A positioning method and device

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a positioning method and apparatus, which are applied to a network-side device. The method includes: receiving an instruction (S1) for activating or deactivating an uplink positioning reference signal sent by a location management function (LMF) device, and sending an activation command or a deactivation command (S2) to a terminal device in a radio resource control (RRC) non-connected state according to the instruction for activating or deactivating the uplink positioning reference signal; by implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device in the RRC non-connected state can receive the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network-side device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal, thereby realizing positioning of the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, in the 5G (The 5th Generation, the future fifth generation) NR (New Radio) system, a variety of positioning technologies have been introduced to locate terminal devices.

[0003] In the related art, it is proposed to locate a terminal device in an RRC (Radio Resource Control) non-connected state. The network-side device configures an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device in the RRC non-connected state according to the positioning information request sent by the LMF (Location Management Function) device. However, when the uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic or semi-continuous signal, how to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device in the RRC non-connected state is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a positioning method and apparatus, whereby a terminal device in an RRC non-connected state can receive an activation command or a deactivation command sent by a network-side device, thereby enabling positioning of the terminal device.

[0005] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, which is applied to a network side device, and the method includes: receiving an instruction to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal sent by a location management function LMF device; and sending an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in a non-connected state of a radio resource control RRC according to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0006] In this technical solution, after the network side device receives the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal sent by the LMF device, it sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device in the RRC non-connected state according to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal, so that the terminal device in the RRC non-connected state can receive the activation command or the deactivation command sent by the network side device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal and realize positioning of the terminal device.

[0007] In some embodiments, sending an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in an RRC non-connected state includes: after triggering the terminal device to enter an RRC connected state, sending the activation command or the deactivation command to the terminal device.

[0008] In some embodiments, sending an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in an RRC non-connected state includes: sending the activation command or the deactivation command to the terminal device when the terminal device has ongoing uplink small data transmission SDT.

[0009] In this technical solution, when the terminal device is in the process of transmitting uplink small data (SDT), the activation command or deactivation command is sent to the terminal device, causing the terminal device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal to achieve positioning of the terminal device. During this process, there is no need to send the activation command or deactivation command after the terminal device is in the RRC connected state, which can further reduce latency and achieve rapid activation or deactivation of the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0010] In some embodiments, sending an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in an RRC non-connected state includes: sending a paging message to the terminal device, and sending the activation command or the deactivation command to the terminal device during random access of the terminal device.

[0011] In this technical solution, a paging message is sent to a terminal device. During the terminal device's random access process, an activation or deactivation command is sent to the terminal device, causing the terminal device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal to achieve positioning of the terminal device. During this process, the activation or deactivation command does not need to be sent until the terminal device is in the RRC connected state, which can further reduce latency and achieve rapid activation or deactivation of the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0012] In some embodiments, after sending the activation command or the deactivation command to the terminal device, the method further includes: controlling the terminal device to be in an RRC non-connected state.

[0013] In this technical solution, after the network side device sends an activation command to the terminal device or an activation command, the terminal device is controlled to be in an RRC non-connected state, which can reduce the power consumption of the terminal device and further save energy.

[0014] In some embodiments, before receiving the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal sent by the LMF device, the method further includes: receiving an indication message sent by the LMF device; and configuring an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device according to the indication message, wherein the uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic or semi-continuous signal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the indication message includes a preset duration; wherein the preset duration is the maximum time required for the network measurement device to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the network side device fails to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device within the preset time period, and sends a first error indication message to the LMF device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first error indication message includes a first cause value; wherein, the first cause value is that the terminal device does not enter the RRC non-connected state within the preset time length.

[0018] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides another positioning method, which is applied to a network side device, and the method includes: receiving a positioning information request message sent by a location management function LMF device to instruct or request the network side device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for a terminal device; configuring the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device according to the positioning information request message, and if the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be successfully configured for the terminal device within a preset time length, sending a second error indication message to the LMF device; wherein, the uplink positioning reference signal is applied to a terminal device in a non-connected state of a radio resource control RRC.

[0019] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides another positioning method, which is applied to a terminal device. The method includes: when the terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state, receiving an activation command or a deactivation command sent by a network side device; and activating or deactivating an uplink positioning reference signal according to the activation command or the deactivation command.

[0020] In some embodiments, the receiving of the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device also includes: receiving an instruction sent by the network side device to trigger the terminal device to enter the RRC connection state, the terminal device enters the RRC connection state, and receives the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the receiving of the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device further includes: when the terminal device has an ongoing uplink small data transmission SDT, receiving the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the receiving of the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device further includes: receiving a paging message sent by the network side device, and receiving the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device during the random access process.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a positioning capability request message sent by an LMF device; wherein the positioning capability request message is used to at least request to obtain the type and / or mobility status of the terminal device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the terminal device sending the type and / or mobility status of the terminal device to the LMF device according to the positioning capability request message.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides another positioning device that has some or all of the functions of the network-side device in the method examples described in the first or second aspects above. For example, the positioning device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or may have the functions of implementing any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure alone. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0026] In one implementation, the positioning device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, the processing module being configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions of the above-described method. The transceiver module is configured to support communication between the communication device and other devices. The positioning device may also include a storage module, coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, which stores computer programs and data necessary for the communication device.

[0027] In one implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module for receiving an instruction to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal sent by a location management function LMF device; and a processing module for sending an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in a non-connected state of a wireless resource control RRC according to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0028] Alternatively, the transceiver module is used to receive a positioning information request message sent by a location management function LMF device to instruct or request a network-side device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for a terminal device; the processing module is used to configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device according to the positioning information request message, and if the uplink positioning reference signal fails to be successfully configured for the terminal device within a preset time period, a second error indication message is sent to the LMF device; wherein, the uplink positioning reference signal is applied to a terminal device in a non-connected state of a radio resource control RRC.

[0029] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning device that has the ability to implement some or all of the functions of the terminal device in the method described in the third aspect above. For example, the functions of the positioning device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or may have the functions of implementing any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure alone. The functions may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0030] In one implementation, the positioning device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein the processing module is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions of the above-mentioned method. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module and stores computer programs and data necessary for the communication device.

[0031] Among them, the transceiver module is used to receive the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device when the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state; the processing module is used to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal according to the activation command or the deactivation command.

[0032] As an example, the processing module may be a processor, the transceiver module may be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage module may be a memory.

[0033] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network side device, which includes a processor and a memory, in which a computer program is stored; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory so that the network side device executes the method described in the first or second aspect above.

[0034] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal device, which includes a processor and a memory, in which a computer program is stored; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory so that the terminal device executes the method described in the third aspect above.

[0035] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, and the processor is used to run the code instructions to enable the device to execute the method described in the first or second aspect above.

[0036] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, and the processor is used to run the code instructions to enable the device to execute the method described in the third aspect above.

[0037] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning system, which includes the positioning device described in the fourth aspect and the positioning device described in the fifth aspect, or the system includes the network side device described in the sixth aspect and the terminal device described in the seventh aspect, or the system includes the communication device described in the eighth aspect and the communication device described in the ninth aspect.

[0038] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for the above-mentioned terminal device, and when the instructions are executed, the terminal device executes the method described in the first or second aspect above.

[0039] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a readable storage medium for storing instructions used by the above-mentioned network device, and when the instructions are executed, the network device executes the method described in the third aspect.

[0040] In a thirteenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the first or second aspect above.

[0041] In a fourteenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the third aspect above.

[0042] In a fifteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a chip system comprising at least one processor and an interface for supporting a terminal device in implementing the functions described in the first or second aspects, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information described in the aforementioned methods. In one possible design, the chip system further comprises a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the terminal device. The chip system may consist of a chip alone or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0043] In a sixteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a chip system comprising at least one processor and an interface for supporting a network device in implementing the functions described in the third aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information described in the aforementioned method. In one possible design, the chip system further comprises a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the network device. The chip system may consist of a single chip or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0044] In a seventeenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the first or second aspect above.

[0045] In an eighteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the third aspect above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background technology will be described below.

[0047] Figure 1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 3 is a flow chart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 5 is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 8 is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 9 is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 10 is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 11 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 12 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of a chip provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In order to better understand the positioning method and apparatus disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication system to which the embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable is first described below.

[0061] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, such as: global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, future fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), etc.

[0062] The terminal device in the embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device. The terminal may also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal in a future 5G network or a terminal in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0063] The network side device in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be a device for communicating with a terminal device. The network side device can be a base station (base transceiver station, BTS) in a global system for mobile communications (GSM) system or code division multiple access (CDMA), or a base station (NodeB, NB) in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, or an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or the network side device can be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, and a network side device (gNodeB, gNB) in a future 5G network or a network side device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc., and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal device or a network side device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as a Linux operating system, a Unix operating system, an Android operating system, an iOS operating system, or a Windows operating system. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. In addition, the embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure by running a program that records the code of the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, the execution subject of the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can be a terminal device or a network side device, or a functional module in the terminal device or the network side device that can call and execute a program.

[0065] See Figure 1 , which is a structural diagram of a possible communication system 10 applicable to the present disclosure.

[0066] like Figure 1As shown, the communication system 10 includes a terminal device 101, a network side device 102 and a location management function device 103, which are described below respectively:

[0067] 1. Terminal device (TD) 101: This is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. This includes various wireless communication-capable handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. Terminals can be deployed in various forms, including mobile stations (MS), terminals, user equipment (UE), and soft terminals. Terminals can be deployed on land, indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water (e.g., ships); or in the air (e.g., aircraft, balloons, and satellites). For example, mobile phones, tablet computers, computers with wireless transceiver functions, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0068] 2. (Wireless) network side equipment (Radio Access Network, (R)AN) 102: is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminals, including but not limited to: the next generation base station (g nodeB, gNB) in 5G, evolved node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved nodeB, or home nodeB, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), transmission point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), etc.

[0069] 3. Location management function device 103: also known as location management network element, is used to perform location management of the terminal device 101, for example, to determine the location information of the UE. Specifically, the location management function device in the fifth generation (5G) wireless communication system may be a LMF (location management function, LMF) device. The LMF device may determine the location information of the UE based on the request of a core network entity (such as an access and mobility management function (AMF)) and provide the location information of the UE to the AMF, thereby providing location services (LCS). In implementation, the AMF may allocate at least one LMF to the UE to provide positioning services to the UE. When the UE needs to obtain positioning information, it may request the location information from the LMF through the AMF. In future communications (such as 6G or other networks), the location management network element may still be an LMF network element, or have other names, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0070] It should be noted that the functional devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be referred to as network elements, functions, or functional entities. For example, the location management functional device may also be referred to as a location management function, a location management functional entity, or a location management network element. The names of the various functional devices are not limited in this disclosure. Those skilled in the art may replace the names of the above functional devices with other names while performing the same functions, which falls within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0071] It is understandable that the above functional devices can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0072] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0073] The positioning method and device provided by the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, the method is applied to a network-side device and may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0076] S1: Receive an instruction from the location management function LMF device to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal.

[0077] In uplink positioning technology, the network-side device configures an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device. When the uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic or semi-continuous signal, in order to locate the terminal device, it is also necessary to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0078] Specifically, when the terminal device is in an RRC connected state, the network-side device may enable the terminal device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal by sending a medium access control MAC (MAC) message or a downlink control information DCI (DCI) message. Where the uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic signal, the network-side device may enable the terminal device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal by sending a DCI message; where the uplink positioning reference signal is a semi-persistent signal, the network-side device may enable the terminal device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal by sending a MAC message.

[0079] S2: According to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal, an activation command or a deactivation command is sent to the terminal device in the radio resource control RRC non-connected state.

[0080] The RRC non-connected state specifically includes an RRC idle state (RRC idle) / RRC inactive state (RRC inactive).

[0081] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network side device receives an instruction to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal sent by an LMF device, and sends an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in a non-connected state of a radio resource control RRC according to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0082] Specifically, when the terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state, the network side device in the embodiment of the present disclosure can send an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal to realize positioning of the terminal device.

[0083] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the network side device receives the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal sent by the LMF device, the network side device sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device in the RRC non-connected state according to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal, so that the terminal device in the RRC non-connected state can receive the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal, thereby realizing positioning of the terminal device.

[0084] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the method is applied to a network-side device and may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0086] S1A: Receives instructions from the location management function LMF device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0087] Among them, S1A has the same or similar technical effects as S1 in the above embodiment. For the description of the specific implementation of S1A, please refer to the description of the specific implementation of S1 in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0088] S2A: According to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal, after triggering the terminal device to enter the RRC connection state, an activation command or a deactivation command is sent to the terminal device.

[0089] It is understandable that when the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state, under normal circumstances, the network side device cannot directly send an uplink positioning reference signal activation or deactivation command to the terminal device.

[0090] Based on this, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state, the network side device triggers the terminal device to enter an RRC connected state and sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device. At this time, the terminal device can receive the activation command or the deactivation command, thereby activating or deactivating the uplink positioning reference signal to locate the terminal device.

[0091] It is understood that, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the network-side device triggers the terminal device to enter the RRC connected state, the network-side device can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device by sending a MAC message or a DCI message. Specifically, if the uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic signal, the network-side device can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device by sending a DCI message; if the uplink positioning reference signal is a semi-persistent signal, the network-side device can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device by sending a MAC message.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiment of the present disclosure sends an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in a radio resource control RRC non-connected state, and also includes: when there is no ongoing uplink SDT in the terminal device, the network side device triggers the terminal device to enter the RRC connected state, and then sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device.

[0093] Among them, when there is no ongoing uplink SDT in the terminal device, the network side device cannot directly send an activation or deactivation command to the terminal device. Therefore, the network side device needs to trigger the terminal device to enter the RRC connection state and then send an activation command or deactivation command to the terminal device. The specific method of sending the activation command or deactivation command can be found in the above-mentioned discussion on the method of sending the activation command or deactivation command to the terminal device after the network side device triggers the terminal device to enter the RRC connection state. It will not be repeated here.

[0094] In some embodiments, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the network side device triggers the terminal device to enter the RRC connected state, it sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device in the radio resource control RRC non-connected state, and controls the terminal device to be in the RRC non-connected state.

[0095] It can be understood that when the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after the network side device triggers the terminal device to enter the RRC connected state and sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device, the terminal device is controlled to be in the RRC non-connected state, which can reduce the power consumption of the terminal device and further save energy.

[0096] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] like Figure 4 As shown, the method is applied to a network-side device and may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0098] S1B: Receives instructions from the location management function LMF device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0099] Among them, S1B has the same or similar technical effects as S1 in the above embodiment. For the description of the specific implementation of S1B, please refer to the description of the specific implementation of S1 in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0100] S2B: According to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal, when the terminal device is in the process of transmitting uplink small data SDT, an activation command or a deactivation command is sent to the terminal device.

[0101] It is understandable that when a terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state, the network-side device generally cannot directly send an uplink positioning reference signal activation or deactivation command to the terminal device. However, when the terminal device is in an ongoing uplink SDT (small data transmission, SDT), the terminal device can generate uplink data. At this time, the network device can also directly send downlink data to the terminal device. For example, the terminal device can receive a MAC message or DCI message sent by the network-side device to the terminal device.

[0102] Based on this, when the uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic or semi-continuous signal, the network side device can directly send an activation or deactivation command to the RRC non-connected terminal device through a DCI or MAC message, so that the terminal device activates or deactivates the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0103] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when there is an ongoing uplink SDT on the terminal device, an activation command or a deactivation command, such as a MAC message or a DCI message, is sent to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal to locate the terminal device. Moreover, when there is an ongoing uplink SDT on the terminal device, an activation command or a deactivation command is directly sent to the terminal device in the RRC non-connected state. There is no need for the network side device to send relevant instructions to the terminal device to enter the RRC connected state, and then send the activation command or the deactivation command after the terminal device is in the RRC connected state. This can further reduce the delay and achieve rapid activation or deactivation of the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0104] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] like Figure 5 As shown, the method is applied to a network-side device and may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0106] S1C: Receives instructions from the location management function LMF device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0107] Among them, S1C has the same or similar technical effects as S1 in the above embodiment. For the description of the specific implementation of S1C, please refer to the description of the specific implementation of S1 in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0108] S2C: Send a paging message to the terminal device according to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal, and send an activation command or deactivation command to the terminal device during the random access process of the terminal device.

[0109] It is understandable that when the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state, under normal circumstances, the network side device cannot directly send an uplink positioning reference signal activation or deactivation command to the terminal device.

[0110] Based on this, in the disclosed embodiments, a paging message is sent to a terminal device, and during the terminal device's random access process, an activation or deactivation command is sent to the terminal device, causing the terminal device to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal to achieve positioning of the terminal device. During this process, there is no need to send the activation or deactivation command after the terminal device is in the RRC connected state, which can further reduce latency and achieve rapid activation or deactivation of the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, during the random access process of a terminal device, the network side device may send an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device through MSG2 or MSG4 (random access message 2 / random access message 4), or the network side device may send an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device through MSGB (random access message B).

[0112] Among them, in the 2-step random access process, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the network side device sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device through MSGB (random access message B); in the 4-step random access process, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the network side device sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device through MSG2 or MSG4 (random access message 2 / random access message 4).

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, sending an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in a non-connected state of radio resource control RRC also includes: sending a paging message to the terminal device when there is no ongoing uplink SDT in the terminal device, and sending an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device during the random access process of the terminal device.

[0114] Among them, when there is no ongoing uplink SDT in the terminal device, the network-side device cannot directly send a command to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal to the terminal device, so a paging message is sent to the terminal device, and during the random access process of the terminal device, the network-side device sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device. The specific manner in which the network-side device sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device can be found in the above-mentioned discussion on the manner in which the network-side device sends a paging message to the terminal device and sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device during the random access process of the terminal device, which will not be repeated here.

[0115] In some embodiments, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a network side device sends a paging message to a terminal device, and during the random access process of the terminal device, after sending an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device, the terminal device is controlled to be in an RRC non-connected state.

[0116] It can be understood that when the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the network side device sends a paging message to the terminal device. During the random access process of the terminal device, after sending an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device, the terminal device is controlled to be in the RRC non-connected state, which can reduce the power consumption of the terminal device and further save energy.

[0117] In some embodiments, before receiving an instruction to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal sent by an LMF device, it also includes: receiving an indication message sent by the LMF device; and configuring an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device according to the indication message, wherein the uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic or semi-continuous signal.

[0118] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the LMF device sends an indication message to the network side device through a newly defined new radiopositioning protocol A (NRPPa) message. The indication message may be a positioning information request message, which indicates or requests the network side device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device. Exemplarily, the indication information is included in a positioning information request (POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST) message.

[0119] Among them, the uplink positioning reference signal configured by the network side device for the terminal device is a non-periodic or semi-continuous signal. Therefore, when positioning the terminal device, the uplink positioning reference signal is used, and the uplink positioning reference signal needs to be activated or deactivated. Afterwards, the embodiment of the present disclosure receives the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal sent by the LMF device.

[0120] In some embodiments, the indication message includes a preset duration; wherein the preset duration is the maximum time required for the network measurement equipment to successfully configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal equipment.

[0121] The preset duration is included in a positioning information request (POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST) message.

[0122] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the indication message sent by the LMF device includes a preset duration to limit the time required for the network side device to configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device. When the time used by the network side device to configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device exceeds the preset duration, corresponding operations can be performed to achieve certain functions.

[0123] In some embodiments, the network side device fails to successfully configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device within a preset time period and sends a first error indication message to the LMF device.

[0124] Among them, the network side device receives the indication message sent by the LMF device and configures the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device. The terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the network side device configures the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device through the RRC release message. When the terminal device is in the RRC connected state for a long time, the network side device may fail to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device. In this case, the network side device sends a first error indication message to the LMF device.

[0125] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the network side device fails to successfully configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device within a preset time period, a first error indication message is sent to the LMF device to inform the LMF device that the network side device has failed to successfully configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device, so that the LMF device can know the result that the network side device has failed to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device, or, when knowing the result, send some instructions to perform other operations to solve the problem that the network side device has failed to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first error indication message includes a cause value; wherein the cause value is that the terminal device does not enter the RRC non-connected state within a preset time period.

[0127] The reason value is included in the positioning information failure (POSITIONING INFORMATION FAILURE) message.

[0128] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 A flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] like Figure 6 As shown, the positioning method is applied to the network side device and may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0130] S11: Receive a positioning information request message sent by a location management function LMF device to instruct or request a network side device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for a terminal device.

[0131] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the LMF device sends a positioning information request (POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST) message to the network side device through the NRPPa message. The positioning information request message instructs or requests the network side device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device.

[0132] S12: According to the positioning information request message, an uplink positioning reference signal is configured for the terminal device. If the uplink positioning reference signal is not successfully configured for the terminal device within the preset time, a second error indication message is sent to the LMF device; wherein the uplink positioning reference signal is applied to the terminal device in the non-connected state of the radio resource control RRC.

[0133] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the network side device receives a positioning information request message sent by the LMF device to instruct or request the network side device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device, the network side device configures an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device.

[0134] Among them, the uplink positioning reference signal is applied to the terminal device in the RRC non-connected state. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the network side device configures the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device through the RRC release message. When the terminal device is in the RRC connected state for a long time, the network side device may fail to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device. In this case, the network side device sends a second error indication message to the LMF device.

[0135] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the network side device fails to successfully configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device within a preset time period, a second error indication message is sent to the LMF device to inform the LMF device that the network side device has failed to successfully configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device, so that the LMF device can know the result that the network side device has failed to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device, or, when knowing the result, send some instructions to perform other operations to solve the problem that the network side device has failed to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second error indication message includes a cause value; wherein the cause value is that the terminal device does not enter the RRC non-connected state within a preset time period.

[0137] The reason value is included in the positioning information failure (POSITIONING INFORMATION FAILURE) message.

[0138] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 A flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] like Figure 7 As shown, the positioning method is applied to the terminal device and may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0140] S111: When the terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state, receive an activation command or a deactivation command sent by a network side device.

[0141] The RRC non-connected state specifically includes an RRC idle state (RRC idle) / RRC inactive state (RRC inactive).

[0142] In uplink positioning technology, the network-side device configures an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device. When the uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic or semi-continuous signal, in order to locate the terminal device, it is also necessary to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0143] Specifically, when the terminal device is in the RRC connected state, the network side device can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal of the terminal device by sending a MAC message or a DCI message. In particular, when the uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic signal, the network side device can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal of the terminal device by sending a DCI message; when the uplink positioning reference signal is a semi-persistent signal, the network side device can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal of the terminal device by sending a MAC message.

[0144] It is understood that when a terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state, the network-side device generally cannot directly send an uplink positioning reference signal activation or deactivation command to the terminal device. However, in the disclosed embodiment, the terminal device can receive an activation command or a deactivation command when in an RRC non-connected state.

[0145] S112: Activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal according to the activation command or deactivation command.

[0146] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state, it receives an activation command or a deactivation command sent by a network side device, so that the terminal device can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal according to the activation command or the deactivation command to realize positioning of the terminal device.

[0147] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state, an activation command or a deactivation command sent by a network side device is received; according to the activation command or the deactivation command, the uplink positioning reference signal is activated or deactivated, so that the terminal device in the RRC non-connected state can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal after receiving the activation command or the deactivation command sent by the network side device, so as to realize positioning of the terminal device.

[0148] See Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] like Figure 8 As shown, the method is applied to a terminal device and may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0150] S111A: When the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state, it receives an instruction sent by the network side device to trigger the terminal device to enter the RRC connected state. The terminal device enters the RRC connected state and receives an activation command or a deactivation command sent by the network side device.

[0151] It is understandable that when the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state, under normal circumstances, the network side device cannot directly send an uplink positioning reference signal activation or deactivation command to the terminal device. Based on this, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state, the terminal device receives an instruction sent by the network side device to trigger the terminal device to enter the RRC connected state, the terminal device enters the RRC connected state, and receives an activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device. At this time, the terminal device can receive the activation command or deactivation command, thereby activating or deactivating the uplink positioning reference signal to locate the terminal device.

[0152] It is understandable that, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, after the terminal device receives an instruction from the network side device to trigger the terminal device to enter the RRC connected state, after entering the RRC connected state, the network side device can activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device by sending a MAC message or a DCI message. Specifically, when the uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic signal, the terminal device receives the DCI message sent by the network side device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal; when the uplink positioning reference signal is a semi-persistent signal, the terminal device receives the MAC message sent by the network side device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0153] In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiment of the present disclosure sends an activation command or a deactivation command to the terminal device, and also includes: when there is no ongoing uplink SDT on the terminal device, the terminal device receives an instruction from the network side device to trigger the terminal device to enter the RRC connection state, enters the RRC connection state, and receives the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device.

[0154] S112A: Activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal according to the activation command or deactivation command.

[0155] Among them, S112A has the same or similar technical effects as S112 in the above embodiment. For the description of the specific implementation of S112A, please refer to the description of the specific implementation of S112 in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0156] See Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] like Figure 9 As shown, the method is applied to a terminal device and may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0158] S111B: When the terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state and there is an ongoing uplink small data transmission SDT on the terminal device, an activation command or a deactivation command sent by a network side device is received.

[0159] It is understandable that when a terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state, the network device generally cannot directly send an uplink positioning reference signal activation or deactivation command to the terminal device. However, when the terminal device is in an ongoing uplink SDT, the terminal device can generate uplink data, and at this time, the network device can also directly send downlink data to the terminal device, for example: the terminal device can receive a MAC message or DCI message sent by the network device.

[0160] Based on this, the terminal device can receive the DCI message or MAC message sent by the network side device to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0161] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when there is an ongoing uplink SDT on the terminal device, the terminal device receives an activation command or a deactivation command, such as a MAC message or a DCI message, sent by a network side device, so that the terminal device can activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal to locate the terminal device. Moreover, when there is an ongoing uplink SDT on the terminal device, the terminal device directly receives the activation command or the deactivation command sent by the network side device when the terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state. There is no need to switch to the RRC connected state and then activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal after receiving the relevant instructions sent by the network side device to trigger the terminal device to enter the RRC connected state. This can further reduce the delay and achieve rapid activation or deactivation of the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0162] S112B: Activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal according to the activation command or deactivation command.

[0163] Among them, S112B has the same or similar technical effects as S112 in the above embodiment. For the description of the specific implementation of S112B, please refer to the description of the specific implementation of S112 in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0164] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a flowchart of another positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] like Figure 10 As shown, the method is applied to a terminal device and may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0166] S111C: When the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state, it receives a paging message sent by the network side device, and receives an activation command or a deactivation command sent by the network side device during the random access process.

[0167] It is understandable that when the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state, under normal circumstances, the network side device cannot directly send an uplink positioning reference signal activation or deactivation command to the terminal device.

[0168] Based on this, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a paging message is received from a network side device, and during a random access process, the terminal device receives an activation command or a deactivation command sent by the network side device, and activates or deactivates the uplink positioning reference signal to locate the terminal device. During this process, there is no need to send an activation command or a deactivation command after the terminal device is in an RRC connection state, which can further reduce the delay and achieve rapid activation or deactivation of the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0169] In an exemplary embodiment, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, during the random access process of the terminal device, it can receive an activation command or a deactivation command sent by the network side device through MSG2 or MSG4 (random access message 2 / random access message 4), or it can receive an activation command or a deactivation command sent by the network side device through MSGB (random access message B).

[0170] Among them, in the 2-step random access process, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal device can receive the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device through MSGB (random access message B); in the 4-step random access process, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal device can receive the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device through MSG2 or MSG4 (random access message 2 / random access message 4).

[0171] In an exemplary embodiment, sending an activation or deactivation command to a terminal device also includes: when the terminal device does not have an ongoing uplink SDT, receiving a paging message sent by a network side device, and receiving an activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device during a random access process.

[0172] Among them, when there is no ongoing uplink SDT in the terminal device, the terminal device receives the paging message sent by the network side device, and the specific method of receiving the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device during the random access process can be found in the above-mentioned terminal device receiving the paging message sent by the network side device, and receiving the activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device during the random access process. The relevant discussion will not be repeated here.

[0173] S112C: Activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal according to the activation command or deactivation command.

[0174] Among them, S112C has the same or similar technical effects as S112 in the above embodiment. For the description of the specific implementation of S112C, please refer to the description of the specific implementation of S112 in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] In some embodiments, the positioning method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: receiving a positioning capability request message sent by the LMF device; wherein the positioning capability request message is used to at least request to obtain the type and / or mobility status of the terminal device.

[0176] It can be understood that the uplink positioning reference signal of the terminal device is specific, and is an uplink positioning reference signal configured for the terminal device for the service cell where the terminal device is located. For example, the network side device can use the RRC release message to configure the terminal device with an uplink positioning reference signal for when the terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state. However, due to the movement of the terminal device, for example, the terminal device moves beyond the range of the service cell. At this time, the uplink positioning reference signal configured for the terminal device may be invalid. At this time, the network side device cannot locate the terminal device by using the uplink positioning reference signal configured for the terminal device, that is, it is not suitable to use the uplink positioning method to locate such terminal devices with a faster moving speed.

[0177] In addition, the type of terminal device can also reflect the mobility status of the terminal. For example, a certain type of terminal device, such as an IIoT (industrial internet of things) terminal device, has a low mobility speed and a limited mobility range. If the network side device configures it with an uplink positioning reference signal for the RRC non-connected state, the uplink positioning reference signal will usually not fail. Therefore, the uplink positioning method is also applicable to this type of terminal device when it is in the RRC non-connected state.

[0178] It should be noted that the positioning method of using the RRC release message to configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device can also be related to other conditions of the terminal device and can be set as needed. This disclosure does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0179] Based on this, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal device receives the positioning capability request information sent by the LMF device, and at least requests to obtain the type and mobility status of the terminal device to obtain the type and / or mobility status of the terminal device.

[0180] The positioning capability request message is an LPP request capabilities (Request Capabilities) message.

[0181] In some embodiments, the terminal device sends the type and / or mobility status of the terminal device to the LMF device according to the positioning capability request message.

[0182] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving the positioning capability request message sent by the LMF device, the terminal device sends the type and / or mobility status of the terminal device to the LMF device according to the positioning capability request message, so that it can be determined whether the uplink positioning method is applicable to the terminal device when it is in the RRC non-connected state. If the uplink positioning method is applicable, the method is used to locate the terminal device, so as to improve the accuracy of positioning the terminal device.

[0183] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the type and / or mobility status of the terminal device sent by the terminal device to the LMF device is included in the LPP Provide Capabilities message.

[0184] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are described from the perspectives of network-side devices and terminal devices, respectively. To implement the various functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network-side devices and terminal devices may include hardware structures and software modules, and implement the aforementioned functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures and software modules. Certain of the aforementioned functions may be implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures and software modules.

[0185] See Figure 11 , which is a structural diagram of a positioning device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 The positioning device 100 shown may include a transceiver module 101 and a processing module 102. The transceiver module 101 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module, the sending module is used to implement a sending function, and the receiving module is used to implement a receiving function. The transceiver module 101 can implement the sending function and / or the receiving function.

[0186] The positioning device 100 may be a terminal device, a device in a terminal device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device. Alternatively, the positioning device 100 may be a network-side device, a device in a network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a network device.

[0187] The positioning device 100 is a network-side device: the transceiver module 101 is used to receive an instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal sent by the location management function LMF device; the processing module 102 is used to send an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in an RRC non-connected state according to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0188] Alternatively, the transceiver module 101 is used to receive a positioning information request message sent by a location management function LMF device to instruct or request a network-side device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for a terminal device; the processing module 102 is used to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device according to the positioning information request message, and if the uplink positioning reference signal is not successfully configured for the terminal device within a preset time period, a second error indication message is sent to the LMF device; wherein the uplink positioning reference signal is applied to a terminal device in a non-connected state of the radio resource control RRC.

[0189] The positioning device 100 is a terminal device: the transceiver module 101 is used to receive an activation command or a deactivation command sent by a network side device when the terminal device is in an RRC non-connected state; the processing module 102 is used to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal according to the activation command or the deactivation command.

[0190] Regarding the positioning device 100 in the above-mentioned embodiment, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiment of the method and will not be elaborated on here. The communication device 100 provided in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present disclosure achieves the same or similar beneficial effects as the positioning method provided in some of the above-mentioned embodiments and will not be further described here.

[0191] See Figure 12 , Figure 12 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 1000 can be a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment), or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device to implement the aforementioned method. This device can be used to implement the method described in the aforementioned method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0192] The communication device 1000 may include one or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control the communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process computer program data.

[0193] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include one or more memories 1002, on which a computer program 1004 may be stored. The memory 1002 executes the computer program 1004 to enable the communication device 1000 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 1002 may also store data. The communication device 1000 and the memory 1002 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0194] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver 1005 and an antenna 1006. The transceiver 1005 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, or a transceiver circuit, etc., and is configured to implement transceiver functions. The transceiver 1005 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or a receiving circuit, etc., and is configured to implement a receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or a transmitting circuit, etc., and is configured to implement a transmitting function.

[0195] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include one or more interface circuits 1007. The interface circuit 1007 is configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processor 1001. The processor 1001 executes the code instructions to enable the communication device 1000 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0196] The communication device 1000 is a network side device: the transceiver 1005 is used to perform Figure 2 S1 in Figure 3 S1A in Figure 4 S1B in Figure 5 S1C in ; or execute Figure 3 S11 in the process. The processor 1001 is used to execute Figure 2 S2 in Figure 3 S2A in Figure 4 S2B in; Figure 5 S2C in ; or execute Figure 3 S12 in.

[0197] The communication device 1000 is a terminal device: the transceiver 1005 is used to perform Figure 4 S111 in Figure 5 S111A in Figure 6 S111B in Figure 7 S111C in the processor 1001 is used to execute Figure 4 S112 in Figure 5 S112A in Figure 6 S112B in Figure 7 S112C in.

[0198] In one implementation, processor 1001 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing the receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for reading and writing code / data, or may be used for transmitting or delivering signals.

[0199] In one implementation, processor 1001 may store a computer program 1003. Computer program 1003, when executed on processor 1001, enables communication device 1000 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. Computer program 1003 may be embedded in processor 1001, in which case processor 1001 may be implemented by hardware.

[0200] In one implementation, the communication device 1000 may include a circuit that can implement the functions of sending, receiving, or communicating in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in the present disclosure can be implemented on an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit RFIC, a mixed signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), N-type metal oxide semiconductor (nMetal-oxide-semiconductor, NMOS), P-type metal oxide semiconductor (positive channel metal oxide semiconductor, PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (bipolar junction transistor, BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0201] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the above method embodiment), but the scope of the communication device described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may not be limited thereto. Figure 12 The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0202] (1) An independent integrated circuit (IC), or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0203] (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally including a storage component for storing data and computer programs;

[0204] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0205] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0206] (5) Receivers, terminal devices, intelligent terminal devices, cellular phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.;

[0207] (6)Others, etc.

[0208] For cases where the communication device may be a chip or a chip system, see Figure 13 , is a structural diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0209] like Figure 13 As shown, the chip 1100 includes a processor 1101 and an interface 1103. There may be one or more processors 1101, and there may be more than one interface 1103.

[0210] For the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the network-side device in the embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0211] The interface 1103 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor.

[0212] The processor 1101 is configured to execute code instructions to perform the positioning method as described in some of the above embodiments.

[0213] For the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0214] The interface 1103 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor.

[0215] The processor 1101 is configured to execute code instructions to perform the positioning method as described in some of the above embodiments.

[0216] Optionally, the chip 1100 further includes a memory 1102 , which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0217] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented by hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design requirements of the entire system. Those skilled in the art may use various methods to implement the described functionality for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0218] The present disclosure also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0219] The present disclosure also provides a computer program product, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0220] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0221] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third person singular form "comprises" and the present participle form "comprising", are to be interpreted as open and inclusive, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", etc. are intended to indicate that the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics associated with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0222] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical numbers such as first and second involved in the present disclosure are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and also indicate the order of precedence.

[0223] The at least one in the present disclosure can also be described as one or more, and the multiple can be two, three, four or more, which is not limited in the present disclosure. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, for a technical feature, the technical features in the technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", and there is no order of precedence or size between the technical features described by the "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D". "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: only A, only B, and a combination of A and B.

[0224] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0225] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0226] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a network-side device, and includes: Receive an instruction from the location management function LMF device to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal; Sending an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in a radio resource control RRC non-connected state according to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal; The method further includes: receiving an indication message sent by an LMF device; the indication message includes a preset duration; the preset duration is the maximum time required for the network side device to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device; According to the indication message, an uplink positioning reference signal is configured for the terminal device; if the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be successfully configured for the terminal device within the preset time length, a first error indication message is sent to the LMF device; the first error indication message includes a first cause value; the first cause value is that the terminal device does not enter the RRC non-connected state within the preset time length.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The sending of an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in an RRC unconnected state includes: After triggering the terminal device to enter the RRC connection state, the activation command or the deactivation command is sent to the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The sending of an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in an RRC unconnected state includes: In a case where the terminal device is in the process of transmitting uplink small data SDT, the activation command or the deactivation command is sent to the terminal device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending of an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in an RRC unconnected state includes: A paging message is sent to the terminal device, and during the random access process of the terminal device, the activation command or the deactivation command is sent to the terminal device.

5. The method according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that After sending the activation command or the deactivation command to the terminal device, the method further includes: Control the terminal device to be in an RRC non-connected state.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The uplink positioning reference signal is a non-periodic or semi-persistent signal.

7. A positioning method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a terminal device, and includes: When the terminal device is in an RRC unconnected state, receiving an activation command or a deactivation command sent by a network side device; the activation command and / or the deactivation command is sent by the network side device when receiving an instruction to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal sent by an LMF device; activating or deactivating an uplink positioning reference signal according to the activation command or the deactivation command; The method also includes: receiving the uplink positioning reference signal configured by the network side device, the uplink positioning reference signal is configured by the network side device for the terminal device when receiving the indication message sent by the LMF device; the indication message includes a preset duration; the preset duration is the maximum time required for the network side device to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device; the preset duration is used for the network side device to send a first error indication message to the LMF device when the network side device fails to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device within the preset duration; the first error indication message includes a first cause value; the first cause value is that the terminal device does not enter the RRC non-connected state within the preset duration.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The receiving an activation command or a deactivation command sent by the network side device further includes: Receive an instruction sent by the network side device to trigger the terminal device to enter the RRC connection state, the terminal device enters the RRC connection state, and receives an activation command or deactivation command sent by the network side device.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The receiving an activation command or a deactivation command sent by the network side device further includes: When the terminal device is in the process of transmitting uplink small data SDT, it receives an activation command or a deactivation command sent by a network side device.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The receiving an activation command or a deactivation command sent by the network side device further includes: Receive a paging message sent by the network side device, and receive an activation command or a deactivation command sent by the network side device during a random access process.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive a positioning capability request message sent by an LMF device; wherein the positioning capability request message is used to at least request to obtain the type and / or mobility status of the terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: The terminal device sends the type and / or mobility status of the terminal device to the LMF device according to the positioning capability request message.

13. A positioning device, characterized in that: include: The transceiver module is used to receive an instruction to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal sent by a location management function LMF device; A processing module, configured to send an activation command or a deactivation command to a terminal device in a radio resource control RRC non-connected state according to the instruction to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal; The transceiver module is further configured to receive an indication message sent by the LMF device; the indication message includes a preset duration; the preset duration is the maximum time required for the network side device to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device; The processing module is further configured to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device according to the indication message; and if the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be successfully configured for the terminal device within the preset time length, send a first error indication message to the LMF device; The first error indication message includes a first cause value; the first cause value is that the terminal device does not enter the RRC non-connected state within the preset time period.

14. A positioning device, characterized in that: include: The transceiver module is used to receive an activation command or a deactivation command sent by a network-side device when the terminal device is in an RRC unconnected state; The activation command and / or the deactivation command is sent by the network side device when receiving an instruction to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal sent by the LMF device; a processing module, configured to activate or deactivate an uplink positioning reference signal according to the activation command or the deactivation command; The transceiver module is further configured to receive the uplink positioning reference signal configured by the network-side device, where the uplink positioning reference signal is configured by the network-side device for the terminal device upon receiving an indication message sent by the LMF device; the indication message includes a preset duration; and the preset duration is the maximum time required for the network-side device to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device; The preset duration is used for the network side device to send a first error indication message to the LMF device if the network side device fails to successfully configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal device within the preset duration; The first error indication message includes a first cause value; the first cause value is that the terminal device does not enter the RRC non-connected state within the preset time period.

15. A network side device, characterized in that: The network side device includes a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, so that the network side device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

16. A terminal device, characterized in that: The terminal device includes a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, so that the terminal device performs the method according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: include: processor and interface circuits; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: include: processor and interface circuits; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

19. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which, when executed, enable the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to be implemented.

20. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which, when executed, enable the method according to any one of claims 7 to 12 to be implemented.

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