Terminal capability reporting method and apparatus, terminal device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to a terminal capability reporting method and apparatus, a terminal device, a storage medium, and a computer program product. The method comprises: sending a terminal capability message to a network device, wherein the terminal capability message comprises an AI / ML capability message or a positioning provision capability message, and the AI / ML capability message or the positioning provision capability message carries the capability of a terminal device. By using the method, a terminal side can report an AI / ML-related capability of the terminal side to a network side, so that the network side better senses and uses the AI / ML-related capability of the terminal side, thereby finally implementing a more efficient and intelligent wireless network service.

Description

Methods, apparatus, terminal equipment and storage media for reporting terminal capabilities

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024118315141, filed on December 12, 2024, entitled “Method, Apparatus, Terminal Equipment and Storage Medium for Reporting Terminal Capabilities”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, terminal device, and storage medium for reporting terminal capabilities. Background Technology

[0003] Using AI / ML functions or models to improve the performance of communication systems is becoming a trend, including: using AI / ML functions or modules for assisted positioning.

[0004] How the terminal side can report its own AI / ML-related capabilities so that the network side can better perceive and utilize the terminal side's AI / ML-related capabilities, and ultimately achieve more efficient and intelligent wireless network services, is a key focus in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method, apparatus, terminal device, storage medium, and computer program product for terminal capability reporting, which enables the terminal to report its AI / ML-related capabilities to the network side, thereby allowing the network side to better perceive and utilize the terminal's AI / ML-related capabilities, ultimately achieving a more efficient and intelligent wireless network service.

[0006] A method for reporting terminal capabilities, applied to a terminal device, the method comprising:

[0007] Send a terminal capability message to the network device. The terminal capability message includes an AI / ML capability message or a location provision capability message, and the AI / ML capability message or the location provision capability message carries the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the terminal device capabilities include at least one of functions, available / applicable functions, supporting functions, activation functions, features, or groups of features.

[0009] In some embodiments, the terminal capability message includes at least one of the following messages:

[0010] Management plane messages, control plane messages, user plane messages, intelligence plane messages, data plane messages, computing plane messages, system messages, NAS / AS signaling, dedicated configuration signaling, RRC / higher layer protocol signaling, MAC CE, access control layer signaling, open interface protocol signaling, DCI / physical layer signaling.

[0011] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following messages:

[0012] LPP positioning capability messages, NR positioning capability messages, NRPPa positioning capability messages, 6G positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML direct positioning capability messages, and AI / ML assisted positioning capability messages.

[0013] In some embodiments, sending the terminal capability message to the network device includes at least one of the following:

[0014] Send terminal capability messages to network devices;

[0015] In response to a capability request message sent by a network device, a terminal capability message is sent to the network device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following: functional information elements, supporting functional information elements, applicable functional information elements, and activated functional information elements; wherein...

[0017] The functional information element is a bit string or an enumerated array, indicating the functions supported by the terminal device;

[0018] The supported function information element is a bit string or an enumeration array, indicating the functions that the terminal device's capability information can support;

[0019] The applicable functional information element is a bit string, indicating the functions in the terminal device that can be used for inference;

[0020] The activation function information element is a bit string that indicates the activated function in the terminal device.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the applicable functional information element is included in the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes:

[0022] The function applicability condition information element is used to indicate the applicable conditions of the function indicated by the applicable function information element.

[0023] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes at least one of the following information elements:

[0024] The frequency band list supports information elements used to indicate the AI / ML positioning functions or capabilities supported by the frequency band;

[0025] The frequency band combination list supports information cells used to indicate the frequency band combinations supported by each of the aforementioned positioning functions;

[0026] The positioning method integrates information elements to indicate whether the terminal device supports the simultaneous execution of multiple positioning methods;

[0027] AI positioning method information element is provided to indicate the AI ​​positioning method supported by the terminal device;

[0028] AI method information element, used to indicate the coordinate type of AI / ML positioning supported by the terminal device;

[0029] The positioning calculation auxiliary data support information element is indicated by a list, showing the positioning auxiliary data support status of the terminal device;

[0030] The terminal storage capacity information element is used to indicate the amount of storage space that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0031] The computing power information element is used to indicate the amount of computing power that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0032] Reference signal capability element, used to indicate the terminal device's support for reference signals for AI positioning measurement and / or data acquisition;

[0033] LOS / NLOS assisted capability information element, used to indicate that the terminal device supports AI-based LOS / NLOS assisted data;

[0034] The effective area support information element is used to indicate the positioning area or positioning environment supported by the terminal device;

[0035] On-demand PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports AI / ML positioning of on-demand positioning reference signal PRS;

[0036] No PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports intelligent positioning methods without reference signal or simplified reference signal or data domain pilot aliasing reference signal;

[0037] A periodic report information element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports periodic reporting;

[0038] The terminal-side performance detection identifier element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports performance detection.

[0039] In some embodiments, when defining an AI positioning capability information element to provide AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device, at least one of the AI / ML capability message, the positioning capability message, and the AI ​​positioning capability information element is used to provide the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities include at least one of the following: AI-based positioning enhancement technology, intelligent positioning technology, enhanced positioning technology, and positioning technology of version R19 and above.

[0041] In some embodiments, when defining relevant information elements for providing location-related capabilities for capability reporting or capability indication, at least one of the AI / ML capability messages, the location provision capability messages, and the relevant information elements is used to provide the location-related capabilities of the terminal device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the terminal capability messages are reported using any one of the following methods: periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting, or semi-persistent reporting.

[0043] In some embodiments, the network device includes at least one of the following:

[0044] Location server, location management function (LMF), location network element, core network element, base station, intelligent computing unit, RAN AI layer, AI layer, wireless AI management layer, RAN AI management unit, or at least one of these.

[0045] In some embodiments, the functional applicability information element includes at least one of the following parameters: available models under activated functions, model size, model computational complexity, number of model parameters, scenario number, deployment conditions, inference time requirements, training dataset requirements, maximum time lead (TA) number, base station or cell identifier (ID), TA sequence number, and dataset sequence number.

[0046] In some embodiments, the AI ​​method information element is a bit string, and different bits in the bit string are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports one of the following algorithms: deep learning, reinforcement learning, deep reinforcement learning, federated learning, centralized algorithm, distributed algorithm, and ResNet-based method.

[0047] In some embodiments, the AI ​​method information element uses different values ​​to indicate the positioning coordinate type of the terminal device value, such as: WGS84 coordinates or coordinate system support / non-support.

[0048] In some embodiments, the computing power information element indicates the computing power of the terminal device in any of the following ways:

[0049] The computing power capability level is adopted according to a standard predefined level, which corresponds to a preset range of floating-point operations per second (FLOPS) or the number of computing units / computing pools.

[0050] The computing power of different types of computing units is indicated by an array, where the elements in the array correspond to the computing power of the central processing unit (CPU), the computing power of the graphics processing unit (GPU), or the computing power of the neural network processing unit (NPU).

[0051] A terminal capability reporting device, applied to a terminal device, the device comprising:

[0052] The sending module is used to send terminal capability messages to network devices. The terminal capability messages include AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages, and the AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages carry the capabilities of the terminal devices.

[0053] In some embodiments, the terminal device capabilities include at least one of functions, available / applicable functions, supporting functions, activation functions, features, or groups of features.

[0054] In some embodiments, the terminal capability message includes at least one of the following messages:

[0055] Management plane messages, control plane messages, user plane messages, intelligence plane messages, data plane messages, computing plane messages, system messages, NAS / AS signaling, dedicated configuration signaling, RRC / higher layer protocol signaling, MAC CE, access control layer signaling, open interface protocol signaling, DCI / physical layer signaling.

[0056] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following messages:

[0057] LPP positioning capability messages, NR positioning capability messages, NRPPa positioning capability messages, 6G positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML direct positioning capability messages, and AI / ML assisted positioning capability messages.

[0058] In some embodiments, the sending module is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0059] Send terminal capability messages to network devices;

[0060] In response to a capability request message sent by a network device, a terminal capability message is sent to the network device.

[0061] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following: functional information elements, supporting functional information elements, applicable functional information elements, and activated functional information elements; wherein...

[0062] The functional information element is a bit string or an enumerated array, indicating the functions supported by the terminal device;

[0063] The supported function information element is a bit string or an enumeration array, indicating the functions that the terminal device's capability information can support;

[0064] The applicable functional information element is a bit string, indicating the functions in the terminal device that can be used for inference;

[0065] The activation function information element is a bit string that indicates the activated function in the terminal device.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the applicable functional information element is included in the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes:

[0067] The function applicability condition information element is used to indicate the applicable conditions of the function indicated by the applicable function information element.

[0068] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes at least one of the following information elements:

[0069] The frequency band list supports information elements used to indicate the AI / ML positioning functions or capabilities supported by the frequency band;

[0070] The frequency band combination list supports information cells used to indicate the frequency band combinations supported by each of the aforementioned positioning functions;

[0071] The positioning method integrates information elements to indicate whether the terminal device supports the simultaneous execution of multiple positioning methods;

[0072] AI positioning method information element is provided to indicate the AI ​​positioning method supported by the terminal device;

[0073] AI method information element, used to indicate the coordinate type of AI / ML positioning supported by the terminal device;

[0074] The positioning calculation auxiliary data support information element is indicated by a list, showing the positioning auxiliary data support status of the terminal device;

[0075] The terminal storage capacity information element is used to indicate the amount of storage space that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0076] The computing power information element is used to indicate the amount of computing power that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0077] Reference signal capability element, used to indicate the terminal device's support for reference signals for AI positioning measurement and / or data acquisition;

[0078] LOS / NLOS assisted capability information element, used to indicate that the terminal device supports AI-based LOS / NLOS assisted data;

[0079] The effective area support information element is used to indicate the positioning area or positioning environment supported by the terminal device;

[0080] On-demand PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports AI / ML positioning of on-demand positioning reference signal PRS;

[0081] No PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports intelligent positioning methods without reference signal or simplified reference signal or data domain pilot aliasing reference signal;

[0082] A periodic report information element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports periodic reporting;

[0083] The terminal-side performance detection identifier element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports performance detection.

[0084] In some embodiments, when defining an AI positioning capability information element to provide AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device, at least one of the AI / ML capability message, the positioning capability message, and the AI ​​positioning capability information element is used to provide the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device.

[0085] In some embodiments, the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities include at least one of the following: AI-based positioning enhancement technology, intelligent positioning technology, enhanced positioning technology, and positioning technology of version R19 and above.

[0086] In some embodiments, when defining relevant information elements for providing location-related capabilities for capability reporting or capability indication, at least one of the AI / ML capability messages, the location provision capability messages, and the relevant information elements is used to provide the location-related capabilities of the terminal device.

[0087] In some embodiments, the terminal capability messages are reported using any one of the following methods: periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting, or semi-persistent reporting.

[0088] In some embodiments, the network device includes at least one of the following:

[0089] Location server, location management function (LMF), location network element, core network element, base station, intelligent computing unit, RAN AI layer, AI layer, wireless AI management layer, RAN AI management unit, or at least one of these.

[0090] A terminal device includes: a transmitter, a processor, and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program;

[0091] The processor executes the computer program to control the transmitter;

[0092] The transmitter is configured to send terminal capability messages to network devices under the control of the processor. The terminal capability messages include AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages, and the AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages carry the capabilities of the terminal devices.

[0093] In some embodiments, the terminal device capabilities include at least one of functions, available / applicable functions, supporting functions, activation functions, features, or groups of features.

[0094] In some embodiments, the terminal capability message includes at least one of the following messages:

[0095] Management plane messages, control plane messages, user plane messages, intelligence plane messages, data plane messages, computing plane messages, system messages, NAS / AS signaling, dedicated configuration signaling, RRC / higher layer protocol signaling, MAC CE, access control layer signaling, open interface protocol signaling, DCI / physical layer signaling.

[0096] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following messages:

[0097] LPP positioning capability messages, NR positioning capability messages, NRPPa positioning capability messages, 6G positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML direct positioning capability messages, and AI / ML assisted positioning capability messages.

[0098] In some embodiments, the transmitter is configured to perform at least one of the following operations under the control of the processor:

[0099] Send terminal capability messages to network devices;

[0100] In response to a capability request message sent by a network device, a terminal capability message is sent to the network device.

[0101] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following: functional information elements, supporting functional information elements, applicable functional information elements, and activated functional information elements; wherein...

[0102] The functional information element is a bit string or an enumerated array, indicating the functions supported by the terminal device;

[0103] The supported function information element is a bit string or an enumeration array, indicating the functions that the terminal device's capability information can support;

[0104] The applicable functional information element is a bit string, indicating the functions in the terminal device that can be used for inference;

[0105] The activation function information element is a bit string that indicates the activated function in the terminal device.

[0106] In some embodiments, when the applicable functional information element is included in the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes:

[0107] The function applicability condition information element is used to indicate the applicable conditions of the function indicated by the applicable function information element.

[0108] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes at least one of the following information elements:

[0109] The frequency band list supports information elements used to indicate the AI / ML positioning functions or capabilities supported by the frequency band;

[0110] The frequency band combination list supports information cells used to indicate the frequency band combinations supported by each of the aforementioned positioning functions;

[0111] The positioning method integrates information elements to indicate whether the terminal device supports the simultaneous execution of multiple positioning methods;

[0112] AI positioning method information element is provided to indicate the AI ​​positioning method supported by the terminal device;

[0113] AI method information element, used to indicate the coordinate type of AI / ML positioning supported by the terminal device;

[0114] The positioning calculation auxiliary data support information element is indicated by a list, showing the positioning auxiliary data support status of the terminal device;

[0115] The terminal storage capacity information element is used to indicate the amount of storage space that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0116] The computing power information element is used to indicate the amount of computing power that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0117] Reference signal capability element, used to indicate the terminal device's support for reference signals for AI positioning measurement and / or data acquisition;

[0118] LOS / NLOS assisted capability information element, used to indicate that the terminal device supports AI-based LOS / NLOS assisted data;

[0119] The effective area support information element is used to indicate the positioning area or positioning environment supported by the terminal device;

[0120] On-demand PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports AI / ML positioning of on-demand positioning reference signal PRS;

[0121] No PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports intelligent positioning methods without reference signal or simplified reference signal or data domain pilot aliasing reference signal;

[0122] A periodic report information element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports periodic reporting;

[0123] The terminal-side performance detection identifier element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports performance detection.

[0124] In some embodiments, when defining an AI positioning capability information element to provide AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device, at least one of the AI / ML capability message, the positioning capability message, and the AI ​​positioning capability information element is used to provide the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device.

[0125] In some embodiments, the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities include at least one of the following: AI-based positioning enhancement technology, intelligent positioning technology, enhanced positioning technology, and positioning technology of version R19 and above.

[0126] In some embodiments, when defining relevant information elements for providing location-related capabilities for capability reporting or capability indication, at least one of the AI / ML capability messages, the location provision capability messages, and the relevant information elements is used to provide the location-related capabilities of the terminal device.

[0127] In some embodiments, the terminal capability messages are reported using any one of the following methods: periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting, or semi-persistent reporting.

[0128] In some embodiments, the network device includes at least one of the following:

[0129] Location server, Location Management Function (LMF), Location Network Element, Core Network Element, Base Station, Intelligent Computing Unit, RAN AI Layer, AI Layer, Wireless AI Management Layer, RAN AI Management Unit.

[0130] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements a method for reporting terminal capabilities as described above at least once.

[0131] A computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements a method for reporting terminal capabilities as described above at least once.

[0132] The aforementioned methods, apparatus, terminal devices, storage media, and computer program products for reporting terminal capabilities allow terminal devices to report their own capabilities to network devices via terminal capability messages. These capabilities include at least one of the following: reporting functions, available / applicable functions, supported functions, activated functions, features, or feature groups. The terminal capability reporting process can be used to support network devices in identifying the functions of terminal devices, enabling network devices to fully understand the AI / ML-related capabilities of terminal devices. This, in turn, enables more efficient and intelligent wireless network services, including more efficient model lifecycle management. Attached Figure Description

[0133] Figure 1 is an application environment diagram of the terminal capability reporting method in some embodiments;

[0134] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the terminal capability reporting method in some embodiments;

[0135] Figure 3 is a structural block diagram of the device for reporting terminal capabilities in some embodiments;

[0136] Figure 4 is an internal structure diagram of the terminal device in some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0137] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0138] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario for terminal capability reporting provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the scenario includes a first terminal device 100, a second terminal device 200, and an access network device 300. The first terminal device 100 and the second terminal device 200 transmit data via a network, and the first terminal device 100 and the access network device 300 transmit data via a network.

[0139] The access network equipment 300 can be a base station (BTS) in Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a base station (NodeB, NB) in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, a relay station or access point, or a base station in a 5G network, etc., and is not limited here.

[0140] The first terminal device 100 and the second terminal device 200 can be wireless terminals. A wireless terminal can be a device that provides voice and / or other service data connectivity to a user, or a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. The wireless terminal can communicate with one or more core networks via a Radio Access Network (RAN). The wireless terminal can be a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) or a computer with a mobile terminal, for example, a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device. They exchange voice and / or data with the radio access network. A wireless terminal can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile, remote station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, user device, or user equipment, without limitation herein.

[0141] With the development of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning), the integration of AI / ML with communication technologies will impact key performance indicators (KPIs) such as spectrum efficiency, user experience rate, AI-related metrics, latency, positioning accuracy, and security and privacy. AI-embedded features in future 6G (6th generation mobile networks) mobile communication systems are a necessary and crucial technical characteristic for meeting and enhancing various performance indicators. Those skilled in the art will understand that some embodiments of this application can be applied to other mobile communication standards such as 5G (5th generation mobile networks).

[0142] AI / ML technologies, represented by deep learning, suffer from poor interpretability. The uncertainties and unpredictability inherent in the future use of AI / ML technologies in 6G networks will also be significant challenges in the application of AI / ML and communication convergence technologies. Therefore, it is necessary to research and define a lifecycle management mechanism for models in AI / ML and RAN (Radio Access Network) convergence technologies to ensure performance monitoring of AI / ML models in actual network deployments, guarantee network system performance stability, and improve user experience.

[0143] Therefore, for wireless-side AI / ML lifecycle management, it is necessary to study methods for reporting terminal AI / ML related capabilities, so as to enable network-side perception terminals to support AI / ML functions and intrinsically support the use of wireless-side AI / ML enhancement functions.

[0144] This application provides a method for terminal capability reporting. The terminal device sends a terminal capability message, including an AI / ML capability message or a location provision capability message, to the network device. The terminal device carries its capabilities in the AI / ML capability message or the location provision capability message to report its AI / ML-related capabilities to the network side. This enables the network side to better perceive and utilize the terminal's AI / ML-related capabilities, ultimately achieving a more efficient and intelligent wireless network service.

[0145] It should be noted that the beneficial effects or technical problems solved by the embodiments of this application are not limited to this one, but may also be other implicit or related problems. For details, please refer to the description of the embodiments below.

[0146] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0147] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, a method for terminal capability reporting is provided. Taking the application of this method to the terminal device in FIG1 as an example, the method includes the following steps 201, wherein:

[0148] Step 201: Send a terminal capability message to the network device. The terminal capability message includes an AI / ML capability message or a location provision capability message, and the AI / ML capability message or the location provision capability message carries the terminal device's capabilities.

[0149] Among them, network equipment may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: location server, LMF (Location Management Function), positioning network element, core network element, base station, intelligent computing unit, RAN AI Layer, AI Layer, wireless AI management layer, RAN AI management unit, and other network elements or network equipment responsible for positioning.

[0150] In some embodiments, sending a terminal capability message to a network device may include at least one of the following:

[0151] Send terminal capability messages to network devices;

[0152] In response to a capability request message sent by a network device, a terminal capability message is sent to the network device.

[0153] In one example, a terminal device can proactively report its capabilities to a network device. For instance, after randomly accessing a network or reconnecting via RRC (Radio Resource Control), a terminal device can proactively report its capabilities to the network device, that is, it can send a terminal capability message to the network device.

[0154] In another example, the terminal device can also report its capabilities in response to a request from the network device. For instance, the network device can send a capability request message to the terminal device, and upon receiving the capability request message, the terminal device can respond by sending a terminal capability message to the network device.

[0155] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal capability message may include an AI / ML capability message or a location provision capability message to carry the terminal device capabilities. In one example, the terminal device capability may include at least one of the following: functionality, available / applicable functionality, supported functionality, activated functionality, feature / feature group.

[0156] Among them, "function" indicates the functions supported by the terminal device; "supported function" indicates the positioning functions that the UE (User Equipment) capability of the terminal device can support; "available / applicable function" indicates the positioning functions that the terminal device can use for inference; "activated function" indicates the positioning functions that are activated in the terminal device; "feature" is used to indicate specific functions or services provided in the network supported by the terminal device. Each feature usually has its own specific identifier for identification and management in the network. A feature group is a collection of related features, that is, combining multiple related features together, which can simplify network configuration and management. Feature groups are usually used to indicate a set of functions that work together to provide a certain service or meet specific business needs.

[0157] In some embodiments, the terminal capability message sent by the terminal device to the network device includes at least one of the following messages:

[0158] Management plane messages, control plane messages, user plane messages, intelligence plane messages, data plane messages, computing plane messages, system messages, NAS (Non-Access Stratum) / AS (Access Stratum) signaling, dedicated configuration signaling, RRC / higher layer protocol signaling, MAC CE (Media Access Control Element), access control layer signaling, open interface protocol signaling, DCI (Data Center Interconnect) / physical layer signaling.

[0159] In some embodiments, AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages include at least one of the following messages:

[0160] LPP (Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol) positioning capability messages, NR (New Radio) positioning capability messages, NRPPa (NR Positioning Protocol A) positioning capability messages, 6G positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML direct positioning capability messages, and AI / ML assisted positioning capability messages.

[0161] Using the terminal capability reporting method provided in this application embodiment, a terminal device can report its own capabilities to a network device through terminal capability messages, including at least one of the following: reporting function, available / applicable function, supported function, activated function, feature or feature group. The terminal capability reporting process can be used to support the network device in recognizing the functions of the terminal device, so that the network device can fully understand the AI / ML related capabilities of the terminal device, thereby enabling more efficient and intelligent wireless network services, including more efficient model lifecycle management, etc.

[0162] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following: functional information element, supporting functional information element, applicable functional information element, and activated functional information element; wherein...

[0163] Function information elements are expressed as bit strings or enumerated arrays, indicating the functions supported by the terminal device;

[0164] Supported function information elements are expressed in bit strings or enumeration arrays, indicating the functions that the terminal device's capability information can support.

[0165] The applicable functional information element uses a bit string to indicate the functions that can be used for inference in the terminal device;

[0166] The activation function information element uses a bit string to indicate the activated function in the terminal device.

[0167] In this embodiment of the application, the functional information element is a bit string or an enumeration array, indicating the capabilities supported by the terminal device.

[0168] Supported Functionality is used to indicate the location functions that the terminal device can support. Supported Functionality can be defined by at least one of the following predefined function lists or function lists issued by the network side.

[0169] In the standard predefined function list or the function list issued by the network side, functions can be defined at the use case level, such as: CSI (Channel State Information) feedback enhancement, beam management enhancement, AI positioning enhancement, etc. For use case level functions, further refined definitions at the sub-use case level are also possible, such as: CSI compressed feedback, CSI prediction, spatial beam prediction, temporal beam prediction, uplink AI positioning, downlink AI positioning, direct AI positioning, AI-assisted positioning, etc. Alternatively, functions can be defined using use case / sub-use case and model inference location, such as: UE-side temporal beam management, NW (network)-side AI-assisted positioning, etc. It should be noted that sub-use cases may also be represented using Case 1 / 2 / 2a / 2b identifiers or other names; this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0170] In this embodiment of the application, the location functions supported by the terminal device's capability information in the supported function information element can be represented by a bit string or an enumeration array. For example, a bit string uses binary bits to represent the support status of each function; for instance, a bit of 0 indicates that the corresponding function is not supported, and a bit of 1 indicates that the corresponding function is supported. An enumeration array, on the other hand, uses predefined enumeration values, where each value corresponds to a supported function.

[0171] The applicable functionalities element indicates the location functions available for inference in the terminal device. A location function is considered an applicable functionality when at least one model of that function is available on the terminal device. Applicable functionalities can be represented using bit strings within the applicable functionalities element. For example, a bit value of 0 indicates that the corresponding function is unavailable, and a bit value of 1 indicates that the corresponding function is available. In some embodiments, an array can be used within the applicable functionalities element to represent the number of available models corresponding to each applicable functionality. For instance, a bit value of 3 in the array indicates that the terminal device has 3 available models for the function corresponding to that bit.

[0172] The decision-making process for applicable functionalities is described below:

[0173] Inference configuration information is a type of configuration information used to guide terminal devices in model inference configuration (inference refers to making decisions or predictions using pre-trained models or algorithms). Terminal devices can receive inference configuration information from network devices, and this information may carry applicable functionalities. Alternatively, terminal devices can determine applicable functionalities based on inference configuration information, or at least one of NW-side additional conditions, UE-side additional conditions, or available UE models.

[0174] NW-side Additional Condition refers to additional conditions or rules on the network side, used to further refine or restrict applicable functions. For example, these conditions can be provided by the network side (such as base stations or core networks), which can determine whether a function is applicable, i.e., whether it is an applicable functionality, based on factors such as network status, policies, and load.

[0175] UE-side Additional Conditions are additional conditions known within the terminal device (UE) that further refine or restrict applicable functions. For example, these conditions are determined internally by the terminal device and may include the terminal device state, user preferences, etc., which help the terminal device decide whether to enable or disable functions under specific conditions, i.e., determine applicable functionalities.

[0176] UE-available models are machine learning models or algorithms available on the terminal device for inference or decision-making. These models are pre-loaded on the terminal device or dynamically loaded when needed. They can help the terminal device make intelligent decisions in specific scenarios.

[0177] For example, the terminal device receives inference configuration information from a network device (which could also be another device or server in the network). This inference configuration information provides basic guidance on when to enable or disable certain functions. The terminal device can evaluate additional conditions received from the network side, as well as internally known additional conditions, and check currently available machine learning models or algorithms to ensure that these models can support or perform the required functions. The terminal device comprehensively considers the inference configuration information, network-side additional conditions, user equipment-side additional conditions, and available models to ultimately determine the applicable functionalities.

[0178] It should be noted that the decision on applicable functionalities may be based on a combination of all conditions or the strictest condition priority; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0179] The activation function element is used to indicate the activated functionality in the terminal device. It can be represented by a bit string, where a bit value of 0 indicates the corresponding function is deactivated, and a bit value of 1 indicates the corresponding function is active.

[0180] Among them, functional information elements, supporting functional information elements, applicable functional information elements and active functional information elements can be combined in any way to form a new information element format, and this application embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0181] In some embodiments, when the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes applicable functional information elements, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message may further include:

[0182] The Function Applicability Condition Information Element is used to indicate the applicable conditions of the function indicated by the Applicable Function Information Element.

[0183] In this embodiment of the application, the Model And Applicable Condition information element, and the relevant applicable conditions of the activated functionality indicated by the indication applicable function information element, may include the available models under the activated functionality and the relevant parameters of each model. The relevant parameters include at least one of the following: model size, computational complexity FLOPs (Floating Point Operations Per Second), number of model parameters, scenario number, deployment conditions (UE / NW-side), inference time requirements, training dataset requirements, TA (time advanced) number, base station / cell ID, TA sequence number, dataset sequence number, etc.

[0184] For example, for the function indicated by the applicable function information element reported by the terminal device, three sets of information can be carried in the function applicable condition information element to indicate the three models supported by the function and the applicable conditions of each model.

[0185] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message may also include at least one of the following information elements:

[0186] The frequency band list supports information elements used to indicate the AI / ML positioning functions or capabilities supported by the frequency band;

[0187] The frequency band combination list supports information cells used to indicate the frequency band combinations supported by each positioning function;

[0188] The positioning method integrates information elements to indicate whether the terminal device supports the simultaneous execution of multiple positioning methods;

[0189] Support AI positioning method information element, used to indicate the AI ​​positioning method supported by the terminal device;

[0190] AI method information element, used to indicate the coordinate type of AI / ML positioning supported by the terminal device;

[0191] The positioning calculation auxiliary data support information element is indicated by a list, showing the positioning auxiliary data support status of the terminal device;

[0192] Terminal storage capacity information element, used to indicate the amount of storage space that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0193] The computing power information element is used to indicate the amount of computing power that the terminal device can support for AI model training;

[0194] Reference signal capability element, used to indicate the terminal device's support for reference signals for AI positioning measurement and / or data acquisition;

[0195] LOS / NLOS assisted capability information element, used to indicate that the terminal device supports AI-based LOS / NLOS assisted data;

[0196] The effective area support information cell is used to indicate the positioning area or positioning environment supported by the terminal device;

[0197] On-demand PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports AI / ML positioning of on-demand positioning reference signal PRS;

[0198] No PRS support information cell is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports intelligent positioning methods without reference signal or simplified reference signal or data domain pilot aliasing reference signal;

[0199] The periodic report information element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports periodic reporting;

[0200] The terminal-side performance detection identifier element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports performance detection.

[0201] In this embodiment of the application, the AI / ML capability message or the location provision capability message may further include at least one of the following information elements:

[0202] The supported band list information element indicates the AI / ML positioning functions or capabilities supported by a frequency band. In wireless communication, different frequency bands have different characteristics, such as coverage, penetration capability, and data transmission speed. The supported band list information element lists the frequency bands that the terminal device can operate on, ensuring that the terminal device's AI / ML positioning technology / functions can work normally on these frequency bands.

[0203] The supported band combination list (SBCOMBATIONList) cell indicates whether a terminal device supports multi-band or multi-spectrum positioning capabilities. Multi-band positioning refers to the terminal device's ability to locate itself across multiple different frequency bandwidths, improving accuracy and reliability by simultaneously using data from multiple frequency bands. Full-spectrum positioning refers to the terminal device's ability to locate itself across a wide spectrum, typically including multiple frequency bands.

[0204] If the `supportedBandCombinationList` element exists, it indicates that the terminal device supports this positioning capability; if the `supportedBandCombinationList` element does not exist or is empty, it indicates that the terminal device does not support this positioning capability. The `supportedBandCombinationList` element is defined as an array, with each subarray representing a frequency combination. For example, if the array carried by the `supportedBandCombinationList` element is {{n1,n2},{n1,n3,n78},{n2,n4}}, it means that the terminal device supports the following three frequency band combinations: n1 and n2, n1, n3 and n78, and n2 and n4. In this way, network devices can flexibly select and configure positioning strategies based on this array, improving the accuracy and reliability of positioning.

[0205] The IntegratedMethodSupported information element indicates whether a terminal device supports multiple positioning methods, such as 5G / 6G, TDOA, TOA, Multi-RTT, AI positioning, WiFi, Bluetooth, and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) positioning methods used simultaneously. This element is represented by a Boolean value, e.g., 0 indicates no support, 1 indicates support; or it can be defined using a bit string, where a bit position of 1 indicates support for that specific AI / ML mode / algorithm design, and a bit position of 0 indicates no support. For example, suppose the IntegratedMethodSupported information element is an 8-bit bit string: Bit 0: 5G / 6G positioning technology supported; Bit 1: Wi-Fi positioning technology supported; Bit 2: Bluetooth positioning technology supported; Bit 3: UWB positioning technology supported; Bit 4: GPS positioning technology supported; Bit 5: GLONASS positioning technology supported; Bit 6: BeiDou positioning technology supported; Bit 7: Galileo positioning technology supported.

[0206] If the value of the IntegratedMethodSupported information cell is 10101010, it indicates that: Bit 0: 1, 5G / 6G positioning technology is supported; Bit 1: 0, Wi-Fi positioning technology is not supported; Bit 2: 1, Bluetooth positioning technology is supported; Bit 3: 0, UWB positioning technology is not supported; Bit 4: 1, GPS positioning technology is supported; Bit 5: 0, GLONASS positioning technology is not supported; Bit 6: 1, BeiDou positioning technology is supported; Bit 7: 0, Galileo positioning technology is not supported.

[0207] In this way, the IntegratedMethodSupported information cell clearly expresses the device's support for multiple integrated positioning methods in the form of a bit string. This allows network devices to flexibly select and configure positioning strategies according to the actual capabilities of terminal devices, thereby improving overall positioning performance and service quality.

[0208] The `supportedAIPositionMethod` information element indicates the AI ​​positioning methods supported by the terminal device. This `supportedAIPositionMethod` information element is defined by a bit string, where each bit indicates whether a specific AI / ML model / algorithm / method is supported. Specific AI / ML models / algorithms / methods here refer to, but are not limited to, direct / indirect / AI positioning based on CIR (Channel Impulse Response), direct / indirect / AI positioning based on PDP (Power Delay Profile), direct / indirect / AI positioning based on RSRP (Reference Signal Receiving Power), and AI positioning that supports the fusion of multiple signals, including CIR and RSRP.

[0209] For example, when a bit position in a bit string is 1, it indicates support for that specific AI / ML model / algorithm / method; when a bit position in a bit string is 0, it indicates that that specific AI / ML model / algorithm / method is not supported. For example, suppose the supportedAIPositionMethod information element is an 8-bit bit string: Bit 0: AI direct positioning support; Bit 1: AI assisted positioning support; Bit 2: CIR-based direct positioning support; Bit 3: CIR-based indirect positioning support; Bit 4: PDP-based AI positioning support; Bit 5: RSRP-based direct positioning support; Bit 6: RSRP-based indirect positioning support; Bit 7: CIR and RSRP fusion / AI positioning support. If the bit string of the supportedAIPositionMethod information cell is 11011011, it means: Bit 0: 1, supports direct AI positioning; Bit 1: 1, supports AI-assisted positioning; Bit 2: 0, does not support direct positioning based on CIR; Bit 3: 1, supports indirect positioning based on CIR; Bit 4: 1, supports AI positioning based on PDP; Bit 5: 0, does not support direct positioning based on RSRP; Bit 6: 1, supports indirect positioning based on RSRP; Bit 7: 1, supports fusion of CIR and RSRP / AI positioning.

[0210] In this way, the supportedAIPositionMethod information element clearly expresses the terminal device's support for various AI positioning methods in the form of a bit string, enabling network devices to flexibly select and configure positioning strategies according to the capabilities of the terminal device, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of positioning.

[0211] AI-Modes information elements are used to indicate the coordinate types of AI / ML positioning supported by the terminal device. AI-Modes information elements are defined using Boolean values ​​or bit strings. For example, a Boolean value of 0 or 1 indicates that the location coordinate type is not supported or is supported, respectively. Alternatively, when using bit strings, each bit corresponds to a specific coordinate type, algorithm, or method. When a bit is 1, it indicates that the specific location coordinate mode / algorithm / method is supported; when a bit is 0, it indicates that the specific AI / ML coordinate / algorithm / method is not supported. Specific AI / ML modes / algorithms / methods include, but are not limited to, internationally recognized coordinates / modes, Chinese universal coordinates / modes, specific location coordinates, deep learning, reinforcement learning, deep reinforcement learning, federated learning, centralized algorithms, distributed algorithms, ResNet-based methods, traditional methods, and non-AI methods.

[0212] For example, suppose the AI-Modes information cell is an 8-bit string: Bit 0: Deep learning support; Bit 1: Reinforcement learning support; Bit 2: Deep reinforcement learning support; Bit 3: Federated learning support; Bit 4: Centralized algorithm support; Bit 5: Distributed algorithm support; Bit 6: ResNet-based method support; Bit 7: Traditional method support. If the value of AI-Modes is 11011011, it means: Bit 0: 1, deep learning is supported; Bit 1: 1, reinforcement learning is supported; Bit 2: 0, deep reinforcement learning is not supported; Bit 3: 1, federated learning is supported; Bit 4: 1, centralized algorithms are supported; Bit 5: 0, distributed algorithms are not supported; Bit 6: 1, ResNet-based methods are supported; Bit 7: 1, traditional methods are supported.

[0213] The PosAssistaneeDataSuppertedList information element indicates whether at least one of the following terminal devices (such as a PRU (Programmable Real-time Unit) positioning reference unit or a terminal device supporting label / ground truth data reporting) supports the use of auxiliary data for location calculation. When this information element appears, different list positions represent the specific auxiliary data that the terminal device can support. For example, auxiliary data could be real label data or reference signals that can be obtained for AI positioning model training or data acquisition. Upon receiving this information element, the network device can issue relevant data acquisition and / or measurement / reporting configurations so that the terminal device can provide or obtain the required auxiliary data.

[0214] For example, suppose the terminal device is a PRU that supports label / ground truth data reporting. When the network detects a PosAssistaneeDataSuppertedList cell, it can perform the following operations:

[0215] The network device issues instructions requiring the PRU to periodically report data such as the signal strength and channel status information it receives; the network device collects the real tag data reported by the PRU to train the AI ​​positioning model and improve the accuracy of positioning; the network device configures the PRU to perform measurements within a specific time period and report the measurement results to the network device for real-time analysis and adjustment.

[0216] In this way, the PosAssistaneeDataSuppertedList information element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports AI / ML auxiliary data. When this information element appears, it means that the target terminal can obtain real label data or auxiliary data support for AI positioning model training or data acquisition. At the same time, the network side can also use this information element to know which auxiliary data for positioning is supported by the terminal. After learning about this information element, the network device can issue relevant configurations such as data acquisition and / or measurement / reporting, or reference signal configurations, transmission method configurations, etc., thereby improving positioning accuracy, optimizing network performance, and supporting the development of various intelligent applications based on different terminal capabilities and auxiliary data support.

[0217] The terminal storage capacity information element indicates the amount of storage space a terminal device can support for AI model training. This helps network devices understand the terminal device's storage capacity, thereby enabling the rational allocation and use of storage resources. Specifically, the storage space size is represented using a standard predefined format, which can be divided into M storage space levels, each representing a different storage space size. The standard predefined format uses a predefined, standardized method to represent storage space size, aiming to simplify its representation and understanding, avoiding complex numerical representations. For example, storage space size can be divided into multiple levels (M levels), each corresponding to a specific storage space size range. These levels allow for quick identification and comparison of the terminal device's storage capacity.

[0218] For example: Suppose there are 5 storage space levels (M=5), each level corresponds to a different storage space size: Level 1: 0-1GB, Level 2: 1-5GB, Level 3: 5-10GB, Level 4: 10-50GB, Level 5: greater than 50GB. If the storage capacity information cell of the terminal device indicates Level 3, it means that the terminal device supports a storage space size between 5-10GB.

[0219] In this way, network devices can select appropriate AI models and datasets for training based on the storage space level of the terminal device. For example, a smaller storage space level may only support the training of lightweight models or small datasets. Alternatively, network devices can optimize resource allocation based on the storage capacity of the terminal device to ensure that AI model training tasks can proceed smoothly. For example, for terminal devices with smaller storage space, a smaller dataset can be allocated to avoid storage overflow. Or, network devices can adjust the functions and services allocated to the terminal device based on its storage capacity. For example, for terminal devices with larger storage space, more complex AI functions and more data processing options can be provided.

[0220] The computing power information element indicates the computing power of a terminal device to support AI model training. Specifically, computing power information indicates the terminal's computing power, especially the computing power required to support AI model training, helping network devices understand the terminal device's computing power and thus allocate and use computing resources rationally. Computing power can be divided into M computing power levels in a standard predefined form, or represented by an array of multiple indices to represent different types of heterogeneous computing power (such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) computing power, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) computing power, NPU (Neural Processing Unit) computing power, etc.).

[0221] In one example, the standard predefined form uses a predefined, standardized method to represent computing power, simplifying its representation and understanding and avoiding complex numerical representations. For instance, computing power can be divided into multiple levels (M levels), each representing a different computing capability. For example, suppose there are 5 levels (M=5), each corresponding to a different computing capability: Level 1: Very low computing power (e.g., 1-10 GFLOPS), Level 2: Low computing power (e.g., 10-50 GFLOPS), Level 3: Medium computing power (e.g., 50-200 GFLOPS), Level 4: High computing power (e.g., 200-1000 GFLOPS), Level 5: Very high computing power (e.g., greater than 1000 GFLOPS). If the computing power information cell of a terminal device indicates Level 3, it means that the terminal device's computing power is between 50-200 GFLOPS. That is, network devices can quickly identify and compare the computing power of terminal devices through these levels.

[0222] In another example, different types of computing units (such as CPU, GPU, NPU, etc.) can be defined to have different computing power capabilities. This can be represented by an array consisting of multiple indices, where different elements represent different types of computing power capabilities. For example, suppose the computing power capability information is represented by an array, where the elements represent the computing power capabilities of the CPU, GPU, and NPU, respectively. The array elements are: array [0]: CPU computing power (e.g., 50 GFLOPS), array [1]: GPU computing power (e.g., 500 GFLOPS), array [2]: NPU computing power (e.g., 1000 GFLOPS). If the computing power capability information of the terminal device is represented by the array [50, 500, 1000], it means that the CPU computing power of the terminal device is 50 GFLOPS, the GPU computing power is 500 GFLOPS, and the NPU computing power is 1000 GFLOPS.

[0223] In this way, network devices can select appropriate AI models and datasets for training terminal devices based on their computing power level or heterogeneous computing power arrays. For example, a lower computing power level might only support training lightweight models or small datasets. Alternatively, network devices can optimize resource allocation based on the terminal device's computing power to ensure smooth AI model training tasks. For instance, for terminal devices with weaker computing power, fewer data processing tasks can be allocated to avoid insufficient computing resources. Or, network devices can adjust the configured functions and services for terminal devices based on their computing power. For example, for terminal devices with stronger computing power, more complex AI functions and more data processing options can be provided.

[0224] The reference signal capability element indicates the terminal device's support for reference signals for AI positioning measurement and / or data acquisition. Examples include: the reference signal format, density, processing capability, and periodic / semi-persistent / aperiodic transmission / reception methods supported for positioning reference signal transmission / reception.

[0225] In this way, network devices can optimize positioning accuracy and efficiency by configuring appropriate reference signal formats and transmission / reception methods based on the reference signal capability information cells of the terminal devices. For example, high-density reference signals can improve positioning accuracy and stability. Alternatively, the frequency and method of data acquisition can be configured according to the reference signal capability of the terminal devices to ensure data integrity and accuracy. For example, for terminals with high processing capabilities, the data acquisition frequency can be increased to improve data quality. Furthermore, resource allocation and network configuration can be optimized based on the reference signal capability of the terminal devices to improve overall network performance. For example, for terminal devices supporting semi-persistent transmission / reception, the transmission frequency of reference signals can be dynamically adjusted according to actual needs, saving resources.

[0226] LOS / NLOS auxiliary capability information elements are used to indicate that the terminal device supports AI-based LOS (Line of Sight) / NLOS (Not Line of Sight) auxiliary data. By utilizing AI algorithms to analyze signal characteristics, the system accurately determines whether a signal is LOS or NLOS, thereby selecting appropriate positioning algorithms and parameters to improve positioning accuracy. Network devices can configure corresponding positioning algorithms and parameters for the terminal device based on the indication of the LOS / NLOS auxiliary capability information elements.

[0227] For example, suppose the terminal device has AI-based LOS / NLOS judgment capabilities, which manifest as follows: The terminal device can analyze the characteristics of received signals (such as signal strength, time of arrival, angle, etc.) through AI algorithms to determine whether the current signal is LOS or NLOS. Based on the judgment result, the terminal device can select the appropriate positioning algorithm or adjust positioning parameters to optimize the positioning result. For example, in complex indoor environments, signals are often predominantly NLOS. AI judgment can better handle multipath effects and improve positioning accuracy. In urban environments, tall buildings may cause signal obstruction and reflection. AI judgment helps distinguish between LOS and NLOS situations, and by accurately judging the signal propagation mode, a suitable positioning algorithm can be selected to effectively reduce positioning errors.

[0228] The validity area supported (FAP) cell indicates the location area / environment supported by the terminal device, such as indoor, outdoor, indoor heavy NLOS scenario, indoor LOS scenario, etc. Network devices can select appropriate positioning algorithms for terminal devices based on the type of area / environment supported by the terminal device indicated by the FAP cell. For example, in an indoor heavy NLOS scenario, an algorithm capable of handling multipath effects can be selected; or the network device can adaptively adjust its service strategy based on the terminal device's support capabilities, for example, providing higher positioning accuracy in outdoor environments and more stable positioning services in indoor NLOS scenarios; or, the network device can optimize resource allocation based on the terminal device's positioning capabilities, for example, configuring more reference signals for positioning in indoor environments to improve positioning accuracy.

[0229] The on-demand PRS supported information cell indicates whether the terminal device supports the intelligent positioning method of on-demand positioning reference signal (PRS). In essence, the on-demand PRS supported information cell indicates whether the terminal device has the ability to dynamically adjust the positioning reference signal according to the environment and needs. For example, it adjusts the PRS transmission parameters, such as density, power, transmission frequency, and time / frequency domain position, based on real-time environmental changes and terminal status to adapt to different positioning requirements and thus optimize positioning performance.

[0230] On-demand PRS support information cells help network devices understand the on-demand PRS capabilities of terminal devices, thereby deciding whether to enable related functions and how to configure positioning parameters. For example, assuming the on-demand PRS support information cell of a terminal device is set to "Supported," it means that the terminal device has the ability to dynamically adjust PRS parameters, including: adjusting the PRS transmission density and power based on the current environment's LOS / NLOS, and adjusting the PRS transmission period and frequency based on the terminal's motion state. The network device can then issue the following configuration: utilize AI algorithms to analyze PRS measurement data, optimize positioning algorithm parameters, improve positioning accuracy, and reduce unnecessary signal transmissions through on-demand PRS to save power when resources are limited. In this way, by dynamically adjusting PRS parameters to better adapt to current environmental conditions, more accurate positioning results can be obtained, and when high-precision positioning is not required, reducing the PRS transmission frequency and power can save resources for both the terminal and the network.

[0231] The "NonePRSSupported" information element indicates whether the terminal device supports intelligent positioning methods with no reference signal, simplified reference signal, or data domain pilot aliasing reference signal. In other words, this "NonePRSSupported" information element indicates whether the terminal device has the capability to perform intelligent positioning without relying on traditional positioning reference signals (PRS).

[0232] Among them, "no reference signal" refers to the ability of a terminal device to locate itself using other signals (such as data signals) or other technologies when there is no traditional positioning reference signal (PRS); "simplified reference signal" refers to the ability of a terminal device to locate itself using a simplified positioning reference signal, which can reduce signal complexity and overhead; "data domain pilot aliasing reference signal" (SIP) refers to the ability of a terminal device to locate itself using pilot signals in the data domain (such as pilots in mobile phone signals), rather than traditional dedicated positioning reference signals.

[0233] The absence of PRS support cells helps network devices understand the ability of terminal devices to perform intelligent positioning without relying on traditional PRS, thereby determining whether to enable related functions and how to configure positioning parameters. This reduces signal overhead and improves positioning efficiency by minimizing or replacing the use of traditional PRS. Furthermore, network devices can flexibly allocate resources and optimize positioning performance based on actual conditions without relying on traditional PRS.

[0234] The periodic reporting element indicates whether a terminal device supports periodic reporting. This element is a bit string, with bit settings indicating support status: empty element: indicates periodic reporting is not supported; one or more bits in the element are 0: indicates the corresponding bit's positioning method does not support periodic reporting; bits in the element are 1: indicates the corresponding bit's positioning method supports periodic reporting. This periodic reporting element helps network devices or other devices understand the terminal device's capabilities, allowing network devices to configure the terminal device's reporting period and content based on the element's indication.

[0235] The terminal-side performance testing identifier is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports performance testing. It is an identifier used to indicate whether the terminal device supports performance testing (i.e., the "terminal-side performance testing identifier"). For example, this terminal-side performance testing identifier helps network devices understand the terminal device's performance testing capabilities, including monitoring, model testing, and functional testing. Monitoring (testing) refers to real-time monitoring and testing of the terminal device's operating status and performance indicators; model testing refers to performance evaluation and testing of the terminal device's AI models and algorithms; and functional testing refers to testing the terminal device's functional modules (such as positioning and communication) to ensure their normal operation.

[0236] By using the terminal-side performance detection identifier, it can be determined whether the terminal device has the capability for performance detection, and then the network device can make corresponding configurations and optimizations based on the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0237] In some embodiments, when defining an AI positioning capability information element to provide AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for a terminal device, at least one of AI / ML capability messages, positioning capability messages, and AI positioning capability information elements is used to provide AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device.

[0238] In this embodiment, an AI Position Provide Capabilities information element can be added to the terminal capability message to provide AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device. When the AI ​​Position Provide Capabilities information element is defined in the terminal capability message, at least one of the AI / ML capability message, positioning capability message, and AI Position Provide Capabilities information element can be used to provide AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device.

[0239] In some embodiments, AI / ML positioning capabilities include at least one of the following: AI-based positioning enhancement technology, intelligent positioning technology, enhanced positioning technology, and positioning technology of version R19 and above.

[0240] It should be noted that the AI ​​positioning capability information element is just one example of a newly added information element name. The newly added information element can also have other names, such as any English name related to the description, or it can represent the name of a specific AI positioning technology. For example, the NR-DL-AIPosition-ProvideCapabilities information element represents the downlink AI positioning terminal capability of NR, the NR-UL-AIPosCIR-ProvideCapabilities information element represents the uplink CIR-based AI positioning terminal capability of NR, and the 6G-DL-AI-TDOA-ProvideCapabilities information element represents the uplink reporting information element of the 6G downlink AI positioning terminal capability based on TDOA.

[0241] In some embodiments, when defining relevant information elements for providing location-related capabilities for capability reporting or capability indication, at least one of AI / ML capability messages, location provision capability messages, and relevant information elements is used to provide location-related capabilities for the terminal device.

[0242] In this embodiment of the application, for each positioning method that will perform capability reporting or capability indication, a relevant information element can be defined in the terminal capability message to provide positioning-related capabilities for capability reporting or capability indication. When the relevant information element is defined in the terminal capability message, at least one of AI / ML capability message, positioning provision capability message, and relevant information element can be used to provide positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device.

[0243] In one example implementation, terminal capability messages can be reported using any of the following methods: periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting, or semi-persistent reporting. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the reporting method of terminal capability messages.

[0244] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application are described below through specific examples.

[0245] This application provides a method for terminal capability reporting, applicable to the configuration process of deploying AI models on the wireless side to perform AI / ML model lifecycle management. It can realize the reporting of terminal AI / ML capabilities with AI-based positioning enhancement capabilities, and empower wireless air interface AI / ML lifecycle management.

[0246] The terminal device can send terminal capability messages or signaling to the network device. The terminal capability messages or signaling include AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages. The AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages can be at least one of LPP location provision capability messages, NR location provision capability messages, NRPPa location provision capability messages, 6G location provision capability messages, AI / ML location provision capability messages, AI / ML direct location provision capability messages, AI / ML assisted location provision capability messages, or other related descriptions.

[0247] Network devices can be at least one of the following: location server, LMF, positioning network element, core network element, base station, intelligent computing unit, RAN AI Layer, AI Layer, wireless AI management layer, RAN AI management unit, or other network elements or network devices responsible for positioning.

[0248] Terminal capability messages or signaling may include at least one of the following: management plane messages / signaling, control plane messages / signaling, user plane messages / signaling, intelligent plane messages / signaling, data plane messages / signaling, computing plane messages / signaling, system messages, NAS / AS signaling, dedicated configuration messages / signaling, RRC / higher layer protocol signaling, MAC CE, access control layer signaling, open interface protocol signaling, and DCI / physical layer signaling.

[0249] The terminal capability reporting process supports at least one of the following:

[0250] Method 1: The terminal actively sends terminal capability messages or signaling to the network device, that is, it sends a location provision capability message.

[0251] Method 2: The network device sends a terminal capability request to the terminal device, and the terminal device sends a terminal capability message or signaling to the network device, that is, it sends a location provision capability message.

[0252] In Method 2, an AIPosition-RequestCapabilities information element can be defined, which is used by network devices to request AI positioning capability information from terminal devices.

[0253] AI / ML capability messages or positioning capability provision messages contain reported UE-side supported capabilities, including at least one of the following: functionality, available / applicable functionality, supported functionality, and at least one of Feature / Feature Group (in some cases, Functionality is equivalent to Feature / Feature Group). Wherein:

[0254] Supported functionality refers to the functionality that the UE can indicate using UE capability information;

[0255] Applicable functionality refers to the functionality that the UE is ready to use for inference; wherein, the applicable functionality may be carried by inference configuration information, or determined based on at least one of the inference configuration information, NW-side additional condition, UE-side additional conditions (internally known by the UE), and UE available model, and the inference configuration information may be received from the network device.

[0256] Activated functionality refers to functionality that has already been used to perform reasoning.

[0257] The process of terminal capability reporting can be used to support network devices in identifying the functions of terminal devices.

[0258] When a ProvideCapabilities message is triggered, the target terminal device should perform at least one of the following procedures:

[0259] The ProvideCapabilities message includes a new information element, AIPositionProvideCapabilities, which is used by the target UE to report the ability to provide at least one of the following: AI-based positioning enhancement technology, intelligent positioning technology, enhanced positioning technology, and R19 or higher positioning technology.

[0260] For each positioning method that will report or indicate capabilities, the relevant information elements include the capabilities of the device.

[0261] Furthermore, when AI positioning (or AI-Position, AI-POS, intelligent positioning, positioning enhancement, or at least one of the same meanings) capability is indicated, the AI ​​positioning capability reporting element AIPositionProvideCapabilities (UE capability reporting) or any capability reporting element includes at least one of the following elements: supportedFunctionality, applicableFunctionality, activatedFunctionality, activated The information elements include at least one of the following: functionality, ModelAndApplicableCondition, supportedBandList, supportedBandCombinationList, IntegratedMethodSupported, supportedAIPositionMethod, AI-Modes, AI-AssistanceDataSupportedList, terminal storage capacity information, computing power information, reference signal capability, AI positioning LOS / NLOS judgment capability, validityAreaSupported, adaptivePRSSupported, NonePRSSupported, periodicalReporting, and terminal-side performance detection identifier. The specific descriptions of the above information elements can be found in the relevant descriptions of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0262] When terminal devices report AI / ML capabilities, they support at least one of periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting, and semi-continuous reporting. In addition, terminal devices support at least one of autonomous / automatic AI / ML capability reporting and AI / ML capability reporting based on network device configuration.

[0263] The terminal capability reporting method provided in this application proposes an AI / ML terminal capability reporting method applicable to 5G-Advanced and 6G wireless sides. It can enable the terminal to report relevant AI / ML capabilities to management network elements / layers such as positioning network elements, base stations, and network management through network-side configuration on the RAN side. This helps with the lifecycle management of AI / ML models in the wireless air interface, realizes network-manageable and controllable AI models, and enables AI to intrinsically improve the performance of wireless communication systems.

[0264] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowchart of Figure 1-2 are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some of the steps in Figure 1-2 may include multiple steps or multiple stages, which are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages in other steps.

[0265] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3, a terminal capability reporting device is provided, comprising:

[0266] The sending module 301 is used to send a terminal capability message to a network device. The terminal capability message includes an AI / ML capability message or a location provision capability message, and the AI / ML capability message or the location provision capability message carries the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0267] The aforementioned terminal capability reporting device allows terminal devices to report their own capabilities to network devices via terminal capability messages. These capabilities include at least one of the following: reporting function, available / applicable function, supported function, activated function, feature or feature group. The terminal capability reporting process can be used to support network devices in recognizing the functions of terminal devices, enabling network devices to fully understand the AI / ML-related capabilities of terminal devices. This, in turn, enables more efficient and intelligent wireless network services, including more efficient model lifecycle management.

[0268] In some embodiments, the terminal device capabilities include at least one of functions, available / applicable functions, supporting functions, activation functions, features, or groups of features.

[0269] In some embodiments, the terminal capability message includes at least one of the following messages:

[0270] Management plane messages, control plane messages, user plane messages, intelligence plane messages, data plane messages, computing plane messages, system messages, NAS / AS signaling, dedicated configuration signaling, RRC / higher layer protocol signaling, MAC CE, access control layer signaling, open interface protocol signaling, DCI / physical layer signaling.

[0271] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following messages:

[0272] LPP positioning capability messages, NR positioning capability messages, NRPPa positioning capability messages, 6G positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML direct positioning capability messages, and AI / ML assisted positioning capability messages.

[0273] In some embodiments, the sending module is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0274] Send terminal capability messages to network devices;

[0275] In response to a capability request message sent by a network device, a terminal capability message is sent to the network device.

[0276] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following: functional information elements, supporting functional information elements, applicable functional information elements, and activated functional information elements; wherein...

[0277] The functional information element is a bit string or an enumerated array, indicating the functions supported by the terminal device;

[0278] The supported function information element is a bit string or an enumeration array, indicating the functions that the terminal device's capability information can support;

[0279] The applicable functional information element is a bit string, indicating the functions in the terminal device that can be used for inference;

[0280] The activation function information element is a bit string that indicates the activated function in the terminal device.

[0281] In some embodiments, when the applicable functional information element is included in the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes:

[0282] The function applicability condition information element is used to indicate the applicable conditions of the function indicated by the applicable function information element.

[0283] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes at least one of the following information elements:

[0284] The frequency band list supports information elements used to indicate the AI / ML positioning functions or capabilities supported by the frequency band;

[0285] The frequency band combination list supports information cells used to indicate the frequency band combinations supported by each of the aforementioned positioning functions;

[0286] The positioning method integrates information elements to indicate whether the terminal device supports the simultaneous execution of multiple positioning methods;

[0287] AI positioning method information element is provided to indicate the AI ​​positioning method supported by the terminal device;

[0288] AI method information element, used to indicate the coordinate type of AI / ML positioning supported by the terminal device;

[0289] The positioning calculation auxiliary data support information element is indicated by a list, showing the positioning auxiliary data support status of the terminal device;

[0290] The terminal storage capacity information element is used to indicate the amount of storage space that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0291] The computing power information element is used to indicate the amount of computing power that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0292] Reference signal capability element, used to indicate the terminal device's support for reference signals for AI positioning measurement and / or data acquisition;

[0293] LOS / NLOS assisted capability information element, used to indicate that the terminal device supports AI-based LOS / NLOS assisted data;

[0294] The effective area support information element is used to indicate the positioning area or positioning environment supported by the terminal device;

[0295] On-demand PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports AI / ML positioning of on-demand positioning reference signal PRS;

[0296] No PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports intelligent positioning methods without reference signal or simplified reference signal or data domain pilot aliasing reference signal;

[0297] A periodic report information element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports periodic reporting;

[0298] The terminal-side performance detection identifier element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports performance detection.

[0299] In some embodiments, when defining an AI positioning capability information element to provide AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device, at least one of the AI / ML capability message, the positioning capability message, and the AI ​​positioning capability information element is used to provide the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device.

[0300] In some embodiments, the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities include at least one of the following: AI-based positioning enhancement technology, intelligent positioning technology, enhanced positioning technology, and positioning technology of version R19 and above.

[0301] In some embodiments, when defining relevant information elements for providing location-related capabilities for capability reporting or capability indication, at least one of the AI / ML capability messages, the location provision capability messages, and the relevant information elements is used to provide the location-related capabilities of the terminal device.

[0302] In some embodiments, the terminal capability messages are reported using any one of the following methods: periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting, or semi-persistent reporting.

[0303] In some embodiments, the network device includes at least one of the following:

[0304] Location server, Location Management Function (LMF), Location Network Element, Core Network Element, Base Station, Intelligent Computing Unit, RAN AI Layer, AI Layer, Wireless AI Management Layer, RAN AI Management Unit.

[0305] Specific limitations regarding the device for reporting terminal capabilities can be found in the limitations on the method for reporting terminal capabilities described above, and will not be repeated here. Each module in the aforementioned device for reporting terminal capabilities can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in the computer device in hardware form, or stored in the memory of the computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0306] In some embodiments, a communication device is provided, as shown in FIG4. FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The terminal device 400 shown in FIG4 includes: at least one processor 401, a memory 402, at least one network interface 404, and a user interface 403. The various components in the terminal device 400 are coupled together through a bus system 405. It is understood that the bus system 405 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system 405 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, all buses are labeled as bus system 405 in FIG4. In addition, the embodiments of the present application also include a transceiver 406, which may be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium.

[0307] The user interface 403 may include a display, keyboard, or clicking device (e.g., mouse, trackball, touchpad, or touchscreen).

[0308] It is understood that the memory 402 in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 402 of the systems and methods described in this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0309] In some implementations, memory 402 stores elements such as executable modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof: operating system 4021 and application program 4022.

[0310] The operating system 4021 includes various system programs, such as the framework layer, core library layer, and driver layer, used to implement various basic business functions and handle hardware-based tasks. The application program 4022 includes various applications, such as a media player and a browser, used to implement various application functions. Programs implementing the methods of this application embodiment can be included in application program 4022.

[0311] In this embodiment of the application, by calling the program or instructions stored in memory 402, specifically the program or instructions stored in application 4022, the transmitter is used to send terminal capability messages to the network device. The terminal capability messages include AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages, and the AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages carry the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0312] It is understood that the embodiments described in this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the processing unit can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units for performing the functions described in this application, or combinations thereof.

[0313] For software implementation, the technology described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described in the embodiments of this application. The software code can be stored in memory and executed by processor 401. The memory can be implemented in processor 401 or external to processor 401.

[0314] In some embodiments, the terminal device capabilities include at least one of functions, available / applicable functions, supporting functions, activation functions, features, or groups of features.

[0315] In some embodiments, the terminal capability message includes at least one of the following messages:

[0316] Management plane messages, control plane messages, user plane messages, intelligence plane messages, data plane messages, computing plane messages, system messages, NAS / AS signaling, dedicated configuration signaling, RRC / higher layer protocol signaling, MAC CE, access control layer signaling, open interface protocol signaling, DCI / physical layer signaling.

[0317] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following messages:

[0318] LPP positioning capability messages, NR positioning capability messages, NRPPa positioning capability messages, 6G positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML direct positioning capability messages, and AI / ML assisted positioning capability messages.

[0319] In some embodiments, the transmitter is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0320] Send terminal capability messages to network devices;

[0321] In response to a capability request message sent by a network device, a terminal capability message is sent to the network device.

[0322] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following: functional information elements, supporting functional information elements, applicable functional information elements, and activated functional information elements; wherein...

[0323] The functional information element is a bit string or an enumerated array, indicating the functions supported by the terminal device;

[0324] The supported function information element is a bit string or an enumeration array, indicating the functions that the terminal device's capability information can support;

[0325] The applicable functional information element is a bit string, indicating the functions in the terminal device that can be used for inference;

[0326] The activation function information element is a bit string that indicates the activated function in the terminal device.

[0327] In some embodiments, when the applicable functional information element is included in the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes:

[0328] The function applicability condition information element is used to indicate the applicable conditions of the function indicated by the applicable function information element.

[0329] In some embodiments, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes at least one of the following information elements:

[0330] The frequency band list supports information elements used to indicate the AI / ML positioning functions or capabilities supported by the frequency band;

[0331] The frequency band combination list supports information cells used to indicate the frequency band combinations supported by each of the aforementioned positioning functions;

[0332] The positioning method integrates information elements to indicate whether the terminal device supports the simultaneous execution of multiple positioning methods;

[0333] AI positioning method information element is provided to indicate the AI ​​positioning method supported by the terminal device;

[0334] AI method information element, used to indicate the coordinate type of AI / ML positioning supported by the terminal device;

[0335] The positioning calculation auxiliary data support information element is indicated by a list, showing the positioning auxiliary data support status of the terminal device;

[0336] The terminal storage capacity information element is used to indicate the amount of storage space that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0337] The computing power information element is used to indicate the amount of computing power that the terminal device supports for AI model training;

[0338] Reference signal capability element, used to indicate the terminal device's support for reference signals for AI positioning measurement and / or data acquisition;

[0339] LOS / NLOS assisted capability information element, used to indicate that the terminal device supports AI-based LOS / NLOS assisted data;

[0340] The effective area support information element is used to indicate the positioning area or positioning environment supported by the terminal device;

[0341] On-demand PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports AI / ML positioning of on-demand positioning reference signal PRS;

[0342] No PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports intelligent positioning methods without reference signal or simplified reference signal or data domain pilot aliasing reference signal;

[0343] A periodic report information element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports periodic reporting;

[0344] The terminal-side performance detection identifier element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports performance detection.

[0345] In some embodiments, when defining an AI positioning capability information element to provide AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device, at least one of the AI / ML capability message, the positioning capability message, and the AI ​​positioning capability information element is used to provide the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities for the terminal device.

[0346] In some embodiments, the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities include at least one of the following: AI-based positioning enhancement technology, intelligent positioning technology, enhanced positioning technology, and positioning technology of version R19 and above.

[0347] In some embodiments, when defining relevant information elements for providing location-related capabilities for capability reporting or capability indication, at least one of the AI / ML capability messages, the location provision capability messages, and the relevant information elements is used to provide the location-related capabilities of the terminal device.

[0348] In some embodiments, the terminal capability messages are reported using any one of the following methods: periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting, or semi-persistent reporting.

[0349] In some embodiments, the network device includes at least one of the following:

[0350] Location server, Location Management Function (LMF), Location Network Element, Core Network Element, Base Station, Intelligent Computing Unit, RAN AI Layer, AI Layer, Wireless AI Management Layer, RAN AI Management Unit.

[0351] In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the terminal capability reporting method in any of the above embodiments.

[0352] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the terminal capability reporting method implemented in any of the above embodiments.

[0353] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is obvious that the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered equivalent solutions of the present invention. Moreover, the steps of performing the above-described series of processes can naturally be executed in the order described, but are not necessarily required to be executed in chronological order; some steps can be executed in parallel or independently of each other.

[0354] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the methods described above. Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, or optical storage, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.

[0355] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0356] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for reporting terminal capabilities, applied to a terminal device, the method comprising: Send a terminal capability message to the network device. The terminal capability message includes an AI / ML capability message or a location provision capability message, and the AI / ML capability message or the location provision capability message carries the capabilities of the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal device capabilities include at least one of the following: functions, available / applicable functions, supported functions, activation functions, features, or groups of features.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The terminal capability message includes at least one of the following messages: Management plane messages, control plane messages, user plane messages, intelligence plane messages, data plane messages, computing plane messages, system messages, NAS / AS signaling, dedicated configuration signaling, RRC / higher layer protocol signaling, MAC CE, access control layer signaling, open interface protocol signaling, DCI / physical layer signaling.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following messages: LPP positioning capability messages, NR positioning capability messages, NRPPa positioning capability messages, 6G positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML positioning capability messages, AI / ML direct positioning capability messages, and AI / ML assisted positioning capability messages.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Sending terminal capability messages to network devices includes at least one of the following: Send terminal capability messages to network devices; In response to a capability request message sent by a network device, a terminal capability message is sent to the network device.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes at least one of the following: functional information element, supporting functional information element, applicable functional information element, and activated functional information element; wherein... The functional information element is a bit string or an enumerated array, indicating the functions supported by the terminal device; The supported function information element is a bit string or an enumeration array, indicating the functions that the terminal device's capability information can support; The applicable functional information element is a bit string, indicating the functions in the terminal device that can be used for inference; The activation function information element is a bit string that indicates the activated function in the terminal device.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, When the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message includes the applicable functional information element, the AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message further includes: The function applicability condition information element is used to indicate the applicable conditions of the function indicated by the applicable function information element.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The AI / ML capability message or location provision capability message also includes at least one of the following information elements: The frequency band list supports information elements used to indicate the AI / ML positioning functions or capabilities supported by the frequency band; The frequency band combination list supports information cells used to indicate the frequency band combinations supported by each of the aforementioned positioning functions; The positioning method integrates information elements to indicate whether the terminal device supports the simultaneous execution of multiple positioning methods; AI positioning method information element is provided to indicate the AI ​​positioning method supported by the terminal device; AI method information element, used to indicate the coordinate type of AI / ML positioning supported by the terminal device; The positioning calculation auxiliary data support information element is indicated by a list, showing the positioning auxiliary data support status of the terminal device; The terminal storage capacity information element is used to indicate the amount of storage space that the terminal device supports for AI model training; The computing power information element is used to indicate the amount of computing power that the terminal device supports for AI model training; Reference signal capability element, used to indicate the terminal device's support for reference signals for AI positioning measurement and / or data acquisition; LOS / NLOS assisted capability information element, used to indicate that the terminal device supports AI-based LOS / NLOS assisted data; The effective area support information element is used to indicate the positioning area or positioning environment supported by the terminal device; On-demand PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports AI / ML positioning of on-demand positioning reference signal PRS; No PRS support information element, used to indicate whether the terminal device supports intelligent positioning methods without reference signal or simplified reference signal or data domain pilot aliasing reference signal; The periodic report information element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports periodic reporting; The terminal-side performance detection identifier element is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports performance detection.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When defining the AI ​​positioning capability information element to provide the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities of the terminal device, at least one of the AI / ML capability message, the positioning capability message, and the AI ​​positioning capability information element is used to provide the AI / ML positioning-related capabilities of the terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The AI / ML positioning-related capabilities include at least one of the following: AI-based positioning enhancement technology, intelligent positioning technology, enhanced positioning technology, and positioning technology of version R19 and above.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When defining relevant information elements to provide location-related capabilities for capability reporting or capability indication, at least one of the AI / ML capability messages, the location provision capability messages, and the relevant information elements is used to provide the location-related capabilities of the terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal capability messages are reported using any one of the following methods: periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting, or semi-persistent reporting.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The network device includes at least one of the following: Location server, Location Management Function (LMF), Location Network Element, Core Network Element, Base Station, Intelligent Computing Unit, RAN AI Layer, AI Layer, Wireless AI Management Layer, RAN AI Management Unit.

14. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The applicable conditions information element for the function includes at least one of the following parameters: available model under the activated function, model size, model computational complexity, number of model parameters, scenario number, deployment conditions, inference time requirements, training dataset requirements, maximum time lead (TA) number, base station or cell identifier (ID), TA sequence number, and dataset sequence number.

15. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The AI ​​method information element adopts a bit string, and different bits in the bit string are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports one of the following algorithms: deep learning, reinforcement learning, deep reinforcement learning, federated learning, centralized algorithm, distributed algorithm, and ResNet-based residual network method.

16. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The computing power information element indicates the computing power of the terminal device in any of the following ways: The computing power level is predefined according to a standard, and the computing power level corresponds to a preset range of floating-point operations per second (FLOPS). The computing power of different types of computing units is indicated by an array, where the elements in the array correspond to the computing power of the central processing unit (CPU), the computing power of the graphics processing unit (GPU), or the computing power of the neural network processing unit (NPU).

17. A terminal capability reporting device, applied to a terminal equipment, the device comprising: The sending module is used to send terminal capability messages to network devices. The terminal capability messages include AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages, and the AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages carry the capabilities of the terminal devices.

18. A terminal device, comprising: The transmitter, processor, and memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program; The processor executes the computer program to control the transmitter; The transmitter is configured to send terminal capability messages to network devices under the control of the processor. The terminal capability messages include AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages, and the AI / ML capability messages or location provision capability messages carry the capabilities of the terminal devices.

19. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

20. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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