A method and apparatus for positioning

Abstract

This application provides a method and apparatus for positioning, targeting positioning services in the field of wireless communication. To enable a base station to determine whether a terminal device can use unlicensed frequency bands for positioning, the terminal device measures and reports the signal quality on both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands. This allows the network device to instruct the terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning, where L is a positive integer, and the L frequency bands are unlicensed and / or licensed frequency bands. The terminal device uses these L frequency bands for positioning, thereby meeting its bandwidth requirements for positioning services, improving positioning accuracy, and reducing positioning latency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for positioning. Background Technology

[0002] Positioning, as an important feature of wireless communication, exists in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). With the continuous development of technology, the research in 3GPP Release 17 has put forward higher requirements and goals for positioning accuracy and positioning latency: for ordinary commercial scenarios, positioning accuracy within 1m and positioning latency within 100ms are required; for industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) scenarios, positioning accuracy within 0.2m and positioning latency at the 10ms level are required.

[0003] Existing positioning technologies and bandwidth configurations are insufficient to meet the requirements. Therefore, increasing bandwidth is a highly effective way to improve positioning performance and achieve higher accuracy. Currently, the primary method for increasing bandwidth is carrier aggregation (CA). Compared to the available bandwidth of licensed spectrum (approximately 100MHz), unlicensed spectrum offers a larger available bandwidth (approximately 300MHz), better meeting the bandwidth requirements for positioning accuracy and latency. Furthermore, bandwidth on unlicensed spectrum is free, reducing positioning costs and promoting the commercialization of future positioning services.

[0004] Currently, the use of unlicensed frequency bands is mainly for data transmission services, while location services primarily use licensed frequency bands. How to utilize unlicensed frequency bands for location services remains a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method and apparatus for positioning, which can determine whether positioning can be performed using unlicensed frequency bands, and select different positioning schemes for positioning according to different situations.

[0006] In a first aspect, a method for positioning is provided, the method comprising: receiving first information from a first network device, the first information being used to instruct a terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning, the L frequency bands being unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands, where L is a positive integer; and using the L frequency bands for positioning.

[0007] The technical solution of this application provides a feasible access scheme for unlicensed frequency bands for positioning services based on unlicensed spectrum. It can instruct terminal devices to perform positioning on different frequency bands according to different situations, so that the terminal devices can obtain as much bandwidth as possible in the positioning service, thereby potentially improving the positioning accuracy and reducing the positioning latency.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in a first possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: measuring the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; and sending the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band to the first network device, wherein the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band is used to determine the first information.

[0009] In conjunction with the first implementation of the first aspect, in a second possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second information from the first network device, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, any of the first possible implementations of the first aspect or the second possible implementation of the first aspect, in the third implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: measuring the signal quality on the licensed frequency band; and sending the signal quality on the licensed frequency band to the first network device, wherein the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is used to determine the first information or the second information.

[0011] In positioning scenarios based on unlicensed spectrum, terminal devices measure signal quality in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands. This allows network devices to determine whether the terminal device can use the unlicensed frequency band for positioning and select different positioning schemes based on different situations. This maximizes the bandwidth available to the terminal device for positioning services, potentially improving positioning accuracy and reducing latency. It also avoids the terminal device continuously performing measurements on the unlicensed frequency band, effectively reducing its power consumption.

[0012] In a second aspect, a method for positioning is provided, the method comprising: determining that a terminal device uses L frequency bands for positioning, the L frequency bands being unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands, where L is a positive integer; and sending first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to instruct the terminal device to use the L frequency bands for positioning.

[0013] In conjunction with the second aspect, in the first implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving signal quality from the terminal device on the unlicensed frequency band; determining whether the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are met based on the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; wherein, when it is determined that the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are met, the L frequency bands are the unlicensed frequency band, or the L frequency bands are the unlicensed frequency band and the licensed frequency band; or, when it is determined that the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are not met, the L frequency bands are the licensed frequency band.

[0014] In conjunction with the first implementation of the second aspect, in the second implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving signal quality from the terminal device on the licensed frequency band; determining whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band based on the signal quality on the licensed frequency band; wherein, when it is determined that the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, the method further includes: sending second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; or, when it is determined that the terminal device does not perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, determining the L frequency bands as the licensed frequency band.

[0015] In conjunction with the second implementation of the second aspect, in the third implementation of the second aspect, determining whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band based on the signal quality on the licensed frequency band includes: determining that the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band when the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or determining that the terminal device does not perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band when the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is less than the first threshold.

[0016] In conjunction with the second aspect, and any of the first to third possible implementations of the second aspect, in the fourth possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving third information sent from at least one second network device, the third information being used to indicate N frequency bands; wherein the L frequency bands include the N frequency bands, N is a positive integer, and N is less than or equal to L.

[0017] In positioning scenarios based on unlicensed spectrum, terminal devices measure signal quality in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands. This allows network devices to determine whether the terminal device can use the unlicensed frequency band for positioning and select different positioning schemes based on different situations. This maximizes the bandwidth available to the terminal device for positioning services, potentially improving positioning accuracy and reducing latency. It also avoids the terminal device continuously performing measurements on the unlicensed frequency band, effectively reducing its power consumption.

[0018] Thirdly, a method for positioning is provided, the method comprising: receiving first information from a first network device, the first information being used to instruct a terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning, the L frequency bands being unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands, where L is a positive integer; and using the L frequency bands for positioning.

[0019] In conjunction with the third aspect, in the first implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: measuring the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; determining whether the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are met; and sending a judgment result to the first network device; wherein the first information is determined by the judgment result.

[0020] In conjunction with the first implementation of the third aspect, in the second implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: measuring the signal quality on the licensed frequency band; determining whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band; wherein, when it is determined that the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band is measured; or, when it is determined that the terminal device does not perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, the determination result is sent to the first network device.

[0021] In conjunction with the second implementation of the third aspect, in the third implementation of the third aspect, determining whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band includes: determining that the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band when the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or determining that the terminal device does not perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band when the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is less than the first threshold.

[0022] In conjunction with the third aspect, and any of the first to third possible implementations of the third aspect, in the fourth implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving configuration information sent by the network device, the configuration information including at least one of a first threshold, a second threshold, or a third threshold, the first threshold being used to determine whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band; the second threshold being used to compare with the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band, and being the minimum value at which the unlicensed frequency band is judged to be in an occupied state over a period of time; the third threshold being used to compare with the channel occupancy rate, the channel occupancy rate being the proportion of time during which the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band is greater than the second threshold, to determine the maximum value at which the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met.

[0023] In positioning scenarios based on unlicensed spectrum, the terminal device receives configuration information, including relevant thresholds, from the network device. After measuring the signal quality in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands, it further determines whether to perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band or whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met. The judgment result is then sent to the network device, allowing the network device to select different positioning schemes based on different situations. This maximizes the bandwidth available to the terminal device for positioning services, potentially improving positioning accuracy and reducing latency. Simultaneously, it avoids the terminal device continuously performing measurements on the unlicensed frequency band, effectively reducing the terminal device's power consumption.

[0024] Fourthly, a method for positioning is provided, the method comprising: determining that a terminal device uses L frequency bands for positioning, the L frequency bands being unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands; and sending first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to instruct the terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning, where L is a positive integer.

[0025] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in the first implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving the judgment result sent by the terminal device, and determining, based on the judgment result, that the terminal device uses L frequency bands for positioning, where L is a positive integer.

[0026] In conjunction with the fourth aspect or the first implementation of the fourth aspect, in the second implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: sending configuration information to the terminal device, the configuration information including at least one of a first threshold, a second threshold, or a third threshold, the first threshold being used to determine whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, and the second and third thresholds being used to determine whether the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are met.

[0027] In positioning scenarios based on unlicensed spectrum, the terminal device receives configuration information, including relevant thresholds, from the network device. After measuring the signal quality in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands, it further determines whether to perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band or whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met. The judgment result is then sent to the network device, allowing the network device to select different positioning schemes based on different situations. This maximizes the bandwidth available to the terminal device for positioning services, potentially improving positioning accuracy and reducing latency. Simultaneously, it avoids the terminal device continuously performing measurements on the unlicensed frequency band, effectively reducing the terminal device's power consumption.

[0028] Fifthly, a positioning device is provided, which has the function of implementing the method provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described function.

[0029] Sixthly, a positioning device is provided, which has the function of implementing the method provided in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described function.

[0030] In a seventh aspect, a positioning device is provided, which has the function of implementing the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described function.

[0031] Eighthly, a positioning device is provided, which has the function of implementing the method in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described function.

[0032] The apparatus described in aspects five through eight can be a communication device (e.g., a terminal device or a network device) or a chip within a communication device. The apparatus may include a processing unit and a transceiver unit, and may also include a storage unit. The storage unit stores instructions, and the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit. When the apparatus is a communication device, the processing unit may be a processor, the transceiver unit may be a transceiver, and the storage unit may be a memory. When the apparatus is a chip within a communication device, the processing unit may be a processor, the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, pin, or circuit, and the storage unit may be an internal storage unit or an external storage unit within the communication device.

[0033] A ninth aspect provides a chip comprising: a memory for storing a computer program; and a processor for executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects, or to perform the method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0034] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip comprising: a memory for storing a computer program; and a processor for executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of the third aspects, or to perform the method as described in any one of the fourth aspects.

[0035] Eleventhly, a computer storage medium is provided, including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects, or causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0036] In a twelfth aspect, a computer storage medium is provided, including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the third aspects, or causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the fourth aspects.

[0037] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects, or causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0038] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the third aspects, or causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the fourth aspects.

[0039] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a communication device as described in any one of the fifth aspects, and a communication device as described in any one of the sixth aspects.

[0040] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a communication device as described in any one of the seventh aspects, and a communication device as described in any one of the eighth aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a possible positioning system architecture applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning architecture applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in this application.

[0044] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the boundary between the coverage areas of licensed and unlicensed frequency bands.

[0045] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates how network devices determine whether they meet the access conditions for unlicensed frequency bands.

[0046] Figure 6 An example of a positioning method provided in this application.

[0047] Figure 7 Another example of the positioning method provided in this application.

[0048] Figure 8 Another example of the positioning method provided in this application.

[0049] Figure 9 Another example of the positioning method provided in this application.

[0050] Figure 10 Another example of the positioning method provided in this application.

[0051] Figure 11 Another example of the positioning method provided in this application.

[0052] Figure 12 A schematic flowchart illustrating another method for positioning provided in this application.

[0053] Figure 13 An example of a positioning device provided in this application.

[0054] Figure 14 Another example of a positioning device provided in this application.

[0055] Figure 15 Another example of a positioning device provided in this application.

[0056] Figure 16 Another example of a positioning device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems. Examples include Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), future 5th generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR) systems, and various future communication systems such as 6th generation (6G), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT (Internet of Things) communication systems or other communication systems, etc.

[0059] The terminal device in this application is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. For example, it may include a handheld device with wireless connectivity or a processing device connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device can communicate with the core network via a radio access network (RAN) and exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Terminal equipment can refer to user equipment (UE), wireless terminal equipment, mobile terminal equipment, device-to-device (D2D) terminal equipment, V2X terminal equipment, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal equipment, Internet of Things (IoT) terminal equipment, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, etc. It can also include mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers with mobile terminal devices, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, and computer-embedded mobile devices, such as personal communication service (PCS) telephones. Furthermore, it can also refer to limited devices, such as devices with low power consumption, limited storage capacity, or limited computing power. Examples include information sensing devices such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning systems (GPS), and laser scanners. Terminal devices can be fixed or mobile.

[0060] In this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal device. In this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components. The following embodiments use a UE as an example for illustration.

[0061] The network devices in this application embodiment are devices with positioning functions, which can be core network devices or access network devices. Examples include, but are not limited to: the location management function (LMF) of the core network, next-generation node B (gNB), evolved node B (eNB), baseband unit (BBU), transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), mobile switching center, etc. Access network devices can also be radio controllers, centralized units (CU), and / or distributed units (DU) in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or can be relay stations, access points, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, and network devices in 5G or access network devices in future PLMN networks.

[0062] The terminal device can communicate with multiple access network devices of different communication systems. For example, the terminal device can communicate with access network devices that support LTE systems, access network devices that support 5G, and access network devices in a dual-connectivity architecture that supports both LTE and 5G. This application is not limited in this respect.

[0063] The technical solution of this application is applicable to positioning systems; see [link / reference]. Figure 1 . Figure 1As a possible positioning system architecture applicable to embodiments of this application, the positioning system may include a terminal device 101, a network device 102, and a positioning device 103. The positioning device 103 is used to perform positioning calculations on the terminal device 101 based on measurement results from other network elements (such as the terminal device 101 or the network device 102). For example, positioning methods based on time differences include downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) and uplink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) and multi-round trip time (Multi-RTT); angle-based positioning methods include downlink angle of departure (DL-AoD) and uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA); and positioning methods based on enhanced cell identification (E-CID).

[0064] Network device 102 can measure the positioning reference signal (PRS) sent by terminal device 101 to obtain the measurement results required for locating the terminal device. Terminal device 101 can also measure the PRS sent by network device 102 to obtain the measurement results required for locating the terminal device. Further, the measurement results can be provided to positioning device 103, which calculates the position of the terminal device based on the measurement results. In this terminal device-based positioning method, after obtaining the measurement results, the terminal device can calculate its own position based on the measurement results.

[0065] In one possible implementation, terminal device 101 communicates with network device 102 via a cellular link (Uu link), and network device 102 communicates with positioning device 103 via an NG-C interface.

[0066] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 2The positioning process is primarily based on a system architecture supported by the fifth-generation core network (5GC), location management function (LMF), radio access network (RAN), and user equipment (UE). The functions of each entity are as follows:

[0067] The Location Facilitator (LMF) is responsible for supporting different types of location services for the target UE, including UE positioning and transmission of auxiliary data to the UE. Its control plane and user plane are the Enhance-Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC) and the Secure User Plane Location Platform (SLP), respectively. The LMF may interact with the RAN, such as the ng-eNB / gNB, and the UE. For example, the LMF interacts with the ng-eNB / gNB via New Radio Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa) messages, acquiring information such as the configuration information of the Position Reference Signal (PRS) and Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), cell timing, cell location information, and measurement results from the base station. As another example, the LMF and the UE communicate via LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages to exchange UE capability information, auxiliary information, and measurement information.

[0068] The access and mobility management function (AMF) can receive location service requests related to the target UE from the 5GC's location service (LCS) entity. Alternatively, the AMF itself can initiate location services on behalf of a specific target UE and forward the location service requests to the LMF. After receiving the location information returned by the UE, the AMF returns the relevant information to the 5GC LCS entity or the target UE.

[0069] UE: It can measure downlink reference signals from the RAN and other sources to support positioning.

[0070] RAN: can provide measurement information to the target UE and pass this information to LMF.

[0071] For the downlink positioning method, the UE can measure downlink signals from NG-RAN and other sources, and report the measurement results to LMF to support positioning, or perform location calculation locally on the UE; for the uplink positioning method, the ng-eNB / gNB can measure uplink signals from the UE and report the measurement results to LMF to support positioning.

[0072] Figure 2 The interfaces between the network elements shown are for illustrative purposes only. Figure 2 In the positioning system shown, LMF is equivalent to Figure 1 The positioning device 103 shown is shown.

[0073] Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) technology extends LTE networks to unlicensed spectrum. In NR-based Access to Unlicensed (NR-U) scenarios, LAA is still used to achieve the stability and reliability of licensed spectrum while improving system throughput. Compared to LAA CA scenarios, NR-U also adds support for dual connectivity, independent deployment, and separate uplink and downlink deployments.

[0074] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Only the downlink positioning scheme will be described below. The technical solutions in this application are also applicable to uplink positioning schemes and combined uplink / downlink positioning schemes. When the technical solutions of this application are used in uplink positioning schemes or combined uplink / downlink positioning schemes, only the specific positioning reference signals transmitted differ, which is not limited here.

[0075] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in this application.

[0076] 301. The UE measures the signal quality on the licensed frequency band. The UE performs measurements on the licensed frequency band. The specific measurements may be the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and / or the Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), or other measurements. This is just an example and is not limited.

[0077] 302. The UE sends the signal quality data on the licensed frequency band to the first network device. The first network device can be the serving base station or the LMF. The UE reports the measurement results so that the serving base station or the LMF can make a judgment. The measurement results are the signal quality measured in step 301, i.e., the measurement results of RSRP and / or RPRQ, or the measurement results of other measurements. This is only an example and is not limited.

[0078] 303. The first network device determines whether the UE should perform measurements on an unlicensed frequency band. After receiving the signal quality data of the licensed frequency band sent by the UE, the first network device compares the signal quality of the licensed frequency band with a first threshold to determine whether the UE should further perform measurements on an unlicensed frequency band.

[0079] To determine whether the UE should further perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band, it can be understood that both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands have a coverage area. By adjusting the base station's transmit power and combining the signal quality measured by the terminal device from the licensed or unlicensed frequency bands, the first network device can map the coverage area of ​​the unlicensed frequency band, as well as the transmit power of each beam of the corresponding base station and the measurement threshold at each location on the boundary. This measurement threshold is the first threshold. When the signal quality measured by the UE is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that the UE has entered the coverage area of ​​the unlicensed frequency band, and further measurements on the unlicensed frequency band are required. When the signal quality measured by the UE is less than the first threshold, it is determined that the UE has not entered the coverage area of ​​the unlicensed frequency band, and further measurements on the unlicensed frequency band are not required. The first threshold can be freely set according to different scenarios and is not limited here.

[0080] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the boundaries of the coverage areas of licensed and unlicensed frequency bands. It should be understood that the coverage areas of licensed and unlicensed frequency bands here are for illustrative purposes only; in reality, there are no separate coverage areas for either licensed or unlicensed frequency bands. Region B is included. D The coverage area for the unlicensed frequency band used for data transmission services is defined by boundary #1; Area B P The coverage area of ​​the unlicensed frequency band used for positioning services is defined as boundary #2; area A is the coverage area of ​​the licensed frequency band, defined as boundary #3.

[0081] It should be understood that licensed cells have a larger coverage radius than unlicensed cells because they use lower frequency bands. However, for the coverage area of ​​unlicensed frequency bands, positioning services have lower requirements for the corresponding positioning reference signal strength compared to data transmission services. Therefore, boundary #1 is usually different from boundary #2, and area B... P The coverage area is usually larger than that of region B. DLarge. Considering specific controllable areas, such as indoor factories, companies, and industrial parks, the transmission power of the positioning reference signal can be appropriately increased to enhance its coverage, provided that the boundaries of the controlled area do not interfere with the licensed frequency band.

[0082] When mapping the boundary #3 of area A, the safety zone gap in the controlled area must be considered, such as indoor factories, companies, and industrial parks, to ensure that other terminal devices using licensed spectrum at the boundaries of these controlled areas are not affected. The closer to the boundary of the controlled area, the larger the safety zone gap; the closer to the center area, the smaller the safety zone gap.

[0083] After the site deployment is completed, WiFi, Bluetooth and other devices can be placed at the boundary of the controlled area. By measuring the signal quality on the licensed or unlicensed frequency bands, boundary #2 and boundary #3 can be obtained. The threshold corresponding to each position on boundary #3 is the first threshold in step 303.

[0084] After receiving the signal quality of the licensed frequency band sent by the UE, the first network device compares the signal quality of the licensed frequency band with a first threshold.

[0085] If the signal quality of the licensed frequency band is less than the first threshold, then the UE is determined to be in a certain position. Figure 4 Region A but not in region B P Within the network, the first network device determines that the UE uses licensed frequency bands for positioning. Specifically, a licensed-only based positioning scheme is adopted, that is, PRS and other information are configured and reference signals are sent only in licensed frequency bands. Step 308 is executed directly, and the first network device sends first information to the UE, which is used to instruct the UE to use L licensed frequency bands for positioning.

[0086] If the signal quality of the licensed frequency band is greater than or equal to the first threshold, then the UE is determined to be in [a certain condition]. Figure 4 Region B in P Then, proceed with the following steps.

[0087] 304. The first network device sends second information to the UE. The second information is used to instruct the UE to perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band. The specific content of the measurement can be the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or other measurement quantities. This is only an example and is not limited.

[0088] 305. UE measures signal quality on unlicensed frequency bands. When the UE performs RSSI measurement after receiving the second information sent by the first network device, the UE measures the strength of all signals on the unlicensed frequency band, including useful signals, interference, and noise. Usually, the average value of several samples is used as the measurement value.

[0089] 306. The UE sends the signal quality data on the unlicensed frequency band to the first network device. The UE reports the measurement results to the first network device for judgment. The first network device can be a serving base station or an LMF. The measurement results are the measurement values ​​obtained in step 305.

[0090] 307. The first network device determines whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met. For example, after receiving the RSSI sent by the UE, the first network device determines the channel percentage of the current channel using the RSSI, and further determines whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met based on the channel percentage. It should be understood that the first network device can also determine whether the access conditions for the measured unlicensed frequency band are met using other measurement data, which is not limited here. The following describes the process of determining whether the unlicensed frequency band meets the conditions using the measurement results of RSSI as an example. When the first network device determines whether the unlicensed frequency band meets the conditions based on other measurement data, its determination process can also be applied to the solution provided in this application.

[0091] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the first network device determines whether it meets the access conditions for an unlicensed frequency band based on RSSI measurement results.

[0092] In LAA deployment scenarios, the Listen Before Talk (LBT) technique is primarily used to determine whether a base station is using unlicensed spectrum. LBT refers to the wireless transmitter first listening to the transmission medium, and only initiating data transmission when it detects the medium is idle. The channel detection technique used is also known as Clear Channel Assessment (CCA). In NR-U scenarios, similar to LAA deployments, LBT is also used to determine whether a base station is using unlicensed spectrum. The measurement scheme in NR-U uses the LAA measurement scheme as a baseline; that is, the terminal performs RSSI measurements and reports the results to the base station. The base station then determines whether unlicensed spectrum is being used based on channel occupancy. Accordingly, 3GPP TS 38.331 defines a measurement window (RMTC) for RSSI measurements. During the duration of this measurement window, the terminal performs RSSI measurements on the corresponding unlicensed frequency band.

[0093] Specifically, the UE performs RSSI measurements on unlicensed frequency band channels #1 and #2. The RSSI measurement results are compared with a second threshold related to signal quality. The proportion of time within a given period where the RSSI value is greater than the second threshold is recorded, yielding the channel occupancy rate. This second threshold represents the minimum value within a given period that indicates the unlicensed frequency band is occupied. The channel occupancy rate is then compared with a third threshold, which is the maximum value required to satisfy the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band. If the channel occupancy rate is less than or equal to the third threshold, the corresponding unlicensed frequency band is relatively idle, and other devices can access and use its resources, as shown in channel #1, thus satisfying the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band. If the channel occupancy rate is greater than the third threshold, the corresponding unlicensed frequency band is busy, and other devices cannot use its resources, as shown in channel #2, thus not satisfying the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band. The second and third thresholds can be freely set according to different scenarios and are not limited here.

[0094] In step 307, if the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met, the first network device uses the unlicensed frequency band for positioning. Specifically, an unlicensed-only positioning scheme or a combined licensed and unlicensed positioning scheme can be used. When the bandwidth of the available unlicensed frequency band is sufficient to guarantee the accuracy and latency requirements of UE positioning, it is preferable to configure PRS and other information and send reference signals only in the unlicensed frequency band. When the bandwidth of the available unlicensed frequency band is insufficient to guarantee the accuracy and latency requirements of UE positioning, it is necessary to increase the available positioning bandwidth through carrier aggregation, that is, to configure PRS and other information and send reference signals in both the licensed and unlicensed frequency bands after carrier aggregation.

[0095] If the access conditions for unlicensed frequency bands are not met, the first network device will use licensed frequency bands for positioning. It should be understood that using RSSI measurements to determine whether access conditions for unlicensed frequency bands are met is merely an example; other measurements or methods can also be used to determine whether access conditions for unlicensed frequency bands are met.

[0096] 308. The first network device sends first information to the UE. The first information includes the positioning scheme determined in step 307 or step 303, which is used to instruct the UE to use L frequency bands for positioning. Depending on the situation, the L frequency bands can all be licensed frequency bands, all be unlicensed frequency bands, or a combination of licensed and unlicensed frequency bands.

[0097] This application addresses positioning scenarios based on unlicensed spectrum by employing a two-step measurement method. The terminal device first measures the signal quality on the licensed frequency band, then measures it on the unlicensed frequency band. The network device determines whether to use the unlicensed frequency band for positioning based on the results of both measurements. This maximizes the bandwidth available to the terminal device for positioning services, potentially improving positioning accuracy and reducing latency. It also avoids the terminal device continuously performing measurements on the unlicensed frequency band, effectively reducing the terminal device's power consumption.

[0098] Figure 3 The illustrated positioning method is only a preferred embodiment, and the illustrated steps can be combined to form new solutions. Optionally, the first network device can determine the L frequency bands required for positioning by other means, such as receiving instruction information sent by other devices, and send these frequency bands as first information to the terminal device, which then uses these frequency bands for positioning. That is, the method of instructing the terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning can be completed without eliminating the need for two measurements by the terminal device and two judgments by the first network device.

[0099] Optionally, the terminal device can measure only the signal quality on unlicensed frequency bands and directly report the measurement results to the first network device. The first network device determines whether LBT (Local Bit Transmission) is successful based on the measurement results, and then determines whether to use unlicensed frequency bands for positioning. That is, it determines the L frequency bands required for the terminal device to perform positioning, and sends these frequency bands as first information to the terminal device. The terminal device then uses these frequency bands for positioning. In other words, this method of instructing the terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning can be completed without the terminal device measuring and reporting the signal quality on licensed frequency bands and receiving the second information indicating the measurement of signal quality on unlicensed frequency bands.

[0100] Optionally, before measuring the signal quality on unlicensed frequency bands, the terminal device may only receive second information instructing it to measure the signal quality on unlicensed frequency bands. This second information is sent by the first network device, which can determine whether to instruct the terminal device to perform measurements on unlicensed frequency bands based on various methods, such as receiving feedback from the terminal device instructing it to perform measurements on unlicensed frequency bands. This eliminates the need for the terminal device to measure the signal quality on licensed frequency bands and for the first network device to determine whether to perform measurements on unlicensed frequency bands, thus completing the method of instructing the terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning.

[0101] In this application embodiment, the first network device that determines the positioning scheme can be a serving base station or an LMF. The following uses a serving base station and an LMF as examples to illustrate the overall process of the method for positioning using unlicensed frequency bands, considering single-site positioning scenarios and multi-site positioning scenarios.

[0102] Figure 6 As an example of the positioning method provided in this application, considering a single-site positioning scenario, the first network device in the positioning scheme is determined to be the serving base station. Single-site positioning means that the UE only needs to receive the spectrum usage information and corresponding positioning reference signal configuration information from the serving base station or LMF to receive the positioning reference signal on the corresponding time-frequency resources. The main steps include:

[0103] Prior to step 601, initiating a location service can be done by the AMF (Application Management Function) on behalf of a specific target UE; or by a 5GC LCS (Local Control Center) entity, such as a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC), sending a location service request related to the target UE to the AMF to initiate the location service; or by the UE initiating a location request. After initiating the location service, the AMF forwards the location service request to the LMF (Local Management Function).

[0104] 601. UE Capability Reporting. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0105] 601a. ​​The LMF sends a capability request message to the UE, which is used to request the UE to report its own positioning capabilities.

[0106] 601b. The UE sends a capability provision message to the LMF, the capability provision message containing information indicating the UE's positioning capabilities.

[0107] The request capability message and the provide capability message can be LTE positioning protocol (LPP) messages between the UE and the LMF. The LPP message is merely an example and not a limitation. It should be understood that any message that can carry information about interaction between the UE and the LMF can be used in the technical solution of this application, and no specific limitations are made here.

[0108] For example, the capability request message can specifically be an LPP request capabilities message, and the capability provision message can specifically be an LPP provide capabilities message. Step 601a is an optional step, meaning that the UE can proactively provide capabilities messages to the LMF and proactively report its own positioning capabilities to the LMF without the LMF sending a capability request message to the UE. It should be understood that the LMF obtains the UE's positioning capabilities and thereby selects a positioning method appropriate to the UE's positioning capabilities.

[0109] Steps 602 to 608 and Figure 3Steps 301 to 307 shown are the same. Specifically, the first network device used to determine whether the UE performs measurements on the unlicensed frequency band and whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met is the serving base station. The interaction information between the UE and the serving base station can be carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages. The RRC message is merely an example and not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that any message that can carry interaction information between the UE and the serving base station can be applied to the technical solution of this application, and is not specifically limited here.

[0110] 609. The serving base station provides PRS configuration and other information to the LMF. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0111] 609a. The LMF sends a request for assistance information message to the serving base station, which is used to request location assistance data from the serving base station.

[0112] 609b. The serving base station sends an assistance information message to the LMF. This assistance information message contains location assistance data, as well as PRS configuration information. The PRS configuration information includes the specific positioning scheme, for example, the L frequency bands used are at least one of licensed and / or unlicensed frequency bands.

[0113] The request for assistance information message and the provide assistance information message can be NRPPa messages between the serving base station and the LMF. The NRPPa message is merely an example and not a limitation. It should be understood that any message that can carry interactive information between the serving base station and the LMF can be applied to the technical solution of this application, and no specific limitations are made here.

[0114] For example, the request for assistance information message can specifically be an NRPPa Information Request, and the provision of capability message can specifically be an NRPPa Information Response. That is, after the serving base station determines the positioning scheme, it provides the positioning scheme as positioning assistance data to the LMF.

[0115] 610. The LMF provides the UE with PRS configuration and other information. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0116] 610a. The UE sends a Request for Assisted Data message to the LMF, which is used to request location assistance data from the LMF.

[0117] 610b. The LMF replies to the UE with a Assistive Data Message, which includes the aforementioned positioning assistance data, as well as PRS configuration information. The PRS configuration information includes a specific positioning scheme, for example, the L frequency bands used are at least one of licensed and / or unlicensed frequency bands.

[0118] The request assistance data message and the provide assistance data message can be LPP messages. For example, the request assistance data message can specifically be an LPP request assistance data message, and the provide assistance data message can specifically be an LPP provide assistance data message. That is, after receiving the positioning scheme provided by the serving base station, the LMF provides the UE with PRS configuration and other information related to the positioning scheme as positioning assistance data.

[0119] Step 610a is an optional step, meaning that the LMF can proactively provide auxiliary data messages to the UE without the UE sending a request for auxiliary data message to the LMF, that is, send information such as PRS configuration related to the positioning scheme to the UE.

[0120] Optionally, step 610b, which involves sending PRS configuration information to the UE, can also be performed by the serving base station, i.e., step 610c, whereby the serving base station sends auxiliary data messages to the UE via broadcast. Specifically, after determining a specific positioning scheme, the serving base station can provide the UE with PRS configuration information related to the positioning scheme as positioning auxiliary data through an RRC message.

[0121] 611. The UE performs downlink PRS measurements. Specifically, the UE performs positioning-related measurements based on the received PRS configuration and other information, and obtains the measurement results.

[0122] 612. The UE provides measurement results to the LMF. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0123] 612a. The LMF sends a request location information message to the UE, which is used to request the UE's measurement results.

[0124] 612b. The UE sends a location information provision message to the LMF, which includes the UE's measurement results.

[0125] The request for location information message and the provide location information message can be LPP messages. For example, the request for location information message can specifically be an LPP request for location information message, and the provide location information message can specifically be an LPP provide location information message. That is, after the UE completes the location-related measurements, it sends the measurement results to the LMF.

[0126] Step 612a is an optional step, meaning that the UE can proactively provide a location information message, i.e., send the positioning-related measurement results to the LMF, without the LMF sending a request for location information message to the UE.

[0127] In single-site positioning scenarios, the terminal device measures the signal quality on both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands. This allows the serving base station to determine whether the terminal device can use the unlicensed frequency band for positioning and to select different positioning schemes based on different situations. This maximizes the bandwidth available to the terminal device for positioning services, potentially improving positioning accuracy and reducing latency. Simultaneously, it avoids the terminal device continuously performing measurements on the unlicensed frequency band, effectively reducing its power consumption.

[0128] During the positioning process, the LMF can also be used as an information management center to centrally schedule and manage positioning-related data, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0129] Figure 7 Another example of the positioning method provided in this application considers a single-site positioning scenario, where the first network device in the positioning scheme is determined to be an LMF. The main steps include:

[0130] Step 701 and Figure 6 Step 601 shown is the same as step 702 to 703 and steps 705 to 709 are the same as those shown. Figure 3 Steps 301 to 307 shown are the same. Specifically, the first network device used to determine whether the UE performs measurements on the unlicensed frequency band and whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met is the LMF.

[0131] Before step 705, the LMF needs to perform step 704, which requires obtaining its first threshold from the serving base station before proceeding to step 705.

[0132] 704. The LMF receives threshold information sent by the serving base station. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0133] 704a. The LMF sends a Request for Assistance Information message to the serving base station, which is used to request location assistance data from the serving base station.

[0134] 704b. The serving base station sends an auxiliary information message to the LMF. This auxiliary information message includes location assistance data and threshold information of the serving base station where the UE is located. The threshold information includes at least a first threshold of the serving base station, and may further include a second and third threshold required to determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met. It should be understood that the NRPPa messages used for information exchange between the serving base station and the LMF can be invoked at any time when needed. Therefore, the relevant threshold information can be sent to the LMF in its entirety in step 704, or the first threshold can be sent to the LMF at any time before step 705, and the second and third thresholds can be sent to the LMF at any time before step 709.

[0135] The request for assistance information message and the provision of assistance information message can be NRPPa messages between the serving base station and the LMF. For example, the request for assistance information message can specifically be an NRPPa Information Request, and the provision of assistance information message can specifically be an NRPPa Information Response. That is, after obtaining threshold information from the serving base station, the LMF compares the signal quality on the licensed frequency band obtained from the UE with a first threshold to determine whether the UE should perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band; it compares the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band obtained from the UE with a second threshold to obtain the channel occupancy rate, and then compares the channel occupancy rate with a preset third threshold to determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met.

[0136] Steps 710 to 712 and Figure 6 Steps 610 to 612 shown are the same. Before step 701c, a set of NRPPa auxiliary data messages can be invoked to send PRS configuration and other information from LMF to the serving base station. The serving base station then sends the PRS configuration and other information to the UE through broadcast auxiliary data messages.

[0137] In single-site positioning scenarios, the terminal device measures signal quality on both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands. This allows the LMF (Local Positioning Filter) to determine whether the terminal device can use unlicensed frequency bands for positioning. The LMF can then select different positioning schemes based on different situations, maximizing bandwidth for the terminal device during positioning operations. This can potentially improve positioning accuracy and reduce positioning latency. Simultaneously, it avoids the terminal device continuously performing measurements on unlicensed frequency bands, effectively reducing power consumption. Furthermore, the LMF's unified scheduling and management of data also improves the efficiency of positioning data transmission.

[0138] The positioning method proposed in this application can also be applied to multi-station positioning scenarios, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown. In multi-site positioning, the first network device can determine the frequency band used by the UE by receiving available frequency bands sent by at least one second network device. The second network device can be a neighboring cell reference station or an LMF (Local Multi-Functional Network).

[0139] Figure 8 In another example of the positioning method provided in this application, considering a multi-station positioning scenario, the first network device determining the positioning scheme is the serving base station, and the second network device transmitting available frequency bands in neighboring cells is the neighboring cell reference station. Compared to single-station positioning, in multi-station positioning, the serving base station also needs to consider the unlicensed frequency band usage of the neighboring cell reference station and send corresponding PRS configuration information according to different situations to complete the positioning service. The main steps include:

[0140] Steps 801 to 807 and Figure 6 Steps 601 to 607 shown are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0141] 808. The neighboring reference station indicates the available frequency bands to the serving base station via third information. Before step 808, each neighboring reference station interacts with its corresponding UE to confirm the usage of its unlicensed frequency bands. Since each neighboring reference station and its corresponding UE can also be considered equivalent to the information in this application... Figure 6 The specific implementation steps for each neighboring cell reference station to confirm the usage of its unlicensed frequency band, as shown in the specific embodiment, are as follows: Figure 6 Steps 601 to 608 shown are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0142] After confirming the usage status of its unlicensed frequency bands, the neighboring reference station proceeds to step 808. Specifically, the neighboring reference station determines whether its own unlicensed frequency bands are idle, and sends the idle unlicensed frequency bands to the serving base station or LMF. The serving base station receives a total of N unlicensed frequency bands sent by at least one neighboring reference station, or receives a total of N unlicensed frequency bands sent by at least one neighboring reference station via the LMF.

[0143] The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0144] 808a. Neighboring reference stations will indicate their respective available frequency bands to the LMF via third information.

[0145] 808b, LMF receives third information sent by at least one neighboring cell reference station and sends the received N unlicensed frequency bands to the serving base station.

[0146] Optionally, steps 808a and 808b can also be implemented via step 808c, whereby in step 808c, the neighboring reference station sends its respective available frequency bands to the serving base station. Specifically, the neighboring reference station directly forwards the usage information of its unlicensed frequency bands to the serving base station through the Xn interface, and the serving base station receives a total of N unlicensed frequency bands sent by at least one neighboring reference station.

[0147] 809. The serving base station determines whether the access conditions for unlicensed frequency bands are met. If the conditions for unlicensed frequency bands are met, the serving base station uses unlicensed frequency bands for positioning. Specifically, the serving base station comprehensively considers the usage of unlicensed frequency bands by both the serving base station and neighboring reference stations, and can adopt a positioning scheme based on unlicensed frequency bands or a positioning scheme combining licensed and unlicensed frequency bands. When the available bandwidth of unlicensed frequency bands is sufficient to guarantee the accuracy requirements of UE positioning, it is preferable to configure PRS and transmit reference signals only in the unlicensed frequency bands; when the available bandwidth of unlicensed frequency bands is insufficient to guarantee the accuracy requirements of UE positioning, it is necessary to increase the available positioning bandwidth through CA (Carrier Assist), that is, to configure PRS and transmit reference signals in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands after CA.

[0148] It should be understood that in steps 809 and earlier, the serving base station and the neighboring cell reference station can simultaneously measure and determine their respective licensed and unlicensed frequency band signals. Figure 8 There is no strict execution order between step 809 and the previous steps. That is, at any time before step 810, the serving base station obtains the usage status of the unlicensed frequency bands of the neighboring reference station, determines the usage status of the unlicensed frequency bands of its own serving base station, and determines the L unlicensed frequency bands that meet the access conditions.

[0149] Steps 810 to 813 and Figure 6Steps 609 to 612 shown in the figure are the same and will not be described again.

[0150] In multi-station positioning scenarios, the serving base station receives information on the usage of unlicensed frequency bands from neighboring reference stations, enabling terminal devices to potentially use unlicensed frequency bands in neighboring cells. This increases the likelihood of obtaining greater bandwidth in positioning services, potentially improving positioning accuracy and reducing positioning latency.

[0151] Figure 9 In another example of the positioning method provided in this application, considering a multi-station positioning scenario, the first network device determining the positioning scheme is the serving base station, and the second network device transmitting available frequency bands in neighboring cells is the LMF (Local Frequency Provider). When the second network device is the LMF, the neighboring UE sends the signal quality information of licensed and unlicensed frequency bands to the LMF. Simultaneously, the neighboring reference station sends relevant threshold information to the LMF, enabling the LMF to determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency bands of the neighboring cell are met. The LMF then sends the N available frequency bands of the neighboring cell to the serving base station. The serving base station further determines the L licensed and / or unlicensed frequency bands used by the UE, where N and L are both positive integers, and N is less than or equal to L. The main steps include:

[0152] Steps 901 to 907 and Figure 6 Steps 601 to 607 shown are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0153] 908. The serving base station receives third information sent by the LMF, wherein the third information includes available frequency bands. Prior to step 908, the LMF determines whether the access conditions for unlicensed frequency bands in neighboring cells are met. Figure 7 Steps 701 to 709 shown are the same. In step 908, the LMF determines the N available frequency bands and sends third information to the serving base station to indicate these N frequency bands.

[0154] 909. The serving base station determines whether the access conditions for unlicensed frequency bands are met. Specifically, after receiving the third information, the serving base station, in conjunction with the N frequency bands indicated in the third information, determines the L frequency bands that the UE can use, where N and L are both positive integers, and N is less than or equal to L.

[0155] Steps 910 to 913 and Figure 6 Steps 609 to 612 shown in the figure are the same and will not be described again.

[0156] In multi-station positioning scenarios, the serving base station receives information about the usage of unlicensed frequency bands in neighboring cells through the LMF (Local Frequency Filter). This allows terminal devices to potentially use unlicensed frequency bands in neighboring cells, thereby increasing the likelihood of obtaining greater bandwidth in positioning services. Consequently, positioning accuracy may be improved and positioning latency reduced.

[0157] Figure 10 As another example of the positioning method provided in this application, considering a multi-station positioning scenario, the first network device determining the positioning scheme is the LMF, and the second network device transmitting available frequency bands for neighboring cells is the neighboring cell reference station. Figure 10 In the specific embodiment shown, the neighboring UE sends the signal quality data of the licensed and unlicensed frequency bands to the neighboring reference station, enabling the reference station to determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met. The reference station then sends the available N frequency bands to the LMF (Local Management Function). The LMF further determines the L licensed and / or unlicensed frequency bands used by the UE, where N and L are both positive integers, and N is less than or equal to L. The main steps include:

[0158] Steps 1001 to 1008 and Figure 7 Steps 701 to 708 shown are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0159] 1009. The LMF receives third information from at least one neighboring reference station, wherein the third information includes available frequency bands. Prior to step 908, the neighboring reference station determines whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band of the neighboring cell are met. Figure 6 Steps 601 to 608 shown are the same. After determining the available frequency bands, the neighboring reference station sends third information to the LMF. The LMF receives N frequency bands indicated by the third information sent by at least one neighboring reference station, where N is a positive integer.

[0160] 1010. The LMF determines whether the access conditions for unlicensed frequency bands are met. Specifically, the LMF determines the available frequency bands based on the signal quality measured by the UE on the unlicensed frequency bands, and combines this with the N frequency bands indicated in the third information to determine the L frequency bands the UE will use for positioning, where N and L are both positive integers, and N is less than or equal to L.

[0161] Steps 1011 to 1013 and Figure 7 Steps 710 to 712 shown in the figure are the same and will not be described again.

[0162] In multi-station positioning scenarios, neighboring reference stations report available unlicensed frequency bands to the LMF. The terminal device receives the available unlicensed frequency bands from the neighboring cell through the LMF, making it possible for the terminal device to use the unlicensed frequency bands from the neighboring cell. This increases the likelihood of obtaining greater bandwidth in positioning services, which may improve positioning accuracy and reduce positioning latency.

[0163] Figure 11In another example of the positioning method provided in this application, considering a multi-site positioning scenario, the first network device determining the positioning scheme is an LMF (Local Frequency Provider), and the second network device transmitting available frequency bands in neighboring cells is also an LMF. In this case, the first and second network devices are the same LMF. After determining the available frequency band, the LMF does not need to send third information; it directly sends the determined frequency band used by the UE to the UE. Figure 7 Compared to single-station positioning, multi-station positioning requires sending threshold information from neighboring reference stations to the LMF.

[0164] Steps 1101 to 1103 and Figure 7 Steps 701 to 703 shown in the figure are the same and will not be described again.

[0165] 1104. At least one neighboring reference station sends threshold information. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0166] 1104a. The LMF sends a request for assistance information message to the neighboring reference station. This request for assistance information message is used to request positioning assistance data from the neighboring reference station.

[0167] 1104b. The neighboring reference station sends an auxiliary information message to the LMF. This auxiliary information message includes location assistance data and threshold information of the neighboring reference station. The threshold information includes at least a first threshold of the neighboring reference station, and may further include a second and third threshold required to determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met. It should be understood that the NRPPa messages used for information exchange between the neighboring reference station and the LMF can be invoked at any time when needed. Therefore, the relevant threshold information can be sent to the LMF in its entirety in step 1104a, or the first threshold can be sent to the LMF at any time before step 1106, and the second and third thresholds can be sent to the LMF at any time before step 1110.

[0168] The request for assistance information message and the provision of assistance information message can be NRPPa messages between the serving base station and the LMF. For example, the request for assistance information message can specifically be an NRPPa Information Request, and the provision of capability message can specifically be an NRPPa Information Response.

[0169] Optionally, in step 1104c, the neighboring reference station sends threshold information to the serving base station. It should be understood that after the serving base station receives the threshold information from the neighboring reference station through the Xn interface, it needs to further execute step 1105 before the LMF can receive the threshold information from the neighboring reference station.

[0170] 1105. The serving base station sends threshold information to the LMF. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0171] 1105a. The LMF sends a request for assistance information message to the serving base station. This request for assistance information message is used to request location assistance data from the serving base station.

[0172] 1105b. The serving base station sends an auxiliary information message to the LMF. This auxiliary information message includes location assistance data and, in addition, at least threshold information of the serving base station where the UE is located. This threshold information includes at least a first threshold of the serving base station, and may further include a second and third threshold required to determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met, and may further include the threshold information of the neighboring cell reference station from step 1104c. It should be understood that the NRPPa messages used for information exchange between the serving base station and the LMF can be invoked at any time when needed. Therefore, the relevant threshold information can be sent to the LMF in its entirety in step 1105, or the first threshold can be sent to the LMF at any time before step 906, and the second and third thresholds can be sent to the LMF at any time before step 1110.

[0173] It should be understood that when step 1104 specifically executes steps 1104a and 1104b, the threshold information in step 1105b includes the threshold information of the serving base station; when step 1104 specifically executes step 1104c, the threshold information in step 1105b includes the threshold information of the serving base station and the neighboring cell reference station.

[0174] Steps 1106 to 1113 and Figure 7 Steps 705 to 712 shown in the figure are the same and will not be described again.

[0175] In multi-station positioning scenarios, LMF (Local Frequency Management) uniformly schedules positioning data, enabling terminal devices to potentially use unlicensed frequency bands in neighboring cells. This allows them to obtain greater bandwidth in positioning services, potentially improving positioning accuracy and reducing positioning latency.

[0176] Figure 12 A schematic flowchart illustrating another method for positioning provided in this application.

[0177] 1201. The first network device sends configuration information to the UE. The configuration information includes a first threshold required by the first network device to determine whether the UE should perform measurements on an unlicensed frequency band, and a second and third threshold required to determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met.

[0178] 1202. The UE measures the signal quality on the licensed frequency band to determine whether to perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band. Since the UE has already received the first threshold, it can determine whether to perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band itself.

[0179] If the determination result is that the UE will not perform measurements on unlicensed frequency bands, then step 1204 is executed directly, and the determination result is sent to the first network device. The first network device then determines the determination result based on the determination result.

[0180] 1203. The UE measures the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band to determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met. Since the UE has already received the second and third thresholds, it can determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met on its own.

[0181] 1204. The UE sends the judgment result to the first network device.

[0182] 1205. The first network device determines a positioning scheme based on the judgment result. If the judgment result indicates that the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met, the first network device uses the unlicensed frequency band for positioning. Specifically, a positioning scheme based on the unlicensed frequency band or a positioning scheme combining the licensed and unlicensed frequency bands can be used.

[0183] If the determination result is that the unlicensed frequency band does not meet the access conditions, the first network device will use the licensed frequency band for positioning.

[0184] 1206. The first network device sends first information to the UE. This first information is used to instruct the UE to use L frequency bands for positioning according to the positioning scheme.

[0185] It should be understood that Figure 12 The method shown for positioning is a preferred embodiment and can be used with... Figure 3 The steps shown can be combined to form new schemes. For example, only the first threshold can be sent in step 1201, and the second and third thresholds can be sent before step 1203; alternatively, only the first threshold can be sent, and the UE can determine whether to perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band based on the first threshold, and after measuring the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band, [the UE can then proceed with the measurement]. Figure 3 The positioning scheme is determined by the method shown in steps 305 to 308; alternatively, the transmission of the second and third thresholds can be completed only before step 1203, and the UE determines whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met based on the threshold information, thereby determining the positioning scheme. However, before measuring the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band, the positioning scheme is determined by... Figure 3 The method shown in steps 301 to 304 determines whether the UE performs a measurement on an unlicensed frequency band.

[0186] In positioning scenarios based on unlicensed spectrum, the terminal device receives configuration information, including relevant thresholds, from the network device. After measuring the signal quality in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands, it further determines whether to perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band or whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met. The judgment result is then sent to the network device, allowing the network device to select different positioning schemes based on different situations. This maximizes the bandwidth available to the terminal device for positioning services, potentially improving positioning accuracy and reducing latency. Simultaneously, it avoids the terminal device continuously performing measurements on the unlicensed frequency band, effectively reducing the terminal device's power consumption.

[0187] This application also provides a device for positioning, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 13 .

[0188] Figure 13 The schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in this application shows that the communication device 1300 includes a transceiver unit 1301 and a processing unit 1302.

[0189] Transceiver unit 1301 is used to receive first information from a first network device, the first information being used to instruct the terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning, the L frequency bands being unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands, where L is a positive integer;

[0190] Processing unit 1302 is used for positioning using the L frequency bands.

[0191] Alternatively, the transceiver unit can also be divided into a receiving unit and a transmitting unit, which perform receiving and transmitting operations respectively; this is not a limitation here.

[0192] In one embodiment, the transceiver unit 1301 is further configured to send the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band to the first network device, the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band being used to determine the first information; the processing unit 1302 is further configured to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band.

[0193] In another embodiment, the transceiver unit 1301 is further configured to receive second information from the first network device, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band.

[0194] In another embodiment, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to measure the signal quality on the licensed frequency band; the transceiver unit 1301 is further configured to send the signal quality on the licensed frequency band to the first network device, the signal quality on the licensed frequency band being used to determine the first information or the second information.

[0195] In another embodiment, the transceiver unit 1301 is used to receive first information from the first network device, the first information being used to instruct the terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning, the L frequency bands being unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands, where L is a positive integer; the processing unit 1302 is used to use the L frequency bands for positioning.

[0196] In another embodiment, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band and determine whether the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are met; the transceiver unit 1301 is further configured to send the judgment result to the first network device; wherein the first information is determined by the judgment result.

[0197] In another embodiment, the processing unit 1302 is further specifically configured to measure the signal quality on the licensed frequency band and determine whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band; wherein, when it is determined that the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band is measured; or, when it is determined that the terminal device does not perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, the transceiver unit 1301 is further specifically configured to send the determination result to the first network device.

[0198] In another embodiment, the processing unit 1302 determines whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, including: when the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the processing unit 1302 further determines that the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band; or, when the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is less than the first threshold, the processing unit 1302 further determines that the terminal device does not perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band.

[0199] In another embodiment, the transceiver unit 1301 is further configured to receive configuration information sent by the first network device, the configuration information including at least one of a first threshold, a second threshold, or a third threshold, the configuration information being used to determine whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band or to determine whether the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are met.

[0200] Figure 14 Another example of a positioning device provided in this application is a communication device 1400, which includes a processing unit 1401 and a transceiver unit 1402.

[0201] Processing unit 1401 is used to determine that the terminal device uses L frequency bands for positioning, wherein the L frequency bands are unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands, and L is a positive integer;

[0202] The transceiver unit 1402 is used to send first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to instruct the terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning.

[0203] Alternatively, the transceiver unit can also be divided into a receiving unit and a transmitting unit, which perform receiving and transmitting operations respectively; this is not a limitation here.

[0204] In one embodiment, the transceiver unit 1402 is further configured to receive signal quality from the terminal device on the unlicensed frequency band; the processing unit 1401 is further configured to determine whether the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are met based on the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; wherein, when it is determined that the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are met, the L frequency bands are the unlicensed frequency band, or the L frequency bands are the unlicensed frequency band and the licensed frequency band; or, when it is determined that the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are not met, the L frequency bands are the licensed frequency band.

[0205] In another embodiment, the transceiver unit 1402 is further configured to receive signal quality from the terminal device on the licensed frequency band; the processing unit 1401 is further configured to determine whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band based on the signal quality on the licensed frequency band; wherein, when it is determined that the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, the transceiver unit 1402 is further configured to send second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; or, when it is determined that the terminal device does not perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, the processing unit 1401 is further configured to determine the L frequency bands as the licensed frequency bands.

[0206] In another embodiment, the processing unit 1401 is configured to determine whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band based on the signal quality on the licensed frequency band, including: when the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the processing unit 1401 is further configured to determine that the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band; or, when the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is less than the first threshold, the processing unit 1401 is further configured to determine that the terminal device does not perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band.

[0207] In another embodiment, the transceiver unit 1402 is further configured to receive third information from at least one second network device, the third information indicating N frequency bands; wherein the K frequency bands include the N frequency bands, N is a positive integer, and N is less than or equal to K.

[0208] In another embodiment, the processing unit 1401 is configured to determine that the terminal device uses L frequency bands for positioning, the L frequency bands being unlicensed and / or licensed frequency bands; the transceiver unit 1402 is configured to send first information to the terminal device, the first information being configured to instruct the terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning, where L is a positive integer.

[0209] In another embodiment, the transceiver unit 1402 is also specifically used to receive the judgment result sent by the terminal device, and determine that the terminal device uses L frequency bands for positioning based on the judgment result, where L is a positive integer.

[0210] In another embodiment, the transceiver unit 1402 is further configured to send configuration information to the terminal device, the configuration information including at least one of a first threshold, a second threshold, or a third threshold, the configuration information being used to determine whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band or to determine whether the access conditions of the unlicensed frequency band are met.

[0211] Figure 15 Another example of a positioning device provided in this application, device 1500 includes: one or more communication interfaces 1501, one or more processors 1502, and one or more memories 1503. The processor 1502 controls the communication interfaces 1501 to transmit and receive signals, the memory 1503 stores a computer program, and the processor 1502 calls and runs the computer program from the memory 1503 to execute the processes and / or operations performed by the positioning device in the various method embodiments of this application.

[0212] For example, communication interface 1501 may have Figure 13 The transceiver unit 1301 shown in the figure has the following functions: the processor 1502 may have Figure 13 The processing unit 1302 shown herein has the following functions. Specifically, the processor 1502 can be used to execute... Figures 1 to 12 The processing or operation performed internally by the positioning device is carried out via the communication interface 1501. Figures 1 to 12 The sending and / or receiving actions performed by the positioning device.

[0213] In one implementation, device 1500 can be the positioning device in the method embodiment. In this implementation, communication interface 1501 can be a transceiver. The transceiver can include a receiver and a transmitter.

[0214] Optionally, the processor 1502 can be a baseband device, and the communication interface 1501 can be a radio frequency device.

[0215] In another implementation, device 1500 can be a chip installed in access network equipment. In this implementation, communication interface 1501 can be an interface circuit or an input / output interface.

[0216] Figure 16Another example of a positioning device provided in this application. Device 1600 includes: one or more processors 1601, one or more memories 1602, and one or more communication interfaces 1603. Processor 1601 controls the communication interfaces 1603 to transmit and receive signals. Memory 1602 stores a computer program. Processor 1601 calls and runs the computer program from memory 1602 to execute processes and / or operations performed by a terminal device in the various method embodiments of this application.

[0217] For example, processor 1601 may have Figure 14 The processing unit 1401 shown has the following functions, and the communication interface 1603 may have... Figure 14 The transceiver unit 1402 shown herein has the following functions. Specifically, the processor 1601 can be used to perform... Figures 1 to 12 The processing or operation executed internally by the terminal device is carried out by the communication interface 1603. Figures 1 to 12 The sending and / or receiving actions performed by the terminal device will not be described in detail.

[0218] Optionally, the memory in the above device embodiments can be physically independent units, or the memory can be integrated with the processor, which is not limited herein.

[0219] In addition, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the operations and / or processes performed by a terminal device in the various method embodiments of this application to be executed.

[0220] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause operations and / or processes performed by a first network device in the various method embodiments of this application to be executed.

[0221] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code or instructions. When the computer program code or instructions are run on a computer, the operations and / or processes performed by the terminal device in the various method embodiments of this application are executed.

[0222] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code or instructions. When the computer program code or instructions are run on a computer, the operations and / or processes performed by the first network device in the various method embodiments of this application are executed.

[0223] Furthermore, this application also provides a chip including a processor, a memory for storing a computer program disposed independently of the chip, the processor being used to execute the computer program stored in the memory such that a network device having the chip installed performs operations and / or processes performed by a terminal device in any of the method embodiments.

[0224] Furthermore, the chip may also include a communication interface. The communication interface may be an input / output interface or an interface circuit, etc. Furthermore, the chip may also include the memory.

[0225] This application also provides a chip including a processor, and a memory for storing a computer program is provided independently of the chip. The processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory so that a terminal device on which the chip is installed performs an operation and / or process performed by a first network device in any of the method embodiments.

[0226] Furthermore, the chip may also include a communication interface. The communication interface may be an input / output interface or an interface circuit, etc. Furthermore, the chip may also include the memory.

[0227] Furthermore, this application also provides a communication device (e.g., a chip) including a logic circuit and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive signals and transmit the signals to the logic circuit, and the logic circuit processes the signals so that operations and / or processes performed by a terminal device in any method embodiment are executed.

[0228] This application also provides a communication device (e.g., a chip) including a logic circuit and a communication interface, the communication interface being used to receive signals and transmit the signals to the logic circuit, the logic circuit processing the signals to cause an operation and / or process performed by a first network device in any method embodiment to be performed.

[0229] Furthermore, this application also provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the at least one memory, such that operations and / or processes performed by a terminal device in any method embodiment are executed.

[0230] This application also provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the at least one memory, such that operations and / or processes performed by a first network device in any method embodiment are executed.

[0231] Furthermore, this application also provides a communication device, including a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory stores a computer program, the processor calls and runs the computer program stored in the memory, and controls the transceiver to send and receive signals, so that the terminal device performs the operations and / or processes performed by the terminal device in any of the method embodiments.

[0232] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory stores a computer program, the processor calls and runs the computer program stored in the memory, and controls the transceiver to send and receive signals, so that the terminal device performs the operations and / or processes performed by the first network device in any of the method embodiments.

[0233] In addition, this application also provides a wireless communication system, including the terminal device and / or the first network device in the embodiments of this application.

[0234] The processor in this application embodiment can be an integrated circuit chip with the ability to process signals. In implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in this application embodiment can be directly implemented by a hardware encoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the encoding processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory; the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0235] The memory in this application embodiment can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or it can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DRRAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0236] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples 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 implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art 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 application.

[0237] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0238] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0239] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0240] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0241] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. A, B, and C can all be singular or plural, without limitation.

[0242] Furthermore, "multiple" in this application refers to two or more.

[0243] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0244] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for positioning, characterized in that, include: The terminal device receives first information from a first network device, the first information being used to instruct the terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning, the L frequency bands being unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands, the L frequency bands being determined based on the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency bands and / or the signal quality on the licensed frequency bands, where L is a positive integer; Positioning is performed using the L frequency bands.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; The signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band is sent to the first network device, and the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band is used to determine the first information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives second information from the first network device, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Measure the signal quality on the licensed frequency band; The signal quality on the licensed frequency band is sent to the first network device, and the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is used to determine the first information or the second information.

5. A method for positioning, characterized in that, include: The terminal device is determined to use L frequency bands for positioning, wherein the L frequency bands are unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands, and the L frequency bands are determined based on the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency bands and / or the signal quality on the licensed frequency bands, where L is a positive integer; Send first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to instruct the terminal device to use the L frequency bands for positioning.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive signal quality from the terminal device on the unlicensed frequency band; Determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met based on the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; Wherein, when it is determined that the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met, the L frequency bands are the unlicensed frequency bands, or the L frequency bands are the unlicensed frequency bands and the licensed frequency bands; or, When it is determined that the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency bands are not met, the L frequency bands are the licensed frequency bands.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive signal quality from the terminal device on the licensed frequency band; Whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band is determined based on the signal quality on the licensed frequency band. When it is determined that the terminal device is performing a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, the method further includes: Send a second message to the terminal device, the second message being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; or... When it is determined that the terminal device does not perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band, the L frequency bands are determined to be the licensed frequency bands.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Determining whether the terminal device should perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band based on the signal quality on the licensed frequency band includes: When the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the terminal device is determined to perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band; or... When the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is less than the first threshold, it is determined that the terminal device will not perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information from at least one second network device, the third information being used to indicate N frequency bands; The L frequency bands include the N frequency bands, where N is a positive integer and is less than or equal to L.

10. A device for positioning, characterized in that, include: A transceiver unit is configured to receive first information from a first network device, the first information being used to instruct a terminal device to use L frequency bands for positioning, the L frequency bands being unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands, the L frequency bands being determined based on the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency bands and / or the signal quality on the licensed frequency bands, where L is a positive integer; A processing unit is used for positioning using the L frequency bands.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is further configured to send the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band to the first network device, wherein the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band is used to determine the first information; The processing unit is also used to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is also configured to receive second information from the first network device, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The processing unit is also used to measure the signal quality on the licensed frequency band; The transceiver unit is further configured to send the signal quality on the licensed frequency band to the first network device, wherein the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is used to determine the first information or the second information.

14. A device for positioning, characterized in that, include: The processing unit is configured to determine that the terminal device uses L frequency bands for positioning, wherein the L frequency bands are unlicensed frequency bands and / or licensed frequency bands, and the L frequency bands are determined based on the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency bands and / or the signal quality on the licensed frequency bands, where L is a positive integer; A transceiver unit is configured to send first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to instruct the terminal device to use the L frequency bands for positioning.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is also used to receive signal quality from the terminal device on the unlicensed frequency band; The processing unit is further configured to determine whether the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met based on the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; Wherein, when it is determined that the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency band are met, the L frequency bands are the unlicensed frequency bands, or the L frequency bands are the unlicensed frequency bands and the licensed frequency bands; or, When it is determined that the access conditions for the unlicensed frequency bands are not met, the L frequency bands are the licensed frequency bands.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is also used to receive signal quality from the terminal device on the licensed frequency band; The processing unit is further configured to determine whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band based on the signal quality on the licensed frequency band. Wherein, when it is determined that the terminal device is performing a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band, the transceiver unit is further configured to send second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the signal quality on the unlicensed frequency band; or... When it is determined that the terminal device does not perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the L frequency bands are the licensed frequency bands.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to determine whether the terminal device should perform a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band based on the signal quality on the licensed frequency band, including: When the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the processing unit is further configured to determine whether the terminal device performs a measurement on the unlicensed frequency band; or... When the signal quality on the licensed frequency band is less than the first threshold, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the terminal device does not perform measurements on the unlicensed frequency band.

18. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is also configured to receive third information from at least one second network device, the third information being used to indicate N frequency bands; The L frequency bands include the N frequency bands, where N is a positive integer and is less than or equal to L.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor and a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 9.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 9.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 9.

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