A position prediction method, device and storage medium

Abstract

This invention provides a location prediction method, apparatus, and storage medium. It relates to the field of communication technology and is used to determine the predicted location information of a terminal. The method includes: a Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) element acquiring the current location information of the terminal determined by a Location Management Function (LMF) element; and the NWDAF determining the predicted location information of the terminal based on the current location information and pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a location prediction method, apparatus, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the positioning technologies of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the user equipment (UE) itself or a third-party application (AF / LCS client) needs to initiate a location request for the UE. The former is called MO-LR (Mobile Originated-Location Report), and the latter is called MT-LR (Mobile Terminated-Location Report). Both MO-LR and MT-LR can only obtain the current location information of the UE by calculating its current location, and cannot predict the future location of the UE. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a location prediction method, apparatus, and storage medium for determining the predicted location information of a terminal.

[0004] Firstly, a location prediction method is provided, the method comprising:

[0005] The Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) element acquires the current location information of the terminal determined by the Position Management Function (LMF) element; based on the current location information of the terminal and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal, the NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention brings the following beneficial effects: Since the NWDAF pre-stores the historical location information of the terminal, and the NWDAF can obtain the current location information of the terminal determined by the positioning management function network element LMF, the NWDAF can predict the location of the terminal and obtain the predicted location information of the terminal.

[0007] In one possible implementation, NWDAF receives a first request message from AMF or LMF. The first request message is used to request NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the current location information of the terminal.

[0008] Based on this possible implementation, NWDAF originates from the first request message of AMF or LMF, so that NWDAF can subsequently determine the terminal's predicted location information based on the terminal's current location information and the terminal's historical location information.

[0009] In another possible implementation, NWDAF receives a first request message from AMF, which requests NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the address information of LMF used to locate the terminal. NWDAF obtains the current location information of the terminal from LMF based on the address information of LMF.

[0010] Based on this possible implementation, NWDAF can directly receive the first request message sent by AMF, and based on the address information of LMF in the first request message, find the current location information of the terminal required by LMF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal.

[0011] In another possible implementation, the first request message may also include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

[0012] Based on this possible implementation, when NWDAF receives the first request message, it can determine whether it is necessary to determine the predicted location information of the terminal based on the location prediction identifier, or it can determine the specific standard that the predicted location information of the terminal should meet based on the location prediction configuration information in the first request message.

[0013] In another possible implementation, NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal based on the location prediction configuration information, the terminal's current location information, and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

[0014] Based on this possible implementation method, NWDAF determines the terminal's predicted location information more accurately and meets the preset standard by comprehensively considering the terminal's current location information, pre-stored historical location information, and location prediction configuration information.

[0015] In another possible implementation, the NWDAF sends the terminal's predicted location information to the Access and Mobility Management (AMF) element.

[0016] Based on this possible implementation, after NWDAF sends the terminal's predicted location information to AMF, AMF can then send the terminal's predicted location information back to the terminal.

[0017] Secondly, a location prediction method is provided, comprising: an access and mobility management network element (AMF) receiving a location request message, the location request message being used to request predicted location information of a terminal; the AMF obtaining the predicted location information of the terminal from a network data analysis function network element (NWDAF) used to store historical location information of the terminal; and the AMF sending a location response message, the location response message including the predicted location information of the terminal.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the location request message includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

[0019] In another possible implementation, the AMF sends a second request message to the LMF, which requests the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF.

[0020] In another possible implementation, the second request message includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0021] In another possible implementation, the AMF sends a second request message to the LMF, which requests the LMF to determine the terminal's current location information.

[0022] AMF receives a second response message from LMF, which includes the terminal's current location information;

[0023] The AMF sends a first request message to the NWDAF, which requests the NWDAF to determine the terminal's predicted location information. The first request message includes the terminal's current location information.

[0024] In another possible implementation, the AMF sends a first request message to the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the address information of the LMF used to determine the current location information of the terminal.

[0025] In another possible implementation, the first request message may also include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0026] Thirdly, a location prediction method is provided, which includes:

[0027] The location management function network element LMF receives a second request message, which is used to request the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF used to store the historical location information of the terminal.

[0028] LMF determines the terminal's current location information;

[0029] Based on the address information of NWDAF, LMF sends a first request message to NWDAF. The first request message is used to request NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the current location information of the terminal.

[0030] In another possible implementation, the second request message further includes: a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of prediction location information.

[0031] In another possible implementation, the first request message may also include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0032] Fourthly, a location prediction device is provided, the device comprising:

[0033] The communication module is used to obtain the current location information of the terminal determined by the location management function network element LMF;

[0034] The processing module is used to determine the predicted location information of the terminal based on the terminal's current location information and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

[0035] In another possible implementation, the communication module is specifically used to: receive a first request message from the AMF or LMF, the first request message being used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal, the first request message including the current location information of the terminal.

[0036] In another possible implementation, the communication module is specifically used to: receive a first request message from the AMF, the first request message being used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal, the first request message including the address information of the LMF used to locate the terminal; and obtain the current location information of the terminal from the LMF based on the address information of the LMF.

[0037] In another possible implementation, the first request message may also include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

[0038] In another possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to: determine the predicted location information of the terminal based on the location prediction configuration information, the current location information of the terminal, and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

[0039] In another possible implementation, a communication module is used to send the terminal's predicted location information to the Access and Mobility Management (AMF) element.

[0040] Fifthly, a location prediction device is provided, the device comprising:

[0041] The communication module is used to receive location request messages, which are used to request the terminal's predicted location information.

[0042] The communication module is also used to obtain the terminal's predicted location information from the network data analysis function element NWDAF, which is used to store the terminal's historical location information;

[0043] The communication module is also used to send a location response message, which includes the terminal's predicted location information.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the location request message may also include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

[0045] In another possible implementation, the communication module is also used to send a second request message to the location management function network element (LMF). The second request message is used to request the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF.

[0046] In another possible implementation, the second request message may also include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0047] In another possible implementation, the communication module is also used to send a second request message to the LMF, which requests the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal.

[0048] The communication module is also used to receive a second response message from the LMF, the second response message including the terminal's current location information;

[0049] The communication module is also used to send a first request message to the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the current location information of the terminal.

[0050] In another possible implementation, the communication module is also used to send a first request message to the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the address information of the LMF used to determine the current location information of the terminal.

[0051] In another possible implementation, the first request message may also include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0052] Sixthly, a location prediction device is provided, the device comprising:

[0053] The communication module is used to receive a second request message, which requests the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF used to store the historical location information of the terminal.

[0054] The processing module is used to determine the current location information of the terminal;

[0055] The communication module is also used to send a first request message to the NWDAF based on the address information of the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the current location information of the terminal.

[0056] In another possible implementation, the second request message further includes: a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of prediction location information.

[0057] In another possible implementation, the first request message may also include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0058] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, the device including a memory and a processor; the memory and the processor are coupled, the memory being used to store a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to implement the above-described service discovery method.

[0059] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer instructions are stored, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the aforementioned service discovery method.

[0060] For a detailed description of the second to eighth aspects and their various implementations in this invention, please refer to the detailed description in the first aspect and its various implementations. The beneficial effects of the second to eighth aspects and their various implementations can be found in the analysis of the beneficial effects of the first aspect and its various implementations, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the MT-LR process for an LCS client to request the UE location in a network embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 2 The network provided in this embodiment of the invention is a schematic diagram of the MO-LR process for a UE to request its own location.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a location service network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 4 A flowchart of a location prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0065] Figure 5 A flowchart of a location prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0066] Figure 6 A flowchart of a location prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 ;

[0067] Figure 7 Interactive flow of a location prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0068] Figure 8 Interactive flow of a location prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0069] Figure 9 Interactive flow of a location prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 ;

[0070] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a location prediction device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0071] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a location prediction device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0072] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a location prediction device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0073] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0074] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0075] In the current 3GPP positioning technology, a positioning request for the UE initiated by a Location Services client (LCSclient) or an external location services client is called MT-LR. For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the MT-LR process for an LCS client to request the UE location, provided as an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the specific process of MT-LR is as follows:

[0076] Step 101: The external client sends a request to the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC), carrying the target UE identifier, which is usually a Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI) or a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI).

[0077] Step 102: GMLC calls the Nudm_UECM_Get (Nudm_UE Connection Management_Get) service operation to the Unified Data Management (UDM) of the target UE's home network.

[0078] Step 103: UDM returns the network address of the current service's Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF);

[0079] Step 104: The GMLC calls the Namf_Location_ProvideLocation service operation from the AMF to request the UE's current location;

[0080] Step 105: If the UE is in the connection management idle state, the AMF initiates a network-triggered service request procedure to establish a signaling connection with the UE;

[0081] Step 106: The AMF selects the Location Management Function (LMF) based on the NRF (Network Repository Function) request or configuration information;

[0082] Step 107: The AMF calls the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation (Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation) service operation to the LMF to request the UE's current location;

[0083] Step 108: The LMF performs the positioning process. This includes, for example, UE-assisted positioning and network-assisted positioning processes in the prior art. Since this invention does not modify the specific positioning process, the details of the positioning process will not be described here.

[0084] Step 109: The LMF returns an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Response to the AMF to return the UE's current location. This service operation includes location estimation information, time, and accuracy.

[0085] Step 110: The AMF returns a Namf_Location_ProvideLocation Response to the GMLC to return the UE's current location;

[0086] Step 111: GMLC returns an LCS Service Response to the External client.

[0087] In the location access type selection scheme, there are the following types: AMF selects the access type: After the AMF receives the Namf_Location_ProvideLocation service operation from the GMLC, the AMF decides which access type to use to transmit location information. For example, if the UE is in CM-IDLE state in 3GPP access and in CM-CONNECTED (connection management-connected) state in non-3GPP access, the AMF chooses to send location signaling to the UE through the Non-3GPP InterWorking Function (N3IWF) instead of paging the UE through 3GPP access.

[0088] GMLC selects access type: When GMLC receives a location request from LCS client, GMLC obtains information such as the access technology currently used by UE and the status of UE in different access networks from UDM. GMLC decides which access technology to use based on this information.

[0089] For example, Figure 2 The network provided in this embodiment of the invention is a schematic diagram of the MO-LR process for a UE to request its own location. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the MO-LR process is as follows:

[0090] Step 201: The UE module initiates a service request to the NG-RAN module and the AMF module;

[0091] Step 202: The UE module and the AMF module transmit an MO-LR request to each other via uplink NAS;

[0092] Step 203: The AMF module performs LMF selection;

[0093] Step 204: The AMF module determines the Nlmf position of the LMF module;

[0094] Step 205: Perform UE positioning between the UE module and the LMF module;

[0095] Step 206: The LMF module responds to the AMF module with an Nlmf position.

[0096] Step 207: The AMF module sends an Ngmlc position update request to the VGMLC module;

[0097] Step 208: The VGMLC module sends an Ngmlc location update request to the HGMLC module;

[0098] Step 209: The HGMLC module provides location information to the External Client module, the VGMLC module sends a location update notification (Ngmlc) to the NEF module, and the NEF module and the AF module send an Nnef location update notification to each other.

[0099] Step 210: The External Client module confirms the location information with the HGMLC module, the NEF module and the AF module send an Nnef location update notification response, and the NEF module sends an Ngmlc location update notification response to the HGMLC module.

[0100] Step 211: The HGMLC module and the VGMLC module communicate to receive Ngmlc location update notifications.

[0101] Step 212: The VGMLC module sends an Ngmlc location update notification response to the AMF module;

[0102] Step 213: Downlink NAS transmission of MO-LR response between UE module and AMF module.

[0103] As can be seen from the above, both MO-LR and MT-LR can only obtain the current location information of the UE by calculating the current location of the UE, and cannot predict the future location of the UE.

[0104] In view of this, the present invention provides a location prediction method that utilizes the interaction between the Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) and the existing LCS system to enhance existing positioning technology and determine the predicted location information of the terminal.

[0105] The technical solution provided in this invention is applicable to 5G communication systems. A 5G communication system includes a 5G core network, a radio access network, and a bearer network. The core network is located between the base station and the network and is responsible for handling terminal user mobility management, session management, and service management. The radio access network is located between the terminal and the base station and is used to connect the terminal to the communication network. The bearer network is located between the radio access network and the core network and is responsible for providing network connectivity for both the radio access network and the core network.

[0106] The core network elements include UDM, AMF, NRF, network exposure function (NEF), authentication server function (AUSF), policy control function (PCF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), and NWDAF.

[0107] The NWDAF network element can collect and analyze network data from various network functions (NFs), application functions (AFs), and operation administration and maintenance (OAM) systems.

[0108] It is understandable that this invention adds the ability to calculate and analyze UE location prediction to the NWDAF network element.

[0109] For example, Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a location service network architecture according to an embodiment of the present invention. This location service network architecture may include a user terminal (UE), a radio access network (RAN), an LMF, an AMF, a UDM, a network exposure function (NEF), a GMLC, a location retrieval function (LRF), an LCS client, and an AF.

[0110] (R)AN is an access network device used to connect terminals to the communication network and provide wireless air interface network services to the terminal devices.

[0111] LMF is used to manage the overall coordination and scheduling of resources required by terminals registered to or accessing the core network, calculate or confirm the final location of the terminal, estimate the speed of the terminal, and provide the accuracy of the estimated value.

[0112] AMF is used to receive connection and session information and is responsible for handling access and mobility management tasks.

[0113] UDM is responsible for managing user identifiers, subscription data, authentication data, and user service element registration management.

[0114] NEF is used to manage publicly accessible data and provide corresponding security measures.

[0115] GMLC is used to provide the functionality required to support LCS clients.

[0116] LRF is used to provide location retrieval functionality. It can be configured together with GMLC or separately. It is responsible for retrieving or verifying location information and providing routing and related information to the terminal that initiates the emergency session.

[0117] The LCS client is used to receive location requests from the terminal and access the LCS service from the GMLC using the Le reference point, sending a location request to the GMLC.

[0118] AF is used to provide services at the application layer for operators or third parties.

[0119] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a location prediction method, applied to... Figure 3 The location service networking architecture shown includes the following steps:

[0120] S401, NWDAF obtains the current location information of the terminal determined by LMF.

[0121] In some embodiments, NWDAF receives a first request message from AMF or LMF. The first request message is used to request NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the current location information of the terminal.

[0122] In other embodiments, the NWDAF receives a first request message from the AMF (Advanced Location Function), which requests the NWDAF to determine the terminal's predicted location information. The first request message includes the address information of the LMF (Local Location Function) used for locating the terminal. Based on the LMF's address information, the NWDAF obtains the terminal's current location information from the LMF. In this way, when the first request message received by the NWDAF includes the address information of the LMF used for terminal location, the NWDAF can directly obtain the terminal's current location information from the LMF. This avoids the LMF sending the terminal's current location information to the AMF, and then the NWDAF obtaining the terminal's current location information from the AMF, thus improving the efficiency of determining the terminal's predicted location information.

[0123] In some examples, the first request message also includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, whereby the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the predicted location information. The location prediction identifier is used to mark the first request message so that NWDAF can perform a location prediction operation upon receiving the first request message.

[0124] S402 and NWDAF determine the predicted location information of the terminal based on the terminal's current location information and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

[0125] The predicted location information of the determined terminal meets the configuration requirements of the location prediction configuration information.

[0126] Specifically, the predicted location information of the determined terminal needs to include the predicted location information within the prediction time required by the location prediction configuration information.

[0127] The predicted location information of the determined terminal needs to achieve the prediction accuracy required by the location prediction configuration information, that is, the error between the predicted location information and the future real location information needs to be less than a preset threshold.

[0128] The predicted location information of the terminal needs to be encoded, stored, and transmitted to the terminal according to a standardized format. After receiving the predicted location information determined by NWDAF, the terminal can decode the received predicted location information into a normal data format according to the corresponding decoding rules for use and display. This improves the transmission efficiency and reliability of the terminal's predicted location information. Common formats for location prediction information include ASCII, ANSI, GBK, GB2312, UTF-8, GB18030, and UNICODE.

[0129] In some embodiments, when the first request message includes location prediction configuration information, NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal based on the location prediction configuration information, the terminal's current location information, and pre-stored historical location information of the terminal. This not only obtains the predicted location information of the terminal but also ensures that the obtained predicted location information satisfies the prediction configuration.

[0130] In some embodiments, the NWDAF sends the terminal's predicted location information to the Access and Mobility Management (AMF) element.

[0131] Based on this, NWDAF interacts with the LCS system and, according to the terminal's historical location information and the terminal's current location information obtained from LMF, can analyze and calculate the terminal's predicted location information.

[0132] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, step S402 can be implemented as follows:

[0133] S501 and AMF receive a location request message, which is used to request the terminal's predicted location information.

[0134] The location request message includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of the following: prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

[0135] In some embodiments, the AMF receives location request messages from the UE or a third-party application.

[0136] S502, AMF obtains the predicted location information of the terminal from the NWDAF used to store the historical location information of the terminal.

[0137] In one possible implementation, the AMF sends a second request message to the LMF, which requests the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF. After determining the current location information of the terminal, the LMF sends the current location information of the terminal to the NWDAF based on the address information of the NWDAF. The NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal based on the historical location information of the terminal stored in its own memory and the current location information of the terminal. The NWDAF sends the predicted location information of the terminal to the AMF.

[0138] In another possible implementation, the AMF sends a second request message to the LMF, requesting the LMF to determine the terminal's current location information; the AMF receives a second response message from the LMF, which includes the terminal's current location information; the AMF sends a first request message to the NWDAF, requesting the NWDAF to determine the terminal's predicted location information, which includes the terminal's current location information; the NWDAF determines the terminal's predicted location information based on its stored historical location information and the terminal's current location information; and the NWDAF sends the terminal's predicted location information to the AMF.

[0139] In another possible implementation, the AMF sends a first request message to the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the address information of the LMF used to determine the current location information of the terminal. After receiving the first request message, the NWDAF finds the LMF according to the address information of the LMF used to determine the current location information of the terminal included in the first request message, and obtains the current location information of the terminal through the LMF.

[0140] The NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal based on the terminal's historical location information and the terminal's current location information stored in its own database; the NWDAF then sends the predicted location information of the terminal to the AMF.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first request message includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0142] S503 and AMF send a location response message, which includes the terminal's predicted location information.

[0143] In some embodiments, when the terminal needs to obtain the predicted location information, the AMF sends a location response message to the terminal.

[0144] In other embodiments, when a third-party application needs to obtain the terminal's predicted location information, the AMF sends a location response message to the third-party application.

[0145] Based on this, AMF can analyze and calculate the predicted location information of the terminal by using NWDAF based on the historical location information of the terminal stored in its own memory and the current location information of the terminal obtained from LMF.

[0146] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, step S503 can be implemented as follows:

[0147] S601, LMF receives a second request message, which is used to request LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal.

[0148] The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF used to store the terminal's historical location information. This facilitates the LMF in subsequently sending the first request message to the NWDAF based on the NWDAF's address information.

[0149] In some examples, the second request message also includes: a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, the location prediction configuration information including at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

[0150] S602, LMF determines the current location information of the terminal.

[0151] S603 and LMF send a first request message to NWDAF based on the address information of NWDAF. The first request message is used to request NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal.

[0152] The first request message includes the terminal's current location information.

[0153] In some examples, the first request message also includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0154] Based on this, LMF sends the terminal's current location information to NWDAF, which can then analyze and calculate the terminal's predicted location information based on its stored historical location information and current location information.

[0155] The location prediction method provided in this application embodiment will be described below with reference to an exemplary interactive flowchart.

[0156] In some embodiments, Figure 7 Interactive flow of a location prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 .like Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0157] Step 701: The AMF receives a location request message from the UE or the AF / LCS Client, i.e. Figure 1 Steps 101-104 or Figure 2 Steps 201-202.

[0158] The location request message includes an identifier of the UE's location prediction requirement and / or location prediction configuration information, which includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the predicted location information.

[0159] Step 702: Select LMF from AMF;

[0160] Step 703: The AMF sends a second request message to the LMF. The second request message is used to request the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF.

[0161] Step 704: The LMF determines the terminal's current location information;

[0162] Step 705: The LMF sends a first request message to the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the current location information of the terminal.

[0163] Step 706: NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal based on the terminal's current location information and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

[0164] Step 707: NWDAF sends the terminal's predicted location information to AMF;

[0165] Step 708: The AMF sends the terminal's predicted location information to the UE or AF / LCS Client.

[0166] In some embodiments, Figure 8 Interactive flow of a location prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 .like Figure 8 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0167] Step 801: The AMF receives a location request message from the UE or the AF / LCS Client, i.e. Figure 1 Steps 101-104 or Figure 2 Steps 201-202. This location request message includes an identifier of the UE's location prediction requirement and / or location prediction configuration information, which includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the predicted location information;

[0168] Step 802: AMF selects the location management function network element LMF;

[0169] Step 803: The AMF sends a second request message to the LMF, which requests the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal.

[0170] Step 804, LMF execution Figure 1 Step 108 or Figure 2 Step 205, the positioning process, obtains the current location information of the terminal;

[0171] Step 805: The AMF receives a second response message from the LMF, the second response message including the terminal's current location information;

[0172] Step 806: The AMF sends a first request message to the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the current location information of the terminal.

[0173] Step 807: NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal based on the terminal's current location information and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

[0174] Step 808: NWDAF sends the terminal's predicted location information to AMF;

[0175] Step 809: The AMF sends the terminal's predicted location information to the UE or AF / LCS Client.

[0176] In some embodiments, Figure 9 Interactive flow of a location prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 .like Figure 9 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0177] Step 901: The AMF receives a location request message from the UE or the AF / LCS Client, i.e. Figure 1 Steps 101-104 or Figure 2 Steps 201-202. This location request message includes an identifier of the UE's location prediction requirement and / or location prediction configuration information, which includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the predicted location information;

[0178] Step 902: AMF selects NWDAF with terminal historical location information;

[0179] Step 903: The AMF sends a first request message to the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the address information of the LMF used to locate the terminal.

[0180] Step 904: NWDAF obtains the current location information of the terminal from the LMF based on the address information of the LMF;

[0181] Step 905: NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal based on the terminal's current location information and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

[0182] Step 906: NWDAF sends the terminal's predicted location information to AMF;

[0183] Step 907: The AMF sends the terminal's predicted location information to the UE or AF / LCS Client.

[0184] It is understood that the above method can be implemented by a location prediction device. To achieve the above functions, the location prediction device includes hardware structures or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware 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 the embodiments of the present invention.

[0185] In this embodiment of the invention, the location prediction device and the like can be divided into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this embodiment of the invention is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0186] When dividing each function into modules according to its corresponding function. Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a location prediction device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 It is applied to the NWDAF side. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the location prediction device 10 includes a communication module 11 and a processing module 12.

[0187] Communication module 11 is used to obtain the current location information of the terminal determined by the positioning management function network element LMF;

[0188] The processing module 12 is used to determine the predicted location information of the terminal based on the terminal's current location information and the terminal's pre-stored historical location information.

[0189] In some embodiments, the communication module 11 is specifically configured to: receive a first request message from the AMF or LMF, the first request message being used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal, the first request message including the current location information of the terminal.

[0190] In some embodiments, the communication module 11 is specifically configured to: receive a first request message from the AMF, the first request message being used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal, the first request message including the address information of the LMF used to locate the terminal; and the NWDAF obtaining the current location information of the terminal from the LMF based on the address information of the LMF.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first request message further includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

[0192] In some embodiments, the processing module 12 is specifically used to: determine the predicted location information of the terminal based on the location prediction configuration information, the current location information of the terminal, and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

[0193] In some embodiments, the communication module 11 is further configured to send the terminal's predicted location information to the access and mobility management network element (AMF).

[0194] For example, Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a location prediction device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is applied to the AMF side. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the location prediction device 20 includes a communication module 21.

[0195] The communication module 21 is used to receive a location request message, which is used to request the terminal's predicted location information.

[0196] The communication module 21 is also used to obtain the predicted location information of the terminal from the network data analysis function network element NWDAF, which is used to store the historical location information of the terminal;

[0197] The communication module 21 is also used to send a positioning response message, which includes the terminal's predicted location information.

[0198] In some embodiments, the location request message may further include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

[0199] In some embodiments, the communication module 21 is further configured to send a second request message to the location management function network element (LMF). The second request message is used to request the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF.

[0200] In some embodiments, the second request message may further include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0201] In some embodiments, the communication module 21 is further configured to send a second request message to the LMF, the second request message being used to request the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal; the communication module 21 is further configured to receive a second response message from the LMF, the second response message including the current location information of the terminal; the communication module 21 is further configured to send a first request message to the NWDAF, the first request message being used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal, the first request message including the current location information of the terminal.

[0202] In some embodiments, the communication module 21 is further configured to send a first request message to the NWDAF, the first request message being used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal, the first request message including the address information of the LMF used to determine the current location information of the terminal.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first request message may further include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0204] For example, Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a location prediction device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is applied to the LMF side. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the location prediction device 30 includes a communication module 31 and a processing module 32.

[0205] The communication module 31 is used to receive a second request message, which requests the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF used to store the historical location information of the terminal.

[0206] Processing module 32 is used to determine the current location information of the terminal;

[0207] The communication module 31 is also configured to send a first request message to the NWDAF based on the address information of the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the current location information of the terminal.

[0208] In some embodiments, the second request message further includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes at least one of prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first request message may further include a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information.

[0210] In implementing the functionality of the integrated modules described above in hardware, this embodiment of the invention provides another possible structure for the communication device involved in the above embodiments. For example... Figure 13As shown, the communication device 40 includes a processor 402 and a bus 404. Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory 401; alternatively, the communication device may also include a communication interface 403.

[0211] Processor 402 may implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention. Processor 402 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention. Processor 402 may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0212] Communication interface 403 is used to connect to other devices via a communication network. This communication network can be Ethernet, wireless access network, wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0213] The memory 401 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the memory 401 can exist independently of the processor 402. The memory 401 can be connected to the processor 402 via a bus 404 and is used to store instructions or program code. When the processor 402 calls and executes the instructions or program code stored in the memory 401, it can implement the position prediction method provided in this embodiment of the invention.

[0215] In another possible implementation, the memory 401 can also be integrated with the processor 402.

[0216] Bus 404 can be an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus 404 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 13 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0217] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) storing computer program instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the location prediction method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0218] For example, the aforementioned computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). The various computer-readable storage media described in this invention may represent one or more devices for storing information and / or other machine-readable storage media. The term "machine-readable storage medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0219] This invention provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the position prediction method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0220] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A location prediction method, characterized in that, The method includes: The network data analysis function element NWDAF obtains the current location information of the terminal determined by the location management function element LMF; The NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal based on the terminal's current location information and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal. The NWDAF obtains the current location information of the terminal determined by the LMF, including: The NWDAF receives a first request message from the LMF, the first request message being used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal, the first request message including the current location information of the terminal; or... The NWDAF receives a first request message from the Access and Mobility Management Network Element (AMF). The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the address information of the LMF used to locate the terminal. The NWDAF obtains the current location information of the terminal from the LMF based on the address information of the LMF. The first request message also includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first request message includes the location prediction configuration information, the NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal based on the terminal's current location information and pre-stored historical location information of the terminal, including: The NWDAF determines the predicted location information of the terminal based on the location prediction configuration information, the current location information of the terminal, and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The NWDAF sends the predicted location information of the terminal to the AMF.

4. A location prediction method, characterized in that, The method includes: The Access and Mobility Management (AMF) element receives a location request message, which is used to request the predicted location information of the terminal. The AMF obtains the predicted location information of the terminal from the network data analysis function element NWDAF, which is used to store the historical location information of the terminal; The AMF sends a location response message, which includes the predicted location information of the terminal; The predicted location information of the terminal is determined by the NWDAF based on the historical location information of the terminal stored by the NWDAF and the current location information of the terminal. The current location information of the terminal is sent to the NWDAF by the LMF, or obtained by the NWDAF from the LMF based on the address information of the LMF sent by the AMF. The location request message includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the predicted location information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The AMF sends a second request message to the LMF, which requests the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second request message also includes the location prediction identifier and / or the location prediction configuration information.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The AMF sends a first request message to the NWDAF, the first request message being used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal, the first request message including the address information of the LMF used to determine the current location information of the terminal.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first request message also includes the location prediction identifier and / or the location prediction configuration information.

9. A location prediction method, characterized in that, The method includes: The location management function network element LMF receives a second request message, which is used to request the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the network data analysis function network element NWDAF, which stores the historical location information of the terminal. The LMF determines the current location information of the terminal; The LMF sends a first request message to the NWDAF based on the address information of the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the current location information of the terminal. The second request message also includes: a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first request message also includes the location prediction identifier and / or the location prediction configuration information.

11. A location prediction device, characterized in that, The device includes: The communication module is used to obtain the current location information of the terminal determined by the location management function network element LMF; The processing module is used to determine the predicted location information of the terminal based on the current location information of the terminal and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal. The communication module is specifically used for: Receive a first request message from the Access and Mobility Management Network Element (LMF), the first request message being used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal, the first request message including the current location information of the terminal; or, Receive a first request message from the AMF, the first request message being used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal, the first request message including the address information of the LMF used to locate the terminal; obtain the current location information of the terminal from the LMF based on the address information of the LMF; The first request message also includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The processing module is specifically used for: The predicted location information of the terminal is determined based on the location prediction configuration information, the current location information of the terminal, and the pre-stored historical location information of the terminal.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The communication module is also used to send the terminal's predicted location information to the AMF.

14. A location prediction device, characterized in that, The device includes: A communication module is used to receive a location request message, which is used to request the terminal's predicted location information; The communication module is also used to obtain the predicted location information of the terminal from the NWDAF; The communication module is also used to send a location response message, the location response message including the predicted location information of the terminal; The predicted location information of the terminal is determined by the NWDAF based on the historical location information of the terminal stored by the NWDAF and the current location information of the terminal. The current location information of the terminal is sent to the NWDAF by the LMF, or obtained by the NWDAF from the LMF based on the address information of the LMF sent by the AMF. The location request message includes a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the predicted location information.

15. A location prediction device, characterized in that, The device includes: The communication module is used to receive a second request message, which requests the LMF to determine the current location information of the terminal. The second request message includes the address information of the NWDAF used to store the historical location information of the terminal. A processing module is used to determine the current location information of the terminal; The communication module is further configured to send a first request message to the NWDAF based on the address information of the NWDAF. The first request message is used to request the NWDAF to determine the predicted location information of the terminal. The first request message includes the current location information of the terminal. The second request message also includes: a location prediction identifier and / or location prediction configuration information, wherein the location prediction configuration information includes prediction time, prediction accuracy, and the format of the prediction location information.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a memory and a processor; the memory and the processor are coupled, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the location prediction method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the location prediction method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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