Indication method, apparatus, user equipment, base station, core network device, and storage medium

Abstract

This disclosure discloses an indication method, apparatus, user equipment, base station, and storage medium, belonging to the field of communication technology. The method includes: a UE receiving first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment, the first indication information being used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE sending an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Furthermore, the indication method proposed in this disclosure can avoid unnecessary signaling overhead.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an indication method, apparatus, user equipment, base station, core network equipment and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In 5G networks, the Location Management Function (LMF) typically needs to send a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration to the User Equipment (UE). The UE can then receive the PRS based on this configuration information to achieve positioning. Furthermore, the UE can also send on-demand PRS requests to the LMF to obtain PRS configuration information as needed, further satisfying its positioning requirements while also considering network efficiency.

[0003] In related technologies, the method of UE sending on-demand PRS requests has a large signaling overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The indication method, apparatus, user equipment, base station, core network equipment and storage medium disclosed herein are intended to solve the technical problem of high overhead in UE sending on-demand PRS request signaling.

[0005] The indication method proposed in one embodiment of this disclosure, applied to a UE, includes:

[0006] Receive first indication information from base station and / or core network equipment, the first indication information being used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions of on-demand positioning reference signal (PRS) request;

[0007] Send the on-demand PRS request according to the first instruction information.

[0008] The indication method proposed in another embodiment of this disclosure, applied to a core network device, includes:

[0009] Receive a second indication information from the base station, the second indication information being used to indicate to the core network equipment the transmission conditions for on-demand PRS requests;

[0010] The on-demand PRS request is sent according to the second instruction information.

[0011] The indicating method proposed in another embodiment of this disclosure, applied to a base station, includes:

[0012] Send the first indication information to the UE, and / or send the second indication information to the core network equipment, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the transmission conditions of the UE's on-demand PRS request, and the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission conditions of the core network equipment's on-demand PRS request;

[0013] Receive the on-demand PRS request from the UE and / or the core network equipment.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an indicating device, comprising:

[0015] The receiving module is configured to receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions of a Position-on-Demand Reference Signal (PRS) request;

[0016] The sending module is used to send the on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information.

[0017] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an indicating device, comprising:

[0018] The receiving module is used to receive second indication information from the base station, the second indication information being used to indicate to the core network equipment the transmission conditions for on-demand PRS requests;

[0019] The sending module is used to send the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information.

[0020] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an indicating device, comprising:

[0021] The sending module is used to send the first indication information to the UE and / or send the second indication information to the core network equipment. The first indication information is used to indicate the sending conditions of the UE's on-demand PRS request, and the second indication information is used to indicate the sending conditions of the core network equipment's on-demand PRS request.

[0022] A receiving module is configured to receive the on-demand PRS request from the UE and / or the core network equipment.

[0023] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a user equipment comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor, respectively connected to the transceiver and the memory, configured to control the transmission and reception of wireless signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and capable of implementing the method proposed in the other aspect of the above embodiment.

[0024] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a base station, which includes: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor, respectively connected to the transceiver and the memory, configured to control the transmission and reception of wireless signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and capable of implementing the method proposed in the above aspect of the embodiment.

[0025] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a core network device, comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor, respectively connected to the transceiver and the memory, configured to control the transmission and reception of wireless signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and capable of implementing the method proposed in the other aspect of the above disclosure.

[0026] In another aspect of this disclosure, a computer storage medium is provided, wherein the computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions; the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor, can implement the method described above.

[0027] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0028] Additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the indicating method provided in this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating an instruction method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an instruction method provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4A schematic flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 10 A schematic flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 11 A schematic flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an indicating device provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an indicating device provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of an indicator device provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of a user equipment provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of a base station provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0047] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in embodiments of this disclosure, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information without departing from the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the words “if” and “suppose” as used herein may be interpreted as “when”, “when”, or “in response to a determination”.

[0049] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0050] In one of the related technical solutions, the LMF may be unable to configure the PRS configuration information requested by a UE. In this case, when the UE sends an on-demand PRS request to the LMF, the LMF cannot reply with the PRS configuration information to the UE. As a result, the UE may continue to send on-demand PRS requests to the LMF, thereby increasing signaling overhead.

[0051] The indication method provided in this disclosure aims to solve the technical problem of high signaling overhead in related technologies. Specifically, in the indication method provided in this disclosure, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this disclosure, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0052] The indication methods, apparatus, user equipment, base stations, core network equipment and storage media provided in this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to a UE, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0054] Step 101: Receive first indication information from the base station and / or core network equipment. The first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions of the on-demand positioning reference signal (PRS) request.

[0055] It should be noted that the indication method of this disclosure can be applied to any UE. The UE can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. The UE can communicate with one or more core networks via a RAN (Radio Access Network). The UE can be an IoT terminal, such as a sensor device, a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone), and a computer with an IoT terminal. For example, it can be a fixed, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted device. Examples include a station (STA), subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user agent. Alternatively, the UE can also be a device of an unmanned aerial vehicle. Alternatively, the UE can also be a vehicle-mounted device, such as a vehicle computer with wireless communication capabilities, or a wireless terminal connected to an external vehicle computer. Alternatively, the UE can also be a roadside device, such as a street light, traffic light, or other roadside device with wireless communication capabilities.

[0056] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the core network device may be an LMF.

[0057] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the on-demand PRS request specifically includes UE initialization and LMF initialization on-demand PRS requests. For UE initialization of on-demand PRS, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request to the LMF via an LPP (Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol) message. For LMF initialization of on-demand PRS requests, the LMF can send an on-demand PRS request to the base station via an NRPPa (NRPositioning Protocol A) message.

[0058] It should also be noted that, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the configuration of the PRS is currently determined by the base station, and the base station does not consider the requirements of the LMF or UE for the PRS during the process of determining the PRS.

[0059] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the UE receives the first indication information from the base station, the UE can receive the first indication information sent by the base station through a system message. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the system message may include a positioning sib (positioning system information block). In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the UE receives the first indication information from the core network device, the UE can receive the first indication information sent by the core network device through an LPP message.

[0060] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information may include at least one of: whether the UE is allowed to send the on-demand PRS request, preset conditions for the UE to send the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for the UE to send the on-demand PRS request. And, after receiving the first indication information, the UE can send the on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information.

[0061] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first instruction information may specifically include the following situations:

[0062] Scenario 1: In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information may only include: whether to allow the UE to send the on-demand PRS request. For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information may include: allowing the UE to send the on-demand PRS request.

[0063] Scenario 2: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information may only include: preset conditions for sending an on-demand PRS request. For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the preset condition may be, for instance, that is, when the PRS signal quality measured by the UE is lower than a preset threshold, the UE sends an on-demand PRS request. Then the first indication information may include: when the PRS signal quality is lower than the preset threshold, an on-demand PRS request can be sent.

[0064] Scenario 3: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information may only include: a preset time for sending an on-demand PRS request. For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the preset time may be a duration T1, meaning that if the time after the UE receives the indication information exceeds the duration T1, an on-demand PRS request can be sent. Then the first indication information may include: duration T1, and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request if the time after receiving the first indication information exceeds T1.

[0065] Scenario 4: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information may include: whether the UE allows the UE to send the on-demand PRS request, and the preset conditions when the UE sends the on-demand PRS request.

[0066] Case 5: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information may include: whether the UE is allowed to send the on-demand PRS request, and the preset time for the UE to send the on-demand PRS request.

[0067] Case 6: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information may include: preset conditions when the UE sends an on-demand PRS request, and preset time when the UE sends the on-demand PRS request.

[0068] Case 7: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information may include: whether the UE is allowed to send on-demand PRS requests, preset conditions when the UE sends on-demand PRS requests, and preset time for the UE to send on-demand PRS requests.

[0069] It should also be noted that, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information may be determined by the base station and / or core network equipment according to its own configuration.

[0070] Furthermore, it should be noted that in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the UE receives the first indication information sent by the core network device, the UE may receive the first indication information sent by the core network device before sending the on-demand PRS request to the core network device, so that the UE can subsequently send the on-demand PRS request to the core network device directly according to the first indication information.

[0071] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, when the UE receives the first indication information sent by the core network device, the UE may first send an on-demand PRS request to the core network device, and then receive the first indication information in response from the core network device, so that the UE can subsequently send an on-demand PRS request to the core network device according to the first indication information.

[0072] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the UE receives the first indication information sent by the base station, it may periodically receive the first indication information sent by the base station.

[0073] Step 102: Send an on-demand PRS request according to the first instruction information.

[0074] In one embodiment of this disclosure, after receiving the first indication information, the UE will send an on-demand PRS request to the core network device according to the first indication information, and will obtain the PRS configuration information (such as the PRS transmission period) sent by the core network device according to the on-demand PRS request. Thus, the UE can receive PRS according to the PRS configuration information to achieve positioning.

[0075] It should be noted that, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the content included in the first indication information is different, the way the UE sends the on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information is also different.

[0076] Specifically: In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the first indication information only includes: whether the UE is allowed to send an on-demand PRS request, the way the UE sends an on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information may include:

[0077] When the first indication information indicates that the UE is allowed to send an on-demand PRS request, the UE can send the on-demand PRS request when it needs to be sent; or, when the first indication information indicates that the UE is not allowed to send an on-demand PRS request, the UE cannot send the on-demand PRS request even if it needs to be sent.

[0078] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the first indication information only includes preset conditions for sending an on-demand PRS request, the method by which the UE sends the on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information may include: when the UE needs to send the on-demand PRS request, determining whether the UE meets the preset conditions; if the preset conditions are met, sending the on-demand PRS request. Otherwise, the UE does not send the on-demand PRS request.

[0079] For example, suppose the preset condition indicated by the first indication information is: if the PRS signal quality is below a preset threshold, an on-demand PRS request can be sent. Then, the UE will send the on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information as follows: when the PRS signal quality measured by the UE is below the preset threshold and the UE needs to send the on-demand PRS request, the UE can send the on-demand PRS request. When the PRS signal quality measured by the UE is not below the preset threshold, even if the UE needs to send the on-demand PRS request, it cannot send it.

[0080] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the first indication information only includes a preset time for sending an on-demand PRS request, the method by which the UE sends the on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information may include: when the UE needs to send an on-demand PRS request, determining whether the current time meets the preset time; if the current time meets the preset time, then sending the on-demand PRS request. Otherwise, the UE does not send the on-demand PRS request.

[0081] For example, suppose the preset time indicated by the first indication information is a duration T1, meaning that if the time after the UE receives the first indication information exceeds the duration T1, it can send an on-demand PRS request. Then, the UE sends the on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information in the following way: when the time after the UE receives the first indication information exceeds T1 and it needs to send the on-demand PRS request, the UE can send the on-demand PRS request. When the time after the UE receives the first indication information does not exceed T1, even if the UE needs to send an on-demand PRS request, it cannot send it.

[0082] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the first indication information includes whether the UE is allowed to send an on-demand PRS request and the preset conditions for the UE to send an on-demand PRS request, the way the UE sends an on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information may include: when the UE needs to send an on-demand PRS request, if the first indication information indicates that sending an on-demand PRS request is allowed and the UE meets the preset conditions indicated in the first indication information, then the UE can send an on-demand PRS request; otherwise, the UE does not send an on-demand PRS request.

[0083] For example, suppose the first indication information indicates that the UE is allowed to send on-demand PRS requests, and the preset condition indicated by the first indication information is: the PRS signal quality is below a preset threshold, in which case on-demand PRS requests can be sent. Then, the UE sends on-demand PRS requests according to the first indication information in the following way: when the PRS signal quality measured by the UE is below the preset threshold and an on-demand PRS request is needed, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request. When the PRS signal quality measured by the UE is not below the preset threshold, even if the UE needs to send an on-demand PRS request, it cannot send one.

[0084] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the first indication information includes whether the UE is allowed to send an on-demand PRS request and a preset time for the UE to send the on-demand PRS request, the UE may send the on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information in the following manner: when the UE needs to send an on-demand PRS request, if the first indication information indicates that the on-demand PRS request is allowed and the current time meets the preset time indicated in the first indication information, then the on-demand PRS request can be sent; otherwise, the UE does not send the on-demand PRS request.

[0085] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the first indication information includes: preset conditions for sending an on-demand PRS request and a preset time for the UE to send an on-demand PRS request, the way the UE sends an on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information may include: when the UE needs to send an on-demand PRS request, if the UE meets the preset conditions indicated in the first indication information and the current time meets the preset time indicated in the first indication information, then the UE can send an on-demand PRS request; otherwise, the UE does not send an on-demand PRS request.

[0086] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the first indication information includes: whether the UE is allowed to send an on-demand PRS request, preset conditions for the UE to send an on-demand PRS request, and preset time for the UE to send an on-demand PRS request, the way the UE sends an on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information may include: when the UE needs to send the on-demand PRS request, if the first indication information indicates that the on-demand PRS request is allowed, the UE meets the preset conditions indicated in the first indication information, and the current time meets the preset time indicated in the first indication information, then the on-demand PRS request can be sent; otherwise, the UE does not send an on-demand PRS request.

[0087] For example, suppose the first indication information indicates that the UE is allowed to send an on-demand PRS request; the preset condition indicated by the first indication information is that the PRS signal quality is below a preset threshold, allowing the on-demand PRS request to be sent; the preset time indicated by the first indication information is a duration T1, meaning that if the time after the UE receives the first indication information exceeds the duration T1, the on-demand PRS request can be sent. Then, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request according to the first indication information as follows: when the PRS signal quality measured by the UE is below the preset threshold, and the time after the UE receives the first indication information exceeds T1, and the UE needs to send an on-demand PRS request, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request. When the PRS signal quality measured by the UE is not below the preset threshold, or when the time after the UE receives the first indication information does not exceed T1, even if the UE needs to send an on-demand PRS request, it cannot send the on-demand PRS request.

[0088] Therefore, the UE can use the above method to send on-demand PRS requests to the core network equipment.

[0089] It should also be noted that in one embodiment of this disclosure, communication between the core network device and the UE requires relaying through a base station or other equipment. For ease of description, in the embodiments of this disclosure, sending messages from the core network device to the UE via a base station or other equipment is referred to as "core network device sending to UE". Similarly, sending messages from the UE to the core network device via a base station or other equipment is also referred to as "UE sending to core network device". For example, LPP messages sent from the core network to the UE are relayed through a base station, and LPP messages sent from the UE to the core network are also relayed through a base station, except that the base station forwards the LPP messages in a transparent manner.

[0090] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0091] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to a UE, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0092] Step 201: Receive first indication information from the base station, which is used to indicate the transmission conditions of the PRS request to the UE.

[0093] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a detailed description of the first instruction information can be found in the first embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0094] Step 202: Send the on-demand PRS request according to the first instruction information.

[0095] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a detailed description of the first instruction information sending on-demand PRS request can be found in the first embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0097] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to a UE, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0098] Step 301: Receive first indication information from the core network device. The first indication information is used to indicate the transmission conditions of the PRS request to the UE.

[0099] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a detailed description of the first instruction information can be found in the first embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0100] Step 302: Send the on-demand PRS request according to the first instruction information.

[0101] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a detailed description of the first instruction information sending on-demand PRS request can be found in the first embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0102] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0103] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to a UE, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0104] Step 401: Receive first indication information from the base station and core network equipment. The first indication information is used to indicate the transmission conditions of the PRS request to the UE.

[0105] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a detailed description of the first instruction information can be found in the first embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0106] It should be noted that, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the UE receives the first indication information sent by the base station and the core network equipment, the first indication information sent by the base station can be any one of the above-mentioned situations one to seven, and the first indication information sent by the core network equipment can also be any one of the above-mentioned situations one to seven.

[0107] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the content included in the first indication information sent by the base station and the content included in the first indication information sent by the core network device can be the same. Furthermore, it should be noted that when the content included in the first indication information sent by the base station and the content included in the first indication information sent by the core network device are the same, the transmission conditions indicated by the two cannot conflict.

[0108] For example, suppose that the first indication information sent by the base station and the first indication information sent by the core network device both include the content: whether to allow the sending of on-demand PRS requests. Specifically, both the first indication information sent by the base station and the first indication information sent by the core network device should indicate: the UE is allowed to send PRS requests, or both should indicate: the UE is not allowed to send PRS requests.

[0109] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the content included in the first indication information sent by the base station and the content included in the first indication information sent by the core network device may be different.

[0110] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information sent by the base station may only include whether the UE is allowed to send the on-demand PRS request. And, the first indication information sent by the core network equipment may only include preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request.

[0111] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the first indication information sent by the base station and the first indication information sent by the core network device are different, when the UE needs to send an on-demand PRS request, the UE needs to simultaneously meet the sending conditions indicated by the first indication information sent by the base station and the sending conditions indicated by the first indication information sent by the core network device in order to send the on-demand PRS request; otherwise, the UE will not send the on-demand PRS request.

[0112] For example, the first indication information sent by the base station includes: allowing the UE to send an on-demand PRS request. The first indication information sent by the core network equipment includes: preset conditions for sending an on-demand PRS request, which is: the PRS signal quality is below a preset threshold, allowing the on-demand PRS request to be sent. Therefore, when the PRS signal quality measured by the UE is below the preset threshold and the UE needs to send the on-demand PRS request, the UE can send the on-demand PRS request. When the PRS signal quality measured by the UE is not below the preset threshold, even if the UE needs to send an on-demand PRS request, it cannot send it.

[0113] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0114] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to core network equipment, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0115] Step 501: Receive second indication information from the base station, which is used to indicate the transmission conditions of the on-demand PRS request to the core network equipment.

[0116] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the core network device can receive a second indication information sent by the base station according to NRPPa, so that the core network device can subsequently send an on-demand PRS request to the base station according to the second indication information.

[0117] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second instruction information may include at least one of: whether the core network device is allowed to send on-demand PRS requests, preset conditions when the core network device sends on-demand PRS requests, and preset time for the core network device to send on-demand PRS requests.

[0118] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second instruction information may specifically be one of the following:

[0119] Scenario 8: In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information may only include: whether to allow the core network device to send on-demand PRS requests. For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information may include: allowing the core network device to send on-demand PRS requests.

[0120] Scenario 9: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information may only include: preset conditions for sending an on-demand PRS request. For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the preset condition may be, for instance, that the signal quality is below a PRS signal quality threshold. Then, the second indication information may include: when the PRS signal quality measured by the UE and obtained by the core network device is below the preset PRS signal quality threshold, an on-demand PRS request can be sent.

[0121] Scenario 10: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information may only include: a preset time for sending an on-demand PRS request. For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the preset time may be a duration T2, meaning that when the time after the core network device receives the second indication information exceeds the duration T2, an on-demand PRS request can be sent. Then the second indication information may include: duration T2, and the core network device receiving the second indication information when the time exceeds T2, and an on-demand PRS request can be sent.

[0122] Case 11: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the second instruction information may include: whether the core network device is allowed to send on-demand PRS requests, and preset conditions for sending on-demand PRS requests.

[0123] Case 12: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the second instruction information may include: whether the core network device is allowed to send on-demand PRS requests, and a preset time for sending on-demand PRS requests.

[0124] Scenario 13: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the second instruction information may include: preset conditions for sending on-demand PRS requests and preset time for sending on-demand PRS requests.

[0125] Case Fourteen: In another embodiment of this disclosure, the second instruction information may include: whether the core network device is allowed to send on-demand PRS requests, preset conditions for sending on-demand PRS requests, and preset time for sending on-demand PRS requests.

[0126] It should also be noted that, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information may be determined by the base station based on its own configuration.

[0127] Furthermore, it should be noted that in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the core network device receives the second indication information sent by the base station, the core network device may receive the second indication information sent by the base station when it first sends an on-demand PRS request to the base station, so that the core network device can subsequently send an on-demand PRS request to the base station directly according to the second indication information.

[0128] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, when the core network device receives the second indication information sent by the base station, the core network device may first send an on-demand PRS request to the base station, and then receive the second indication information in response from the base station, so that the core network device can subsequently send an on-demand PRS request to the base station based on the second indication information.

[0129] Step 502: Send the on-demand PRS request according to the second instruction message.

[0130] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the core network device can send an on-demand PRS request to the base station via an NRPPa message based on the second instruction information.

[0131] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the content included in the second indication information is different, the core network device sends on-demand PRS requests in different ways according to the second indication information.

[0132] Specifically: In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the second indication information only includes: whether the core network device is allowed to send on-demand PRS requests, the method by which the core network device sends on-demand PRS requests according to the second indication information may include:

[0133] When the second indication information indicates that the core network device is allowed to send on-demand PRS requests, the core network device may send the on-demand PRS request when it needs to be sent; or, when the second indication information indicates that the core network device is not allowed to send on-demand PRS requests, the core network device may not send the on-demand PRS request even if it needs to send it.

[0134] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the second indication information only includes preset conditions for sending an on-demand PRS request, the core network device may send the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information in the following manner: when the core network device needs to send an on-demand PRS request, it determines whether the core network device meets the preset conditions; if the preset conditions are met, the core network device sends the on-demand PRS request. Otherwise, the core network device does not send the on-demand PRS request.

[0135] For example, suppose the preset condition indicated by the second indication information is: if the PRS signal quality is below a preset threshold, an on-demand PRS request can be sent. Then, the core network device sends the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information as follows: when the PRS signal quality measured by the UE and obtained by the core network device is below the preset threshold, and an on-demand PRS request needs to be sent, the core network device can send the on-demand PRS request. When the PRS signal quality measured by the UE and obtained by the core network device is not below the preset threshold, even if the core network device needs to send an on-demand PRS request, it cannot send it.

[0136] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the second indication information only includes a preset time for sending an on-demand PRS request, the core network device may send the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information in the following manner: when the core network device needs to send an on-demand PRS request, it determines whether the current time meets the preset time; if the current time meets the preset time, it sends the on-demand PRS request. Otherwise, the core network device does not send the on-demand PRS request.

[0137] For example, suppose the preset time indicated by the second indication information is a duration T2, meaning that if the time after the core network device receives the second indication information exceeds this duration T2, it can send an on-demand PRS request. Then, the core network device sends the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information as follows: when the time after the core network device receives the second indication information exceeds T2 and it needs to send an on-demand PRS request, the core network device can send the on-demand PRS request. When the time after the core network device receives the second indication information does not exceed T2, even if the core network device needs to send an on-demand PRS request, it cannot send it.

[0138] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the second indication information includes: whether the core network device is allowed to send an on-demand PRS request, and the preset conditions for the core network device to send an on-demand PRS request, the core network device may send the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information in the following manner: when the core network device needs to send the on-demand PRS request, if the second indication information indicates that the on-demand PRS request is allowed and the core network device meets the preset conditions indicated in the second indication information, then the on-demand PRS request can be sent; otherwise, the core network device does not send the on-demand PRS request.

[0139] For example, suppose the second indication information indicates that the core network device is allowed to send on-demand PRS requests, and the preset condition indicated by the second indication information is: the PRS signal quality is below a preset threshold, in which case the on-demand PRS request can be sent. Then, the core network device sends the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information as follows: when the PRS signal quality measured by the UE obtained by the core network device is below the preset threshold, and the on-demand PRS request needs to be sent, the core network device can send the on-demand PRS request. When the PRS signal quality measured by the UE obtained by the core network device is not below the preset threshold, even if the core network device needs to send the on-demand PRS request, it cannot send it.

[0140] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the second indication information includes: whether the core network device is allowed to send the on-demand PRS request, and a preset time for the core network device to send the on-demand PRS request, the core network device may send the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information in the following manner: when the core network device needs to send the on-demand PRS request, if the second indication information indicates that the on-demand PRS request is allowed to be sent, and the current time meets the preset time indicated in the second indication information, then the on-demand PRS request can be sent; otherwise, the core network device does not send the on-demand PRS request.

[0141] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the second indication information includes: preset conditions for sending an on-demand PRS request and a preset time for the core network device to send the on-demand PRS request, the core network device may send the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information in the following manner: when the core network device needs to send the on-demand PRS request, if the core network device meets the preset conditions indicated in the second indication information and the current time meets the preset time indicated in the second indication information, then the on-demand PRS request can be sent; otherwise, the core network device does not send the on-demand PRS request.

[0142] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the second indication information includes: whether the core network device is allowed to send an on-demand PRS request, the preset conditions for the core network device to send an on-demand PRS request, and the preset time for the core network device to send an on-demand PRS request, the core network device may send the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information in the following manner: when the core network device needs to send an on-demand PRS request, if the second indication information indicates that the on-demand PRS request is allowed, the core network device meets the preset conditions indicated in the second indication information, and the current time meets the preset time indicated in the second indication information, then the on-demand PRS request can be sent; otherwise, the core network device does not send the on-demand PRS request.

[0143] For example, suppose the second indication information indicates that the core network device is allowed to send on-demand PRS requests; the preset condition indicated by the second indication information is that the PRS signal quality is below a preset threshold, allowing the on-demand PRS request to be sent; the preset time indicated by the second indication information is a duration T2, meaning that if the time after the core network device receives the second indication information exceeds the duration T2, it can send an on-demand PRS request. Then, the core network device can send an on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information as follows: when the PRS signal quality measured by the UE obtained by the core network device is below the preset threshold, and the time after the core network device receives the second indication information exceeds T2, and the core network device needs to send the on-demand PRS request, the core network device can send the on-demand PRS request. When the PRS signal quality measured by the UE obtained by the core network device is not below the preset threshold, or when the time after the core network device receives the second indication information does not exceed T2, even if the core network device needs to send an on-demand PRS request, it cannot send it.

[0144] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the core network device can receive second indication information from the base station, which is used to indicate to the core network device the transmission conditions for on-demand PRS requests; and the core network device can send on-demand PRS requests according to the second indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the core network device can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received second indication information. That is, the core network device can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the second indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0145] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to core network equipment, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0146] Step 601: Send a first indication message to the UE. The first indication message is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions of the on-demand PRS request.

[0147] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the core network device can send the first indication information to the UE via an LPP message.

[0148] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a detailed description of the first instruction information can be found in the first embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0150] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to core network equipment, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0151] Step 701: Receive second indication information from the base station, which is used to indicate the transmission conditions of the on-demand PRS request to the core network equipment.

[0152] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a detailed description of the second instruction information can be found in the above-described embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] Step 702: Determine the first indication message based on the second indication message. The first indication message is used to indicate to the UE the conditions for sending on-demand PRS requests.

[0154] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a detailed description of the first instruction information can be found in the above-described embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] Furthermore, it should be noted that in one embodiment of this disclosure, the content included in the first indication message can be exactly the same as the content included in the second indication message, that is, the second indication information received by the core network device from the base station and the first indication information sent by the core network device to the UE are coupled together.

[0156] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the content included in the first instruction message may be a portion of the content in the second instruction message.

[0157] Step 703: Send the first indication information to the UE.

[0158] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a detailed description of sending the first indication information to the UE can be found in the above-described embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0159] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the core network device can determine the content of the first indication information to be sent to the UE based on the second indication information from the base station. The UE can then receive the first indication information from the core network device, which is used to indicate the conditions for sending an on-demand PRS request. Furthermore, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the core network device can determine the content of the first indication information to be sent to the UE based on the sent second indication information, and the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the sending conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0160] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to a base station, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0161] Step 801: Send a first indication message to the UE, and / or send a second indication message to the core network equipment.

[0162] The first indication information is used to indicate the conditions for the UE to send on-demand PRS requests, and the second indication information is used to indicate the conditions for the core network equipment to send on-demand PRS requests.

[0163] Furthermore, a detailed description of the base station sending the first indication information to the UE can be found in the first embodiment described above, and a detailed description of the base station sending the second indication information to the core network equipment can be found in the fifth embodiment described above. The embodiments disclosed herein will not be elaborated upon here.

[0164] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information sent by the base station to the UE can be any one of the above-described situations one to seven; and the second indication information sent by the base station to the core network equipment can be any one of the above-described situations seven to fourteen.

[0165] Step 802: Receive on-demand PRS requests from the UE and / or the core network equipment.

[0166] The on-demand PRS request sent by the UE to the base station may be sent by the UE according to the first indication information, and the on-demand PRS request sent by the core network equipment to the base station may be sent by the core network equipment according to the second indication information.

[0167] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the base station may receive an on-demand PRS request sent by the core network device via an NRPPa message.

[0168] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0169] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to a base station, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0170] Step 901: Send the first indication information to the UE.

[0171] The first indication information is used to indicate the conditions for sending the UE's on-demand PRS request.

[0172] Furthermore, a detailed description of how the base station sends the first indication information to the UE can be found in the first embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0173] Step 902: Receive on-demand PRS requests from the UE.

[0174] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0175] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to a base station, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0176] Step 1001: Send the second instruction information to the core network equipment.

[0177] The second instruction information is used to indicate the conditions for sending on-demand PRS requests by the core network equipment.

[0178] Furthermore, the method for the base station to send the second instruction information to the core network equipment can be referred to the fifth embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0179] Step 1002: Receive on-demand PRS requests from the core network device.

[0180] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0181] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an indication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to a base station, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the indication method may include the following steps:

[0182] Step 1101: Send the first indication information to the UE and the second indication information to the core network equipment.

[0183] The first indication information is used to indicate the conditions for the UE to send on-demand PRS requests, and the second indication information is used to indicate the conditions for the core network equipment to send on-demand PRS requests.

[0184] Furthermore, a detailed description of the base station sending the first indication information to the UE can be found in the first embodiment described above, and a detailed description of the base station sending the second indication information to the core network equipment can be found in the fifth embodiment described above. The embodiments disclosed herein will not be elaborated upon here.

[0185] Step 1102: Receive on-demand PRS requests from the UE and the core network equipment.

[0186] In summary, in the indication method provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0187] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an indicating device provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 12 As shown, the device 1200 may include:

[0188] The receiving module 1201 is configured to receive first indication information from a base station and / or core network equipment, the first indication information being used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for on-demand PRS requests;

[0189] The sending module 1202 is used to send the on-demand PRS request according to the first instruction information.

[0190] In summary, in the indication device provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from the base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0191] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information includes at least one of: whether to allow sending the on-demand PRS request, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

[0192] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information includes whether to allow the sending of the on-demand PRS request.

[0193] The sending module 1202 is further configured to:

[0194] When the first indication information indicates that sending an on-demand PRS request is permitted, the on-demand PRS request is sent when it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request; or

[0195] When the first indication information indicates that sending on-demand PRS requests is not allowed, the on-demand PRS request is not sent.

[0196] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information includes preset conditions when sending the on-demand PRS request.

[0197] The sending module 1202 is further configured to:

[0198] When it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request, and the UE meets the preset conditions indicated by the first indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

[0199] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information includes a preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

[0200] The sending module 1202 is further configured to:

[0201] When it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request, and the current time meets the preset time indicated by the first indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

[0202] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 1201 is further configured to: receive the first indication information sent by the base station via a system message.

[0203] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 1201 is further configured to: receive the first indication information sent by the core network device through a Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) message.

[0204] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 1202 is further configured to: send the on-demand PRS request to the core network device according to the first indication information.

[0205] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an indicating device provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 13 As shown, the device 1300 may include:

[0206] The receiving module 1301 is used to receive second indication information from the base station, the second indication information being used to indicate to the core network equipment the transmission conditions of the on-demand PRS request;

[0207] The sending module 1302 is used to send the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information.

[0208] In summary, in the indication device provided in this embodiment, the core network device can receive second indication information from the base station. This second indication information is used to indicate to the core network device the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the core network device can send an on-demand PRS request based on the second indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the core network device can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received second indication information. That is, the core network device can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the second indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0209] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information includes at least one of: whether to allow sending the on-demand PRS request, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

[0210] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information includes whether to allow the sending of the on-demand PRS request.

[0211] The sending module 1302 is further configured to:

[0212] When the second indication information indicates that sending an on-demand PRS request is permitted, the on-demand PRS request is sent when it is required; or

[0213] When the second indication information indicates that sending on-demand PRS requests is not allowed, the on-demand PRS request is not sent.

[0214] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the second instruction information includes preset conditions when sending the on-demand PRS request.

[0215] The sending module 1302 is further configured to:

[0216] When it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request, and the core network device meets the preset conditions indicated by the second indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

[0217] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information includes a preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

[0218] The sending module 1302 is further configured to:

[0219] When it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request, and the current time meets the preset time indicated by the second indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

[0220] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 1301 is further configured to:

[0221] Receive the second indication information sent by the base station via the New Radio Positioning Protocol (NRPPa) message.

[0222] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 1302 is also used for:

[0223] The on-demand PRS request is sent to the base station via the NRPPa message according to the second indication information.

[0224] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 1302 is also used for:

[0225] Send a first indication message to the UE, the first indication message being used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for the on-demand PRS request.

[0226] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information includes at least one of: whether to allow sending the on-demand PRS request, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

[0227] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an indicating device provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 14 As shown, the device 1400 may include:

[0228] The sending module 1401 is used to send the first indication information to the UE and / or send the second indication information to the core network equipment. The first indication information is used to indicate the sending conditions of the UE's on-demand PRS request, and the second indication information is used to indicate the sending conditions of the core network equipment's on-demand PRS request.

[0229] The receiving module 1402 is configured to receive the on-demand PRS request from the UE and / or the core network equipment.

[0230] In summary, in the indication device provided in this embodiment, the UE can receive first indication information from the base station and / or core network equipment. This first indication information is used to indicate to the UE the transmission conditions for an on-demand PRS request; and the UE can send an on-demand PRS request based on the first indication message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UE can decide whether to send an on-demand PRS request based on the received first indication information. That is, the UE can send an on-demand PRS request when the transmission conditions indicated by the first indication information are met; otherwise, it will not send an on-demand PRS request, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0231] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information includes at least one of: whether to allow sending the on-demand PRS request, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

[0232] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information includes at least one of: whether to allow sending the on-demand PRS request, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

[0233] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 1401 is further configured to:

[0234] The first indication information is sent to the UE via system message.

[0235] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 1401 is further configured to:

[0236] The second instruction information is sent to the core network device via NRPPa message.

[0237] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 1402 is further configured to:

[0238] Receive the on-demand PRS request sent by the core network device via NRPPa message.

[0239] To implement the above embodiments, this disclosure also proposes a computer storage medium.

[0240] The computer storage medium provided in this embodiment stores an executable program; after the executable program is executed by a processor, it can achieve the following: Figures 1 to 4 or Figures 5 to 7 or Figures 8 to 11 Any of the indicated methods.

[0241] To achieve the above embodiments, this disclosure also proposes a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the following: Figures 1 to 4 or Figures 5 to 7 or Figures 8 to 11 Any of the indicated methods.

[0242] Furthermore, in order to implement the above embodiments, this disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following: Figures 1 to 4 or Figures 5 to 7 or Figures 8 to 11 Any of the indicated methods.

[0243] To implement the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a core network device, including: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor, respectively connected to the transceiver and the memory, configured to control the wireless signal transmission and reception of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and capable of achieving... Figures 5 to 7 The method described.

[0244] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of a user equipment UE1500 provided in one embodiment of this disclosure. For example, UE1500 may be a mobile phone, computer, digital broadcasting terminal equipment, messaging transceiver, game console, tablet device, medical device, fitness equipment, personal digital assistant, etc.

[0245] Reference Figure 15 UE1500 may include at least one of the following components: processing component 1502, memory 1504, power supply component 1506, multimedia component 1508, audio component 1510, input / output (I / O) interface 1512, sensor component 1514, and communication component 1516.

[0246] Processing component 1502 typically controls the overall operation of UE 1500, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communication, camera operation, and recording operations. Processing component 1502 may include at least one processor 1520 to execute instructions to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, processing component 1502 may include at least one module to facilitate interaction between processing component 1502 and other components. For example, processing component 1502 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 1508 and processing component 1502.

[0247] Memory 1504 is configured to store various types of data to support operation on UE 1500. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on UE 1500, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 1504 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0248] Power supply component 1506 provides power to various components of UE1500. Power supply component 1506 may include a power management system, at least one power supply, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to UE1500.

[0249] The multimedia component 1508 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the UE 1500 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touchscreen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes at least one touch sensor to sense touch, swipe, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor may not only sense the boundaries of the touch or swipe action but also detect the wake-up time and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 1508 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When the UE 1500 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or the rear-facing camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0250] Audio component 1510 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 1510 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when UE 1500 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 1504 or transmitted via communication component 1516. In some embodiments, audio component 1510 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0251] I / O interface 1512 provides an interface between processing component 1502 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0252] Sensor assembly 1514 includes at least one sensor for providing status assessment of various aspects of UE 1500. For example, sensor assembly 1514 may detect the on / off state of device 1500, the relative positioning of components such as the display and keypad of UE 1500, changes in position of UE 1500 or one of its components, the presence or absence of user contact with UE 1500, orientation or acceleration / deceleration of UE 1500, and temperature changes of UE 1500. Sensor assembly 1514 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 1514 may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 1514 may also include an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, pressure sensor, or temperature sensor.

[0253] Communication component 1516 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between UE 1500 and other devices. UE 1500 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 1516 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 1516 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0254] In an exemplary embodiment, the UE1500 may be implemented by at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), digital signal processing device (DSPD), programmable logic device (PLD), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), controller, microcontroller, microprocessor or other electronic component to perform the above method.

[0255] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of a base station 1600 provided in an embodiment of this application. For example, base station 1600 can be provided as a base station. (Refer to...) Figure 16 The base station 1600 includes a processing component 1616, which further includes at least one processor, and memory resources represented by memory 1632 for storing instructions, such as application programs, that can be executed by the processing component 1616. The application programs stored in memory 1632 may include one or more modules, each corresponding to a set of instructions. Furthermore, the processing component 1616 is configured to execute instructions to perform any of the methods described above applied to the base station, such as... Figure 1 The method shown.

[0256] Base station 1600 may also include a power supply component 1626 configured to perform power management of base station 1600, a wired or wireless network interface 1650 configured to connect base station 1600 to a network, and an input / output (I / O) interface 1658. Base station 1600 can operate on an operating system stored in memory 1632, such as Windows Server™, MacOS X™, Unix™, Linux™, Free BSD™, or similar.

[0257] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0258] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of indication, characterized in that, Applied to core network equipment, including: Receive a second indication information from the base station, the second indication information being used to instruct the core network equipment on the preconditions for sending a Position Reference Signal (PRS) request as needed; The on-demand PRS request is sent according to the second instruction information.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second indication information includes at least one of the following: whether sending the on-demand PRS request is allowed, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second indication information includes whether to allow the sending of the on-demand PRS request; Sending the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information includes: When the second indication information indicates that sending an on-demand PRS request is permitted, the on-demand PRS request is sent when it is required; or When the second indication information indicates that sending on-demand PRS requests is not allowed, the on-demand PRS request is not sent.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second indication information includes preset conditions when sending the on-demand PRS request; Sending the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information includes: When it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request, and the core network device meets the preset conditions indicated by the second indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second indication information includes a preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request; Sending the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information includes: When it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request, and the current time meets the preset time indicated by the second indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The preset time is duration T2; the current time satisfying the preset time indicated by the second indication information includes: the time after the core network device receives the second indication information exceeds the duration T2.

7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The receipt of the second indication information from the base station includes: Receive the second indication information sent by the base station via the New Radio Positioning Protocol (NRPPa) message.

8. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information includes: The on-demand PRS request is sent to the base station via an NRPPa message according to the second instruction information.

9. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Send a first indication message to the user equipment (UE), the first indication message being used to indicate the preconditions for the UE to send an on-demand PRS request as required.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The first indication information includes at least one of: whether sending the on-demand PRS request is allowed, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

11. A method of indication, characterized in that, Applied to base stations, including: Send a second instruction message to the core network equipment, the second instruction message being used to instruct the core network equipment on the preconditions for sending on-demand PRS requests as required; Receive the on-demand PRS request from the core network equipment.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The second indication information includes at least one of the following: whether sending the on-demand PRS request is allowed, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

13. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The second indication information includes whether to allow the sending of the on-demand PRS request; Wherein, when the second indication information indicates that sending an on-demand PRS request is permitted, the on-demand PRS request is sent when it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request; or When the second indication information indicates that sending on-demand PRS requests is not allowed, the on-demand PRS request is not sent.

14. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The second indication information includes preset conditions when sending the on-demand PRS request; Specifically, when it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request and the core network device meets the preset conditions indicated by the second indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

15. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The second indication information includes a preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request; When the on-demand PRS request needs to be sent, and the current time meets the preset time indicated by the second indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The preset time is duration T2; the current time satisfying the preset time indicated by the second indication information includes: the time after the core network device receives the second indication information exceeds the duration T2.

17. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Sending the second instruction information to the core network equipment includes: The second instruction information is sent to the core network device via NRPPa message.

18. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Receiving the on-demand PRS request from the core network device includes: Receive the on-demand PRS request sent by the core network device via NRPPa message.

19. An indicating device, characterized in that, Applied to core network equipment, including: The receiving module is used to receive second indication information from the base station, the second indication information being used to instruct the core network equipment on the preconditions for sending a Position Reference Signal (PRS) request as needed. The sending module is used to send the on-demand PRS request according to the second indication information.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The second indication information includes at least one of the following: whether sending the on-demand PRS request is allowed, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The second indication information includes whether to allow the sending of the on-demand PRS request; The sending module is further configured to: When the second indication information indicates that sending an on-demand PRS request is permitted, the on-demand PRS request is sent when it is required; or When the second indication information indicates that sending on-demand PRS requests is not allowed, the on-demand PRS request is not sent.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The second indication information includes preset conditions when sending the on-demand PRS request; The sending module is further configured to: When it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request, and the core network device meets the preset conditions indicated by the second indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The second indication information includes a preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request; The sending module is further configured to: When it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request, and the current time meets the preset time indicated by the second indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, characterized in that, The preset time is duration T2; the current time satisfying the preset time indicated by the second indication information includes: the time after the core network device receives the second indication information exceeds the duration T2.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The receiving module is further configured to: Receive the second indication information sent by the base station via the New Radio Positioning Protocol (NRPPa) message.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The sending module is further configured to: The on-demand PRS request is sent to the base station via an NRPPa message according to the second instruction information.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The device is also used for: Send a first indication message to the user equipment (UE), the first indication message being used to indicate the preconditions for the UE to send an on-demand PRS request as required.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that, The first indication information includes at least one of: whether sending the on-demand PRS request is allowed, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

29. An indicating device, characterized in that, Applied to base stations, including: The sending module is used to send a second indication information to the core network equipment, the second indication information being used to instruct the core network equipment on the preconditions for sending on-demand PRS requests as required. A receiving module is used to receive the on-demand PRS request from the core network equipment.

30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29, characterized in that, The second indication information includes at least one of the following: whether sending the on-demand PRS request is allowed, preset conditions for sending the on-demand PRS request, and preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request.

31. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29, characterized in that, The second indication information includes whether to allow the sending of the on-demand PRS request; Wherein, when the second indication information indicates that sending an on-demand PRS request is permitted, the on-demand PRS request is sent when it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request; or When the second indication information indicates that sending on-demand PRS requests is not allowed, the on-demand PRS request is not sent.

32. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29, characterized in that, The second indication information includes preset conditions when sending the on-demand PRS request; Specifically, when it is necessary to send the on-demand PRS request and the core network device meets the preset conditions indicated by the second indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

33. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29, characterized in that, The second indication information includes a preset time for sending the on-demand PRS request; When the on-demand PRS request needs to be sent, and the current time meets the preset time indicated by the second indication information, the on-demand PRS request is sent.

34. The apparatus as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that, The preset time is duration T2; the current time satisfying the preset time indicated by the second indication information includes: the time after the core network device receives the second indication information exceeds the duration T2.

35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29, characterized in that, The sending module is further configured to: The second instruction information is sent to the core network device via NRPPa message.

36. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29, characterized in that, The receiving module is further configured to: Receive the on-demand PRS request sent by the core network device via NRPPa message.

37. A base station, characterized in that, include: transceiver; Memory; A processor, connected to both the transceiver and the memory, is configured to control the wireless signal transmission and reception of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and to implement the method described in any one of claims 11 to 18.

38. A core network device, wherein, include: transceiver; Memory; A processor, connected to both the transceiver and the memory, is configured to control the wireless signal transmission and reception of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

39. A computer storage medium, wherein, The computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions; when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions are able to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 18.

40. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 18.

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