Positioning method and device

Abstract

The present application discloses a positioning method and apparatus, the method comprising: a terminal device receiving information indicating a time window for measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS) from a network device; then the terminal device measures one or more PRSs within a first time window to obtain one or more measurement results. The information indicating the time window for measuring the PRSs indicates the start time of the first time window and / or the duration of the first time window. By measuring the PRSs within the first time window and obtaining the measurement results, the terminal device is prevented from reporting inappropriate or inaccurate measurement results, thereby improving positioning accuracy and reducing the signaling overhead of the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a positioning method and device. Background Art

[0002] In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, positioning technologies are generally divided into: positioning technologies that rely on radio access technology (RAT) (RAT-dependent), positioning technologies that are independent of radio access technology (RAT-independent), and positioning technologies that combine RAT-dependent and RAT-independent technologies.

[0003] Among them, the general steps of the downlink-based positioning technology in the RAT-dependent positioning technology are as follows: first, multiple base stations send a positioning reference signal (PRS) to a terminal device; then, the terminal device measures the received PRS to obtain a measurement result, such as measuring one or more of the time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA) and reference signal receive power (RSRP) of the PRS; then, the terminal device reports the measurement result to the positioning device; finally, the positioning device can determine the location information of the terminal device based on the measurement result.

[0004] However, the above methods cannot meet the high-precision positioning requirements of the fifth-generation mobile networks (5G) system. Therefore, how to improve positioning accuracy is an urgent problem to be solved in 5G and its next-generation mobile communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a positioning method and apparatus that can be used to improve positioning accuracy.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a positioning method, the method comprising:

[0007] A terminal device receives information indicating a time window for measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS) from a network device; the terminal device measures one or more PRSs within a first time window and obtains one or more measurement results; wherein the information indicating a time window for measuring the PRS indicates a start time of the first time window and / or a duration of the first time window; the network device is a positioning device or an access network device.

[0008] In the embodiment of the present application, the first time window can be understood as a period of time within the reporting period. By sending the first time window to the terminal device, the terminal device reports the measurement results within the first time window, thereby avoiding the terminal device reporting the measurement results within the entire period, and avoiding the situation where the measurement results within the entire period are not applicable or are inaccurate, resulting in a decrease in positioning accuracy. Further implementation of the embodiment of the present application can effectively improve positioning accuracy; at the same time, since the measurement results within the first time window are reported, the reporting overhead of the terminal device can also be effectively reduced.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the end time of the first time window is the reporting time when the terminal device reports the one or more measurement results.

[0010] In the embodiments of the present application, the first time window can be understood as a period of time close to the reporting time, thereby allowing the terminal device to report the latest measurement results. At the same time, in scenarios where the terminal device is in high-speed motion, or where the terminal device and network equipment are in relative motion, by reporting the latest measurement results, the timeliness of the reported measurement results can be guaranteed, improving the positioning accuracy of the terminal device, thereby enabling the network equipment to accurately estimate the location of the terminal device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the information indicating the measurement PRS time window includes values ​​of N time windows; wherein each value corresponds to a time window, and each value is used to indicate the start time of a corresponding time window, or each value is used to indicate the duration of a corresponding time window, and the N time windows include the first time window.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device may further configure N time window values ​​for the terminal device, so that the terminal device may independently select the value of the first time window.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device receives activation signaling from the access network device, the activation signaling is used to activate one or more values ​​of the N time windows, and the one or more values ​​are used to determine the first time window.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present application, after configuring N time window values ​​for the terminal device, the access network device may also activate one or more of the N time window values, so that the terminal device can clearly understand the value of the first time window.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the unit of the start time is any one of seconds, frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving updated time window information from the network device; and the terminal device measuring one or more PRSs within the updated time window according to the updated time window information.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the information for indicating the PRS measurement time window is carried in an auxiliary information field of Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) signaling.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: if the terminal device fails to measure the one or more PRSs within the first time window, the terminal device extends the first time window until one or more PRSs are measured.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the terminal device reporting a first measurement result, where the first measurement result is a measurement result obtained by weighting the one or more measurement results.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present application provides a positioning method, the method comprising:

[0021] A network device determines information for indicating a time window for measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS); the network device sends the information for indicating a time window for measuring a PRS to a terminal device; wherein the information for indicating a time window for measuring a PRS indicates a start time of a first time window and / or a duration of the first time window; the network device is a positioning device or an access network device.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the end time of the first time window is the reporting time when the terminal device reports the one or more measurement results.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the information indicating the measurement PRS time window includes values ​​of N time windows; wherein each value corresponds to a time window, and each value is used to indicate the start time of a corresponding time window, or each value is used to indicate the duration of a corresponding time window, and the N time windows include the first time window.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the access network device sends an activation signaling to the terminal device, the activation signaling is used to activate one or more values ​​of the N time windows, and the one or more values ​​are used to determine the first time window.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the unit of the start time is any one of seconds, frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending updated time window information to the terminal device, where the updated time window information is used to indicate updating of the first time window.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the information for indicating the PRS measurement time window is carried in an auxiliary information field of Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) signaling.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving, by the network device, a first measurement result sent by the terminal device, where the first measurement result is a measurement result obtained by weighting the one or more measurement results.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the network device estimating the location information of the terminal device according to the first measurement result.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the second aspect can be referred to the beneficial effects of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0031] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a terminal device, a device in a terminal device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device. The communication device may also be a chip system. The communication device may execute the method described in the first aspect and various possible implementations of the first aspect. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above functions. The units may be software and / or hardware.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a network device, a device within a network device, or a device capable of being used in conjunction with a network device. The communication device may also be a chip system. The communication device may execute the method described in the second aspect and various possible implementations of the second aspect. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above functions. The units may be software and / or hardware.

[0033] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer-executable instructions; the processor is used to execute the computer-executable instructions so that the communication device performs the method described in the first aspect and various possible implementation methods of the first aspect.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer-executable instructions; the processor is used to execute the computer-executable instructions so that the communication device performs the method described in the second aspect and various possible implementation methods of the second aspect.

[0035] In the seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor, a memory and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is used to receive or send signals; the memory is used to store program code; and the processor is used to call the program code to execute the method described in the first aspect and various possible implementation methods of the first aspect.

[0036] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, a memory, and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is used to receive or send signals; the memory is used to store program code; and the processor is used to call the program code to execute the method described in the second aspect and various possible implementation methods of the second aspect.

[0037] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to receive code instructions; the processor is used to run the code instructions to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the first aspect and various possible implementation methods of the first aspect.

[0038] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to receive code instructions; the processor is used to run the code instructions to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the second aspect and various possible implementation methods of the second aspect.

[0039] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions, which, when executed, enables the method described in the first aspect and various possible implementation methods of the first aspect to be implemented.

[0040] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions, which, when executed, enables the method described in the second aspect and various possible implementation methods of the second aspect to be implemented.

[0041] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed, enables the method described in the first aspect and various possible implementations of the first aspect to be implemented.

[0042] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed, enables the method described in the second aspect and various possible implementations of the second aspect to be implemented.

[0043] In a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program for executing the first aspect and various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0044] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program for executing the second aspect and various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0045] In a seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a positioning method, the method comprising:

[0046] The network device sends information for indicating a PRS time window for measuring to the terminal device; wherein the information for indicating a PRS time window for measuring indicates a start time of a first time window and / or a duration of the first time window; the network device is a positioning device or an access network device;

[0047] And the terminal device receives information indicating a time window for measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS) from the network device; the terminal device measures one or more PRSs within a first time window and obtains one or more measurement results.

[0048] It can be understood that for the method provided in this application, reference can also be made to the first aspect and various possible implementations of the first aspect, as well as the second aspect and various possible implementations of the second aspect, which will not be described in detail here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of determining an arrival angle difference provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a measurement model provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a PRS configuration provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of UE measurement data provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a flow chart of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 7a This is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a first time window provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 7b This is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a first time window provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 7c This is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a first time window provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 10a This is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 10b This is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 11a This is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 11b This is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 14 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 16 It is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] The terms "first" and "second" and the like in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish between different objects, not to describe a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or elements is not limited to the listed steps or elements, but may optionally include steps or elements not listed, or may optionally include other steps or elements inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0072] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0073] In this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0074] In order to better understand the solution provided by this application, the following is an introduction to the relevant terms involved in this application:

[0075] Positioning reference signal (PRS): A reference signal sent by a transmitting end to a receiving end for positioning function. For example, a network device may periodically send a PRS, and a terminal device may periodically receive the PRS. It is understood that in the process of a terminal device receiving the PRS, the terminal device may measure at least one of the arrival time difference, arrival angle difference, and reference signal received power of the PRS to obtain a measurement result. The network device or the terminal device obtains a positioning result based on the measurement result. To maintain consistency, the terminal device receiving the PRS is uniformly described as the terminal device measuring the PRS.

[0076] Time difference of arrival (TDOA): refers to the difference in arrival time of reference signals (such as PRS) sent by different network devices and received by the terminal device.

[0077] Angle difference of arrival (ADOA): refers to the difference in the angle of arrival of reference signals (such as PRS) sent by different network devices received by the terminal device. For example, Figure 1 As shown, base station 1, base station 2 and base station 3 can send PRS to the terminal device respectively, wherein the arrival angle 1, arrival angle 2 and arrival angle 3 can be obtained based on the horizontal line. If the arrival angle 1 is used as the reference angle, the arrival angle difference can be the difference between the arrival angle 1 and the arrival angle 2; the difference between the arrival angle 1 and the arrival angle 3. It can be understood that Figure 1 The arrival angle shown is only an example. In a specific implementation, there may be other methods to determine the arrival angle difference, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0078] Reference signal received power (RSRP): is defined as the linear average of the power of resource elements carrying reference signals within the measurement frequency bandwidth (unit: W).

[0079] Reporting time: The time for reporting measurement results, as defined by the network device configuration or protocol. For example, if the network device configuration reporting period is 8 time slots, the first and ninth time slots are reporting times.

[0080] The following is a detailed introduction to the network architecture involved in this application.

[0081] The methods provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, an Internet of Things (IoT) system, a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a fifth generation (5G) communication system, a hybrid architecture of LTE and 5G, and a next generation communication system (such as 6G). As long as the positioning information of the reference signal over a period of time is required in the communication system, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be adopted.

[0082] See Figure 2a , Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2a As shown, the communication system includes a terminal device and at least one network device.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the network device is an access network device, and the location information of the terminal device can be determined by the access network device. For example, the access network device may include the access network device of the serving cell of the terminal device and / or at least one access network device of a neighboring cell.

[0084] An access network device may be a device that can communicate with a terminal device. An access network device may be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities, including but not limited to a base station. For example, the base station may be a next-generation Node B (gNB), or the base station may be a base station in a future communication system. Optionally, the access network device may also be an access node, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, etc. in a wireless local area network (wireless fidelity, WiFi) system. Optionally, the access network device may also be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Optionally, the access network device may also be a wearable device or a vehicle-mounted device. Optionally, the access network device may also be a small cell, a transmission reception point (TRP) (or also referred to as a transmission reception point), etc. It is understood that the access network device may also be a base station in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the network device is a positioning device, that is, the location information of the terminal device is determined by the positioning device. The positioning device may be a network element on the core network side that can implement the positioning management function. For example, the positioning device may be a location management function (LMF) network element, a location management unit (LMU), a location management center (LMC) or an evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC). It is understandable that the positioning device may also be other devices for determining the location information of the terminal device, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the name of the positioning device.

[0086] Terminal devices, also known as user equipment (UE), terminals, etc., are devices with wireless transceiver capabilities. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; on water, such as on ships; or in the air, such as on aircraft, balloons, or satellites. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, and so on. It is understood that these terminal devices can also be terminal devices in future 6G networks or terminal devices in future evolved PLMNs.

[0087] As an example, commonly used algorithms for estimating location information include triangulation or triangulation, which estimates the location of a target by calculating the intersection of several circles centered at different base stations. i (i=1,…N) is defined as the product of the transmission time of the reference signal from base station i to the UE and the speed of light, b i Defined as the coordinates of base station i, x UEis defined as the coordinates of the UE (i.e. the position of the UE), and ω is defined as the product of the time error and the speed of light. If we assume that each t i All obey independent Gaussian distributions, and the variance is The mean is ω+‖b i - UE ‖, then its probability distribution function (PDF) formula is as follows (1):

[0088]

[0089] The result of the least squares estimation of the above formula is as follows:

[0090]

[0091] It can be understood that the above is only a method for estimating the location information of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application. In a specific implementation, other methods may also be included, such as hyperbolic positioning method, fingerprint positioning method or particle filter positioning method, etc. The specific implementation of these methods is not described in detail in the embodiments of the present application.

[0092] See Figure 2b , Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication system includes UE, gNB1, gNB2 and gNB3. Among them, gNB1, gNB2 and gNB3 can periodically send PRS respectively, and the UE can periodically receive PRS, measure the positioning information of PRS, and obtain measurement results. For example, the UE can measure one or more of TDOA, ADOA or RSRP of PRS, and the present application is not limited to this for the positioning information of PRS. Furthermore, the UE can also report the measurement result. As an example, for how the UE obtains the measurement result, please refer to Figure 3 It is understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit how the UE measures the TDOA, ADOA, or RSRP of the PRS.

[0093] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a measurement model provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 Point A in the equation is the input measurement data (i.e., PRS positioning information), point B is the data after layer 1 filtering, point C is the data after layer 3 filtering, and point D is the data finally reported to the network device. The layer 3 filtering formula is shown in formula (3):

[0094] F n =(1-a)·F n-1 +a·M n (3)

[0095] Among them, M nIndicates the nth measurement result from the physical layer (which can also be understood as the weighted result of the measurement data in the nth reporting period), corresponding to Figure 3 As an example, M n It can be the average of the measured data. n is the result of the nth measurement, that is Figure 3 Output result of point C; F n-1 is the result of the n-1th measurement. As an example, when measuring for the first time, F0 is set to M1. Where a = 1 / 2 (k / 4) , k is called the filter coefficient. If k = 0, it means there is no layer 3 filtering. The size of k corresponds to the proportion of the n-1th measurement result in the nth measurement result. It can be understood that

[0096] For the PRS measurement reporting process, if the above model is adopted, first Figure 3 The measurement results of N PRS occasion in layer 1 are filtered (averaged) to obtain M n ; Then use formula (3) to perform layer 3 filtering and finally report F n .

[0097] In actual applications, when the UE is measuring, it does not just measure the PRS once and then report it, but instead measures the PRS signals from different base stations multiple times and then reports them at a fixed reporting time. PRS can be sent periodically, and there are multiple options for the size of the period. For example, in new radio (NR), the PRS period can be configured to be 2 μ *{4,8,16,32,64,5,10,20,40,80,160,320,640,1280,2560,5120,10240,20480} time slots, and the value range of μ is {0,1,2,3,4}. In addition, during downlink beam scanning, PRS can also be configured to be sent repeatedly, that is, PRS will be sent during the configured periodic interval. As an example, Figure 4 As shown in FIG, although the PRS period is configured as 8 time slots, the base station can also repeatedly send PRS within the 8 time slots. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, if the number of repetitions is 4 and the repetition interval is 2 time slots, the base station can also repeatedly send PRS within 8 time slots. It can be understood that the repeated transmission here means that a PRS resource can be repeatedly transmitted using the same beam.

[0098] Figure 4The figure shows the PRS sent by one base station, but in fact, the UE needs to receive PRSs from multiple base stations (such as at least three base stations) in the same time period to effectively locate. In other words, the UE needs to measure many PRSs in the same time period. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, if the measurement of multiple PRSs in the same time period is regarded as one occasion (such as receiving PRSs sent by gNB1, PRSs sent by gNB2, and PRSs sent by gNB3), then between reporting time n and reporting time n+1, the UE has measured multiple sets of data.

[0099] Figure 5 It can be seen that before the reporting time, the UE has measured multiple sets of data, including the arrival time of the PRS, the time difference between the arrival of different PRSs, and the received power of different PRSs.

[0100] The UE needs to measure all PRSs before reporting them, and then perform Layer 1 filtering, which uses an average. However, in high-speed or relative positioning scenarios (where both the sender and receiver are moving), the positions of the sender and receiver are constantly changing, so some previous measurement results may be inapplicable or invalid. In this case, if the receiving UE still reports all previous measurement results at the time of reporting, it will not only waste measurement resources, but also reduce the final positioning accuracy due to the addition of inapplicable measurement values.

[0101] Therefore, the present application provides a positioning method that can avoid the waste of measurement resources and improve positioning accuracy. The positioning method provided by the present application will be described in detail below.

[0102] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a flow chart of a positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As an example, the positioning method can be applied to Figure 2a and / or Figure 2b As an example, the positioning method can also be applied to Figure 3-Figure 5 As an example, the network device in the embodiment of the present application may be an access network device or a positioning device. For the detailed description of the access network device and the positioning device, please refer to Figure 2a , I will not go into details here.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, the positioning method includes:

[0104] 601. A network device sends information indicating a PRS time window for measuring a PRS to a terminal device, wherein the information indicating a start time of a first time window and / or a duration of the first time window. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the information indicating a PRS time window for measuring a PRS.

[0105] In the embodiment of the present application, the first time window can be understood as a period of time between two reporting moments. It can be understood that the reporting moment is related to the reporting period. For example, if the reporting period is 4 time slots, then from the start reporting moment, every 4 time slots are reporting moments.

[0106] As an example, the information for indicating the measurement PRS time window may include the start time of the first time window, in which case the end time of the first time window may be pre-configured; or, the information for indicating the measurement PRS time window may also include the end time of the first time window; or, the end time of the first time window is the reporting time when the terminal device reports one or more measurement results. The end time may be pre-configured by the terminal device; or, the end time may be pre-configured by the network device, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. By setting the end time of the first time window as the reporting time when the terminal device reports one or more measurement results, the terminal device can report the latest measurement results to ensure the timeliness of the reported measurement results.

[0107] As an example, the information for indicating the measurement PRS time window may include the duration of the first time window, in which case the end time and / or start time of the first time window may be pre-configured; or, the information for indicating the measurement PRS time window may also include the start time or end time of the first time window; or, the start time or end time of the first time window is the reporting moment when the terminal device reports one or more measurement results.

[0108] As an example, the information indicating the PRS measurement time window may include the start time and duration of the first time window. In this way, the terminal device can clearly know the time period within which the measurement results are reported.

[0109] As an example, see Figure 7a For example, the first time window can be understood as the period between reporting time n and reporting time n+1. By reporting the measurement results within the first time window, the terminal device can effectively reduce the amount of reported data, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Figure 7b The end time of the first time window is the same as the next reporting time. By reporting the measurement results within the first time window, the terminal device can report the latest measurement results in a high-speed moving scenario, thereby ensuring the validity of the reported data.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the information used to indicate the measurement PRS time window includes values ​​of N time windows; wherein each value corresponds to a time window, and each value is used to indicate the start time of a corresponding time window, or each value is used to indicate the duration of a corresponding time window, and the N time windows include the first time window.

[0111] As an example, the N time windows include a first time window, a second time window, a third time window, and the like. That is, the information used to indicate the PRS time window for measurement includes the value of the first time window, the value of the second time window, the value of the third time window, and the like. The value of the first time window can be used to indicate the start time or duration of the first time window, the value of the second time window can be used to indicate the start time or duration of the second time window, the value of the third time window can be used to indicate the start time or duration of the third time window, and the like. It can be understood that the value of the first time window can also be an index of the start time of the first time window. For example, the values ​​of the N time windows are such as {T1, T2, T3, ..., T n} can be as follows:

[0112] Example 1: {4,8,12,16,20,24,28,32,36,40,44,48};

[0113] Example 2: {5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50,55,60};

[0114] Example 3: {8,16,24,32,40,48,56,64,72,80,88,96};

[0115] Example 4: {4,8,16,32,64,5,10,20,40,80,160,320,640,1280,2560,5120,10240,20480}.

[0116] It is understood that the values ​​in each of the above examples can be start times or durations. It is understood that the values ​​in each of the above examples can also be indexes of start times or durations. For example, start time index 4 can correspond to start time slot 4; for another example, start time index 8 can correspond to start time slot 5, and so on. The present embodiment does not limit the index relationship.

[0117] In the embodiment of the present application, the unit of the start time is any one of seconds, frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds. The unit of the end time is any one of seconds, frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds. It is understood that the value of the start time may also be any one of the index of seconds, frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds.

[0118] In an embodiment of the present application, information indicating the PRS time window for measurement may be carried in an assistance information field, which may be carried in signaling, and the assistance information field is used to indicate a request for positioning assistance information. For example, information indicating the PRS time window for measurement may be carried in an assistance information field of long-term evolution (LTE) positioning protocol (LPP) signaling.

[0119] In one possible implementation, Figure 6 The illustrated method further includes:

[0120] The access network device sends an activation signaling to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the activation signaling from the access network device. The activation signaling is used to activate one or more values ​​of N time windows, and the one or more values ​​are used to determine the first time window.

[0121] By sending activation signaling to the terminal device, the terminal device can clearly know in which time window the measurement results are reported. It is understood that for the specific implementation of the activation signaling, reference can be made to the corresponding descriptions in the following embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0122] In a possible implementation, before the network device sends information indicating the PRS time window to the terminal device, Figure 6 The illustrated method further includes:

[0123] The network device determines information indicating a time window for measuring a PRS.

[0124] Optionally, the network device may carry the information indicating the PRS measurement time window according to the format of LPP signaling.

[0125] 602. The terminal device measures one or more PRSs within a first time window and obtains one or more measurement results.

[0126] In one possible implementation, Figure 6 The illustrated method may further include:

[0127] If the terminal device does not measure one or more PRSs within the first time window, the first time window is extended until one or more PRSs are measured.

[0128] See Figure 7c , Figure 7c If the terminal device does not measure one or more PRSs within the first time window, the terminal device may extend the duration of the first time window (the extension duration is as follows: Figure 7c ), until one or more PRSs are measured. It is understood that the specific duration of the extension by the terminal device is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0129] Optionally, the terminal device may delay by a multiple of the first time window, thereby increasing implementation efficiency, so that when the terminal device fails to measure one or more PRSs within the first time window, it can quickly determine the length of the extended time window.

[0130] In one possible implementation, Figure 6 The illustrated method may further include:

[0131] The terminal device reports a first measurement result, where the first measurement result is a weighted measurement result of one or more measurement results. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first measurement result.

[0132] It is understood that the first measurement result may be an average value obtained by weighting one or more measurement results, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit how to weight. In other words, the first measurement result may be a weighted result of the measurement results measured by the terminal device within the first time window.

[0133] As an example, the description of PRS in the embodiments of this application can be referred to Figure 3-Figure 5 For example, the terminal device may periodically measure the positioning information of the PRS to obtain the measurement result. For another example, the network device may repeatedly send the PRS. For another example, the terminal device may also be based on Figure 3 The measurement results are obtained based on the model shown, or the terminal device can also obtain the measurement results based on other models, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. It can be understood that the description of the PRS is also applicable to the following embodiments.

[0134] In one possible implementation, Figure 6 The illustrated method may further include:

[0135] The network device estimates the location information of the terminal device according to the first measurement result.

[0136] In the embodiments of the present application, there is no limitation on how the network device estimates the location information of the terminal device based on the first measurement result reported by the terminal device. For estimating the location information of the terminal device, reference may be made to the aforementioned formulas (1) and (2), or the location information may be estimated using other methods, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0137] In one possible implementation, Figure 6 The illustrated method may further include:

[0138] The network device sends updated time window information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the updated time window information from the network device;

[0139] The terminal device measures one or more PRSs within the updated time window according to the updated time window information.

[0140] The network device may update the time window according to the motion state of the terminal device, or the network device may update the time window periodically, etc. For a detailed description of the information used to update the time window, please refer to the following embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0141] It is understood that in the embodiments of the present application, whether the terminal device measures the PRS at other times outside the first time window, and the other times and the first time window belong to the same reporting period, is not limited. As an example, the terminal device may not measure the PRS at other times, thereby reducing the measurement overhead of the terminal device and saving power consumption.

[0142] By implementing the embodiments of the present application, a terminal device can avoid wasting measurement resources and reduce signaling overhead by reporting measurement results within the first time window. This is particularly true for scenarios involving high-speed terminal device movement or where the relative positioning of the terminal device and network equipment changes. By reporting measurement results within the first time window, reporting of no longer applicable measurement results can be avoided, ensuring data timeliness and improving positioning accuracy.

[0143] Take the terminal device as UE as an example, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 The size of the first time window (e.g., T) can be configured to the UE by the LMF or the base station through high-layer signaling, and the size of T can change dynamically. For example, when the UE and the base station are relatively stationary, T can be configured to a larger value to ensure the robustness of multiple measurements; when the UE and the base station are in relative motion, T can be configured to a smaller value to ensure the timeliness of reported data. Regardless of the value of T, the UE only needs to measure and report the PRS contained in the first time window, thereby reducing the UE's measurement overhead and avoiding positioning performance loss caused by inaccurate reported measurement results.

[0144] For a more vivid understanding Figure 6 The method shown in the figure is described below with a specific embodiment as an example to introduce the above positioning method.

[0145] Example 1

[0146] See Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a scene diagram of a positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the positioning method includes:

[0147] 801. The UE sends an LPP signaling for requesting positioning assistance information to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the LPP signaling for requesting positioning assistance information.

[0148] 802. The LMF sends LPP signaling including N time window values ​​{T1, T2, T3, T4, ..., Tn} to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the LPP signaling including the N time window values.

[0149] It can be understood that the values ​​of the N time windows are carried in the auxiliary information field (or also referred to as the positioning auxiliary information field) in the LPP signaling.

[0150] As an example, the LPP signaling may also include one or more of a PRS configuration information field, a reference cell information field, and a neighbor cell information field. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific format of the LPP signaling.

[0151] 803. The LMF sends NRPPa signaling including the values ​​of N time windows to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the NRPPa signaling including the values ​​of N time windows.

[0152] That is to say, the LMF configures N time windows for the UE, and the LMF may also notify the base station of the configuration of the N time windows so that the base station can activate a time window as the first time window among the values ​​of the N time windows.

[0153] It is understood that the values ​​of N time windows include the start time of N time windows or the duration of N time windows. For a detailed description, please refer to Figure 6 , I will not go into details here.

[0154] 804. The base station sends a medium access control-control element (MAC-CE) signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the MAC-CE signaling.

[0155] It can be understood that the MAC-CE signaling including the first time window can also be understood as a signaling for activating the first time window. That is to say, the LMF is configured with N time windows, and the base station can select a time window from the N time windows to activate. As for which time window the base station selects to activate, the embodiment of the present application does not limit it. As an example, the base station can determine which time window to activate based on the approximate moving speed of the UE. For example, if the UE's moving speed is faster, a time window with a shorter duration can be activated; for another example, if the UE's moving speed is slower, a time window with a longer duration can be activated. As an example, the base station can also determine which time window to activate based on the approximate relative speed between the UE and the base station. If there is no obvious relative motion between the UE and the base station, the base station can activate a time window with a longer duration; for another example, if there is obvious relative motion between the UE and the base station, a time window with a shorter duration can be activated.

[0156] It is understandable that the MAC-CE signaling in the above 804 may also be replaced by downlink control information (DCI) signaling. That is, the DCI signaling may include the start time or duration of the first time window.

[0157] 805. The UE measures one or more PRSs within the first time window and obtains one or more measurement results.

[0158] 806. The UE reports a first measurement result to the LMF. The first measurement result may be included in LPP signaling. That is, the UE reports the measurement result within the first time window. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the first measurement result.

[0159] 807. The LMF estimates the position of the UE according to the first measurement result.

[0160] It is understandable that how the LMF estimates the position of the UE can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0161] Understandable, Figure 8 The LPP signaling shown can be understood as a communication protocol between the LMF and the UE, and the NRPPa signaling can be understood as a communication protocol between the LMF and the base station. The LPP signaling and NRPPa signaling are only examples.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the base station may also periodically update the value of the first time window; or, the base station may also update the value of the first time window based on certain specific conditions. For example, the base station may update the value of the first time window when the UE switches cells; or, the base station may also update the value of the first time window when the UE reconnects to the network, and so on. This embodiment of the application does not limit when the base station updates the value of the first time window. In other words, the above steps 804-807 may be repeatedly executed as the base station updates the first time window.

[0163] Understandably, for Figure 8 The specific implementation methods shown can also be referred to the descriptions of the aforementioned embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0164] Example 2

[0165] See Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a scene diagram of a positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9 As shown, the positioning method includes:

[0166] 901. The UE sends an LPP signaling for requesting positioning assistance information to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the LPP signaling for requesting positioning assistance information.

[0167] 902. The LMF sends LPP signaling including N time window values ​​{T1, T2, T3, T4, ..., Tn} to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the LPP signaling including the N time window values.

[0168] It can be understood that the values ​​of the N time windows are carried in the auxiliary information field in the LPP signaling.

[0169] 903. The LMF sends NRPPa signaling including the values ​​of the N time windows to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the NRPPa signaling including the values ​​of the N time windows.

[0170] 904. The base station sends a MAC-CE signaling including values ​​of multiple time windows to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the MAC-CE signaling including values ​​of multiple time windows.

[0171] It is understood that the values ​​of the multiple time windows can be the values ​​of the multiple time windows selected by the base station from the values ​​of the N time windows configured by the LMF. For how the base station selects the values ​​of the multiple time windows, reference can be made to the description of the aforementioned embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0172] 905. The base station sends a DCI signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the DCI signaling.

[0173] It is understandable that after the base station configures multiple time window values ​​for the UE, the base station can also select a time window value from the multiple time window values ​​to activate, so that the UE can clearly know the measurement results within which period need to be reported.

[0174] In one possible implementation, after receiving MAC-CE signaling including values ​​of multiple time windows, the UE may also randomly select a time window value from the multiple time window values ​​as the starting time or duration of the first time window; or, the UE may also select a time window value as the starting time or duration of the first time window based on its own motion state.

[0175] 906. The UE measures one or more PRSs within the first time window and obtains one or more measurement results.

[0176] 907. The UE reports a first measurement result to the LMF. The first measurement result may be included in LPP signaling. That is, the UE reports the measurement result within the first time window. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the first measurement result.

[0177] 908. The LMF estimates the position of the UE according to the first measurement result.

[0178] It is understood that the above steps 905-908 may be repeatedly executed as the base station updates the first time window. Alternatively, the above steps 904-908 may be repeatedly executed as the base station updates multiple time windows.

[0179] Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment is applicable to a case where the LMF configures a large number of time window values ​​for the UE. That is, the LMF configures a large number of candidate values ​​for the UE as the value of the first time window. Thus, multiple suitable time window values ​​can be selected through MAC-CE signaling, and one of the multiple time window values ​​can be activated through DCI signaling.

[0180] Understandably, for Figure 9 The specific implementation of the method shown can also refer to the aforementioned embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0181] Example 3:

[0182] See Figure 10a , Figure 10a This is a scene diagram of a positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 10a As shown, the positioning method includes:

[0183] 1001. A UE sends a radio resource control (RRC) signaling to a base station for requesting positioning assistance information. Correspondingly, the base station receives the RRC signaling for requesting positioning assistance information.

[0184] 1002. The base station sends RRC signaling including values ​​of N time windows {T1, T2, T3, T4, ..., Tn} to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the RRC signaling including the values ​​of the N time windows.

[0185] 1003. The base station sends a MAC-CE signaling including values ​​of multiple time windows to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the MAC-CE signaling including values ​​of multiple time windows.

[0186] 1004. The base station sends a DCI signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the DCI signaling.

[0187] 1005. The UE measures one or more PRSs within the first time window and obtains one or more measurement results.

[0188] 1006. The UE reports a first measurement result to the base station. The first measurement result may be included in RRC signaling, that is, the UE reports the measurement result within the first time window. Correspondingly, the base station receives the first measurement result.

[0189] 1007. The base station estimates the position of the UE according to the first measurement result.

[0190] The above steps 1004 to 1007 may be repeatedly executed as the base station updates the first time window. Alternatively, the above steps 1003 to 1007 may be repeatedly executed as the base station updates multiple time windows.

[0191] In a possible implementation, the above 1003 and 1004 may also be replaced by:

[0192] The base station sends a MAC-CE signaling including a start time or duration of the first time window to the UE;

[0193] Alternatively, the base station sends DCI signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE.

[0194] That is to say, after the base station configures N time window values ​​for the UE, the base station can also select a time window value from the N time window values ​​as the value of the first time window (that is, as the starting time or duration of the first time window).

[0195] In a possible implementation, steps 1002-1004 above may be replaced by:

[0196] The base station sends RRC signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE;

[0197] Alternatively, the base station sends a MAC-CE signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE;

[0198] Alternatively, the base station sends DCI signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE.

[0199] That is to say, the base station can directly configure a time window value for the UE as the value of the first time window. It is understandable that in this case, the base station can also periodically update the value of the first time window; or, the base station can also update the value of the first time window according to some specific conditions. For example, the base station can update the value of the first time window when the UE switches cells; or, the base station can also update the value of the first time window when the UE re-accesses the network, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit when the base station updates the value of the first time window. As an example, see Figure 10b ,by Figure 10a 1002-1004 in the example are replaced by the base station sending RRC signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE. The positioning method provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to Figure 10b , understandable, for Figure 10b For the specific implementation method, please refer to the description of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0200] In the embodiment of the present application, the values ​​of the N time windows can be configured through RRC signaling, and the value of the first time window can be configured for the UE using a combination of MAC-CE signaling and DCI signaling. At the same time, the size of the first time window can be dynamically switched without the need for RRC reconfiguration.

[0201] Example 4:

[0202] See Figure 11a , Figure 11a This is a scene diagram of a positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 11a

[0203] As shown, the positioning method includes:

[0204] 1101. The UE sends an LPP signaling for requesting positioning assistance information to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the LPP signaling for requesting positioning assistance information.

[0205] 1102. The LMF sends LPP signaling including values ​​of N time windows {T1, T2, T3, T4, ..., Tn} to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the LPP signaling including the values ​​of the N time windows.

[0206] 1103. The LMF sends LPP signaling including values ​​of multiple time windows to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the LPP signaling including values ​​of multiple time windows.

[0207] 1104. The LMF sends LPP signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the LPP signaling.

[0208] 1105. The UE measures one or more PRSs within the first time window and obtains one or more measurement results.

[0209] 1106. The UE reports a first measurement result to the LMF. The first measurement result may be included in LPP signaling. That is, the UE reports the measurement result within the first time window. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the first measurement result.

[0210] 1107. The LMF estimates the position of the UE according to the first measurement result.

[0211] In a possible implementation, the above 1103 and 1104 may also be replaced by:

[0212] The LMF sends LPP signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE.

[0213] In a possible implementation, steps 1102 to 1104 may be replaced by:

[0214] The LMF sends LPP signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE.

[0215] As an example, see Figure 11b ,by Figure 11a For example, 1102-1104 in the example are replaced by LMF sending LPP signaling including the start time or duration of the first time window to the UE. The positioning method provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to Figure 11b , understandable, for Figure 11b For the specific implementation method, please refer to the description of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0216] In an embodiment of the present application, the value of the first time window is notified to the UE through LPP signaling, and the update of the value of the first time window is notified to the UE through LPP signaling. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application can be applicable to the scenario where the UE is stationary relative to the base station or the UE is stationary relative to the LMF, or the embodiment of the present application can also be applicable to the scenario where the UE moves slowly relative to the base station or the UE is stationary relative to the LMF.

[0217] In a possible implementation, the present application embodiment also provides a positioning method, see Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 This is a scene diagram of a positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 As shown, the positioning method includes:

[0218] 1201. The UE sends an LPP signaling for requesting positioning assistance information to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the LPP signaling for requesting positioning assistance information.

[0219] 1202. The LMF sends LPP signaling including positioning assistance information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the LPP signaling.

[0220] 1203. The UE measures one or more PRSs within a predefined time window and obtains one or more measurement results.

[0221] It is understood that the time window may be predefined by the base station, the standard, or the UE itself. For example, it may be defined by the UE itself, or it may be defined by the protocol and then set in the UE when it leaves the factory.

[0222] 1204. The UE reports the measurement result within the predefined time window.

[0223] 1205. The LMF estimates the UE's position based on the reported measurement results within the predefined window.

[0224] Understandably, for Figure 12 For the specific description shown, please refer to the aforementioned embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0225] The above describes in detail the positioning method provided by the present application. The following will describe in detail the communication device involved in the present application.

[0226] See Figure 13 , Figure 13 : is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a terminal device or a chip. And the communication device can be used to execute the positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 13 As shown, the communication device may include:

[0227] The receiving unit 1301 is configured to receive information indicating a time window for measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS) from a network device;

[0228] The processing unit 1302 is configured to measure one or more PRSs within a first time window and obtain one or more measurement results;

[0229] The information for indicating the PRS measurement time window indicates the start time of the first time window and / or the duration of the first time window; the network device is a positioning device or an access network device.

[0230] In a possible implementation manner, the end time of the first time window is the reporting time when the communication device reports the one or more measurement results.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the information for indicating the measured PRS time window includes values ​​of N time windows; wherein each value corresponds to a time window, and each value is used to indicate the start time of a corresponding time window, or each value is used to indicate the duration of a corresponding time window, and the N time windows include the first time window.

[0232] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit 1301 is further used to receive activation signaling from the access network device, where the activation signaling is used to activate one or more values ​​of the N time windows, and the one or more values ​​are used to determine the first time window.

[0233] In a possible implementation, the unit of the start time is any one of seconds, frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds.

[0234] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit 1301 is further configured to receive updated time window information from the network device;

[0235] The processing unit 1302 is further configured to measure one or more PRSs within the updated time window according to the updated time window information.

[0236] In a possible implementation, the information for indicating the PRS measurement time window is carried in an auxiliary information field of Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) signaling.

[0237] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to, if the one or more PRSs are not measured within the first time window, extend the first time window until the one or more PRSs are measured.

[0238] In a possible implementation, the device further includes:

[0239] The sending unit 1303 is configured to report a first measurement result, where the first measurement result is a measurement result obtained by weighting the one or more measurement results.

[0240] In an embodiment of the present application, when the above-mentioned communication device is a terminal device or a component in the terminal device that implements the above-mentioned function, the processing unit 1302 can be one or more processors, the sending unit 1303 can be a transmitter, the receiving unit 1301 can be a receiver, or the sending unit 1303 and the receiving unit 1301 can be integrated into one device, such as a transceiver.

[0241] When the above-mentioned communication device is a chip, the processing unit 1302 can be one or more processors, the sending unit 1303 can be an output interface, the receiving unit 1301 can be an input interface, or the sending unit 1303 and the receiving unit 1301 can be integrated into one unit, such as an input / output interface.

[0242] Understandably, for Figure 13 The implementation of each unit shown can also refer to Figure 6 ,as well as Figures 8-12 The corresponding description of the method embodiment shown.

[0243] As an example, when Figure 13 The processing unit of the communication device shown is implemented by a processor, and the receiving unit and the sending unit are integrated into one unit. When implemented by a transceiver, Figure 14 shown. Figure 14 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 140 provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the above method. The device 140 includes at least one processor 1420, which is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the processor 1420 can implement Figure 13 The apparatus 140 may further include a transceiver 1410. The transceiver is used to communicate with other devices via a transmission medium. The processor 1420 uses the transceiver 1410 to send and receive data and is used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. Specifically, the transceiver 1410 may also implement Figure 13 The functions of the receiving unit and the sending unit are shown.

[0244] Device 140 may also include at least one memory 1430 for storing program instructions and / or data. Memory 1430 is coupled to processor 1420. Coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. Processor 1420 may operate in conjunction with memory 1430. Processor 1420 may execute program instructions stored in memory 1430. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0245] The specific connection medium between the transceiver 1410, the processor 1420 and the memory 1430 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 14 The memory 1430, the processor 1420 and the transceiver 1410 are connected via a bus 1440. Figure 14 The connections between the other components are shown in bold lines, which are only for illustration and are not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 14 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0246] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly implemented as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0247] As an example, Figure 14 An example of a communication device as shown may be Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 1500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The terminal device can execute the following Figure 6 、 Figures 8-12 The operation of the terminal device in the method shown, or the terminal device can also perform the following Figure 13 The operation of the communication device is shown.

[0248] For ease of explanation, Figure 15 Only the main components of the terminal device are shown. Figure 15 As shown, the terminal device 1500 includes a processor, a memory, a radio frequency circuit, an antenna, and an input / output device. The processor is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process the data of software programs, such as to support the terminal device to execute Figure 6 、 Figures 8-12 The process described. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The radio frequency circuit is mainly used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The terminal device 1500 may also include input and output devices, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., which are mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have input and output devices.

[0249] When the terminal device is powered on, the processor reads the software program stored in the storage unit, interprets and executes the software program, and processes the data in the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. The RF circuit then performs RF processing on the baseband signal and transmits it as electromagnetic waves via the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal via the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0250] Those skilled in the art will understand that for ease of explanation, Figure 15 Only one memory and processor are shown. In an actual terminal device, there may be multiple processors and memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0251] As an optional implementation, the processor may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU), wherein the baseband processor is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the CPU is mainly used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process software program data. Optionally, the processor may also be a network processor (NP) or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor may further include a hardware chip. The above-mentioned hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The above-mentioned PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. The memory may include volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM); the memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD); the memory may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0252] For example, in the application embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver unit 1501 of the terminal device 1500, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing unit 1502 of the terminal device 1500.

[0253] like Figure 15 As shown, terminal device 1500 may include a transceiver unit 1501 and a processing unit 1502. The transceiver unit may also be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in transceiver unit 1501 that implements the receiving function may be considered a receiving unit, and the device in transceiver unit 1501 that implements the transmitting function may be considered a transmitting unit, that is, transceiver unit 1501 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. For example, the receiving unit may also be referred to as a receiver, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit may be referred to as a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0254] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit 1501 and the processing unit 1502 may be integrated into one device or separated into different devices. In addition, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device or separated into different devices.

[0255] It is understandable that the implementation method of the terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can be specifically referred to the aforementioned embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0256] See Figure 16 , Figure 16 : is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a network device or a chip. And the communication device can be used to execute the positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 16 As shown, the communication device may include:

[0257] The processing unit 1601 is configured to determine information indicating a time window for measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS);

[0258] The sending unit 1602 is used to output the information for indicating the measurement of the PRS time window; wherein the information for indicating the measurement of the PRS time window indicates the start time of the first time window and / or the duration of the first time window; the communication device is a positioning device or an access network device.

[0259] For example, the sending unit 1602 may be configured to send information indicating a PRS measurement time window to the terminal device.

[0260] In a possible implementation, the end time of the first time window is the reporting time when the terminal device reports the one or more measurement results.

[0261] In one possible implementation, the information for indicating the measured PRS time window includes values ​​of N time windows; wherein each value corresponds to a time window, and each value is used to indicate the start time of a corresponding time window, or each value is used to indicate the duration of a corresponding time window, and the N time windows include the first time window.

[0262] In a possible implementation, the sending unit 1602 is further configured to output activation signaling, where the activation signaling is used to activate one or more values ​​of the N time windows, where the one or more values ​​are used to determine the first time window.

[0263] For example, the sending unit 1602 may be configured to send activation signaling to the terminal device.

[0264] In a possible implementation, the unit of the start time is any one of a subframe, a time slot, a symbol, or a millisecond.

[0265] In a possible implementation, the sending unit 1602 is further configured to output updated time window information, where the updated time window information is used to indicate that the first time window is updated.

[0266] For example, the sending unit 1602 may be configured to send updated time window information to the terminal device.

[0267] In a possible implementation, the information for indicating the PRS measurement time window is carried in an auxiliary information field of Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) signaling.

[0268] In a possible implementation, the device further includes:

[0269] The receiving unit 1603 is configured to receive a first measurement result sent by the terminal device, where the first measurement result is a measurement result obtained by weighting the one or more measurement results.

[0270] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 1601 is further configured to estimate the location information of the terminal device according to the first measurement result.

[0271] In an embodiment of the present application, when the above-mentioned communication device is a network device or a component in a network device that implements the above-mentioned function, the processing unit 1601 can be one or more processors, the sending unit 1602 can be a transmitter, the receiving unit 1603 can be a receiver, or the sending unit 1602 and the receiving unit 1603 can be integrated into one device, such as a transceiver.

[0272] When the above-mentioned communication device is a chip, the processing unit 1601 can be one or more processors, the sending unit 1602 can be an output interface, the receiving unit 1603 can be an input interface, or the sending unit 1602 and the receiving unit 1603 can be integrated into one unit, such as an input / output interface.

[0273] Understandably, for Figure 16 The implementation of each unit shown can also refer to Figure 6 ,as well as Figures 8-12 The corresponding description of the method embodiment shown.

[0274] As an example, when Figure 16 The processing unit of the communication device shown is implemented by a processor, and the receiving unit and the sending unit are integrated into one unit. When implemented by a transceiver, Figure 14 shown. Figure 14 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 140 provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be used to implement the functions of the network device in the above method. The device 140 includes at least one processor 1420, which is used to implement the functions of the network device in the method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the processor 1420 can implement Figure 16 The apparatus 140 may further include a transceiver 1410. The transceiver is used to communicate with other devices via a transmission medium. The processor 1420 uses the transceiver 1410 to send and receive data and is used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. Specifically, the transceiver 1410 may also implement Figure 16 The functions of the receiving unit and the sending unit are shown.

[0275] Understandably, for a detailed description of network equipment, please refer to Figure 14 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0276] It is understood that according to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer executes Figure 6 , Figures 8-12 Any of the methods in the embodiments shown.

[0277] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a program code, and when the program code is run on a computer, the computer executes Figure 6 , Figures 8-12 Any of the methods in the illustrated embodiments.

[0278] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a system, which includes the aforementioned terminal device and network device. The terminal device can be used to execute the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 , Figures 8-12 For any of the methods in the terminal device or UE shown, the network device can be used to execute the method corresponding to the terminal device.

[0279] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When software is used for implementation, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrations. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., an SSD).

[0280] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0281] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0282] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

[0283] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The terminal device receives information indicating a time window for measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS) from the network device; The terminal device measures one or more PRSs within the first time window and obtains one or more measurement results; The information used to indicate the measurement PRS time window indicates the start time of the first time window and / or the duration of the first time window; the end time of the first time window is the reporting time when the terminal device reports the one or more measurement results; The network device is a positioning device or an access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The information used to indicate the measurement PRS time window includes values ​​of N time windows; wherein each value corresponds to a time window, and each value is used to indicate the start time of a corresponding time window, or each value is used to indicate the duration of a corresponding time window, and the N time windows include the first time window.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: The terminal device receives activation signaling from the network device, where the activation signaling is used to activate one or more values ​​of the N time windows, and the one or more values ​​are used to determine the first time window.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The unit of the start time is any one of seconds, frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: The terminal device receives updated time window information from the network device; The terminal device measures one or more PRSs within the updated time window according to the updated time window information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The information for indicating the PRS measurement time window is carried in the auxiliary information field of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) signaling.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the terminal device fails to measure the one or more PRSs within the first time window, the terminal device extends the first time window until one or more PRSs are measured.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: The terminal device reports a first measurement result, where the first measurement result is a measurement result obtained by weighting the one or more measurement results.

9. A positioning method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The network device determines information for indicating a time window for measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS); The network device sends the information for indicating the PRS time window for measuring to the terminal device; wherein the information for indicating the PRS time window for measuring indicates the start time of a first time window and / or the duration of the first time window; the end time of the first time window is the reporting time when the terminal device reports the one or more measurement results; The network device is a positioning device or an access network device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The information used to indicate the measurement PRS time window includes values ​​of N time windows; wherein each value corresponds to a time window, and each value is used to indicate the start time of a corresponding time window, or each value is used to indicate the duration of a corresponding time window, and the N time windows include the first time window.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: The network device sends an activation signaling to the terminal device, where the activation signaling is used to activate one or more values ​​of the N time windows, and the one or more values ​​are used to determine the first time window.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The unit of the start time is any one of seconds, frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The network device sends updated time window information to the terminal device, where the updated time window information is used to indicate updating of the first time window.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: The information for indicating the PRS measurement time window is carried in the auxiliary information field of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) signaling.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The network device receives a first measurement result sent by the terminal device, where the first measurement result is a measurement result obtained by weighting the one or more measurement results.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: The network device estimates the location information of the terminal device based on the first measurement result.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A receiving unit, configured to receive information indicating a time window for measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS) from a network device; a processing unit, configured to measure one or more PRSs within a first time window and obtain one or more measurement results; The information used to indicate the measurement PRS time window indicates the start time of the first time window and / or the duration of the first time window; the end time of the first time window is the reporting time at which the communication device reports the one or more measurement results; The network device is a positioning device or an access network device.

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that The information used to indicate the measurement PRS time window includes values ​​of N time windows; wherein each value corresponds to a time window, and each value is used to indicate the start time of a corresponding time window, or each value is used to indicate the duration of a corresponding time window, and the N time windows include the first time window.

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The receiving unit is further configured to receive activation signaling from the network device, where the activation signaling is used to activate one or more values ​​of the N time windows, and the one or more values ​​are used to determine the first time window.

20. The device according to claim 17, wherein The unit of the start time is any one of seconds, frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds.

21. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that The receiving unit is further configured to receive updated time window information from the network device; The processing unit is further configured to measure one or more PRSs within the updated time window according to the updated time window information.

22. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that The information for indicating the PRS measurement time window is carried in the auxiliary information field of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) signaling.

23. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that The processing unit is further configured to, if the one or more PRSs are not measured within the first time window, extend the first time window until the one or more PRSs are measured.

24. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that The device further comprises: The sending unit is configured to report a first measurement result, where the first measurement result is a measurement result obtained by weighting the one or more measurement results.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises: a processing unit, configured to determine information indicating a time window for measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS); A sending unit, configured to send the information used to indicate the measurement PRS time window to the terminal device; wherein the information used to indicate the measurement PRS time window indicates the start time of a first time window and / or the duration of the first time window; the end time of the first time window is the reporting time when the terminal device reports the one or more measurement results; The communication device is a positioning device or an access network device.

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that The information used to indicate the measurement PRS time window includes values ​​of N time windows; wherein each value corresponds to a time window, and each value is used to indicate the start time of a corresponding time window, or each value is used to indicate the duration of a corresponding time window, and the N time windows include the first time window.

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that The sending unit is further used to send activation signaling to the terminal device, where the activation signaling is used to activate one or more values ​​of the N time windows, and the one or more values ​​are used to determine the first time window.

28. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that The unit of the start time is any one of seconds, frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds.

29. The device according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that The sending unit is further configured to send updated time window information to the terminal device, where the updated time window information is used to indicate an update of the first time window.

30. The device according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that The information for indicating the PRS measurement time window is carried in the auxiliary information field of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) signaling.

31. The device according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that The device further comprises: A receiving unit is configured to receive a first measurement result sent by the terminal device, where the first measurement result is a measurement result obtained by weighting the one or more measurement results.

32. The device according to claim 31, characterized in that The processing unit is further configured to estimate the location information of the terminal device based on the first measurement result.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: including processor and memory; The memory is used to store computer-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so as to enable the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-8 or 9-16.

34. A communication device, characterized in that: including a processor and an interface circuit; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor runs the code instructions to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-8 or 9-16.

35. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium is used to store instructions, and when the instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 9 to 16 is implemented.

36. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions, which, when executed, enable the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 9 to 16 to be implemented.

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