A method and device for determining positioning reference signal configuration information

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a method and apparatus for determining positioning reference signal configuration information. The method, configured to be executed by a positioning management function (LMF) device, includes sending a PRS configuration information request to a base station based on a non-terminal device-related message or a terminal device-related message. This not only enriches the form of requesting PRS configuration information but also provides more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information for terminal device positioning, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of positioning results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a method and apparatus for determining positioning reference signal configuration information. Background Art

[0002] In a communication system, a variety of positioning technologies can be used to locate a terminal device. For example, a terminal device can measure a positioning reference signal (PRS) to achieve positioning.

[0003] In the related technology, the Location Management Function (LMF) device can send a PRS configuration information request to the base station through the New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message. After receiving the request, the base station sends a response message to the LMF. The response message includes the PRS configuration information of the base station or the transmission and receiving point (TRP). After receiving the PRS configuration information, the LMF can send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device.

[0004] The above-mentioned method for obtaining the PRS configuration information is single and difficult to adapt to the current high-precision and high-reliability communication system requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for determining positioning reference signal configuration information, which can be applied to positioning services in a communication system. By requesting PRS configuration information from a base station based on a terminal device-related message or a non-terminal device-related message by a terminal device or an LMF device, not only the method for obtaining PRS configuration information is enriched, but also the positioning of the terminal device is facilitated.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for determining positioning reference signal configuration information, which is configured to be executed by a positioning management function LMF device. The method includes: sending a PRS configuration information request to a base station based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message.

[0007] In this technology, the LMF device requests PRS configuration information from the base station based on terminal device-related messages or non-terminal device-related messages. This not only enriches the method of obtaining PRS configuration information, but also provides more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information for the positioning of terminal devices, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the positioning results.

[0008] In one implementation, sending a PRS configuration information request to a base station based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message includes:

[0009] Requesting the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on the TRP information request message;

[0010] or,

[0011] Requesting the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on the specified location information request message;

[0012] or,

[0013] Based on the specified terminal device related message, request the base station to provide PRS configuration information.

[0014] In yet another implementation, sending a PRS configuration information request to a base station based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message includes:

[0015] Sending an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message;

[0016] or,

[0017] In response to receiving the on-demand PRS configuration information request sent by the terminal device, sending a PRS configuration information update request to the base station based on the terminal device related message;

[0018] or,

[0019] Based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message, an initial PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station.

[0020] Optionally, in response to receiving the on-demand PRS configuration information request sent by the terminal device, sending a PRS configuration information update request to the base station based on the terminal device related message includes:

[0021] In response to the number of received on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device being less than or equal to a threshold, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on the terminal device related message.

[0022] Optionally, the sending of the PRS configuration information request to the base station based on the non-terminal device related message or the terminal device related message includes:

[0023] In response to the number of received on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device being greater than a threshold, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message.

[0024] In a possible implementation form, the sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message includes:

[0025] Determining that the plurality of on-demand PRS configuration information corresponds to the common PRS configuration information;

[0026] Based on the non-terminal device related message, a public PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station.

[0027] In yet another possible implementation form, the sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message includes:

[0028] In response to the requested PRS configuration information being an aperiodic PRS or a semi-persistent PRS, sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on the terminal device related message;

[0029] or,

[0030] In response to the requested PRS configuration information being periodic PRS, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message.

[0031] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0032] In response to receiving the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a non-terminal device related message, first indication information is sent to the base station, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the base station to send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device through the system information block SIB.

[0033] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0034] Receiving PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a non-terminal device related message;

[0035] Based on the Long Term Evolution LTE Positioning Protocol LPP message, the PRS configuration information is sent to a first designated terminal device, wherein the first designated terminal device is a terminal device that sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device, and / or a terminal device that has configured the PRS configuration information corresponding to the base station.

[0036] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0037] Receiving PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a terminal device related message;

[0038] The PRS configuration information is sent to a second designated terminal device, wherein the second designated terminal device is a terminal device that sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device.

[0039] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0040] Receive the second indication information sent by the second designated terminal device, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0041] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0042] Send third indication information to the base station, wherein the third indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0043] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for determining positioning reference signal configuration information, the method being configured to be executed by a terminal device, the method including:

[0044] Sending an on-demand PRS configuration information request to a network device, wherein the network device is a LMF or a base station;

[0045] Receive the PRS configuration information returned by the network device.

[0046] In a possible implementation form, the network device is a LMF, and the receiving the PRS configuration information returned by the network device includes:

[0047] Receive PRS configuration information returned by the LMF device based on a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message.

[0048] In one possible implementation form, the method further includes:

[0049] In response to the end of the positioning process, a second indication message is sent to the LMF device, wherein the second indication message is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

[0050] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0051] In response to the end of the positioning process, fourth indication information is sent to the base station, wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

[0052] Optionally, the network device is a base station, and the receiving of the PRS configuration information returned by the network device includes:

[0053] Receive PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the SIB.

[0054] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for determining positioning reference signal configuration information, the method being configured to be executed by a base station, the method including:

[0055] receiving a PRS configuration information request sent by a communication device;

[0056] Returning PRS configuration information to the communication device;

[0057] The communication device is an LMF or a terminal device, and the PRS configuration information request sent by the LMF device is a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message.

[0058] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0059] In response to the PRS configuration information request being a terminal device-related message, determining that the PRS configuration information is terminal device-level PRS configuration information;

[0060] or,

[0061] In response to the PRS configuration information request being a non-terminal device related message, it is determined that the PRS configuration information is cell-level PRS configuration information.

[0062] Optionally, the returning PRS configuration information to the communication device includes:

[0063] In response to the PRS configuration information request being a terminal device related message, returning terminal device-level PRS configuration information to the communication device based on the terminal device related message;

[0064] or,

[0065] In response to the PRS configuration information request being a non-terminal device related message, cell-level PRS configuration information is returned to the communication device based on the non-terminal device related message.

[0066] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0067] Receive first indication information sent by the LMF device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct to send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device through the system information block SIB;

[0068] Sending an SIB including the PRS configuration information.

[0069] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0070] In response to receiving the third indication information sent by the LMF device, or receiving the fourth indication information sent by the terminal device, releasing the PRS configuration information;

[0071] The third indication information or the fourth indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information.

[0072] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device that implements some or all of the functions of the LMF device described in the method described in the first aspect. For example, the functions of the device may include the functions of some or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or may include the functions of implementing any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure separately. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0073] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device that has the function of implementing some or all of the functions of the terminal device in the method described in the second aspect above. For example, the functions of the device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or may have the function of implementing any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure alone. The functions may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0074] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device that has the function of implementing some or all of the functions of the base station described in the method described in the second aspect above. For example, the function of the device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or may have the function of implementing any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure alone. The functions may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0075] In one implementation, the structure of each of the above-mentioned devices may include a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein the processing module is configured to support the device in performing the corresponding functions of the above-mentioned method. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the device and other devices. The device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module and stores computer programs and data necessary for the communication device.

[0076] As an example, the processing module may be a processor, the transceiver module may be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage module may be a memory.

[0077] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor. When the processor calls a computer program in a memory, it executes the method described in the first aspect above.

[0078] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor. When the processor calls a computer program in a memory, it executes the method described in the second aspect above.

[0079] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor. When the processor calls a computer program in a memory, it executes the method described in the second aspect above.

[0080] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory, in which a computer program is stored; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory so that the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect above.

[0081] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory, in which a computer program is stored; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory so that the communication device executes the method described in the second aspect above.

[0082] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory, in which a computer program is stored; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory so that the communication device executes the method described in the third aspect above.

[0083] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for the above-mentioned terminal device, and when the instructions are executed, the terminal device executes the method described in the first aspect.

[0084] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a readable storage medium for storing instructions used by the above-mentioned network device, and when the instructions are executed, the network device executes the method described in the above-mentioned second aspect.

[0085] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a readable storage medium for storing instructions used by the above-mentioned network device. When the instructions are executed, the network device executes the method described in the third aspect.

[0086] In a sixteenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the first aspect above.

[0087] In a seventeenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the second aspect above.

[0088] In an eighteenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the third aspect above.

[0089] In a nineteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a chip system comprising at least one processor and an interface for supporting a terminal device in implementing the functions described in the first aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information described in the aforementioned method. In one possible design, the chip system further comprises a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the terminal device. The chip system may consist of a chip alone or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0090] In a twentieth aspect, the present disclosure provides a chip system comprising at least one processor and an interface for supporting a network device in implementing the functions described in the second aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information described in the aforementioned method. In one possible design, the chip system further comprises a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the network device. The chip system may consist of a single chip or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0091] In a twenty-first aspect, the present disclosure provides a chip system comprising at least one processor and an interface for supporting a network device in implementing the functions described in the third aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information described in the aforementioned method. In one possible design, the chip system further comprises a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the network device. The chip system may consist of a single chip or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0092] In a twenty-second aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the first aspect above.

[0093] In a twenty-third aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the second aspect.

[0094] In a twenty-fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the third aspect above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background technology will be described below.

[0096] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0097] Figure 2 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0098] Figure 3 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0099] Figure 4 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0100] Figure 4a 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0101] Figure 5 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0102] Figure 6 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0103] Figure 7 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0104] Figure 8 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0105] Figure 9 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0106] Figure 10 1 is a schematic diagram of interactive signaling of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0107] Figure 11 1 is a schematic diagram of interactive signaling of another method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0108] Figure 12 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0109] Figure 13 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0110] Figure 14 It is a schematic structural diagram of a chip provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0111] To facilitate understanding, the terms involved in this disclosure are first introduced.

[0112] 1. On-demand PRS

[0113] To better meet positioning requirements, such as improving positioning accuracy and network efficiency, it is also considered to introduce on-demand PRS in the communication system. For on-demand PRS, the following methods can be used:

[0114] The terminal device sends an on-demand PRS request to the LMF;

[0115] The LMF sends an on-demand PRS request to the gNB; and

[0116] The UE sends an on-demand PRS request to the gNB.

[0117] 2. New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message

[0118] NRPPa is a protocol used to standardize the control plane radio network layer signaling process between the base station and the LMF. NRPPa messages between the LMF and the gNB can be divided into non-UE-associated messages and UE-associated messages.

[0119] The Non-UE-associated message can be used to transmit TRP information, measurement information, and auxiliary information between the base station and the LMF. The UE-associated message can be used to transmit information related to a specific terminal device, such as the terminal device's TRP configuration information, between the base station and the LMF. Currently, the LMF uses the Non-UE-associated message to send a PRS configuration information request to the base station.

[0120] In order to better understand a method for determining positioning reference signal configuration information disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system to which the embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable is first described below.

[0121] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system may include but is not limited to a base station, a LMF device and a terminal device. Figure 1The number and form of the devices shown are for example only and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure. In actual applications, two or more base stations, two or more terminal devices, and two or more LMF devices may be included. Figure 1 The communication system shown includes an LMF device 11, a terminal device 12 and a base station 13 as an example.

[0122] It should be noted that the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. For example: long term evolution (LTE) system, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, 5G new radio (NR) system, or other future new mobile communication systems. The base station 13 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is an entity on the network side for transmitting or receiving signals. For example, the base station 13 can be an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in an NR system, a base station in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network equipment.

[0123] The LMF device 11 and base station 13 provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), wherein the CU may also be referred to as a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to separate the protocol layers of network devices, such as base stations, with some of the protocol layer functions centrally controlled by the CU and the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions distributed in the DU, which is then centrally controlled by the CU.

[0124] The terminal device 12 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is an entity on the user side for receiving or transmitting signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device can also be called a terminal device (terminal), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal device (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a car with communication function, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control (industrial control), a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in smart grid (smart grid), a wireless terminal device in transportation safety (transportation safety), a wireless terminal device in smart city (smart city), a wireless terminal device in smart home (smart home), etc. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal device.

[0125] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0126] The following describes in detail the method and apparatus for determining PRS configuration information provided by the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0127] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is configured to be executed by an LMF device. Figure 2 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0128] Step 21: Based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station.

[0129] In the present disclosure, in order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of positioning, the LMF device can use multiple messages to request PRS configuration information from the base station.

[0130] Optionally, the LMF device may request the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on a non-terminal device related message, such as a TRP information request message. It is understandable that when requesting PRS configuration information from the base station based on the TRP information request message, the base station may provide cell-level PRS configuration information for the LMF device or for the terminal device.

[0131] Optionally, the LMF device may also request the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on a specified positioning information request message.

[0132] Among them, the specified Positioning information request message can extend the length of the Positioning information request message for the LMF device, such as adding a bit to indicate whether to request PRS configuration information in the Positioning information request message, and configuring different values ​​for the bit to indicate to the base station whether the message requests PRS configuration information at the same time.

[0133] Optionally, the LMF device may also request the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on a specified terminal device related message.

[0134] The designated terminal device-related message may be generated by the LMF device according to a protocol agreement or network configuration. It is understood that any format and type of message that can indicate to the base station that the message type is terminal device-related and is used to request terminal device-level PRS configuration information can be used as the designated terminal device-related message in this disclosure.

[0135] It is understood that in the present disclosure, the LMF device sends a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on non-terminal device-related messages or terminal device-related messages, thereby obtaining multiple types of PRS configuration information. For example, PRS configuration information at the terminal device level can be obtained, as well as PRS configuration information at the base station level or TRP level. This not only enriches the diversity of PRS configuration information acquisition methods, but also provides more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information for terminal device positioning, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of positioning results.

[0136] It should be noted that the PRS configuration information at the terminal device level in this disclosure refers to the PRS configuration information used for positioning of a specified terminal device. The PRS configuration information at the base station level, TRP level, or cell level refers to the PRS configuration information used by all terminal devices that require the PRS of the base station, TRP, or cell for positioning.

[0137] Accordingly, the PRS configuration information at the terminal device level can be transmitted through terminal device related messages, while the PRS configuration information at the base station level, TRP level or cell level can be transmitted through non-terminal device related messages.

[0138] Optionally, the LMF device in the present disclosure may determine the timing of sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station as needed.

[0139] For example, in order to better meet positioning requirements, such as improving positioning accuracy, the LMF device needs to update the PRS configuration information, so that it can send an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the base station based on non-terminal device related messages or terminal device related messages.

[0140] Alternatively, in order to better meet positioning requirements, the terminal device may send an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF. After receiving the on-demand PRS configuration information request sent by the terminal device, the LMF device can send a PRS configuration information update request to the base station based on the terminal device related messages.

[0141] Alternatively, in order to realize the positioning function, when the LMF first obtains the PRS configuration information of the base station, it can send an initial PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message to obtain the initial PRS configuration information for positioning.

[0142] Optionally, in order to better meet positioning requirements, such as more flexible and accurate positioning, the LMF device may also request different types of PRS configuration information from the base station based on different messages.

[0143] For example, since non-periodic PRS or semi-persistent PRS lasts for a shorter time, it is more conducive to meeting the positioning needs of the terminal device. Therefore, when the requested PRS configuration information is non-periodic PRS or semi-persistent PRS, the LMF can send a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on the terminal device related message.

[0144] Alternatively, if the requested PRS configuration information is a periodic PRS, a PRS configuration information request can be sent to the base station based on a non-terminal device-related message, thereby periodically updating the cell-level PRS configuration information to ensure the accuracy and reliability of positioning of each terminal device.

[0145] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the LMF device can send a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on non-terminal device related messages or terminal device related messages to obtain various types of PRS configuration information, thereby not only enriching the form of requesting PRS configuration information, but also providing more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information for the positioning of the terminal device, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the positioning results.

[0146] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another method for determining positioning reference signal configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is configured to be executed by an LMF device. Figure 3 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0147] Step 31 : In response to the number of received on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device being less than or equal to a threshold, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on a terminal device related message.

[0148] In the present disclosure, in order to better meet the positioning requirements, the terminal device may send an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF. When the LMF device receives the on-demand PRS configuration information request sent by the terminal device, it can send a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on the terminal device related message to request the PRS configuration information of the terminal device.

[0149] In the present disclosure, if the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests received by the LMF device from the terminal device is N and is less than a threshold, then when the LMF device sends the PRS configuration information request to the base station, it may send N PRS configuration information requests to the base station to request the PRS configuration information corresponding to the N terminal devices. Alternatively, a single terminal device-related message may be used to request the PRS configuration information corresponding to the N terminal devices. For example, the Positioning Information Request message may be extended to enable it to request multiple PRS configuration information at once, or a new terminal device-related message may be defined to request multiple PRS configuration information at once, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0150] Since the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device received by the LMF device at the same time may be different, if they are all based on terminal device-related messages, the base station may not have sufficient resources to configure a specific PRS configuration information for each terminal device requesting PRS configuration information. Therefore, in the present disclosure, a threshold can be configured according to the protocol agreement or the network, so that the LMF sends a PRS configuration information request to the base station through the terminal device-related message only when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests received is less than or equal to the threshold.

[0151] The present disclosure does not limit the size of the threshold.

[0152] Optionally, if the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by terminal devices received by the LMF exceeds a threshold, the LMF may send a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device-related message. That is, when the LMF simultaneously receives PRS configuration information requests from multiple terminal devices, it indicates that the multiple terminal devices have more accurate positioning requirements. Therefore, the LMF may directly send a non-terminal device-related message to the base station to request PRS configuration information, thereby obtaining base station-level or TRP-level PRS configuration information for use by the multiple terminal devices, thereby enabling accurate positioning of all terminal devices with positioning requirements. This not only reduces the amount of resources consumed by the LMF when requesting PRS configuration information, but also improves the efficiency of obtaining PRS configuration information. Furthermore, when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by terminal devices received by the LMF exceeds a threshold, the base station may not have sufficient resources to configure specific PRS configuration information for each terminal device requesting PRS configuration information. Therefore, the LMF may send a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device-related message, thereby obtaining base station-level or TRP-level PRS configuration information for use by the multiple terminal devices.

[0153] Optionally, since different terminal devices are located in different cells, in order to further improve the PRS configuration information requested by the LMF to be more targeted and accurate, the present disclosure can also first determine the public PRS configuration information corresponding to the multiple on-demand PRS configuration information received when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests received by the LMF is greater than a threshold, and then send a public PRS configuration information request to the base station based on non-terminal device related messages.

[0154] Among them, LMF can determine the common PRS configuration information corresponding to multiple on-demand PRS configuration information based on the auxiliary information in the PRS configuration information requests of multiple terminal devices, such as the location of the terminal device, or other information. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0155] Step 32: Receive PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the terminal device related message.

[0156] Optionally, the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the terminal device-related message may include the terminal device identifier or any other identifier that can assist the LMF in determining the terminal device corresponding to the PRS configuration information, such as the PRS configuration information identifier, etc. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0157] Step 33: Send the PRS configuration information to a second designated terminal device, wherein the second designated terminal device is the terminal device that sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device.

[0158] The second designated terminal device may be one terminal device or multiple terminal devices, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0159] Optionally, the LMF may send the PRS configuration information to the second designated terminal device based on a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message.

[0160] Optionally, after receiving the PRS configuration information request sent by the LMF based on the terminal device-related message, if the base station cannot determine the PRS configuration information of the second designated terminal device, or the determined PRS configuration information of the second designated terminal device is the same as the PRS configuration information of the base station or TRP, the base station may also return the PRS configuration information to the LMF based on the non-terminal-related message. Thus, the LMF can send the received PRS configuration information to the second designated terminal device and other terminal devices, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0161] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests received from terminal devices is less than or equal to a threshold, the LMF sends a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on the terminal device-related message. After receiving the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the terminal device-related message, the LMF sends the information to the second designated terminal device. Thus, without increasing excessive network resources, not only are the forms of requesting PRS configuration information enriched, but more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information is provided for terminal device positioning, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of positioning results.

[0162] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another method for determining positioning reference signal configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is configured to be executed by an LMF device. Figure 4 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0163] Step 41: Send a PRS configuration information request to a base station based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message.

[0164] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the manner and reference basis for the LMF device to determine the way to send a PRS configuration information request to the base station can refer to the detailed description of any embodiment of the present disclosure and will not be repeated here.

[0165] Step 42: In response to receiving the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the non-terminal device related message, send first indication information to the base station, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the base station to send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device through the system information block SIB.

[0166] Typically, after the LMF sends a PRS configuration information request to the base station, the base station may return the PRS configuration information to the LMF device, and then the LMF device sends the PRS configuration information to the terminal device.

[0167] In the present disclosure, if the PRS configuration information requested by the LMF device to the base station is the configuration information of the base station or TRP, that is, the cell-level PRS configuration information that can be used by multiple terminal devices during the positioning process, in order to enable each terminal device to obtain the PRS configuration information as soon as possible, in the present disclosure, the LMF device can also instruct the base station to directly send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device.

[0168] Optionally, the LMF device may instruct the base station to send PRS configuration information, etc. to the terminal device based on the positioning SIB, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0169] Optionally, if the LMF device receives PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a non-terminal device-related message after sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station, the PRS configuration information can be sent to a first designated terminal device based on an LPP message. The first designated terminal device is the terminal device to which the on-demand PRS configuration information request is sent, and / or the terminal device that has been configured with the PRS configuration information of the base station.

[0170] Among them, the first designated terminal device may be one or more, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0171] It can be understood that in the present disclosure, no matter what message the LMF device sends the PRS configuration information request to the base station based on, as long as the PRS configuration information returned by the base station is based on a non-terminal device related message, the received PRS configuration information can be sent to the terminal device with positioning requirements and / or the terminal device that has previously configured the PRS configuration information of the base station. As long as the PRS configuration information returned by the base station is based on a terminal device related message, the received PRS configuration information can only be sent to one or more designated terminal devices corresponding to the terminal device related message.

[0172] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the LMF device first sends a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device-related message or a terminal device-related message. If the LMF device then receives PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the non-terminal device-related message, it may further send first indication information to the base station for instructing the base station to send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device via the system information block (SIB). This not only enriches the form of requesting PRS configuration information, but also improves the efficiency of the terminal device in obtaining PRS configuration information, providing more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information for the positioning of the terminal device, and improving the accuracy and reliability of the positioning results.

[0173] See Figure 4a , Figure 4a This is a flow chart of another method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is configured to be executed by the LMF device as follows: Figure 4a As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0174] Step 43: Send a PRS configuration information update request to the base station based on the terminal device related message or the non-terminal device related message.

[0175] Step 44: Receive PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the terminal device related message.

[0176] Step 45: Send the PRS configuration information to a second designated terminal device, wherein the second designated terminal device is the terminal device that sends the on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device.

[0177] The number and type of the second designated terminal devices are not limited in this disclosure. In addition, the specific implementation of each of the above steps can refer to the detailed description of any embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0178] Step 46: Receive second indication information sent by the second designated terminal device, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0179] Step 47: Send third indication information to the base station, where the third indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0180] In the present disclosure, in order to reduce the device resources occupied by PRS configuration information, after positioning is completed, the terminal device can send a second indication message to the LMF device to instruct it to release its corresponding PRS configuration information. Thereby, the LMF device can send a third indication message to the base station to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the first designated terminal device.

[0181] Optionally, the LMF device in the present disclosure may also directly send a third indication message to the base station to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device, that is, whether the LMF sends the third indication message is not based on whether the second indication message sent by the terminal device is received. For example, after determining that the positioning of the terminal device is completed, the LMF device may send a third indication message to the base station to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0182] Optionally, the indication information for instructing the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device may also be sent to it by the second designated terminal device, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0183] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the LMF device requests PRS configuration information from the base station based on a terminal device-related message or a non-terminal device-related message, if the PRS configuration information is received based on the terminal device-related message, the configuration information is sent to the second designated terminal device, and after receiving the second indication information sent by the second designated terminal device, the base station can be instructed to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device. As a result, not only is the form of requesting PRS configuration information enriched, more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information is provided for the positioning of the terminal device, the accuracy and reliability of the positioning results are improved, but also the PRS configuration information is prevented from occupying device resources for too long.

[0184] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flow chart of another method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is configured to be executed by the LMF device as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0185] Step 51 : In response to receiving an on-demand PRS configuration information request sent by a terminal device, a PRS configuration information update request is sent to a base station based on a terminal device related message.

[0186] Step 52: Receive PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the terminal device related message.

[0187] Step 53: Send the PRS configuration information to a second designated terminal device, wherein the second designated terminal device is the terminal device that sends the on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device.

[0188] The number and type of the second designated terminal devices are not limited in this disclosure. In addition, the specific implementation of each of the above steps can refer to the detailed description of any embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0189] Step 54: Receive second indication information sent by the second designated terminal device, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0190] Step 55: Send third indication information to the base station, where the third indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0191] In the present disclosure, in order to reduce the device resources occupied by PRS configuration information, after positioning is completed, the terminal device can send a second indication message to the LMF device to instruct it to release its corresponding PRS configuration information. Thereby, the LMF device can send a third indication message to the base station to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0192] Optionally, the LMF device in the present disclosure may also directly send a third indication message to the base station to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device, that is, whether the LMF sends the third indication message is not based on whether the second indication message sent by the terminal device is received. For example, after determining that the positioning of the terminal device is completed, the LMF device may send a third indication message to the base station to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0193] Optionally, the indication information for instructing the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device may also be sent to it by the second designated terminal device, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0194] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the LMF device receives an on-demand PRS configuration information request sent by a terminal device, it can request PRS configuration information from the base station based on the terminal device-related message. After receiving the PRS configuration information based on the terminal device-related message, the LMF device can send the configuration information to the second designated terminal device, and after receiving the second indication information sent by the second designated terminal device, it can instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device. As a result, not only is the form of requesting PRS configuration information enriched, more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information is provided for the positioning of the terminal device, the accuracy and reliability of the positioning results are improved, but also the PRS configuration information is prevented from occupying device resources for too long.

[0195] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a flow chart of another method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is configured to be executed by a terminal device as follows Figure 6 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0196] Step 61: Send an on-demand PRS configuration information request to a network device, where the network device is a LMF or a base station.

[0197] Step 62: Receive PRS configuration information returned by the network device.

[0198] In the present disclosure, in order to better meet the positioning requirements of the terminal device, the terminal device can request PRS configuration information from the LMF device or base station as needed to obtain the latest PRS configuration information from the LMF device or base station, and then perform positioning based on the obtained PRS configuration information.

[0199] Optionally, if the network device is an LMF device, the terminal device can receive PRS configuration information based on the LPP message.

[0200] It is understandable that if the network device is an LMF device, the LMF device also needs to send a PRS configuration information request to the base station to request PRS configuration information from the base station side, and then send the PRS configuration information returned by the base station to the terminal device.

[0201] Optionally, if the network device is a base station, the terminal device may receive the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the SIB. For example, the terminal device may receive the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the positioning SIB.

[0202] Among them, the specific implementation forms of the on-demand PRS configuration information request sent by the terminal device to the network device and the PRS configuration information returned by the network device can refer to the detailed description of any embodiment of the present disclosure and will not be repeated here.

[0203] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal device can send an on-demand PRS configuration information request to an LMF device or base station to obtain PRS configuration information returned by the LMF device or base station. This enriches the forms in which terminal devices request PRS configuration information, provides more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information for terminal device positioning, and improves the accuracy and reliability of positioning results.

[0204] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is configured to be executed by a terminal device. Figure 7 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0205] Step 71: Send an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF.

[0206] Step 72: Receive the PRS configuration information returned by the LMF device based on the LPP message.

[0207] Step 72: In response to the completion of the positioning process, a second indication message is sent to the LMF device, wherein the second indication message is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

[0208] Optionally, if the terminal device sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the base station, after receiving it during the positioning process, it can also send fourth indication information to the base station, where the fourth indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

[0209] In the present disclosure, in order to reduce the device resources occupied by the PRS configuration information, the terminal device may send a second indication message to the LMF device after positioning is completed to instruct the LMF device to release its corresponding PRS configuration information. Correspondingly, the terminal device may also send a fourth indication message to the base station to instruct the base station to release its corresponding PRS configuration information.

[0210] It should be noted that if the terminal device requests PRS configuration information from the LMF device, then after it sends the second indication information to the LMF device, the LMF device sends a third indication information to the base station to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

[0211] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device first sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device. After receiving the PRS configuration information returned by the LMF device, the terminal device can perform positioning based on the PRS configuration information. After positioning is completed, the terminal device sends a second indication message to the LMF device to instruct the LMF device to release its corresponding PRS configuration information. As a result, not only are the forms of requesting PRS configuration information enriched, more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information is provided for terminal device positioning, the accuracy and reliability of positioning results are improved, but also the PRS configuration information is prevented from occupying device resources for too long.

[0212] See Figure 8 , Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is configured to be executed by a base station. Figure 8 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0213] Step 81: Receive a PRS configuration information request sent by a communication device, wherein the communication device is an LMF or a terminal device, and the PRS configuration information request sent by the LMF device is a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message.

[0214] Step 82: Return the PRS configuration information to the communication device.

[0215] In the present disclosure, to better meet positioning requirements, terminal devices and LMF devices can request PRS configuration information from the base station at any time. Furthermore, the LMF device can send a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on different messages, such as non-terminal device-related messages or terminal device-related messages, depending on the type of PRS configuration information requested.

[0216] Among them, the specific usage scenarios of non-terminal device related messages and terminal device related messages can refer to the detailed description of other embodiments of the present disclosure and will not be repeated here.

[0217] It should be noted that, if the PRS configuration information request received by the base station is sent by the terminal device, it means that the PRS configuration information request is a message related to the terminal device.

[0218] Optionally, if the PRS configuration request received by the base station is a terminal device-related message, it can be determined that the PRS configuration information to be sent is the information to be used by the specified terminal device during the positioning process, that is, the PRS configuration information is at the terminal device level. The base station can then determine the corresponding PRS configuration information for the specified terminal device and, based on the terminal device-related message, send the determined PRS configuration information to the LMF device or the terminal device.

[0219] Alternatively, if the PRS configuration request received by the base station is a non-terminal device-related message, it can be determined that the PRS configuration information to be sent is the information to be used by a certain base station or all terminal devices under the TRP during the positioning process, that is, the PRS configuration information is at the cell level. Thus, the base station determines the cell-level PRS configuration information and, based on the non-terminal device-related message, sends the determined PRS configuration information to the LMF device or terminal device.

[0220] Optionally, the base station may send the cell-level PRS configuration information to the terminal device through an SIB message, or may send the cell-level PRS configuration information to the LMF device through a TRP information response, and the LMF device may then send the cell-level PRS configuration information to each terminal device. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0221] Optionally, after receiving the first indication information sent by the LMF device, the base station may send a SIB containing PRS configuration information. The first indication information is used to instruct the PRS configuration information to be sent to the terminal device via a system information block (SIB). The SIB in this disclosure may be a positioning SIB, or any other SIB that can carry PRS configuration information, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0222] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, upon receiving a PRS configuration information request from a communication device, a base station can return the PRS configuration information to the requesting communication device. This enriches the forms of requesting PRS configuration information, provides more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information for terminal device positioning, and improves the accuracy and reliability of positioning results.

[0223] See Figure 9 , Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is configured to be executed by a base station. Figure 9 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0224] Step 91: Receive a PRS configuration information request sent by the LMF device based on a terminal device related message.

[0225] Step 92: Based on the terminal device related message, return the terminal device level PRS configuration information to the LMF device.

[0226] Step 93: In response to receiving the third indication information sent by the LMF device, release the PRS configuration information, wherein the third indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information.

[0227] It is understandable that after receiving the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the terminal device-related message, the LMF device can send this information to the designated terminal device via an LPP message. Subsequently, after receiving the second instruction information for releasing the PRS configuration information from the designated terminal device, the LMF device can send a third instruction information to the base station to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information. This achieves reliable positioning of the terminal device while preventing the PRS configuration information from occupying network device resources for a long time.

[0228] Optionally, the LMF device in the present disclosure may also automatically trigger the sending of third indication information to the base station after sending the PRS configuration information to the designated terminal device, to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the designated terminal device. For example, the LMF device may trigger the sending of the third indication information to the base station when the specified time interval is reached after sending the PRS configuration information to the designated terminal device based on the time interval agreed upon in the protocol, to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the designated terminal device.

[0229] Optionally, the base station may also release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device when receiving the fourth indication information sent by the terminal device, wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the base station to release its corresponding PRS configuration.

[0230] It should be noted that after receiving the PRS configuration information request sent by the LMF device based on the terminal device related message, or receiving the PRS configuration information request sent by the terminal, the base station may not be able to determine the PRS configuration information corresponding to the specified terminal device, or the determined PRS configuration information is not at the terminal device level. In this case, the base station may also return the PRS configuration information to the LMF device or the terminal device based on the non-terminal device related message, so that multiple terminal devices can be positioned based on the PRS configuration information.

[0231] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, after receiving a PRS configuration information request sent by an LMF device based on a terminal device-related message, the base station can determine the PRS configuration information corresponding to the specified terminal device, return the PRS configuration information to the LMF device based on the terminal device-related message, and release the PRS configuration information after receiving the third indication information sent by the LMF device. As a result, not only is the form of requesting PRS configuration information enriched, more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information is provided for the positioning of terminal devices, the accuracy and reliability of positioning results are improved, but also the PRS configuration information is prevented from occupying device resources for too long.

[0232] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of interactive signaling of a method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0233] Step 101: Terminal device 1 sends an on-demand PRS request to the LMF device.

[0234] Step 102: The LMF device sends a request to update the PRS configuration information to the base station based on the non-terminal device related message.

[0235] Step 103: The base station provides updated PRS configuration information to the LMF device based on the non-terminal device related message.

[0236] For example, the base station may send updated PRS configuration information to the LMF device via a TRP information response message.

[0237] Step 104: The LMF device sends the configuration to the terminal device 1 via an LPP message.

[0238] Step 105: The LMF device sends the updated PRS configuration information to the terminal device 2 via an LPP message.

[0239] Among them, terminal device 2 is any terminal device that is in the positioning process and uses the PRS configuration information of the base station.

[0240] Step 106: The LMF device triggers the base station to update positioning sib to include the updated PRS configuration information.

[0241] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the LMF sending a request to update the PRS configuration information to the base station may also be automatically triggered by the LMF device, rather than being triggered after receiving an on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal device. For example, the LMF device may send a non-UE associated NRPPa message to the base station to request an update of the PRS configuration information in order to update the PRS configuration information, or for a certain terminal device, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0242] In addition, in this embodiment, after the LMF device receives the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the non-terminal association message, it triggers the base station to send an updated positioning SIB so that the updated positioning SIB contains the updated PRS configuration information, so that each terminal device can receive the updated PRS configuration information, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the positioning of each terminal device.

[0243] See Figure 11 , Figure 11FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of interactive signaling of another method for determining PRS configuration information provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0244] Step 111: Terminal device 1 sends an on-demand PRS request to the LMF device.

[0245] Step 112: The LMF device sends a UE associated NRPPa message to the base station to request updating of PRS configuration information.

[0246] For example, the LMF device may send the request via a Positioning information request.

[0247] Step 113: The base station provides the updated PRS configuration information to the LMF device.

[0248] For example, the base station may send updated PRS configuration information to the LMF device via a Positioning information response message.

[0249] Step 114: The LMF device receives the updated PRS configuration information and sends the configuration information to the terminal device 1 via an LPP message.

[0250] It should be noted that, at this time, if the terminal device 2 is in the positioning process and uses the configuration information of the base station, the LMF device does not need to send the updated PRS configuration to the terminal device 2 via the LPP message.

[0251] Step 115: After the terminal device 1 completes positioning, the terminal device 1 sends an instruction message to the LMF device to instruct the LMF device to release its corresponding PRS configuration information.

[0252] Step 116: The LMF device sends a UE-associated NRPPa message to the base station to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information configured for terminal device 1.

[0253] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are described from the perspectives of the LMF device, terminal device, and base station. In order to implement the various functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the LMF device, terminal device, and base station may include hardware structures and software modules, and implement the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions may be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures and software modules.

[0254] See Figure 12 , which is a structural diagram of a communication device 120 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 The communication device 120 shown may include a transceiver module 1201 and a processing module 1202. The transceiver module 1201 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module, the sending module is used to implement a sending function, and the receiving module is used to implement a receiving function. The transceiver module 1201 can implement the sending function and / or the receiving function.

[0255] The communication device 120 may be a LMF device (such as the LMF device in the aforementioned method embodiment), a device within the LMF device, or a device compatible with the LMF device. Alternatively, the communication device 120 may be a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment), a device within the terminal device, or a device compatible with the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device 120 may be a base station, a device within the base station, or a device compatible with the base station.

[0256] Specifically, if the communication device 120 is a LMF device (such as the LMF device in the aforementioned method embodiment):

[0257] The transceiver module 1201 is configured to send a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message.

[0258] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is specifically configured to:

[0259] Requesting the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on the TRP information request message;

[0260] or,

[0261] Requesting the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on the specified location information request message;

[0262] or,

[0263] Based on the specified terminal device related message, request the base station to provide PRS configuration information.

[0264] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is specifically configured to:

[0265] Sending an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message;

[0266] or,

[0267] In response to receiving the on-demand PRS configuration information request sent by the terminal device, sending a PRS configuration information update request to the base station based on the terminal device related message;

[0268] or,

[0269] Based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message, an initial PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station.

[0270] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is specifically configured to:

[0271] In response to the number of received on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device being less than or equal to a threshold, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on the terminal device related message.

[0272] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is specifically configured to:

[0273] In response to the number of received on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device being greater than a threshold, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message.

[0274] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is specifically configured to:

[0275] Determining that the plurality of on-demand PRS configuration information corresponds to the common PRS configuration information;

[0276] Based on the non-terminal device related message, a public PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station.

[0277] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is specifically configured to:

[0278] In response to the requested PRS configuration information being an aperiodic PRS or a semi-persistent PRS, sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on the terminal device related message;

[0279] or,

[0280] In response to the requested PRS configuration information being periodic PRS, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message.

[0281] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is further configured to:

[0282] In response to receiving the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a non-terminal device related message, first indication information is sent to the base station, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the base station to send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device through the system information block SIB.

[0283] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is further configured to:

[0284] Receiving PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a non-terminal device related message;

[0285] Based on the Long Term Evolution LTE Positioning Protocol LPP message, the PRS configuration information is sent to a first designated terminal device, wherein the first designated terminal device is a terminal device that sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device, and / or a terminal device that has configured the PRS configuration information corresponding to the base station.

[0286] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is further configured to:

[0287] Receiving PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a terminal device related message;

[0288] The PRS configuration information is sent to a second designated terminal device, wherein the second designated terminal device is a terminal device that sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device.

[0289] Optionally, the transceiver module is also used to:

[0290] Receive second indication information sent by the second designated terminal device, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device;

[0291] The apparatus further includes a processing module configured to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0292] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is further configured to:

[0293] Send third indication information to the base station, wherein the third indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

[0294] The communication device proposed in the present disclosure, the LMF device can send a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on non-terminal device related messages or terminal device related messages to obtain various types of PRS configuration information, thereby not only enriching the form of requesting PRS configuration information, but also providing more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information for the positioning of the terminal device, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the positioning results.

[0295] Alternatively, if the communication device 120 is a terminal device:

[0296] The transceiver module 1201 is configured to send an on-demand PRS configuration information request to a network device, wherein the network device is a LMF or a base station;

[0297] The transceiver module 1201 is further configured to receive the PRS configuration information returned by the network device.

[0298] Optionally, the network device is an LMF, and the transceiver module 1201 is specifically configured to:

[0299] Receive PRS configuration information returned by the LMF device based on a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message.

[0300] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is further configured to:

[0301] In response to the end of the positioning process, a second indication message is sent to the LMF device, wherein the second indication message is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

[0302] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is further configured to:

[0303] In response to the end of the positioning process, fourth indication information is sent to the base station, wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

[0304] Optionally, the network device is a base station, and the transceiver module 1201 is further configured to:

[0305] Receive PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on the SIB.

[0306] In the communication device proposed in the present disclosure, the terminal device first sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device. After receiving the PRS configuration information returned by the LMF device, the terminal device can perform positioning based on the PRS configuration information. After positioning is completed, the terminal device sends a second indication message to the LMF device to instruct the LMF device to release its corresponding PRS configuration information. This not only enriches the form of requesting PRS configuration information, providing more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information for terminal device positioning, improving the accuracy and reliability of positioning results, but also avoids the PRS configuration information from occupying device resources for too long.

[0307] Alternatively, if the communication device 120 is a base station.

[0308] The transceiver module 1201 is configured to receive a PRS configuration information request sent by a communication device;

[0309] The transceiver module 1201 is further configured to return PRS configuration information to the communication device;

[0310] The communication device is an LMF or a terminal device, and the PRS configuration information request sent by the LMF device is a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message.

[0311] Optionally, the communication device 120 further includes:

[0312] The processing module 1202 is configured to determine, in response to the PRS configuration information request being a terminal device-related message, that the PRS configuration information is terminal device-level PRS configuration information;

[0313] or,

[0314] The processing module 1202 is further configured to, in response to the PRS configuration information request being a non-terminal device related message, determine that the PRS configuration information is cell-level PRS configuration information.

[0315] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is specifically configured to:

[0316] In response to the PRS configuration information request being a terminal device related message, returning terminal device-level PRS configuration information to the communication device based on the terminal device related message;

[0317] or,

[0318] In response to the PRS configuration information request being a non-terminal device related message, cell-level PRS configuration information is returned to the communication device based on the non-terminal device related message.

[0319] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is further configured to:

[0320] Receive first indication information sent by the LMF device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct to send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device through the system information block SIB;

[0321] Sending an SIB including the PRS configuration information.

[0322] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is further configured to:

[0323] In response to receiving the third indication information sent by the LMF device, or receiving the fourth indication information sent by the terminal device, releasing the PRS configuration information;

[0324] The third indication information or the fourth indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information.

[0325] The communication device provided herein enables a base station to return PRS configuration information to the requesting communication device upon receiving a PRS configuration information request from the communication device. This enriches the forms of requesting PRS configuration information, provides more reliable and accurate PRS configuration information for terminal device positioning, and improves the accuracy and reliability of positioning results.

[0326] See Figure 13 , Figure 131 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device 130 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 130 can be a network device, a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement the aforementioned method, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal device to implement the aforementioned method. This device can be used to implement the method described in the aforementioned method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0327] The communication device 130 may include one or more processors 1301. The processor 1301 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control the communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process computer program data.

[0328] Optionally, the communication device 130 may further include one or more memories 1302, on which a computer program 1304 may be stored. The processor 1301 executes the computer program 1304 to cause the communication device 130 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 1302 may also store data. The communication device 130 and the memory 1302 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0329] Optionally, the communication device 130 may further include a transceiver 1305 and an antenna 1306. The transceiver 1305 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, or a transceiver circuit, and is configured to implement transceiver functions. The transceiver 1305 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or a receiving circuit, and is configured to implement a receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or a transmitting circuit, and is configured to implement a transmitting function.

[0330] Optionally, the communication device 130 may further include one or more interface circuits 1307. The interface circuit 1307 is configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processor 1301. The processor 1301 executes the code instructions to enable the communication device 130 to execute the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0331] The communication device 130 is a LMF device (such as the terminal device in the above method embodiment): the transceiver 1305 is used to perform Figure 2 Step 21 in Figure 3 Steps 31, 32, and 33 in the Figure 4 Step 41 and step 42, etc.

[0332] The communication device 130 is a terminal device: the transceiver 1305 is used to perform Figure 6 Steps 61 and 62 in the above example; Figure 7 Step 71, step 72 and step 73, etc.

[0333] The communication device 130 is a base station: the transceiver 1305 can be used to perform Figure 8 Steps 81 and 82 in the above example; Figure 9 In steps 91 and 92, the processor 1301 may be configured to execute Figure 9 Step 73 in , etc.

[0334] In one implementation, processor 1301 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing the receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for reading and writing code / data, or may be used for transmitting or delivering signals.

[0335] In one implementation, processor 1301 may store a computer program 1303. Computer program 1303, when executed on processor 1301, enables communication device 130 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. Computer program 1303 may be embedded in processor 1301. In this case, processor 1301 may be implemented by hardware.

[0336] In one implementation, the communication device 130 may include a circuit that can implement the functions of sending, receiving, or communicating in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in the present disclosure can be implemented on an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit RFIC, a mixed signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), N-type metal oxide semiconductor (nMetal-oxide-semiconductor, NMOS), P-type metal oxide semiconductor (positive channel metal oxide semiconductor, PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (bipolar junction transistor, BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0337] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the above method embodiment), but the scope of the communication device described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may not be limited thereto. Figure 13 The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0338] (1) An independent integrated circuit (IC), or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0339] (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally including a storage component for storing data and computer programs;

[0340] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0341] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0342] (5) Receivers, terminal devices, intelligent terminal devices, cellular phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.;

[0343] (6)Others, etc.

[0344] For the case where the communication device may be a chip or a chip system, see Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the chip structure shown. Figure 14 The chip shown includes a processor 1401 and an interface 1402. There may be one or more processors 1401 and there may be more than one interface 1402.

[0345] For the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the LMF device in the embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0346] Interface 1402, used to execute Figure 2 Step 21 in Figure 3 Step 31, step 32, step 33 in the above code; execute Figure 4 Step 41 and step 42, etc.

[0347] Regarding the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0348] Interface 1402, used to execute Figure 6 Steps 61 and 62 in the above example; Figure 7 Step 71, step 72 and step 73, etc.

[0349] For the case where the chip is used to implement the function of the base station in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0350] Interface 1402, used to execute Figure 8 Steps 81 and 82 in the above example; Figure 9 Step 91 and step 92, etc.

[0351] Optionally, the chip further includes a memory 1403, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0352] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented by hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design requirements of the entire system. Those skilled in the art may use various methods to implement the described functionality for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0353] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a system for determining positioning reference signal configuration information, the system comprising the aforementioned Figure 12 In the embodiment, the communication device as the terminal device and the communication device as the network device, or the system includes the aforementioned Figure 13The communication device in the embodiment serves as a terminal device and the communication device serves as a network device.

[0354] The present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0355] The present disclosure also provides a computer program product, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0356] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0357] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical numbers such as first and second involved in the present disclosure are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and also indicate the order of precedence.

[0358] The at least one in the present disclosure can also be described as one or more, and the multiple can be two, three, four or more, which is not limited in the present disclosure. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, for a technical feature, the technical features in the technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", and there is no order of precedence or size between the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0359] The correspondences shown in the tables of the present disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values, which are not limited by the present disclosure. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, in the tables of the present disclosure, the correspondences shown in certain rows may not be configured. For another example, appropriate deformation adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the titles of the above tables may also adopt other names that can be understood by the communication device, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters may also adopt other values ​​or representations that can be understood by the communication device. When implementing the above tables, other data structures may also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables or hash tables, etc.

[0360] The predefined in the present disclosure may be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0361] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0362] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0363] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining positioning reference signal configuration information, characterized in that: The method is configured to be executed by a location management function (LMF) device, and the method includes: In response to receiving the on-demand PRS configuration information request sent by the terminal device, sending a PRS configuration information update request to the base station based on the non-terminal device related message or the terminal device related message; Receiving PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a non-terminal device related message; Sending the PRS configuration information to a first designated terminal device based on a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message, wherein the first designated terminal device is a terminal device that sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device; The sending a PRS configuration information update request to the base station based on the non-terminal device related message or the terminal device related message includes: In response to the number of received on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device being less than or equal to a threshold, sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on the terminal device related message; In response to the number of received on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device being greater than a threshold, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending a PRS configuration information update request to the base station based on the non-terminal device related message or the terminal device related message includes: Requesting the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on the TRP information request message; or, Requesting the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on the specified location information request message; or, Based on the specified terminal device related message, request the base station to provide PRS configuration information.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message includes: Determining that the plurality of on-demand PRS configuration information corresponds to the common PRS configuration information; Based on the non-terminal device related message, a public PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The sending a PRS configuration information update request to the base station based on the non-terminal device related message or the terminal device related message includes: In response to the requested PRS configuration information being an aperiodic PRS or a semi-persistent PRS, sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on the terminal device related message; or, In response to the requested PRS configuration information being periodic PRS, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: In response to receiving the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a non-terminal device related message, first indication information is sent to the base station, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the base station to send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device through the system information block SIB.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: Receiving PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a terminal device related message; The PRS configuration information is sent to a second designated terminal device, wherein the second designated terminal device is a terminal device that sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein Also includes: Receive the second indication information sent by the second designated terminal device, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein Also includes: Send third indication information to the base station, wherein the third indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

9. A method for determining positioning reference signal configuration information, characterized in that: The method is configured to be executed by a terminal device, and includes: Sending an on-demand PRS configuration information request to a network device, wherein the network device is a LMF, and when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests received from a terminal device is less than or equal to a threshold, the LMF sends a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a terminal device-related message; or when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests received from a terminal device is greater than a threshold, the LMF sends a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device-related message; Receive PRS configuration information returned by the network device based on a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The method further comprises: In response to the end of the positioning process, a second indication message is sent to the LMF device, wherein the second indication message is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The method further comprises: In response to the end of the positioning process, fourth indication information is sent to the base station, wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

12. A method for determining positioning reference signal configuration information, characterized in that: The method is configured to be performed by a base station, and the method includes: receiving a PRS configuration information update request sent by a communication device; Returning PRS configuration information to the communication device; In which, the communication device is LMF, and the PRS configuration information update request sent by the LMF device is a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message. The non-terminal device related message is sent when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device received by the LMF is greater than a threshold, and the terminal device related message is sent when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device received by the LMF is less than or equal to a threshold.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Also includes: In response to the PRS configuration information request being a terminal device-related message, determining that the PRS configuration information is terminal device-level PRS configuration information; or, In response to the PRS configuration information request being a non-terminal device related message, it is determined that the PRS configuration information is cell-level PRS configuration information.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The returning the PRS configuration information to the communication device includes: In response to the PRS configuration information request being a terminal device related message, returning terminal device-level PRS configuration information to the communication device based on the terminal device related message; or, In response to the PRS configuration information request being a non-terminal device related message, cell-level PRS configuration information is returned to the communication device based on the non-terminal device related message.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein Also includes: Receive first indication information sent by the LMF device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct to send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device through the system information block SIB; Sending an SIB including the PRS configuration information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein: Also includes: In response to receiving the third indication information sent by the LMF device, or receiving the fourth indication information sent by the terminal device, releasing the PRS configuration information; The third indication information or the fourth indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: The device is configured in a location management function LMF device, and includes: a transceiver module, configured to, in response to receiving an on-demand PRS configuration information request sent by a terminal device, send a PRS configuration information update request to a base station based on a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message; The transceiver module is further used for: Receiving PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a non-terminal device related message; Sending the PRS configuration information to a first designated terminal device based on a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message, wherein the first designated terminal device is a terminal device that sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device; The transceiver module is further used for: In response to the number of received on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device being less than or equal to a threshold, sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on the terminal device related message; In response to the number of received on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device being greater than a threshold, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein The transceiver module is specifically used for: Requesting the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on the TRP information request message; or, Requesting the base station to provide PRS configuration information based on the specified location information request message; or, Based on the specified terminal device related message, request the base station to provide PRS configuration information.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein The transceiver module is specifically used for: Determining that the plurality of on-demand PRS configuration information corresponds to the common PRS configuration information; Based on the non-terminal device related message, a public PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station.

20. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that: The transceiver module is specifically used for: In response to the requested PRS configuration information being an aperiodic PRS or a semi-persistent PRS, sending a PRS configuration information request to the base station based on the terminal device related message; or, In response to the requested PRS configuration information being periodic PRS, a PRS configuration information request is sent to the base station based on a non-terminal device related message.

21. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that: The transceiver module is further used for: In response to receiving the PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a non-terminal device related message, first indication information is sent to the base station, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the base station to send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device through the system information block SIB.

22. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that: The transceiver module is further used for: Receiving PRS configuration information returned by the base station based on a terminal device related message; The PRS configuration information is sent to a second designated terminal device, wherein the second designated terminal device is a terminal device that sends an on-demand PRS configuration information request to the LMF device.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein The transceiver module is further used for: Receive the second indication information sent by the second designated terminal device, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein The transceiver module is further used for: Send third indication information to the base station, wherein the third indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the second designated terminal device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The apparatus is configured in a terminal device, and includes: A transceiver module, configured to send an on-demand PRS configuration information request to a network device, wherein the network device is an LMF, and when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests received from terminal devices is less than or equal to a threshold, the LMF sends the PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a terminal device-related message; or when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests received from terminal devices is greater than a threshold, the LMF sends the PRS configuration information request to the base station based on a non-terminal device-related message; The transceiver module is further configured to receive PRS configuration information returned by the network device based on a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message.

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that The transceiver module is further used for: In response to the end of the positioning process, a second indication message is sent to the LMF device, wherein the second indication message is used to instruct the LMF device to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

27. The device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that The transceiver module is further used for: In response to the end of the positioning process, fourth indication information is sent to the base station, wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: The device is configured in a base station, and includes: A transceiver module, configured to receive a PRS configuration information update request sent by a communication device; The transceiver module is further configured to return PRS configuration information to the communication device; In which, the communication device is LMF, and the PRS configuration information update request sent by the LMF device is a non-terminal device related message or a terminal device related message. The non-terminal device related message is sent when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device received by the LMF is greater than a threshold, and the terminal device related message is sent when the number of on-demand PRS configuration information requests sent by the terminal device received by the LMF is less than or equal to a threshold.

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein Also includes: a processing module, configured to, in response to the PRS configuration information request being a terminal device-related message, determine that the PRS configuration information is terminal device-level PRS configuration information; or, The processing module is further configured to, in response to the PRS configuration information request being a non-terminal device related message, determine that the PRS configuration information is cell-level PRS configuration information.

30. The device according to claim 28, wherein The transceiver module is specifically used for: In response to the PRS configuration information request being a terminal device related message, returning terminal device-level PRS configuration information to the communication device based on the terminal device related message; or, In response to the PRS configuration information request being a non-terminal device related message, cell-level PRS configuration information is returned to the communication device based on the non-terminal device related message.

31. The device according to claim 30, wherein The transceiver module is further used for: Receive first indication information sent by the LMF device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct to send the PRS configuration information to the terminal device through the system information block SIB; Sending an SIB including the PRS configuration information.

32. The device according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that The transceiver module is further used for: In response to receiving the third indication information sent by the LMF device, or receiving the fourth indication information sent by the terminal device, releasing the PRS configuration information; The third indication information or the fourth indication information is used to instruct the base station to release the PRS configuration information.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, so that the device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

34. A communication device, characterized in that: The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to enable the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

35. A communication device, characterized in that: The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to enable the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 16.

36. A communication device, characterized in that include: processor and interface circuits; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

37. A communication device, characterized in that: include: processor and interface circuits; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

38. A communication device, characterized in that: include: processor and interface circuits; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 16.

39. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which, when executed, enable the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to be implemented.

40. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which, when executed, enable the method according to any one of claims 9 to 11 to be implemented.

41. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which, when executed, enable the method according to any one of claims 12 to 16 to be implemented.

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