A positioning method and apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a positioning method and apparatus. The method includes: a positioning function entity of a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller (NRWAN) acquiring a positioning request message for a target terminal; the positioning function entity acquiring location measurement information related to the target terminal based on the positioning request message; and the positioning function entity performing location estimation on the target terminal based on the location measurement information to obtain positioning information. In an embodiment of this application, a positioning function entity is provided in the NRWAN intelligent controller. The positioning function entity acquires location measurement information related to the target terminal based on the positioning request message, thereby performing location estimation on the target terminal to obtain positioning information, thus realizing the positioning function of the NRWAN intelligent controller and meeting positioning requirements.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), the Near Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC) is used to control and optimize the functions and resources of E2 nodes in near real-time, such as resource optimization related to Radio Resource Management (RRM). The Near-RT RIC hosts one or more applications (xApps) and collects near real-time information through the E2 interface.

[0003] In Near-RT RIC use case requirements, it may be necessary to collect measurement information related to the terminal location from the base station to obtain the terminal location information, which is then provided to smart applications or other applications on the Near-RT RIC that require terminal location information. However, in the current Near-RT RIC architecture, the relevant functions and interfaces are not defined and located, thus failing to meet the aforementioned requirements for terminal location. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a positioning method and apparatus that solves the problem that the existing Near-RT RIC architecture cannot meet the requirements for terminal location.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning method, comprising:

[0006] The positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller acquires the positioning request message for the target terminal;

[0007] The positioning function entity obtains location measurement information related to the target terminal based on the positioning request message;

[0008] The positioning function entity estimates the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information to obtain positioning information.

[0009] Optionally, obtaining the location request message for the target terminal includes:

[0010] Receive the location request message sent by the first application;

[0011] The first application is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0012] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0013] The location information is sent to the first application.

[0014] Optionally, obtaining location measurement information related to the target terminal based on the location request message includes:

[0015] Based on the location request message, the location measurement information is obtained from the network node through the first interface.

[0016] Optionally, obtaining the location measurement information from the network node through the first interface according to the location request message includes:

[0017] Based on the location request message, generate an RIC subscription request message;

[0018] The RIC subscription request message is sent to the network node through the first interface;

[0019] The location measurement information sent by the network node is received through the first interface.

[0020] Optionally, generating a RIC subscription request message based on the location request message includes:

[0021] When there are at least two location request messages, and the at least two location request messages come from different applications, the at least two location request messages are combined to generate the RIC subscription request message.

[0022] Optionally, receiving the location measurement information sent by the network node through the first interface includes:

[0023] The first interface receives the RIC indication message sent by the network node, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

[0024] Optionally, the location measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0025] Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA);

[0026] Angle of Arrival (AOA);

[0027] Angle of Departure (AOD);

[0028] Time of Arrival (TOA);

[0029] Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDOA).

[0030] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0031] Based on the location request message, obtain location assistance information related to the target terminal through the second interface;

[0032] The step of estimating the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information to obtain positioning information includes:

[0033] Based on the location measurement information and the positioning assistance information, the target terminal's location is estimated to obtain positioning information.

[0034] Optionally, obtaining location assistance information related to the target terminal through the second interface according to the location request message includes:

[0035] Based on the location request message, send an auxiliary information request message to the second interface;

[0036] Receive the auxiliary information response message sent by the second interface, wherein the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

[0037] Optionally, sending the location information to the first application includes:

[0038] A location response message is sent to the first application, the location response message including the location information.

[0039] Optionally, the location request message includes at least one of the following:

[0040] Message type;

[0041] Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message;

[0042] Multiple-choice event definition;

[0043] List of terminals requesting location tracking;

[0044] Interval period.

[0045] Optionally, the information of the first application includes at least one of the following:

[0046] First application identifier;

[0047] Location request message identifier.

[0048] Optionally, the definition of the multiple-choice-one-trigger event includes one of the following:

[0049] Periodic reports;

[0050] Trigger event reporting.

[0051] Optionally, the RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following;

[0052] Message type;

[0053] Subscription request message identifier;

[0054] Radio Access Network (RAN) function identifier;

[0055] Subscribe to related information.

[0056] Optionally, the subscription-related information includes: trigger event definition and / or action sequence.

[0057] Optionally, the action sequence includes at least one of the following:

[0058] Action markers;

[0059] Action type;

[0060] Action definition;

[0061] Subsequent action definition.

[0062] Optionally, the action definition includes at least one of the following:

[0063] Terminal identifier;

[0064] Measurement information mapping;

[0065] Tag list;

[0066] Interval period;

[0067] Community-wide identifier.

[0068] Optionally, the RIC indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0069] Measurement data;

[0070] Measurement information mapping;

[0071] List of matching conditions;

[0072] Interval period.

[0073] Optionally, the measurement data includes at least one of the following:

[0074] Measurement records;

[0075] Incomplete instructions.

[0076] Optionally, the measurement record includes a multiple-choice measurement value, which includes one of the following:

[0077] Integer value;

[0078] Floating-point value;

[0079] No measurement value exists.

[0080] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit of information used to indicate a measurement information;

[0081] Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0082] Optionally, the location response message includes at least one of the following:

[0083] Message type;

[0084] Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message;

[0085] A list of terminal locations for the response;

[0086] Location information.

[0087] Optionally, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0088] Latitude information;

[0089] Longitude information;

[0090] Altitude information.

[0091] An embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning method, comprising:

[0092] Network nodes send location measurement information related to the target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0093] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0094] Receive the RIC subscription request message sent by the positioning function entity through the first interface;

[0095] Sending location measurement information related to the target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller includes:

[0096] Based on the RIC subscription request message, the location measurement information is sent to the positioning function entity through the first interface.

[0097] Optionally, sending the location measurement information to the positioning function entity through the first interface includes:

[0098] The first interface is used to send a RIC indication message to the positioning function entity, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

[0099] Optionally, the location measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0100] The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed.

[0101] Angle of arrival (AOA);

[0102] AOD (Angle of Departure)

[0103] Time of Arrival (TOA)

[0104] Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

[0105] Optionally, the RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following;

[0106] Message type;

[0107] Subscription request message identifier;

[0108] RAN function identifier;

[0109] Subscribe to related information.

[0110] Optionally, the subscription-related information includes: trigger event definition and / or action sequence.

[0111] Optionally, the action sequence includes at least one of the following:

[0112] Action markers;

[0113] Action type;

[0114] Action definition;

[0115] Subsequent action definition.

[0116] Optionally, the action definition includes at least one of the following:

[0117] Terminal identifier;

[0118] Measurement information mapping;

[0119] Tag list;

[0120] Interval period;

[0121] Community-wide identifier.

[0122] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0123] Based on the measurement information mapping, the measurement information that needs to be reported is determined.

[0124] Optionally, the RIC indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0125] Measurement data;

[0126] Measurement information mapping;

[0127] List of matching conditions;

[0128] Interval period.

[0129] Optionally, the measurement data includes at least one of the following:

[0130] Measurement records;

[0131] Incomplete instructions.

[0132] Optionally, the measurement record includes a multiple-choice measurement value, which includes one of the following:

[0133] Integer value;

[0134] Floating-point value;

[0135] No measurement value exists.

[0136] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit of information used to indicate a measurement information;

[0137] Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0138] An embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning method, comprising:

[0139] The second interface sends location assistance information related to the target terminal to the location function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0140] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0141] Receive the auxiliary information request message sent by the positioning function entity;

[0142] Based on the auxiliary information request message, an auxiliary information response message is sent to the positioning function entity, and the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

[0143] Embodiments of the present invention provide a positioning device applied to the positioning function entity of a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller, comprising: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor.

[0144] A memory for storing computer programs; a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory; and a transceiver for sending and receiving data and performing the following operations under the control of the processor:

[0145] Obtain the location request message for the target terminal;

[0146] The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0147] Based on the positioning request message, obtain location measurement information related to the target terminal;

[0148] Based on the location measurement information, the target terminal's location is estimated to obtain positioning information.

[0149] Optionally, the transceiver acquiring a location request message for the target terminal specifically includes:

[0150] Receive the location request message sent by the first application;

[0151] The first application is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0152] Optionally, the transceiver is further used for:

[0153] The location information is sent to the first application.

[0154] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0155] Based on the location request message, the location measurement information is obtained from the network node through the first interface.

[0156] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0157] Based on the location request message, generate an RIC subscription request message;

[0158] The transceiver is used to: send the RIC subscription request message to the network node through the first interface;

[0159] The location measurement information sent by the network node is received through the first interface.

[0160] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0161] When there are at least two location request messages, and the at least two location request messages come from different applications, the at least two location request messages are combined to generate the RIC subscription request message.

[0162] Optionally, the transceiver is specifically configured to: receive a RIC indication message sent by the network node through the first interface, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

[0163] Optionally, the location measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0164] The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed.

[0165] Angle of arrival (AOA);

[0166] AOD (Angle of Departure)

[0167] Time of Arrival (TOA)

[0168] Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

[0169] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0170] Based on the location request message, obtain location assistance information related to the target terminal through the second interface;

[0171] Based on the location measurement information and the positioning assistance information, the target terminal's location is estimated to obtain positioning information.

[0172] Optionally, the transceiver is specifically used for:

[0173] Based on the location request message, send an auxiliary information request message to the second interface;

[0174] Receive the auxiliary information response message sent by the second interface, wherein the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

[0175] Optionally, the transceiver is specifically used for:

[0176] A location response message is sent to the first application, the location response message including the location information.

[0177] Optionally, the location request message includes at least one of the following:

[0178] Message type;

[0179] Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message;

[0180] Multiple-choice event definition;

[0181] List of terminals requesting location tracking;

[0182] Interval period.

[0183] Optionally, the information of the first application includes at least one of the following:

[0184] First application identifier;

[0185] Location request message identifier.

[0186] Optionally, the definition of the multiple-choice-one-trigger event includes one of the following:

[0187] Periodic reports;

[0188] Trigger event reporting.

[0189] Optionally, the RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following;

[0190] Message type;

[0191] Subscription request message identifier;

[0192] Radio Access Network (RAN) Function Identifier;

[0193] Subscribe to related information.

[0194] Optionally, the subscription-related information includes: a trigger event definition and / or an action sequence. Optionally, the action sequence includes at least one of the following:

[0195] Action markers;

[0196] Action type;

[0197] Action definition;

[0198] Subsequent action definition.

[0199] Optionally, the action definition includes at least one of the following:

[0200] Terminal identifier;

[0201] Measurement information mapping;

[0202] Tag list;

[0203] Interval period;

[0204] Community-wide identifier.

[0205] Optionally, the RIC indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0206] Measurement data;

[0207] Measurement information mapping;

[0208] List of matching conditions;

[0209] Interval period.

[0210] Optionally, the measurement data includes at least one of the following:

[0211] Measurement records;

[0212] Incomplete instructions.

[0213] Optionally, the measurement record includes a multiple-choice measurement value, which includes one of the following:

[0214] Integer value;

[0215] Floating-point value;

[0216] No measurement value exists.

[0217] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit of information used to indicate a measurement information;

[0218] Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0219] Optionally, the location response message includes at least one of the following:

[0220] Message type;

[0221] Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message;

[0222] A list of terminal locations for the response;

[0223] Location information.

[0224] Optionally, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0225] Latitude information;

[0226] Longitude information;

[0227] Altitude information.

[0228] Embodiments of the present invention provide a positioning device applied to a network node, comprising: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor.

[0229] A memory for storing computer programs; a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory; and a transceiver for sending and receiving data and performing the following operations under the control of the processor:

[0230] Send the target terminal's location measurement information to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0231] Optionally, the transceiver is further used for:

[0232] Receive the RIC subscription request message sent by the positioning function entity through the first interface;

[0233] Based on the RIC subscription request message, the location measurement information is sent to the positioning function entity through the first interface.

[0234] Optionally, the transceiver is specifically used for:

[0235] The first interface is used to send a RIC indication message to the positioning function entity, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

[0236] Optionally, the location measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0237] The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed.

[0238] Angle of arrival (AOA);

[0239] AOD (Angle of Departure)

[0240] Time of Arrival (TOA)

[0241] Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

[0242] Optionally, the RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following;

[0243] Message type;

[0244] Subscription request message identifier;

[0245] RAN function identifier;

[0246] Subscribe to related information.

[0247] Optionally, the subscription-related information includes: trigger event definition and / or action sequence.

[0248] Optionally, the action sequence includes at least one of the following:

[0249] Action markers;

[0250] Action type;

[0251] Action definition;

[0252] Subsequent action definition.

[0253] Optionally, the action definition includes at least one of the following:

[0254] Terminal identifier;

[0255] Measurement information mapping;

[0256] Tag list;

[0257] Interval period;

[0258] Community-wide identifier.

[0259] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0260] Based on the measurement information mapping, the measurement information that needs to be reported is determined.

[0261] Optionally, the RIC indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0262] Measurement data;

[0263] Measurement information mapping;

[0264] List of matching conditions;

[0265] Interval period.

[0266] Optionally, the measurement data includes at least one of the following:

[0267] Measurement records;

[0268] Incomplete instructions.

[0269] Optionally, the measurement record includes a multiple-choice measurement value, which includes one of the following:

[0270] Integer value;

[0271] Floating-point value;

[0272] No measurement value exists.

[0273] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit of information used to indicate a measurement information;

[0274] Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0275] Embodiments of the present invention provide a positioning device applied to a second interface, comprising: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor.

[0276] A memory for storing computer programs; a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory; and a transceiver for sending and receiving data and performing the following operations under the control of the processor:

[0277] Send the target terminal-related positioning assistance information to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0278] Optionally, the transceiver is further used for:

[0279] Receive the auxiliary information request message sent by the positioning function entity;

[0280] Based on the auxiliary information request message, an auxiliary information response message is sent to the positioning function entity, and the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

[0281] An embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning device, comprising:

[0282] The first acquisition unit is used to acquire a location request message for the target terminal;

[0283] The second acquisition unit is used to acquire location measurement information related to the target terminal according to the positioning request message;

[0284] The first processing unit is used to estimate the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information to obtain positioning information.

[0285] An embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning device, comprising:

[0286] The first transmitting unit is used to transmit location measurement information related to the target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0287] An embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning device, comprising:

[0288] The second transmitting unit is used to send positioning assistance information related to the target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0289] Embodiments of the present invention provide a processor-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the positioning method described above.

[0290] The beneficial effects of the above-mentioned technical solution of the present invention are:

[0291] In an embodiment of this application, a positioning function entity is set in the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The positioning function entity obtains the location measurement information related to the target terminal according to the positioning request message, thereby estimating the location of the target terminal and obtaining the positioning information of the target terminal, realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0292] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the internal architecture of the existing Near-RT RIC.

[0293] Figure 2 One of the flowcharts illustrating the positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0294] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of the Near-RT RIC according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0295] Figure 4 A second flowchart illustrating the positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0296] Figure 5 The third flowchart illustrating the positioning method of this invention;

[0297] Figure 6 The fourth flowchart illustrating the positioning method of this invention;

[0298] Figure 7 One of the structural schematic diagrams of the positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0299] Figure 8 A second schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0300] Figure 9 The third schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0301] Figure 10 Fourth schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0302] Figure 11 Fifth schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0303] Figure 12 This is the sixth schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0304] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, a detailed description will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. In the following description, specific details such as particular configurations and components are provided merely to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of this invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of known functions and structures have been omitted.

[0305] It should be understood that the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0306] In various embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the sequence number of each process described below does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0307] In this embodiment of the invention, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0308] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0309] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0310] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, some concepts used in the following description will first be explained.

[0311] Near-RT RIC:

[0312] In the O-RAN architecture, the Near-RT RIC controls the E2 Node through the E2 interface to achieve RAN radio resource optimization.

[0313] The nodes connected to the E2 interface include:

[0314] O-CU-CP (Open Central Unit - Control Plane);

[0315] O-CU-UP (Open Central Unit - User Plane);

[0316] O-DU (Open Distribution Unit);

[0317] O-eNB.

[0318] The internal architecture of Near-RT RIC is as follows Figure 1 As shown, the Near-RT RIC can support multiple apps. The Near-RT RIC has O1, A1, and E2 interfaces. Internally, the Near-RT RIC includes an app subscription management module, a management service module, a buffer, and a security module.

[0319] In the existing technology, when Near-RT RIC implements network control, the RIC Action Definition is shown in Table 1, the E2SM-KPM Indication Message Format 3 is shown in Table 2, and the E2SM-KPM Indication Message Format 1 is shown in Table 3.

[0320] Table 1: Existing RIC Action Definitions.

[0321]

[0322]

[0323] Table 2: Existing E2SM-KPM Indication Message Format 3.

[0324]

[0325] Table 3: Existing E2SM-KPM Indication Message Format 1.

[0326]

[0327]

[0328] It should be noted that in the tables of the embodiments of this application, "M" indicates that it must exist, and "O" indicates that its existence is optional.

[0329] ">", ">>", and ">>>" indicate the hierarchy of information items. For example, in Table 3, "Measurement Record", "Incomplete Indication", and "Multiple-Selection Measurement Type" are the next level below "Measurement Data", meaning that measurement data includes measurement records, incomplete indications, and multiple-selection measurement types; "Integer Value", "Floating-Point Value", and "Non-existent Measurement Value" are the next level below "Multiple-Selection Measurement Value", meaning that multiple-selection measurement values ​​include three optional measurement values; multiple-selection measurement types include measurement name and measurement ID. The message hierarchy in the remaining lists in this embodiment of the invention follows the same pattern, and will not be elaborated here.

[0330] Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a positioning method that solves the problem that the Near-RT RIC architecture in the prior art cannot meet the requirements for terminal location.

[0331] like Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning method applied to the positioning function entity of a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller, specifically including the following steps:

[0332] Step 201: The positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller obtains the positioning request message for the target terminal.

[0333] In this embodiment, the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller includes a Location Function (LF) entity. The target terminal is a terminal that needs to determine its location information; the target terminal can refer to a single terminal or include multiple terminals. The Location Function entity acquires a location request message for the target terminal.

[0334] Step 202: The positioning function entity obtains location measurement information related to the target terminal based on the positioning request message.

[0335] Step 203: The positioning function entity estimates the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information to obtain positioning information.

[0336] The location measurement information can be obtained from a network node by the positioning function entity, and the network node can be an E2 node.

[0337] The positioning function entity estimates the terminal's location based on the location measurement information to obtain the positioning information of the target terminal.

[0338] In an embodiment of this application, a positioning function entity is set in the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The positioning function entity obtains the location measurement information related to the target terminal according to the positioning request message, thereby estimating the location of the target terminal and obtaining the positioning information of the target terminal, realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements.

[0339] Optionally, obtaining the location request message for the target terminal includes: receiving the location request message sent by a first application; wherein the first application is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0340] Optionally, the method further includes sending the location information to the first application.

[0341] In this embodiment, the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller can host one or more applications. The location request message can be sent by a first application, meaning the first application needs to obtain the location information of the target terminal. The first application can refer to one application or multiple applications. Upon receiving the location request message from the first application, the location function entity obtains relevant location measurement information and other location auxiliary information (such as the terminal's historical trajectory, speed, map, etc.) based on the location request message to estimate the location of the target terminal. After obtaining the location information, the location function entity can feed it back to the first application.

[0342] Optionally, sending the location information to the first application includes: sending a location response message to the first application, the location response message including the location information.

[0343] When the positioning function entity feeds back the positioning information of the target terminal to the first application, it can send a positioning response message to the first application, and carry the positioning information in the positioning response message.

[0344] As an optional embodiment, obtaining location measurement information related to the target terminal according to the location request message includes: obtaining the location measurement information from a network node through a first interface according to the location request message.

[0345] The first interface can be an E2 interface, and the network node can be an E2 node (which may include O-CU and O-DU). That is, the positioning function entity obtains the location measurement information from the E2 node through the E2 interface.

[0346] Further, the step of obtaining the location measurement information from the network node through the first interface according to the location request message may include:

[0347] Step 1: Generate an RIC subscription request message based on the location request message;

[0348] Optionally, generating a RIC subscription request message based on the location request message includes:

[0349] When there are at least two location request messages, and the at least two location request messages come from different applications, the at least two location request messages are combined to generate the RIC subscription request message.

[0350] In this embodiment, when the positioning function entity obtains the location measurement information through the first interface, it can generate a subscription request message based on the positioning request. When there are multiple positioning request messages, the positioning function entity can combine positioning requests from multiple applications simultaneously to avoid redundancy caused by duplicate information and improve positioning efficiency.

[0351] The RIC subscription request message may include information content requested from network nodes, such as OTDOA, AoD, TOA, UTDOA, etc.

[0352] Step 2: Send the RIC subscription request message to the network node through the first interface.

[0353] Step 3: Receive the location measurement information sent by the network node through the first interface.

[0354] Optionally, receiving the location measurement information sent by the network node through the first interface includes: receiving a RIC indication message sent by the network node through the first interface, wherein the RIC indication message includes the location measurement information.

[0355] The positioning function node sends the RIC subscription request message to the first interface, and the first interface forwards the RIC subscription request message to the network node; the network node determines the location measurement information that needs to be fed back based on the requested information items in the RIC subscription request message, and feeds back an RIC indication message to the first interface, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information related to the target terminal.

[0356] Optionally, in embodiments of this application, the location measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0357] The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed.

[0358] Angle of arrival (AOA);

[0359] AOD (Angle of Departure)

[0360] Time of Arrival (TOA)

[0361] Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

[0362] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: obtaining positioning assistance information related to the target terminal through a second interface according to the positioning request message; the step of estimating the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information to obtain positioning information includes: estimating the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information and the positioning assistance information to obtain positioning information.

[0363] The second interface can be the A1 interface within the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller, or it can be any other external interface capable of acquiring positioning assistance information. This positioning assistance information may include, for example, the target terminal's historical trajectory, speed, and map.

[0364] In this embodiment, the positioning function entity can also obtain positioning assistance information related to the target terminal through the second interface, and use the location measurement information and the positioning assistance information to estimate the location of the target terminal to obtain the positioning information of the target terminal.

[0365] Optionally, obtaining location assistance information related to the target terminal through the second interface according to the location request message includes: sending an assistance information request message to the second interface according to the location request message; and receiving an assistance information response message sent by the second interface, wherein the assistance information response message includes the location assistance information.

[0366] When the positioning function entity acquires the positioning assistance information, it can send an assistance information request message to the second interface. The assistance information request message includes the requested assistance information content. The second interface determines the information content to be fed back based on the assistance information request message and feeds back an assistance information response message to the positioning function entity. The assistance information response message includes the positioning assistance information.

[0367] In embodiments of this application, the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller includes a positioning function entity, and further includes a first interface and a second interface for acquiring positioning-related messages. The positioning function entity interacts with the network node through the first interface. The near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller carries one or more applications. Taking an E2 interface as the first interface, an A1 interface as the second interface, and an E2 node as an example, the structure of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller is as follows. Figure 3 As shown in the figure. The following examples illustrate in detail the implementation process of the positioning function by the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0368] For the O-RAN use case of Traffic Steering Optimization, a Traffic Steering Optimization application (xApp) is deployed on Near-RTRIC. This xApp needs to obtain the location information of the terminal as input information for Traffic Steering Optimization inference to enhance the rationality and usability of the Traffic Steering Optimization results. Its processing flow is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the description is as follows:

[0369] Step 1: During the inference process, xApp (Traffic Steering Optimization xApp) needs the location information of the terminal, so it sends a location request message to the Location Function to request the location information of one or more terminals.

[0370] Step 2: The positioning function entity combines positioning request messages from multiple xApps to form a RIC subscription request message, which is then sent to the E2 interface (E2termination) to request the base station (here referring to the E2 node) to report the location measurement information of the relevant terminal, such as OTDOA, AOA, TOA, UTDOA, etc.

[0371] Step 3: The E2 interface forwards the RIC subscription request message to the E2 node.

[0372] Step 4: The E2 node sends an RIC indication message to the E2 interface to report the terminal's location measurement information, such as OTDOA, AOA, AOD, TOA, UTDOA, etc.

[0373] Step 5: The E2 interface forwards the RIC indication message to the location function entity.

[0374] Step 6: The positioning function entity requests auxiliary information for terminal positioning from the A1 interface (A1 Termination) through the auxiliary information request message, such as the terminal's historical trajectory, services, rate, or environmental map.

[0375] Step 7: The A1 interface feeds back positioning assistance information to the positioning function entity through the assistance information response message.

[0376] Step 8: After collecting location measurement information and location assistance information, the positioning function entity performs inference and calculation of the terminal location to obtain positioning information.

[0377] Step 9: The location function entity sends the terminal's location information back to xApp via a location response message. xApp can then use this location information to assist in optimizing traffic management.

[0378] It should be noted that this embodiment takes the positioning function entity as an example to estimate the terminal's position based on the position measurement information and the positioning assistance information. The positioning function entity can also estimate the terminal's position based solely on the position measurement information, in which case steps 6 and 7 can be omitted.

[0379] It should be noted that the steps for obtaining the terminal's location measurement information are not sequential and can be determined based on the specific implementation process.

[0380] In the embodiments of this application, the specific definitions of each message in the process of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller implementing the positioning function are also defined, which will be specifically described below through embodiments.

[0381] As an optional embodiment, in the embodiments of this application, the location request message includes at least one of the following:

[0382] (1) Message Type.

[0383] (2) Information of the first application corresponding to the location request message (Request xApp Info).

[0384] The information of the first application may include at least one of the following:

[0385] First application identifier (xApp ID);

[0386] Locate the request message identifier (Request ID).

[0387] (3) CHOICE Event Trigger Definition.

[0388] The definition of the multiple-choice trigger event may include one of the following:

[0389] Periodic Report;

[0390] Trigger event report.

[0391] (4) List of UEs Requesting Location.

[0392] (5) Granularity Period.

[0393] In this embodiment, the location request message is a message sent by the application to the location function entity requesting terminal location information. The location request message can be represented as shown in Table 4 below:

[0394] Table 4: Location Request Messages.

[0395]

[0396] In Table 4 above, "M" indicates mandatory existence, and "O" indicates optional existence.

[0397] ">", ">>", and ">>>" indicate the hierarchy of information items. For example, "xApp ID" and "Location Request Message ID" are the next level below "xApp Information", meaning that the xApp Information includes the xApp ID and the Location Request Message ID; "Periodic Report" and "Trigger Event Report" are the next level below "Multiple-Select Trigger Event Definition", meaning that the Multiple-Select Trigger Event Definition includes two optional reporting methods: periodic report and trigger event report; "UE ID" is the next level below "List of Terminals Requesting Location", meaning that the list of terminals requesting location can include one or more terminals, including the ID information of each terminal. The message hierarchy in the remaining lists in this embodiment of the invention follows the same pattern and will not be elaborated here.

[0398] The following example illustrates the content of the location request message, as shown in Table 5, which requests the location information of two UEs.

[0399] Table 5: Location Request Messages.

[0400]

[0401] As shown in Table 5, the location request message requests the location information of two UEs, identified as UEID 1 and UEID 2. The message also defines the reporting time units for periodic reports and triggered event reports.

[0402] As an optional embodiment, this application defines the RIC subscription request message, which is sent by the location function entity to the first interface (such as an E2 interface) and then to the network node (such as an E2 node) through the first interface. This RIC subscription request message can be implemented by partially reusing the format defined by the Near-RT RIC Interface Application Protocol (E2AP) and the E2 Interface Service Mode (E2SM) - Key Performance Monitor (KPM) technical specifications.

[0403] Optionally, the RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following;

[0404] (1) Message Type.

[0405] (2) Subscription request message identifier (RIC Request ID);

[0406] (3) Radio Access Network RAN ​​Function ID;

[0407] (4) Subscribe to related information (RIC Subscription Details).

[0408] Optionally, the subscription-related information includes: RIC Event TriggerDefinition and / or Sequence of Actions.

[0409] Optionally, the action sequence includes at least one of the following:

[0410] 1) Action ID (RIC);

[0411] 2) Action Type (RIC Action Type);

[0412] 3) Action Definition (RIC);

[0413] 4) Subsequent Action Definition (RIC Subsequent Action).

[0414] In this embodiment, the RIC subscription request message is shown in Table 6 below.

[0415] Table 6: RIC subscription request messages.

[0416]

[0417]

[0418] In the embodiments of this application, the original Measurement Information List in Table 6 above is redefined, and the measurement quantity name represented by the existing string is replaced by Measurement Information Mapping, thereby improving transmission efficiency. The content of the action definition in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0419] As an optional embodiment, the action definition includes at least one of the following:

[0420] (1) Terminal Identifier (UE ID);

[0421] (2) Measurement Information Mapping;

[0422] (3) List of Labels; the list of labels includes label information;

[0423] (4) Granularity Period;

[0424] (5) Cell Global ID.

[0425] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit of information used to indicate a measurement information;

[0426] Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0427] In this embodiment, the action definition is redefined. In the action definition, the original measurement information table represented by strings is replaced by a measurement information mapping. The measurement information mapping means that measurement information is indicated by bit information. The measurement information mapping may include multiple bit information, each bit information corresponding to a measurement quantity, and may indicate whether the measurement quantity should be reported. The action definition is shown in Table 7.

[0428] Table 7: Redefining Action Definitions.

[0429]

[0430] The following specific examples illustrate the method of indicating measurement information by mapping measurement information in the action definition, as shown in Table 8.

[0431] Table 8: Action Definitions.

[0432]

[0433]

[0434] As shown in Table 8 above, in the measurement information mapping, Bit 0 is used to indicate OTDOA; Bit 1 is used to indicate AOA; Bit 2 is used to indicate AoD; Bit 3 is used to indicate TOA; and Bit 4 is used to indicate UTDOA.

[0435] Optionally, in embodiments of this application, a RIC indication message is defined. The RIC indication message includes location measurement information that the network node needs to report. For example, an E2 node reports the location measurement information through a RIC indication message. The RIC indication message is sent by the network node to the first interface and forwarded by the first interface to the positioning function entity. The definition of the RIC indication message is explained below.

[0436] As an optional embodiment, the RIC indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0437] (1) Measurement Data.

[0438] Optionally, the measurement data includes at least one of the following:

[0439] a) Measurements Record; wherein the measurement record includes a choice-based measured value, which includes one of the following:

[0440] Integer value;

[0441] Floating-point value (Real Value);

[0442] No value was found.

[0443] b) Incomplete Flag.

[0444] (2) Measurement information mapping (Measurements Data).

[0445] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit of information used to indicate a measurement information;

[0446] Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0447] (3) Matching Condition List;

[0448] Optionally, the matching criteria list includes a list of labels, which includes label information.

[0449] (4) Granularity Period.

[0450] In this embodiment, measurement information mapping can be used in the RIC subscription request message, and therefore, it can also be used in the RIC indication message. That is, in this embodiment, the RIC indication message indicates the measurement information reported by the network node through measurement information mapping. The measurement information mapping may include multiple bits, each bit corresponding to one measurement item. The RIC indication message is shown in Table 9.

[0451] Table 9: RIC Instruction Messages.

[0452]

[0453]

[0454] In this embodiment, the RIC indication message is defined, which includes a measurement information mapping and a matching condition list, replacing the measurement quantity name represented by a string in the prior art, thereby improving transmission efficiency. The method of indicating measurement information through measurement information mapping in the RIC indication message in this application embodiment is described below, as shown in Table 10, which is the E2SM-KPM indication information format 1 of this application embodiment.

[0455] Table 10: E2SM-KPM Indication Information Format 1.

[0456]

[0457]

[0458]

[0459] As shown in Table 10, the RIC indication message sets a measurement information mapping, replacing the measurement quantities represented by strings in the prior art. The measurement information mapping may include multiple bits, each corresponding to a different measurement information, for example: Bit 0 indicates OTDOA; Bit 1 indicates AOA; Bit 2 indicates AoD; Bit 3 indicates TOA; and Bit 4 indicates UTDOA.

[0460] As an optional embodiment, this application also defines a location response message, which is sent by the location function entity to the first application. Optionally, the location response message includes at least one of the following:

[0461] (1) Message Type;

[0462] (2) Information of the first application corresponding to the location request message (Request xApp Info);

[0463] Optionally, the information of the first application may include: the first application identifier (xApp ID) and / or the location request message identifier (Request ID).

[0464] (3) List of Responsed UE Locations; the list of Responsed UE Locations may include UE ID.

[0465] (4) Location information.

[0466] Optionally, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0467] Latitude information;

[0468] Longitude information;

[0469] Altitude information.

[0470] The location response messages are shown in Table 11.

[0471] Table 11: Location response messages.

[0472]

[0473]

[0474] In this embodiment, a location response message is defined when the location function entity sends location information back to the first application. The specific content of the location response message is described below, taking the first application requesting the location information of two UEs as an example, as shown in Table 12.

[0475] Table 12: Location response messages.

[0476]

[0477]

[0478] The embodiments of this application add a location function entity to the Near-RT RIC architecture and define the message flow and message body related to the location function to meet the location needs of different applications on the Near-RT RIC and make up for the lack of location requirements in the existing architecture.

[0479] like Figure 5 As shown in the embodiments of this application, a positioning method is also provided, applied to a network node, wherein the network node can be an E2 node, and the method includes:

[0480] Step 501: The network node sends the target terminal's location measurement information to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0481] In this embodiment, the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller includes a positioning function entity. The target terminal is a terminal that needs to determine its location information; the target terminal can refer to a single terminal or include multiple terminals. The near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller carries one or more applications. The first application that needs to obtain the location information of the target terminal sends a positioning request message to the positioning function entity. The positioning function entity obtains location measurement information for the target terminal from the network node. The network node can be an E2 node. The positioning function entity performs location estimation on the target terminal based on the location measurement information to determine the positioning information of the target terminal.

[0482] The positioning function entity can also obtain positioning assistance information from the second interface, such as the target terminal's historical trajectory, speed, and map. The positioning function entity can perform position estimation based on the location measurement information and the positioning assistance information to determine the target terminal's positioning information.

[0483] In an embodiment of this application, a network node provides the location measurement information of a target terminal to the positioning function entity of a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller, so that the target function entity obtains the positioning information of the target terminal based on the location measurement information, thereby realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements.

[0484] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving a RIC subscription request message sent by the positioning function entity through a first interface;

[0485] Sending the target terminal-related location measurement information to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller includes: sending the location measurement information to the positioning function entity through the first interface according to the RIC subscription request message.

[0486] Optionally, sending the location measurement information to the positioning function entity through the first interface includes: sending a RIC indication message to the positioning function entity through the first interface, wherein the RIC indication message includes the location measurement information.

[0487] In this embodiment, the positioning function entity can obtain the location measurement information from the network node through a first interface, which can be an E2 interface. The positioning function entity can generate a RIC subscription request message based on a location request message from a first application and send the RIC subscription request message to the first interface, which then sends the RIC subscription request message to the network node. The network node determines the measurement information that needs to be fed back based on the RIC subscription request message and feeds back the location measurement information to the positioning function entity through the first interface.

[0488] Specifically, the network node can send a RIC indication message to the first interface, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information; the first interface forwards the RIC indication message to the positioning function entity.

[0489] In this embodiment, the RIC subscription request message may include information content requesting the network node to report, such as OTDOA, AoD, TOA, UTDOA, etc. The network node determines the measurement information that needs to be reported based on the RIC subscription request message, and feeds back the measurement information to the first interface through a RIC indication message, which is then forwarded to the positioning function entity by the first interface.

[0490] Optionally, the location measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0491] The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed.

[0492] Angle of arrival (AOA);

[0493] AOD (Angle of Departure)

[0494] Time of Arrival (TOA)

[0495] Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

[0496] As an optional embodiment, this application defines the RIC subscription request message, which is sent by the location function entity to the first interface (such as the E2 interface) and then to the network node (such as the E2 node) through the first interface. This RIC subscription request message can be implemented by partially reusing the formats defined by the Near-RT RIC E2AP and E2SM-KPM technical specifications.

[0497] Optionally, the RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following;

[0498] (1) Message type;

[0499] (2) Subscription request message identifier;

[0500] (3) RAN function identifier;

[0501] (4) Subscribe to relevant information.

[0502] Optionally, the subscription-related information includes: trigger event definition and / or action sequence.

[0503] Optionally, the action sequence includes at least one of the following:

[0504] Action markers;

[0505] Action type;

[0506] Action definition;

[0507] Subsequent action definition.

[0508] In embodiments of this application, action definitions are defined to replace existing string representations of measurement quantity names with measurement information mappings, thereby improving transmission efficiency. Optionally, the action definition includes at least one of the following:

[0509] Terminal identifier;

[0510] Measurement information mapping;

[0511] Tag list;

[0512] Interval period;

[0513] Community-wide identifier.

[0514] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit of information used to indicate a measurement information;

[0515] Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0516] In this embodiment, the original string-represented measurement information table is replaced by a measurement information mapping in the action definition. This measurement information mapping can refer to indicating measurement information through bit information. The measurement information mapping can include multiple bit information entries, each corresponding to a measurement quantity and indicating whether that measurement quantity should be reported.

[0517] Optionally, the method further includes: determining the measurement information to be reported based on the measurement information mapping. The network node determines the requested measurement information based on the measurement information mapping in the RIC subscription request message, and thus determines the measurement information to be reported.

[0518] As an optional embodiment, this application defines a RIC indication message, which includes location measurement information that network nodes need to report. For example, an E2 node reports the location measurement information through a RIC indication message. The RIC indication message is sent by the network node to the first interface and forwarded by the first interface to the positioning function entity.

[0519] Optionally, the RIC indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0520] (1) Measurement data.

[0521] The measurement data includes at least one of the following:

[0522] a) Measurement records; optionally, the measurement records include multiple-selection measurement values, which include one of the following:

[0523] Integer value;

[0524] Floating-point value;

[0525] No measurement value exists.

[0526] b) Incomplete instructions.

[0527] (2) Measurement information mapping.

[0528] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit indicating a measurement information; where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0529] (3) Matching condition list; Optionally, the matching condition list includes a tag list, and the tag list includes tag information.

[0530] (4) Interval period.

[0531] In this embodiment, measurement information mapping can be used in the RIC subscription request message, and therefore, it can also be used in the RIC indication message. That is, in this embodiment, the RIC indication message indicates the measurement information reported by the network node through measurement information mapping. The measurement information mapping may include multiple bits, each bit corresponding to one measurement item. By defining measurement information mapping in the RIC indication message, instead of using string representations of measurement quantity names in the prior art, transmission efficiency is improved.

[0532] In an embodiment of this application, the network node sends location measurement information to the positioning function entity through a first interface, so that the positioning function entity estimates the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information, obtains the positioning information of the target terminal, and can send the positioning information to a first application, thereby realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements.

[0533] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application applied to network nodes can implement all the steps executed by the network nodes in the embodiments applied to the positioning function entities described above, and can also achieve the same technical effect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0534] like Figure 6 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a positioning method is also provided, applied to a second interface, which may be an A1 interface, the method comprising:

[0535] Step 601: The second interface sends the target terminal-related positioning assistance information to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0536] In this embodiment, the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller includes a positioning function entity. The target terminal is a terminal that needs to determine its location information; the target terminal may refer to a single terminal or include multiple terminals. The near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller carries one or more applications, and the positioning function entity can obtain positioning request messages for the target terminal sent by a first application.

[0537] The positioning function entity obtains the positioning assistance information from the second interface according to the positioning request message, and performs position estimation on the target terminal based on the positioning assistance information and the position measurement information obtained from the network node to obtain the positioning information of the target terminal.

[0538] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving an auxiliary information request message sent by the positioning function entity; and sending an auxiliary information response message to the positioning function entity according to the auxiliary information request message, wherein the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

[0539] In this embodiment, when the positioning function entity requests the positioning assistance information from the second interface, it can send an assistance information request message to the second interface according to the positioning request message. The second interface determines the assistance information to be reported based on the assistance information request message and sends an assistance information response message to the positioning function entity. The assistance information response message includes the positioning assistance information. The positioning assistance information may include, for example, the target terminal's historical trajectory, speed, and map.

[0540] In an embodiment of this application, the second interface sends positioning assistance information to the positioning function entity, so that the positioning function entity estimates the location of the target terminal based on the positioning assistance information and the location measurement information, and obtains the positioning information of the target terminal. The positioning function entity can send the positioning information to the first application, thereby realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements.

[0541] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application applied to the second interface can implement all the steps implemented by the second interface in the embodiments applied to the positioning functional entity described above, and can also achieve the same technical effect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0542] As an optional embodiment, this application also provides a positioning method applied to a first application, comprising:

[0543] The first application sends a location request message for the target terminal to the location function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0544] Receive the location information of the target terminal sent by the location function entity according to the location request message.

[0545] In this embodiment, the first application is an application hosted on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. When the first application needs to obtain the location information of the target terminal, it sends the location request message to the location function entity. The first application may refer to one application or multiple applications.

[0546] The positioning function entity receives a positioning request message from the first application, obtains relevant location measurement information and other positioning auxiliary information of the target terminal based on the positioning request message, and performs location estimation of the target terminal. After obtaining the positioning information, the positioning function entity can feed the positioning information back to the first application.

[0547] Optionally, receiving the location information of the target terminal sent by the location function entity according to the location request message may include: receiving a location response message sent by the location function entity, wherein the location response message includes the location information.

[0548] Specifically, the location request message includes at least one of the following:

[0549] (1) Message type;

[0550] (2) Information of the first application corresponding to the location request message; the information of the first application may include at least one of the following:

[0551] First application identifier;

[0552] Location request message identifier.

[0553] (3) Definition of multiple-choice triggering event; the definition of multiple-choice triggering event includes one of the following:

[0554] Periodic reports;

[0555] Trigger event reporting.

[0556] (4) List of terminals requesting location;

[0557] (5) Interval period.

[0558] In an embodiment of this application, a first application carried on a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller obtains location information for a target terminal by sending a location request message to a location function entity, thereby realizing the location function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the location requirements.

[0559] It should be noted that all embodiments involving the first application in the above embodiments applied to the positioning function entity are applicable to the embodiments applied to the first application and can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be elaborated here.

[0560] The above embodiments describe the positioning method of the present invention. The following embodiments will further describe the corresponding devices in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0561] Specifically, such as Figure 7As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a positioning device 700, applied to the positioning function entity of a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller, comprising:

[0562] The first acquisition unit 710 is used to acquire a location request message for the target terminal;

[0563] The second acquisition unit 720 is used to acquire location measurement information related to the target terminal according to the positioning request message;

[0564] The first processing unit 730 is used to perform position estimation on the target terminal based on the position measurement information to obtain positioning information.

[0565] Optionally, the first acquisition unit is specifically used to: receive the location request message sent by the first application;

[0566] The first application is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0567] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0568] The third sending unit is used to send the location information to the first application.

[0569] Optionally, the second acquisition unit includes:

[0570] The first acquisition subunit is used to acquire the location measurement information from the network node through a first interface according to the location request message.

[0571] Optionally, the first acquisition subunit is specifically used for:

[0572] Based on the location request message, generate an RIC subscription request message;

[0573] The RIC subscription request message is sent to the network node through the first interface;

[0574] The location measurement information sent by the network node is received through the first interface.

[0575] Optionally, when the first acquisition subunit generates a RIC subscription request message based on the location request message, it is specifically used for:

[0576] When there are at least two location request messages, and the at least two location request messages come from different applications, the at least two location request messages are combined to generate the RIC subscription request message.

[0577] Optionally, when the first acquisition subunit receives the location measurement information sent by the network node through the first interface, it is specifically used for:

[0578] The first interface receives the RIC indication message sent by the network node, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

[0579] Optionally, the location measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0580] The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed.

[0581] Angle of arrival (AOA);

[0582] AOD (Angle of Departure)

[0583] Time of Arrival (TOA)

[0584] Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

[0585] Optionally, the second acquisition unit includes:

[0586] The second acquisition subunit is used to acquire location assistance information related to the target terminal through the second interface according to the location request message;

[0587] The first processing unit is specifically used to: estimate the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information and the positioning assistance information to obtain positioning information.

[0588] Optionally, the second acquisition subunit is specifically used for:

[0589] Based on the location request message, send an auxiliary information request message to the second interface;

[0590] Receive the auxiliary information response message sent by the second interface, wherein the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

[0591] Optionally, the third sending unit is specifically used to: send a location response message to the first application, the location response message including the location information.

[0592] Optionally, the location request message includes at least one of the following:

[0593] Message type;

[0594] Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message;

[0595] Multiple-choice event definition;

[0596] List of terminals requesting location tracking;

[0597] Interval period.

[0598] Optionally, the information of the first application includes at least one of the following:

[0599] First application identifier;

[0600] Location request message identifier.

[0601] Optionally, the definition of the multiple-choice-one-trigger event includes one of the following:

[0602] Periodic reports;

[0603] Trigger event reporting.

[0604] Optionally, the RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following;

[0605] Message type;

[0606] Subscription request message identifier;

[0607] Radio Access Network (RAN) Function Identifier;

[0608] Subscribe to related information.

[0609] Optionally, the subscription-related information includes: a trigger event definition and / or an action sequence. Optionally, the action sequence includes at least one of the following:

[0610] Action markers;

[0611] Action type;

[0612] Action definition;

[0613] Subsequent action definition.

[0614] Optionally, the action definition includes at least one of the following:

[0615] Terminal identifier;

[0616] Measurement information mapping;

[0617] Tag list;

[0618] Interval period;

[0619] Community-wide identifier.

[0620] Optionally, the RIC indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0621] Measurement data;

[0622] Measurement information mapping;

[0623] List of matching conditions;

[0624] Interval period.

[0625] Optionally, the measurement data includes at least one of the following:

[0626] Measurement records;

[0627] Incomplete instructions.

[0628] Optionally, the measurement record includes a multiple-choice measurement value, which includes one of the following:

[0629] Integer value;

[0630] Floating-point value;

[0631] No measurement value exists.

[0632] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit of information used to indicate a measurement information;

[0633] Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0634] Optionally, the location response message includes at least one of the following:

[0635] Message type;

[0636] Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message;

[0637] A list of terminal locations for the response;

[0638] Location information.

[0639] Optionally, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0640] Latitude information;

[0641] Longitude information;

[0642] Altitude information.

[0643] In an embodiment of this application, a positioning function entity is set in the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The positioning function entity obtains the location measurement information related to the target terminal according to the positioning request message, thereby estimating the location of the target terminal and obtaining the positioning information of the target terminal, realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements.

[0644] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment applied to the positioning functional entity, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0645] like Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a positioning device 800, applied to a network node, comprising:

[0646] The first transmitting unit 810 is used to transmit location measurement information related to the target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0647] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0648] The first receiving unit is configured to receive the RIC subscription request message sent by the positioning function entity through the first interface;

[0649] The first sending unit is specifically used to: send the location measurement information to the positioning function entity through the first interface according to the RIC subscription request message.

[0650] Optionally, when the first sending unit sends the location measurement information to the positioning function entity through the first interface, it is specifically used for:

[0651] The first interface is used to send a RIC indication message to the positioning function entity, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

[0652] Optionally, the location measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0653] The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed.

[0654] Angle of arrival (AOA);

[0655] AOD (Angle of Departure)

[0656] Time of Arrival (TOA)

[0657] Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

[0658] Optionally, the RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following;

[0659] Message type;

[0660] Subscription request message identifier;

[0661] RAN function identifier;

[0662] Subscribe to related information.

[0663] Optionally, the subscription-related information includes: trigger event definition and / or action sequence.

[0664] Optionally, the action sequence includes at least one of the following:

[0665] Action markers;

[0666] Action type;

[0667] Action definition;

[0668] Subsequent action definition.

[0669] Optionally, the action definition includes at least one of the following:

[0670] Terminal identifier;

[0671] Measurement information mapping;

[0672] Tag list;

[0673] Interval period;

[0674] Community-wide identifier.

[0675] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0676] The first determining unit is used to determine the measurement information that needs to be reported based on the measurement information mapping.

[0677] Optionally, the RIC indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0678] Measurement data;

[0679] Measurement information mapping;

[0680] List of matching conditions;

[0681] Interval period.

[0682] Optionally, the measurement data includes at least one of the following:

[0683] Measurement records;

[0684] Incomplete instructions.

[0685] Optionally, the measurement record includes a multiple-choice measurement value, which includes one of the following:

[0686] Integer value;

[0687] Floating-point value;

[0688] No measurement value exists.

[0689] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit indicating a measurement information; where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0690] In an embodiment of this application, a network node provides the location measurement information of a target terminal to the positioning function entity of a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller, so that the target function entity obtains the positioning information of the target terminal based on the location measurement information, thereby realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements.

[0691] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment applied to network nodes and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0692] like Figure 9 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning device 900, applied to a second interface, comprising:

[0693] The second transmitting unit 910 is used to transmit positioning assistance information related to the target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0694] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0695] The second receiving unit is used to receive the auxiliary information request message sent by the positioning function entity;

[0696] The fourth sending unit is used to send an auxiliary information response message to the positioning function entity according to the auxiliary information request message, wherein the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

[0697] In an embodiment of this application, the second interface sends positioning assistance information to the positioning function entity, so that the positioning function entity estimates the location of the target terminal based on the positioning assistance information and the location measurement information obtained from the network node, thereby obtaining the positioning information of the target terminal. The positioning function entity can then send the positioning information to the first application, thus realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements.

[0698] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment applied to the second interface and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0699] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, 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. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0700] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-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 all 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, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0701] like Figure 10 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention also provides a positioning device applied to the positioning function entity of a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller, comprising: a memory 1020, a transceiver 1000, and a processor 1010; wherein, the memory 1020 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1000 is used to transmit and receive data and perform the following operations under the control of the processor 1010:

[0702] Obtain the location request message for the target terminal;

[0703] The processor 1010 is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0704] Based on the positioning request message, obtain location measurement information related to the target terminal;

[0705] Based on the location measurement information, the target terminal's location is estimated to obtain positioning information.

[0706] Optionally, the transceiver acquiring a location request message for the target terminal specifically includes:

[0707] Receive the location request message sent by the first application;

[0708] The first application is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0709] Optionally, the transceiver is further used for:

[0710] The location information is sent to the first application.

[0711] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0712] Based on the location request message, the location measurement information is obtained from the network node through the first interface.

[0713] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0714] Based on the location request message, generate an RIC subscription request message;

[0715] The transceiver is used to: send the RIC subscription request message to the network node through the first interface;

[0716] The location measurement information sent by the network node is received through the first interface.

[0717] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0718] When there are at least two location request messages, and the at least two location request messages come from different applications, the at least two location request messages are combined to generate the RIC subscription request message.

[0719] Optionally, the transceiver is specifically configured to: receive a RIC indication message sent by the network node through the first interface, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

[0720] Optionally, the location measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0721] The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed.

[0722] Angle of arrival (AOA);

[0723] AOD (Angle of Departure)

[0724] Time of Arrival (TOA)

[0725] Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

[0726] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0727] Based on the location request message, obtain location assistance information related to the target terminal through the second interface;

[0728] Based on the location measurement information and the positioning assistance information, the target terminal's location is estimated to obtain positioning information.

[0729] Optionally, the transceiver is specifically used for:

[0730] Based on the location request message, send an auxiliary information request message to the second interface;

[0731] Receive the auxiliary information response message sent by the second interface, wherein the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

[0732] Optionally, the transceiver is specifically used for:

[0733] A location response message is sent to the first application, the location response message including the location information.

[0734] Optionally, the location request message includes at least one of the following:

[0735] Message type;

[0736] Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message;

[0737] Multiple-choice event definition;

[0738] List of terminals requesting location tracking;

[0739] Interval period.

[0740] Optionally, the information of the first application includes at least one of the following:

[0741] First application identifier;

[0742] Location request message identifier.

[0743] Optionally, the definition of the multiple-choice-one-trigger event includes one of the following:

[0744] Periodic reports;

[0745] Trigger event reporting.

[0746] Optionally, the RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following;

[0747] Message type;

[0748] Subscription request message identifier;

[0749] Radio Access Network (RAN) Function Identifier;

[0750] Subscribe to related information.

[0751] Optionally, the subscription-related information includes: trigger event definition and / or action sequence.

[0752] Optionally, the action sequence includes at least one of the following:

[0753] Action markers;

[0754] Action type;

[0755] Action definition;

[0756] Subsequent action definition.

[0757] Optionally, the action definition includes at least one of the following:

[0758] Terminal identifier;

[0759] Measurement information mapping;

[0760] Tag list;

[0761] Interval period;

[0762] Community-wide identifier.

[0763] Optionally, the RIC indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0764] Measurement data;

[0765] Measurement information mapping;

[0766] List of matching conditions;

[0767] Interval period.

[0768] Optionally, the measurement data includes at least one of the following:

[0769] Measurement records;

[0770] Incomplete instructions.

[0771] Optionally, the measurement record includes a multiple-choice measurement value, which includes one of the following:

[0772] Integer value;

[0773] Floating-point value;

[0774] No measurement value exists.

[0775] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit indicating a measurement information; where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0776] Optionally, the location response message includes at least one of the following:

[0777] Message type;

[0778] Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message;

[0779] A list of terminal locations for the response;

[0780] Location information.

[0781] Optionally, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0782] Latitude information;

[0783] Longitude information;

[0784] Altitude information.

[0785] In an embodiment of this application, a positioning function entity is set in the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The positioning function entity obtains the location measurement information related to the target terminal according to the positioning request message, thereby estimating the location of the target terminal and obtaining the positioning information of the target terminal, realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements.

[0786] Among them, Figure 10 In this context, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 1010) and memory (memory 1020). The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1000 may be multiple elements, including transmitters and transceivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. The processor 1010 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1020 may store data used by the processor 1010 during operation.

[0787] The processor 1010 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0788] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment of the positioning function entity applied to the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0789] like Figure 11 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a positioning device applied to a network node, which can be an E2 node, including: a memory 1120, a transceiver 1100, and a processor 1110; wherein, the memory 1120 is used to store a computer program; the processor 1110 is used to read the computer program in the memory; and the transceiver 1100 is used to send and receive data and perform the following operations under the control of the processor 1110.

[0790] Send the target terminal's location measurement information to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0791] Optionally, the transceiver is further used for:

[0792] Receive the RIC subscription request message sent by the positioning function entity through the first interface;

[0793] Based on the RIC subscription request message, the location measurement information is sent to the positioning function entity through the first interface.

[0794] Optionally, the transceiver is specifically used for:

[0795] The first interface is used to send a RIC indication message to the positioning function entity, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

[0796] Optionally, the location measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0797] The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed.

[0798] Angle of arrival (AOA);

[0799] AOD (Angle of Departure)

[0800] Time of Arrival (TOA)

[0801] Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

[0802] Optionally, the RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following;

[0803] Message type;

[0804] Subscription request message identifier;

[0805] RAN function identifier;

[0806] Subscribe to related information.

[0807] Optionally, the subscription-related information includes: trigger event definition and / or action sequence.

[0808] Optionally, the action sequence includes at least one of the following:

[0809] Action markers;

[0810] Action type;

[0811] Action definition;

[0812] Subsequent action definition.

[0813] Optionally, the action definition includes at least one of the following:

[0814] Terminal identifier;

[0815] Measurement information mapping;

[0816] Tag list;

[0817] Interval period;

[0818] Community-wide identifier.

[0819] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0820] Based on the measurement information mapping, the measurement information that needs to be reported is determined.

[0821] Optionally, the RIC indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0822] Measurement data;

[0823] Measurement information mapping;

[0824] List of matching conditions;

[0825] Interval period.

[0826] Optionally, the measurement data includes at least one of the following:

[0827] Measurement records;

[0828] Incomplete instructions.

[0829] Optionally, the measurement record includes a multiple-choice measurement value, which includes one of the following:

[0830] Integer value;

[0831] Floating-point value;

[0832] No measurement value exists.

[0833] Optionally, the measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit indicating a measurement information; where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0834] In an embodiment of this application, a network node provides the location measurement information of a target terminal to the positioning function entity of a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller, so that the target function entity obtains the positioning information of the target terminal based on the location measurement information, thereby realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements.

[0835] Among them, Figure 11 In this context, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 1111) and memory (memory 1120). The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1100 may be multiple elements, including transmitters and transceivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. The processor 1111 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1120 may store data used by the processor 1111 during operation.

[0836] The processor 1111 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0837] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment applied to network nodes and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0838] like Figure 12 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a network integrated control device applied to a second interface, which can be an A1 interface, including: a memory 1220, a transceiver 1200, and a processor 1212; wherein, the memory 1220 is used to store computer programs; the processor 1212 is used to read the computer programs in the memory; and the transceiver 1200 is used to send and receive data and perform the following operations under the control of the processor 1212.

[0839] Send the target terminal-related positioning assistance information to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller.

[0840] Optionally, the transceiver is further used for:

[0841] Receive the auxiliary information request message sent by the positioning function entity;

[0842] Based on the auxiliary information request message, an auxiliary information response message is sent to the positioning function entity, and the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

[0843] In an embodiment of this application, the second interface sends positioning assistance information to the positioning function entity, so that the positioning function entity estimates the location of the target terminal based on the positioning assistance information and the location measurement information obtained from the network node, thereby obtaining the positioning information of the target terminal. The positioning function entity can then send the positioning information to the first application, thus realizing the positioning function of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller and meeting the positioning requirements.

[0844] Among them, Figure 12 In this context, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 1212) and memory (memory 1220). The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1200 may be multiple elements, including transmitters and transceivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. The processor 1212 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1220 may store data used by the processor 1212 during operation.

[0845] The processor 1212 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0846] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment applied to the second interface and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0847] In addition, specific embodiments of the present invention also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, wherein the program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the positioning method described above. This achieves the same technical effect, and to avoid repetition, will not be repeated here. The readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device accessible to the processor, including but not limited to magnetic storage (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MO), etc.), optical storage (e.g., CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor storage (e.g., ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memory (NAND flash), solid-state drives (SSDs), etc.).

[0848] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0849] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0850] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more blocks of a block diagram.

[0851] These processor-executable instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more blocks of a block diagram.

[0852] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that, include: The positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller acquires the positioning request message for the target terminal; The positioning function entity obtains location measurement information related to the target terminal based on the positioning request message; The positioning function entity estimates the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information to obtain positioning information; The step of obtaining the location request message for the target terminal includes: The system receives the location request message sent by a first application; wherein the first application is carried by the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The method further includes: obtaining positioning assistance information related to the target terminal through a second interface according to the positioning request message; the step of estimating the position of the target terminal based on the position measurement information to obtain positioning information includes: estimating the position of the target terminal based on the position measurement information and the positioning assistance information to obtain positioning information; The location request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; Multiple-choice event definition; List of terminals requesting location tracking; Interval period.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The location information is sent to the first application.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining location measurement information related to the target terminal according to the location request message includes: Based on the location request message, the location measurement information is obtained from the network node through the first interface.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the location measurement information from the network node through the first interface according to the location request message includes: Based on the location request message, generate an RIC subscription request message; The RIC subscription request message is sent to the network node through the first interface; The location measurement information sent by the network node is received through the first interface.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of generating a RIC subscription request message based on the location request message includes: When there are at least two location request messages, and the at least two location request messages come from different applications, the at least two location request messages are combined to generate the RIC subscription request message.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Receiving the location measurement information sent by the network node through the first interface includes: The first interface receives the RIC indication message sent by the network node, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The location measurement information includes at least one of the following: The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed. Angle of arrival (AOA); AOD (Angle of Departure) Time of Arrival (TOA) Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining location assistance information related to the target terminal through the second interface according to the location request message includes: Based on the location request message, send an auxiliary information request message to the second interface; Receive the auxiliary information response message sent by the second interface, wherein the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

9. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Sending the location information to the first application includes: A location response message is sent to the first application, the location response message including the location information.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information of the first application includes at least one of the following: First application identifier; Location request message identifier.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The definition of the multiple-choice-one-triggered event includes one of the following: Periodic reports; Trigger event reporting.

12. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Subscription request message identifier; Radio Access Network (RAN) Function Identifier; Subscribe to related information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The subscription-related information includes: trigger event definition and / or action sequence.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The action sequence includes at least one of the following: Action markers; Action type; Action definition; Subsequent action definition.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The action definition includes at least one of the following: Terminal identifier; Measurement information mapping; Tag list; Interval period; Community-wide identifier.

16. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The RIC instruction message includes at least one of the following: Measurement data; Measurement information mapping; List of matching conditions; Interval period.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The measurement data includes at least one of the following: Measurement records; Incomplete instructions.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The measurement record includes a multiple-choice measurement value, which includes one of the following: Integer value; Floating-point value; No measurement value exists.

19. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit indicating a measurement information item; Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

20. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The location response message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; A list of terminal locations for the response; Location information.

21. The method according to claim 1 or 20, characterized in that, The location information includes at least one of the following: Latitude information; Longitude information; Altitude information.

22. A positioning method, characterized in that, include: A network node sends location measurement information related to a target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. This location measurement information is used by the positioning function entity to estimate the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information and positioning assistance information, upon receiving a positioning request message for the target terminal, thereby obtaining positioning information. The positioning request message is sent by a first application program, which is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The positioning assistance information is obtained by the positioning function entity based on the positioning request message and through a second interface. The location request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; Multiple-choice event definition; List of terminals requesting location tracking; Interval period.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the RIC subscription request message sent by the positioning function entity through the first interface; Sending location measurement information related to the target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller includes: Based on the RIC subscription request message, the location measurement information is sent to the positioning function entity through the first interface.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, Sending the location measurement information to the positioning function entity through the first interface includes: The first interface is used to send a RIC indication message to the positioning function entity, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The location measurement information includes at least one of the following: The time difference of arrival (OTDOA) was observed. Angle of arrival (AOA); AOD (Angle of Departure) Time of Arrival (TOA) Uplink arrival time difference (UTDOA).

26. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Subscription request message identifier; RAN function identifier; Subscribe to related information.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The subscription-related information includes: trigger event definition and / or action sequence.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The action sequence includes at least one of the following: Action markers; Action type; Action definition; Subsequent action definition.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The action definition includes at least one of the following: Terminal identifier; Measurement information mapping; Tag list; Interval period; Community-wide identifier.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the measurement information mapping, the measurement information that needs to be reported is determined.

31. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The RIC instruction message includes at least one of the following: Measurement data; Measurement information mapping; List of matching conditions; Interval period.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The measurement data includes at least one of the following: Measurement records; Incomplete instructions.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The measurement record includes a multiple-choice measurement value, which includes one of the following: Integer value; Floating-point value; No measurement value exists.

34. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, The measurement information mapping includes N bits of information, each bit indicating a measurement information item; Where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

35. A positioning method, characterized in that, include: The second interface sends the target terminal-related positioning assistance information to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller; The positioning assistance information is used by the positioning function entity to estimate the location of the target terminal and obtain positioning information based on the location measurement information and the positioning assistance information when it receives a positioning request message for the target terminal; wherein, the positioning request message is sent by a first application, and the first application is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller; The location request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; Multiple-choice event definition; List of terminals requesting location tracking; Interval period.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the auxiliary information request message sent by the positioning function entity; Based on the auxiliary information request message, an auxiliary information response message is sent to the positioning function entity, and the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

37. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: Memory, transceiver, processor: Memory, used to store computer programs; Processor, used to read computer programs from the memory; A transceiver, used under the control of the processor to send and receive data and perform the following operations: Obtain the location request message for the target terminal; The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Based on the positioning request message, obtain location measurement information related to the target terminal; Based on the location measurement information, the target terminal's location is estimated to obtain positioning information; The transceiver acquires a location request message for the target terminal, specifically including: Receive the location request message sent by the first application; The first application is carried on a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller; The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: According to the positioning request message, positioning assistance information related to the target terminal is obtained through the second interface; based on the location measurement information and the positioning assistance information, the location of the target terminal is estimated to obtain positioning information; The location request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; Multiple-choice event definition; List of terminals requesting location tracking; Interval period.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that, The transceiver is also used for: The location information is sent to the first application.

39. The apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that, The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Based on the location request message, the location measurement information is obtained from the network node through the first interface.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Based on the location request message, generate an RIC subscription request message; The transceiver is used to: send the RIC subscription request message to the network node through the first interface; The location measurement information sent by the network node is received through the first interface.

41. The apparatus according to claim 40, characterized in that, The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: When there are at least two location request messages, and the at least two location request messages come from different applications, the at least two location request messages are combined to generate the RIC subscription request message.

42. The apparatus according to claim 40, characterized in that, The transceiver is specifically used to: receive RIC indication messages sent by the network node through the first interface, wherein the RIC indication messages include the location measurement information.

43. The apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that, The transceiver is specifically used for: Based on the location request message, send an auxiliary information request message to the second interface; Receive the auxiliary information response message sent by the second interface, wherein the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

44. The apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that, The transceiver is specifically used for: A location response message is sent to the first application, the location response message including the location information.

45. The apparatus according to claim 40, characterized in that, The RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Subscription request message identifier; Radio Access Network (RAN) Function Identifier; Subscribe to related information.

46. ​​The apparatus according to claim 41, characterized in that, The RIC instruction message includes at least one of the following: Measurement data; Measurement information mapping; List of matching conditions; Interval period.

47. The apparatus according to claim 44, characterized in that, The location response message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; A list of terminal locations for the response; Location information.

48. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: Memory, transceiver, processor: Memory, used to store computer programs; Processor, used to read computer programs from the memory; A transceiver, used under the control of the processor to send and receive data and perform the following operations: The system sends location measurement information related to the target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. This location measurement information is used by the positioning function entity to estimate the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information and positioning assistance information when it receives a positioning request message for the target terminal. The positioning request message is sent by a first application program, which is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The positioning assistance information is obtained by the positioning function entity based on the positioning request message and through a second interface. The location request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; Multiple-choice event definition; List of terminals requesting location tracking; Interval period.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, characterized in that, The transceiver is also used for: Receive the RIC subscription request message sent by the positioning function entity through the first interface; Based on the RIC subscription request message, the location measurement information is sent to the positioning function entity through the first interface.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that, The transceiver is specifically used for: The first interface is used to send a RIC indication message to the positioning function entity, the RIC indication message including the location measurement information.

51. The apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that, The RIC subscription request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Subscription request message identifier; RAN function identifier; Subscribe to related information.

52. The apparatus according to claim 50, characterized in that, The RIC instruction message includes at least one of the following: Measurement data; Measurement information mapping; List of matching conditions; Interval period.

53. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: Memory, transceiver, processor: Memory, used to store computer programs; Processor, used to read computer programs from the memory; A transceiver, used under the control of the processor to send and receive data and perform the following operations: The system sends location assistance information related to the target terminal to the location function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The location assistance information is used by the location function entity to estimate the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information and the location assistance information when it receives a location request message for the target terminal. The location request message is sent by a first application, which is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The location request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; Multiple-choice event definition; List of terminals requesting location tracking; Interval period.

54. The apparatus according to claim 53, characterized in that, The transceiver is also used for: Receive the auxiliary information request message sent by the positioning function entity; Based on the auxiliary information request message, an auxiliary information response message is sent to the positioning function entity, and the auxiliary information response message includes the positioning auxiliary information.

55. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: The first acquisition unit is used to acquire a location request message for the target terminal; The second acquisition unit is used to acquire location measurement information related to the target terminal according to the positioning request message; The first processing unit is configured to perform position estimation on the target terminal based on the position measurement information to obtain positioning information; The first acquisition unit is specifically used to: receive the location request message sent by the first application; The first application is carried on a near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller; The second acquisition unit includes: The second acquisition subunit is used to acquire location assistance information related to the target terminal through the second interface according to the location request message; The first processing unit is specifically used to: estimate the position of the target terminal based on the position measurement information and the positioning assistance information to obtain positioning information; The location request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; Multiple-choice event definition; List of terminals requesting location tracking; Interval period.

56. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: The first sending unit is configured to send location measurement information related to the target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The location measurement information is used by the positioning function entity to estimate the location of the target terminal based on the location measurement information and positioning assistance information when it receives a positioning request message for the target terminal, thereby obtaining positioning information. The positioning request message is sent by a first application program, which is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller. The positioning assistance information is obtained by the positioning function entity based on the positioning request message and through a second interface. The location request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; Multiple-choice event definition; List of terminals requesting location tracking; Interval period.

57. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: The second transmitting unit is used to transmit positioning assistance information related to the target terminal to the positioning function entity of the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller; The positioning assistance information is used by the positioning function entity to estimate the location of the target terminal and obtain positioning information based on the location measurement information and the positioning assistance information when it receives a positioning request message for the target terminal; wherein, the positioning request message is sent by a first application, and the first application is carried on the near real-time wireless access network intelligent controller; The location request message includes at least one of the following: Message type; Information about the first application corresponding to the location request message; Multiple-choice event definition; List of terminals requesting location tracking; Interval period.

58. A processor-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the positioning method as described in any one of claims 1 to 21, or the steps of the positioning method as described in any one of claims 22 to 34, or the steps of the positioning method as described in any one of claims 35 to 36.

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