal, and the first terminal has no signaling connection, and the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein: The method further comprises: The fourth terminal sends a second message to the first terminal, where the second message includes the provided location information of the fourth terminal and the first identifier, wherein the first terminal is the target terminal and the first terminal has a signaling connection, and the second message is sent to the service AMF of the first terminal via the first terminal.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein: The method further comprises: The fourth terminal sends a second message to the first terminal, the second message including the provided location information of the fourth terminal and the first identifier, wherein the first terminal is the target terminal and the first terminal does not have a signaling connection, and the second message is sent via the first terminal through the third terminal to the first network element associated with the third terminal, and the third terminal is the terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal.

25. An information processing method, characterized in that: include: The first network element receives a first message sent by the second network element, wherein the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the sidelink terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR; The first network element sends the first message.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: The first message also includes a terminal identifier of the terminal; and the method further includes at least one of the following: The first network element does not have the context of the terminal indicated by the terminal identifier, and sends a first request to a third network element, wherein the first network element A request is used to query first information of the terminal indicated by the terminal identifier; Receive the first information sent by the third network element.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein: The first information includes at least one of the following: Location service client LCS mobile initiation; Terminal location; Terminal accessibility; Terminal registration status; Terminal connection status; Ranging / sidelink positioning subscription data.

28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that The first network sending the first message includes: The first network element sends the first message to at least one of a first terminal and a fourth terminal, wherein the first terminal is a target terminal and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein: The method further comprises: The first network element establishes a signaling connection with at least one of the first terminal and the fourth terminal which is in a connection management-idle state CM-IDLE state.

30. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that The first network sending the first message includes: The first network element sends the first message to the first terminal; wherein the first message also includes a terminal identifier of the second terminal, and the terminal identifier of the second terminal is used by the first terminal to send the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal; The first terminal is a target terminal, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, and at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal is not served by the second network element.

31. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that The first network sending the first message includes: The first network element sends the first message to the third terminal, and the first message is sent by the third terminal to the first terminal, wherein the first message also includes a terminal identifier of the second terminal, and the terminal identifier of the second terminal is used by the first terminal to send the requested location information and the first identifier to the second terminal; Among them, the first terminal is the target terminal, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot be served by the first network element, the first network element serves the third terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

32. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that The first network sending the first message includes: The first network element sends the first message to a fourth terminal, and the first message is obtained by the first network element from the second network element; the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

33. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that The method further comprises at least one of the following: The first network element receives a second message sent by at least one of the first terminal and the fourth terminal, a signaling connection exists between at least one of the first terminal and the fourth terminal and the first network element, and the second message includes provided location information of at least one of the first terminal and the fourth terminal and the first identifier; The first network element sends the second message to a second network element associated with the first identifier; The first terminal is a target terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that The method further comprises at least one of the following: The first network element receives a request from at least one of the first terminal and the fourth terminal sent by at least one of the first terminal and the fourth terminal. providing location information, providing location information of a second terminal, and the first identifier, wherein the providing location information of the second terminal and the first identifier are obtained by the first terminal from the second terminal; wherein the first terminal is a target terminal, and the first terminal is served by the first network element, the second terminal is a positioning terminal that cannot establish a signaling connection with the first network element, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element; The first network element sends the provided location information of at least one of the first terminal and the fourth terminal, the provided location information of the second terminal, and the first identifier to a second network element associated with the first identifier.

35. An information processing method, characterized in that: include: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the terminal.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: The method comprises: The second network element receives a second message sent by the first network element based on the first identifier, where the second message includes provided location information of the terminal served by the first network element.

37. An information processing method, characterized in that: include: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the sidelink terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the terminal; The first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element; The first network element sends the first message.

38. An information processing method, characterized in that: include: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the sidelink terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the terminal; The first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element; The terminal receives the first message sent by the first network element; wherein the terminal includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal; wherein the first terminal is a target terminal, the third terminal is a terminal selected by the first terminal from the fourth terminal, and the fourth terminal is a positioning terminal that can be served by the first network element.

39. A terminal, characterized in that: include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first message, wherein the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR.

40. A first network element, characterized in that: include: A transceiver module, configured to receive a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes request location information and a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the sidelink terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR; The transceiver module is further used to send the first message.

41. A second network element, characterized in that: include: The transceiver module is used to send a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the terminal.

42. A core network device, characterized in that: include: A transceiver module is used to send a first message to at least one of a target terminal and a positioning terminal, wherein the first message includes a request for location information and a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the side link terminal initiates a location request SL-MO-LR, and the first message is used to request location information from the terminal.

43. A terminal, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; Wherein, the terminal is used to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1-24.

44. A first network element, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The first network element is used to execute the information processing method described in any one of claims 25-34.

45. A second network element, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; Wherein, the second network is used to execute the information processing method described in any one of claims 35-36.

46. ​​A core network device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The core network device is used to execute the information processing method described in any one of claims 37.

47. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes a terminal and a core network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claims 1-24, and the core network device is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claims 25-36.

48. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device executes the information processing method as described in any one of claims 1-24, 25-34, 35-36, and 37.

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