A positioning method and device of a user equipment

Abstract

The application provides a positioning method and device of a user equipment, the method comprising: a first network element sending a first positioning request message to a second network element to instruct the second network element to position a first user equipment (UE) through a second UE; then the first UE or the second UE can calculate the relative position information between them, and then the second network element calculates the position information of the first UE according to the relative position information between the second UE and the first UE, and sends the position information of the first UE to the first network element through a first positioning request response message, so that the first UE can be positioned by the second UE, and the positioning accuracy of the UE is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for positioning user equipment. Background Art

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) introduced support for positioning services, which have now become an important value-added service in wireless communication networks.

[0003] Currently, when locating a target user equipment (UE), the UE typically collects information such as the signal strength of itself and surrounding base stations, then sends this information to the core network, which calculates the UE's location based on the collected information. When the UE is indoors, the signal strength collected by the UE may be weakened due to obstruction by buildings or network blind spots, resulting in inaccurate calculated location information. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a method and apparatus for positioning a user equipment, for improving the positioning accuracy of a UE.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a method for positioning a user equipment, the method comprising: a first network element sends a first positioning request message to a second network element, the first positioning request message being used to instruct the second network element to locate the first UE through the second user equipment UE; the first network element receives a first positioning request response message sent by the second network element, the first positioning request response message including first location information of the first UE.

[0006] Through the above technical solution, the second network element can locate the target UE through other UEs, using these other UEs to determine the relative positions of the other UEs and the target UE, thereby obtaining the target UE's location information. Compared to the existing method in which the target UE measures the signal strength of surrounding base stations, this method can collect more accurate measurement data, thereby achieving higher accuracy in locating the target UE.

[0007] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, "other UE" may also be referred to as "auxiliary UE", "Help UE", or "second UE", and those skilled in the art should understand that the two have the same meaning.

[0008] In one possible design, the first positioning request message includes at least one item of the following information: identification information of the first UE, identification information of the second UE, and positioning accuracy information.

[0009] Through the above technical solution, the first positioning request message sent by the first network element to the second network element may include the identification information of the first UE, the identification information of the second UE and the positioning accuracy information, so that the second network element can locate the first UE according to the identification information of the second UE.

[0010] In one possible design, before the first network element sends a first positioning request message to the second network element, the method also includes: the first network element sends a second positioning request message to the second network element, and the second positioning request message is used to instruct the second network element to locate the first UE; the first network element receives a second positioning request response message sent by the second network element, and the second positioning request response message includes the second position indication information of the first UE, and the second position indication information is used to indicate that the accuracy information of the second position of the first UE does not meet the positioning accuracy information or is used to indicate the second position information of the first UE.

[0011] Through the above technical solution, the first network element can know the approximate location of the target UE or whether the location information of the target UE calculated by the second network element meets the accuracy requirement based on the positioning request response message fed back by the second network element.

[0012] In one possible design, the first network element sending the first positioning request message to the second network element includes:

[0013] The first network element sends a first positioning request message to the second network element according to the second location indication information of the first UE.

[0014] Through the above technical solution, the first network element can send a first positioning request message to the second network element when the location information of the target UE calculated by the second network element does not meet the accuracy requirement, or it can judge whether the location information of the target UE calculated by the second network element meets the accuracy requirement based on the location information of the target UE and the accuracy requirement in the positioning request message, and send a first positioning request message to the second network element when it does not meet the accuracy requirement, so that the second network element can locate the target UE based on other UEs, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for positioning a user equipment, the method comprising: a second network element receives a first positioning request message sent by a first network element, the first positioning request message being used to instruct the second network element to locate the first UE through a second user equipment UE; the second network element locates the first UE through the second UE, and sends a first positioning request response message to the first network element, the first positioning request response message including the location information of the first UE.

[0016] Through the above technical solution, the second network element can locate the target UE according to the first positioning request message sent by the first network element, thereby using the auxiliary UE to calculate the location information of the target UE and improve the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0017] In one possible design, the first positioning request message includes at least one item of the following information: identification information of the first UE, identification information of the second UE, and positioning accuracy information.

[0018] Through the above technical solution, the second network element can locate the target UE based on the identification information of the target UE, the identification information of the auxiliary UE and the positioning accuracy information sent by the first network element, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0019] In one possible design, the second network element locates the first UE through the second UE, including: the second network element sends a third positioning request message to the second UE, the third positioning request message is used to instruct the second UE to determine the relative position information between itself and the first UE, and the third positioning request message includes the identification information of the first UE; the second network element receives the relative position information sent by the second UE, and determines the position information of the second UE according to the identification information of the second UE; the second network element determines the position information of the first UE based on the relative position information and the position information of the second UE.

[0020] Through the above technical solution, the second network element sends a positioning request message to the assisting UE, so that the assisting UE calculates the relative position between the target UE and the assisting UE, and then the second network element calculates the position information of the target UE based on the relative position and the position information of the assisting UE.

[0021] In one possible design, before the second network element sends a third positioning request message to the second UE, the method also includes: the second network element obtains identification information of the second UE.

[0022] In this embodiment of the present application, the second network element may obtain the identification information of the second UE in the following ways:

[0023] Method 1: Obtain identification information of the second UE from a third network element (e.g., AMF).

[0024] Method 2: Obtain identification information of the second UE from the first network element.

[0025] Method 3: Obtain the identification information of the second UE according to the registration information of the second UE.

[0026] In the above manner, the second network element can obtain the identification information of the assisting UE, and then send a positioning request message to the assisting UE, so that the assisting UE can calculate the relative position between itself and the target UE.

[0027] In one possible design, the second network element positioning the first UE through the second UE includes:

[0028] The second network element sends a fourth positioning request message to the first UE, where the fourth positioning request message is used to instruct the first UE to determine the relative position information between itself and the second UE, and the fourth positioning request message includes the identification information of the second UE; the second network element receives the relative position information sent by the first UE, and determines the position information of the second UE based on the identification information of the second UE; the second network element determines the position information of the first UE based on the relative position information and the position information of the second UE.

[0029] Through the above technical solution, the target UE can calculate the relative position between itself and the auxiliary UE according to the positioning request message, and then send the relative position to the core network. The core network then calculates the location information of the target UE based on the relative position and the location information of the auxiliary UE.

[0030] In a third aspect, the present application provides a method for positioning a user equipment, the method comprising: a second UE sends a first registration request message to a second network element, wherein the first registration request includes identification information of the second UE and capability information of the second UE; the second UE receives a third positioning request message sent by the second network element, wherein the third positioning request message is used to instruct the second UE to determine the relative position information between itself and the first UE, and the third positioning request message includes the identification information of the first UE.

[0031] Through the above technical solution, the auxiliary UE can report its own identification information, capability information, etc. during the registration process, so that other network elements can obtain relevant information of the auxiliary UE and then use the auxiliary UE to locate the target UE, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0032] In one possible design, the method also includes: the second UE sends the relative position information between itself and the first UE to the second network element.

[0033] Through the above technical solution, after calculating the relative position information between the auxiliary UE and the target UE, the auxiliary UE can send the relative position information to the second network element so that the second network element can calculate the position information of the target UE.

[0034] In one possible design, the method also includes: the second UE sends a fifth positioning request message to the first UE, the fifth positioning request message includes a positioning algorithm, and the fifth positioning request message is used to instruct the first UE to obtain measurement data according to the positioning algorithm; the second UE receives the measurement data sent by the first UE.

[0035] Through the above technical solution, the assisting UE can send a positioning request message to the target UE so that the target UE can obtain the measurement data required for positioning location information, and then the assisting UE can calculate the relative position information between itself and the target UE based on the measurement data fed back by the target UE.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a positioning device for a user equipment, wherein the positioning device for the user equipment has the function of implementing the first network element in the method example of the first aspect above. The function can be implemented by hardware, or can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In one possible design, the positioning device for the user equipment includes: a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to send a first positioning request message to a second network element, and the first positioning request message is used to instruct the second network element to locate the first UE through the second user equipment UE; the receiving unit is used to receive a first positioning request response message sent by the second network element, and the first positioning request response message includes the first location information of the first UE. These units can perform the corresponding functions in the method example of the first aspect above. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method example, which will not be repeated here.

[0037] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a positioning device for a user equipment, and the positioning device for the user equipment has the function of implementing the second network element in the method example of the second aspect above. The function can be implemented by hardware, or it can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In one possible design, the positioning device of the user equipment includes: a receiving unit for receiving a first positioning request message sent by a first network element, the first positioning request message is used to instruct the second network element to locate the first UE through the second user equipment UE; a positioning unit for locating the first UE through the second UE; a sending unit for sending a first positioning request response message to the first network element, the first positioning request response message including the location information of the first UE. These units can perform the corresponding functions in the method example of the second aspect above. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method example, which will not be repeated here.

[0038] In a sixth aspect, a positioning device for user equipment is provided. The positioning device for user equipment may be the first network element in the above-mentioned method embodiment, or a chip disposed in the first network element. The device includes a receiver, a transmitter, and at least one processor. The receiver is configured to perform the message receiving operation performed by the positioning device for the user equipment in the method described in the first aspect or any one of the above-mentioned aspects; and the transmitter is configured to perform the message sending operation performed by the positioning device for the user equipment in the method described in the first aspect or any one of the above-mentioned aspects.

[0039] In a seventh aspect, a positioning device for a user device is provided. The positioning device for the user device may be the second network element in the above-mentioned method embodiment, or a chip disposed in the second network element. The positioning device for the user device includes a receiver, a transmitter, and at least one processor. The receiver is configured to execute the message receiving operation of the positioning device for the user device in the above-mentioned first aspect or any one of the methods described in the first aspect; the transmitter is configured to execute the message sending operation of the positioning device for the user device in the above-mentioned first aspect or any one of the methods described in the first aspect; and the at least one processor invokes instructions to execute the message processing operation performed by the positioning device for the user device in the above-mentioned second aspect or any one of the methods described in the second aspect.

[0040] In an eighth aspect, a positioning device for a user equipment is provided, and the positioning device for the user equipment has the function of implementing the second UE in the method instance of the third aspect above. The function can be implemented by hardware, or can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In one possible design, the positioning device of the user equipment includes: a sending unit, used to send a first registration request message to a second network element, the first registration request including the identification information of the second UE and the capability information of the second UE; receiving a third positioning request message sent by the second network element, the third positioning request message being used to instruct the second UE to determine the relative position information between itself and the first UE, and the third positioning request message including the identification information of the first UE.

[0041] In a ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program code, which, when run concurrently, enables the method performed by the first network element in the above aspects to be executed.

[0042] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is run, the method performed by the second network element in the above aspects is executed.

[0043] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is run, the method performed by the second UE in the above aspects is executed.

[0044] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, comprising at least one processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor executes instructions to execute the method described in any one of the first and second aspects above. The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0045] In the thirteenth aspect, the present application also provides a user equipment positioning system, comprising the user equipment positioning device described in any one of the fourth aspect and the user equipment positioning device described in any one of the fifth aspect; or comprising the user equipment positioning device described in any one of the sixth aspect and the user equipment positioning device described in any one of the seventh aspect.

[0046] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, it implements the method performed by the first network element in the above aspects.

[0047] In a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, it implements the method performed by the second network element in the above aspects.

[0048] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, it implements the method performed by the second UE in the above aspects.

[0049] It should be understood that the beneficial effects achieved by the technical solutions of the fourth to sixteenth aspects of the embodiments of the present application and the corresponding feasible implementation methods can be referred to the technical effects of the first, second, third aspects and their corresponding possible implementation methods mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 1B A flowchart of a method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an application scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the position relationship of a UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the logical structure of a positioning device for a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a positioning structure of a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the logical structure of a positioning device for a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 12 A schematic structural diagram of a positioning device for a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 13 A structural diagram of a positioning system for a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] First, it should be noted that the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0066] like Figure 1A As shown, it is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1A The 5G network architecture shown may include (radio) access network (R)AN) network elements, user equipment (UE), user plane function (UPF) network elements, data network (DN), access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, unified data management (UDM) network elements, location management function (LMF) network elements and gateway mobile location center (GMLC), etc.

[0067] The following is a brief introduction to the functions of the network elements involved in this application.

[0068] (R)AN is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices. In order for a terminal device to access the operator's network, it must first pass through the (R)AN, and then connect to the service node of the operator's network through the (R)AN. The (R)AN devices in this application include but are not limited to: the next generation base station (g nodeB, gNB) in 5G, evolved node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved nodeB, or home node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), transmission point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), mobile switching center, etc. The (R)AN devices in this application also include non-3GPP access devices, such as wireless local area networks (WLAN) access networks, fixed-line access networks, etc.

[0069] A terminal device, also known as a UE, is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water (such as ships); or in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in smart grids, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart cities, or a wireless terminal in smart homes.

[0070] The above-mentioned terminal device can establish a connection with the operator network through the interface provided by the operator network (such as N1, etc.), and use the data and / or voice services provided by the operator network. The terminal device can also access the DN through the operator network, use the operator services deployed on the DN, and / or services provided by a third party. Among them, the above-mentioned third party may be a service provider other than the operator network and the terminal device, and can provide other data and / or voice services to the terminal device. Among them, the specific form of the above-mentioned third party can be determined according to the actual application scenario and is not limited here.

[0071] The UPF network element is a gateway provided by the operator and serves as the gateway for communication between the operator network and the DN. The UPF network element includes user-plane-related functions such as packet routing and transmission, packet inspection, service usage reporting, Quality of Service (QoS) processing, lawful interception, uplink packet inspection, and downlink packet storage.

[0072] A DN, also known as a packet data network (PDN), is a network located outside of a carrier network. A carrier network can access multiple DNs, and a variety of services can be deployed on the DN, providing data and / or voice services to terminal devices. For example, a DN is the private network of a smart factory. Sensors installed in the workshop of the smart factory can be terminal devices. The DN is equipped with a control server for the sensors, which can provide services to the sensors. The sensors can communicate with the control server, obtain instructions from the control server, and transmit collected sensor data to the control server according to the instructions. For another example, a DN is the internal office network of a company. The mobile phones or computers of the company's employees can be terminal devices, and the employees' mobile phones or computers can access information and data resources on the company's internal office network.

[0073] The AMF network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator network. It is responsible for access control and mobility management of terminal devices accessing the operator network. For example, it includes mobile status management, allocation of user temporary identity, authentication and authorization of users, user location update, user registration network, user switching and other functions.

[0074] The SMF network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator network, responsible for managing the protocol data unit (PDU) session of the terminal device. A PDU session is a channel for transmitting PDUs. The terminal device needs to transmit PDUs to and from the DN through the PDU session. The SMF network element is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and deleting PDU sessions. The SMF network element includes session management (such as session establishment, modification, and release, including tunnel maintenance between the UPF and AN), selection and control of UPF network elements, service and session continuity (SSC) mode selection, roaming, and other session-related functions.

[0075] The PCF network element is a control plane function provided by the operator and is used to provide policies to network elements. As an implementation method, policies can include access control policies, mobility management policies, charging-related policies, QoS-related policies, and authorization-related policies.

[0076] The UDM network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator and is responsible for storing information such as the subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI), credentials, security context, and subscription data of subscribers on the operator's network. This information stored by the UDM network element can be used to authenticate and authorize terminal devices to access the operator's network. Subscribers on the operator's network can specifically be users who use services provided by the operator's network, such as users using China Telecom's mobile phone SIM cards or China Mobile's mobile phone SIM cards. The subscriber's subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) can be, for example, the SIM card number. The subscriber's credentials and security context can be small files storing the SIM card's encryption key or information related to the SIM card's encryption, used for authentication and / or authorization. The security context can be data (cookie) or token stored on the user's local terminal (e.g., a mobile phone). The subscriber's subscription data can be the SIM card's supporting services, such as the SIM card's data package or network usage. It should be noted that permanent identifiers, credentials, security context, authentication data (cookies), and tokens are equivalent to authentication and authorization-related information. For the sake of convenience, no distinction or limitation is made in this application document. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application will be described using security context as an example, but the embodiments of this application are also applicable to authentication and / or authorization information expressed in other ways.

[0077] The LMF network element is mainly used for positioning request management and positioning resource allocation in positioning services.

[0078] The GMLC network element is mainly used to receive positioning requests from positioning clients and application functions, select the appropriate AMF for positioning services, and return location results to positioning clients and application functions.

[0079] Of course, it is understandable that Figure 1A The network architecture shown may also include other network elements, such as the Application Function (AF) network element. The AF network element primarily provides application layer services and also supports interaction with the 5G core network to provide services, such as influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing some third-party services to the network side.

[0080] It should be noted that Figure 1A In the network architecture shown, N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, etc. are interface serial numbers. The meanings of these interface serial numbers can be found in the 3GPP standard protocol and are not limited here.

[0081] It should be noted that the present application can also be applied to the fourth generation (4G) network architecture. For example, the mobility management entity (MME) in 4G provides the functions of the access and mobility management function network element in this application; the MME and serving gateway (SGW) in 4G provide the functions of the session management function network element in this application; the packet data network gateway (PDN gateway, PGW) in 4G provides the functions of the core network UPF in this application; the data analysis network element in 4G provides the functions of the data analysis network element in this application, etc. In addition, Figure 1A The form and quantity of the network elements shown in the figure are for example only and do not constitute a limitation to the present application.

[0082] In future communication systems such as 6G communication systems, the above-mentioned network elements or devices may still use their names in 4G or 5G communication systems, or have other names; the functions of the above-mentioned network elements or devices may be completed by an independent network element or by several network elements together, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0083] In actual deployment, the above network elements can be combined. For example, the access and mobility management function network element can be combined with the session management function network element; and the session management function network element can be combined with the user plane function network element. When two network elements are combined, the interaction between the two network elements provided in the embodiments of the present application becomes an internal operation of the combined network element or can be omitted.

[0084] like Figure 1B FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application, see Figure 1B As shown, the method includes:

[0085] S101: The external AF sends a positioning request message to the GMLC or NEF.

[0086] The positioning request message may include: identification information of the target UE and positioning accuracy information. The positioning request message may be used to request positioning of the target UE. Accordingly, the GMLC or NEF receives the positioning request message sent by the external AF.

[0087] Of course, it is understandable that the external AF may also be a positioning client or a location services (LCS) client, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0088] S102: GMLC sends the positioning request message to AMF.

[0089] S103: AMF determines LMF based on the positioning request message.

[0090] In this application, the AMF may select an LMF for the positioning request message based on the positioning accuracy information, latency information, etc. in the positioning request message. For example, different LMFs have different positioning capabilities (for example, supporting or not supporting low-latency positioning). The AMF may query the available LMFs in the local configuration, or may query the network server for available LMFs, and then determine an LMF to serve this positioning request based on the capabilities of the LMF and the latency requirements in the positioning request message.

[0091] S104: AMF sends the positioning request message to LMF.

[0092] Accordingly, the LMF receives the positioning request message sent by the AMF. The LMF can select a positioning method based on the received positioning request message, such as observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth (BT), etc.

[0093] The GNSS may include a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), a Beidou navigation satellite system (BDS), a quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS) and / or a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS).

[0094] In addition, when selecting a positioning method, LMF may select one positioning method or multiple positioning methods, which is not limited in this application.

[0095] S102-S104 can also be referred to as GMLC sending a first positioning request message to LMF.

[0096] S105: The LMF obtains the measurement data reported by the target UE, and calculates the location information of the target UE according to the measurement data reported by the target UE.

[0097] As a possible implementation method, after the LMF selects a positioning method, the LMF may send a notification message to the target UE, and the notification message may be used to notify the target UE to collect corresponding measurement data according to the positioning method selected by the LMF.

[0098] Correspondingly, after receiving the notification message sent by the LMF, the target UE can collect measurement data according to the notification message, and then report the collected measurement data to the LMF, so that the LMF calculates the location information of the target UE based on the measurement data.

[0099] S106: The LMF feeds back the location information of the target UE to the external AF.

[0100] After the LMF calculates the location information of the target UE, the calculated location information of the target UE may be fed back to the external AF.

[0101] exist Figure 1B In the positioning method of the illustrated embodiment, once the target UE is located indoors, when positioning the target UE, the measurement signal collected by the target UE may be relatively weak due to problems such as building obstruction or network coverage blind spots. In other words, the measurement data collected by the target UE from the surrounding base stations may be inaccurate, so the accuracy of the target UE's location information calculated by the LMF may be relatively low.

[0102] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a new UE positioning method, in which other UEs without building obstructions between the target UE and the target UE can be used to assist in positioning the target UE, thereby using the location information of other UEs to infer the location information of the target UE, thereby improving the accuracy of the calculated location information of the target UE.

[0103] The following is a detailed introduction to a positioning method for a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0104] Before introducing the method of the present application, the application scenarios involved in the present application are further introduced and explained to facilitate understanding of the present solution.

[0105] like Figure 2 FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, this application scenario may include multiple UEs and multiple base stations. Figure 2 In the figure, three base stations and four UEs are used as an example. Assume that the dotted box in the figure represents an indoor factory, UE1 is the target UE, that is, the UE to be located, UE2 is a UE at a fixed location, and UE3 and UE4 are other UEs in the factory.

[0106] For example, UE2 can be a fixed robot arm in a factory or a forklift fixed within a mobile range, and a radar device for communication can be deployed on UE2. UE3 and UE4 can be fixed terminals or mobile terminals, which is not limited in this application.

[0107] This application is in Figure 2 In the scenario shown, UE1 and UE2 can send and receive measurement signals through radar equipment, and UE1 can obtain measurement data from base station 1, base station 2 and base station 3. Then UE1 or UE2 uses the position of UE2 and the measurement data obtained by UE1 to calculate the relative position of UE2 and UE1, and then the core network (LMF or AMF) uses the relative position and the position of UE2 to calculate the position of UE1, so as to realize the positioning of UE1 by UE2, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of UE.

[0108] For the convenience of description, the UE to be located is referred to as the "target UE" or the "first UE" below, and other fixed terminal devices that are not blocked by buildings between the target UE and the target UE are referred to as Help UE or the "second UE". It is understood that the first UE can be understood as Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, UE1 and Help UE can be understood as Figure 2 UE2 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0109] Figure 3 A flowchart of a positioning method for a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0110] S301: A first network element sends a first positioning request message to a second network element.

[0111] The first positioning request message is used to instruct the second network element to locate the first UE through the second UE.

[0112] S302: The second network element locates the first UE through the second UE to obtain location information of the first UE.

[0113] Correspondingly, the second network element receives the first positioning request message sent by the first network element, and locates the first UE through the second UE according to the first positioning request message to obtain the location information of the first UE.

[0114] S303: The second network element sends a first positioning request response message to the first network element.

[0115] The first positioning request response message includes the location information of the first UE.

[0116] pass Figure 3 In the positioning method of the illustrated embodiment, the first network element can send a positioning request message to the second network element to instruct the second network element to use the auxiliary UE to locate the target UE. Compared with the prior art in which the second network element directly locates the target UE, the accuracy of the target UE's location information obtained by this method is higher, that is, it can improve the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0117] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 The steps of the illustrated embodiment are described in detail.

[0118] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the first network element is GMLC and the second network element is LMF or AMF as an example.

[0119] The following first introduces the first network element as GMLC and the second network element as LMF as an example. Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application, see Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0120] S401: The external AF sends a first positioning request message to the core network to locate the location information of the target UE.

[0121] Specifically, step S401 may include: Figure 1BIn the embodiment shown, steps S101 to S105 are described. For the specific implementation process of this step, please refer to the aforementioned Figure 1B The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0122] S402: The LMF sends first location indication information of the first UE to the GMLC. Correspondingly, the GMLC receives the first location indication information of the first UE sent by the LMF.

[0123] It is understandable that the location information of the target UE obtained in step S401 is the location indication information of the target UE calculated according to the LMF solution of the prior art. For the convenience of description, this information can be recorded as "first location indication information".

[0124] The first position indication information may be used to indicate the first position information of the first UE, and may also be used to indicate that the accuracy information of the first position of the first UE does not meet the positioning accuracy information.

[0125] It should be noted that in step S402, the LMF can send the first location indication information of the first UE to the AMF, which is forwarded to the GMLC by the AMF.

[0126] S403: GMLC sends a second positioning request message to LMF. Correspondingly, LMF receives the second positioning request message sent by GMLC.

[0127] The second positioning request message here is used to instruct the LMF to locate the first UE through the second UE. In other words, when the LMF locates the first UE, it can use the second UE to assist in positioning.

[0128] Specifically, the second positioning request message may include at least one of the following information: identification information of the first UE, identification information of the second UE, and positioning accuracy information. The positioning accuracy information may be used to indicate the accuracy range of the first UE's location information. The identification information of the second UE may be the identity of the second UE, or the location information of the second UE.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the GMLC may send the second positioning request message to the LMF via the AMF. That is, step S403 may include: the GMLC sends the second positioning request message to the AMF, and then the AMF may forward the second positioning request message to the LMF.

[0130] In this embodiment of the present application, the GMLC may send a second positioning request message to the LMF according to the first position indication information in step S402. Specifically, the following situations may be included:

[0131] Scenario 1: The accuracy of the first location information of the target UE determined by the GMLC does not meet the positioning accuracy information.

[0132] After the GMLC receives the first location information of the first UE sent by the LMF, the GMLC may determine whether the accuracy of the first location information meets the preset accuracy range based on the positioning accuracy information in the first positioning request message. If the accuracy of the first location information is not within the preset accuracy range, it means that the accuracy of the first location information is low; if the accuracy of the first location information is within the preset accuracy range, it means that the accuracy of the first location information is high.

[0133] It can be understood that the positioning accuracy information included in the second positioning request message is the preset accuracy range.

[0134] Scenario 2: The accuracy of the first location information of the target UE determined by the LMF does not meet the positioning accuracy information.

[0135] After calculating the first location information of the target UE, the LMF may determine whether the accuracy of the first location information of the target UE falls within a preset accuracy range based on the positioning accuracy information included in the first positioning request message. If the accuracy of the first location information is not within the preset accuracy range, it indicates that the accuracy of the first location information calculated by the LMF is low; if the accuracy of the first location information is within the preset accuracy range, it indicates that the accuracy of the first location information calculated by the LMF is high.

[0136] When the LMF determines that the accuracy of the first location information of the target UE is low, the first location indication information may include information that the accuracy of the first location information does not meet the positioning accuracy. After the GMLC receives the first location indication information, it may send a second positioning request message to the LMF.

[0137] In S403 , the first network element sends the first positioning request message in S301 to the second network element.

[0138] S404: The LMF obtains identification information of the second UE and determines a positioning algorithm.

[0139] In this embodiment of the present application, the LMF may obtain the identification information of the second UE in the following ways:

[0140] The first method: LMF can obtain the identification information of the second UE from AMF.

[0141] In this way, the AMF selects the second UE, and then the LMF obtains the identification information of the second UE from the AMF. Specifically, the AMF can select the second UE based on the first location information of the target UE, for example, a second UE that is close to the target UE can be selected.

[0142] The second way: the LMF can obtain the identity information of the second UE from the GMLC.

[0143] The third way: the LMF can obtain the identity information of the second UE according to the registration information of the second UE.

[0144] It should be noted that if the second UE's identity information is included in the second positioning request message of S403, the LMF can obtain the identity information of the second UE from the GMLC; if the second UE's identity information is not included in the second positioning request message, the LMF can obtain the identity information of the second UE from the AMF or the registration information of the second UE.

[0145] It can be understood that if the GMLC first sends the second positioning request message to the AMF, and the AMF forwards it to the LMF, the AMF can add the identity information of the second UE in the second positioning request message when forwarding the message, so that the LMF can obtain the identity information of the second UE from the AMF.

[0146] The registration information of the second UE can include: the location information, capability information, identity information, etc. of the second UE. For example, the second UE can report its terminal type (such as the terminal type of the second UE is a terminal supporting relative positioning calculation), its relative positioning coverage range, and indicate that it has a positioning calculation function, etc. in the registration process. The registration information can also be called subscription data, which can be saved in the UDM or user data repository (UDR) or other database. It should be understood that the capability information of the second UE can be understood as that the second UE supports relative positioning calculation and has a positioning calculation function.

[0147] As a possible implementation, the second UE can send a registration request message to the second network element and receive a third positioning request message sent by the second network element. The first registration request can include the identity information of the second UE and the capability information of the second UE; the third positioning request message is used to instruct the second UE to determine the relative location information between itself and the first UE, and the third positioning request message includes the identity information of the first UE.

[0148] For example, the second UE can send a registration request message (such as a first registration request message) to the LMF or the AMF. The function implementation of the third positioning request message can refer to the detailed description in the following embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0149] For example, the LMF can select a second UE that is relatively close to the first UE according to the location information reported by the second UE in the registration process and the location information of the first UE calculated by the LMF in step S402.

[0150] In another example, the LMF may select a fixed device near the first UE as the second UE, wherein the information of the second UE may be configured in the LMF.

[0151] In some embodiments, the LMF may determine the positioning algorithm based on the following methods:

[0152] Method 1: Determine the positioning algorithm based on the UE's capabilities. For example, if the UE's capabilities are: support WiFi positioning but not Bluetooth positioning, the LMF can select the WiFi positioning algorithm.

[0153] Method 2: Determine the positioning algorithm based on positioning accuracy. For example, assuming that the UE supports all positioning methods but requires higher positioning accuracy, the LMF can select a positioning algorithm that can obtain high-precision position information.

[0154] Of course, it is understandable that LMF can also determine the positioning algorithm based on other methods. For example, the positioning algorithm can be determined according to the delay requirements, or the positioning algorithm can be determined according to the positioning accuracy and delay requirements, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0155] S405: The LMF sends a third positioning request message to the second UE.

[0156] The third positioning request message here is used to instruct the second UE to determine relative location information between itself and the first UE. The third positioning request message may include identification information of the first UE.

[0157] Optionally, the third positioning request message may further include the positioning algorithm determined by the LMF in step S404.

[0158] Correspondingly, the second UE can receive the third positioning request message sent by the AMF, and send a positioning request message to the first UE according to the identification information of the first UE included in the third positioning request message.

[0159] S406: The second UE sends a fourth positioning request message to the first UE. Correspondingly, the first UE receives the fourth positioning request message sent by the second UE.

[0160] The fourth positioning request message may include the positioning algorithm determined by the LMF in step S404. The fourth positioning request message may be used to instruct the first UE to collect measurement data according to the positioning algorithm. In other words, different positioning algorithms require different measurement data to be collected.

[0161] For example, assuming that the algorithm selects a downlink positioning method, such as OTDOA, the measurement data collected by the first UE may be: a positioning reference signal (PRS) sent by the second UE. Of course, the first UE may collect multiple PRS signals within a set time and then calculate the average value of the multiple PRS signals, etc. This application is not limited to this.

[0162] It should be noted that when the algorithm selected is uplink time difference of arrival (UTDOA), or GNSS, or a combination of multiple algorithms, the data to be measured may also be the strength of the wireless signal sent by the second UE.

[0163] Optionally, it also includes the transmission angle and transmission power of the wireless signal, which are not limited in this application.

[0164] S407: The first UE feeds back measurement data to the second UE.

[0165] After receiving the fourth positioning request message sent by the second UE, the first UE may collect corresponding measurement data according to the positioning algorithm included in the fourth positioning request message, and then feed the measurement data back to the second UE.

[0166] S408: The second UE calculates the relative position between itself and the first UE according to the measurement data fed back by the first UE.

[0167] The relative position may include the relative distance between the second UE and the first UE and the relative angle between the first UE and the second UE.

[0168] For example, if the measurement data collected by the first UE is the signal strength transmitted by the second UE, then after collecting the signal strength, the first UE may report the collected measurement data to the second UE. Accordingly, after receiving the measurement data, the second UE may calculate its relative position to the first UE based on the measurement data.

[0169] In the embodiment of the present application, a corresponding relationship between signal strength and the distance between two UEs can be defined, and then the distance between the two UEs can be determined based on the collected signal strength. For example, assuming that the corresponding relationship between signal strength and the distance between two UEs is as follows:

[0170] For example, when the signal strength is 3dB, it indicates that the distance between the two UEs is 10 meters; when the signal strength is 5dB, it indicates that the distance between the two UEs is 20 meters.

[0171] S409: The second UE sends relative location information between itself and the first UE to the LMF.

[0172] S4010: The LMF calculates the location information of the first UE according to the relative location information and the location information of the second UE.

[0173] In a possible implementation, the LMF can calculate the location information of the first UE according to the relative location sent by the second UE in S409 and the location information of the second UE.

[0174] The location information of the second UE can be determined according to the identification information of the second UE. As can be known from the above steps, the LMF can obtain the identification information of the second UE in S404, and then send the positioning request message to the second UE. Therefore, the LMF can determine the location information of the second UE according to the identification information of the second UE in S409.

[0175] Suppose the correspondence between the identification information of the UE and the location information of the UE is as follows: when the identification information is 1, the location information of the UE is (A1, B1), and when the identification information is 2, the location information of the UE is (A2, B2). Assuming that the identification information of the second UE in S409 is 2, the location information of the second UE is (A2, B2).

[0176] For example, referring to FIG. 4, Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 4, assuming that the first UE is UE1, the second UE is UE2, the relative distance between UE1 and UE2 calculated by the LMF is L, the relative angle between UE1 and UE2 is a, and the location information of UE2 is (x2, y2), then the location information of UE1 can be calculated according to the known information.

[0177] Through S404-S4010, the second network element positions the first UE through the second UE and obtains the location information of the first UE.

[0178] S4011: The LMF sends a positioning request response message to the external AF.

[0179] The positioning request response message includes the location information of the first UE in S4010. For the convenience of description, the location information of the first UE positioned by the second UE can be referred to as "second location information". That is, the LMF can send the second location information of the first UE to the external AF.

[0180] In this step S4011, the LMF can send the positioning request response message (i.e., the response message of the second positioning request message initiated by the GMLC) to the GMLC, and then the GMLC forwards the positioning request response message to the external AF.

[0181] It can be understood that, compared with the first location information, the second location information is more accurate and has higher precision.

[0182] It should be noted that in step S408, the second UE can also send the relative position between itself and the first UE to the AMF, and then in step S409, the AMF can calculate the location information of the first UE based on the relative position and the location information of the second UE.

[0183] exist Figure 4 In the positioning method of the illustrated embodiment, the GMLC can send a positioning request message to the LMF, instructing the LMF to locate the target UE using the assisting UE. The LMF can then send a request message to the target UE, instructing the target UE to calculate the relative position between itself and the assisting UE. The target UE then sends the relative position to the LMF, which then calculates the target UE's location information. Through this method, the core network (LMF) can obtain more accurate target UE location information using the relative position information calculated by the assisting UE, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0184] like Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application, see Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0185] S601: The external AF sends a first positioning request message to the core network to locate the location information of the target UE.

[0186] Specifically, step S601 may include: Figure 1B In the embodiment shown, steps S101 to S105 are described. For the specific implementation process of this step, please refer to the aforementioned Figure 1B The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0187] S602: The LMF sends first location indication information of the first UE to the GMLC. Correspondingly, the GMLC receives the first location indication information of the first UE sent by the LMF.

[0188] It is understandable that the location information of the target UE obtained in step S601 is the location indication information of the target UE calculated according to the LMF solution of the prior art. For the convenience of description, this location information can be recorded as "first location indication information".

[0189] It should be noted that, in step S602, the LMF may send the first location indication information to the AMF, which then forwards it to the GMLC.

[0190] S603: GMLC sends a second positioning request message to LMF.

[0191] S604: The LMF obtains identification information of the second UE and determines a positioning algorithm.

[0192] It is understood that steps S602, S603 and S604 can refer to Figure 4 The descriptions of step S402, step S403 and step S404 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0193] S605: The LMF sends a fifth positioning request message to the first UE.

[0194] The fifth positioning request message is used to instruct the first UE to calculate relative position information between itself and the second UE.

[0195] In some embodiments, the fifth positioning request message may include the identification information of the second UE. That is, after the LMF executes step S604, it may notify the first UE of the selected UE identification (i.e., the identification information of the second UE) so that the first UE can find the corresponding UE based on the UE identification.

[0196] Optionally, the fifth positioning request message may further include the positioning algorithm determined by the LMF in step S604.

[0197] S606: The first UE sends a sixth positioning request message to the second UE. Correspondingly, the second UE receives the sixth positioning request message sent by the first UE.

[0198] Optionally, the sixth positioning request message includes the positioning algorithm determined by the LMF in step S604. The sixth positioning request message is used to instruct the second UE to collect corresponding measurement data according to the determined positioning algorithm.

[0199] S607: The second UE feeds back measurement data to the first UE.

[0200] After receiving the sixth positioning request message, the second UE may collect measurement data corresponding to the positioning algorithm, and then feed the measurement data back to the first UE so that the first UE can calculate the relative position between itself and the second UE.

[0201] S608: The first UE calculates the relative position between itself and the second UE according to the measurement data fed back by the second UE.

[0202] For example, if the measurement data collected by the second UE is the signal strength of itself and surrounding base stations, then after the second UE collects the signal strength of itself and surrounding base stations, it can report the collected measurement data to the first UE. Accordingly, after receiving the measurement data, the first UE can calculate the relative position between itself and the second UE based on the measurement data.

[0203] In the embodiment of the present application, the distance between the two UEs corresponding to the measurement data (ie, signal strength) can be determined based on the correspondence between the preset signal strength and the distance between the two UEs. Figure 4 The detailed description of step S408 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0204] S609: The first UE sends the relative location information between itself and the first UE to the LMF.

[0205] S6010: LMF calculates the location information of the first UE based on the relative location information and the location information of the second UE.

[0206] Through S604-S6010, the second network element locates the first UE through the second UE to obtain the location information of the first UE.

[0207] S6011: The LMF sends a positioning request response message to the external AF.

[0208] It should be noted that the LMF can send a positioning request response message (ie, a response message to the second positioning request message initiated by the GMLC) to the GMLC, and then the GMLC forwards the positioning request response message to the external AF.

[0209] It is understandable that step S6010 and step S6011 can refer to Figure 4 The description of step S4010 and step S4011 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0210] exist Figure 6 In the positioning method of the illustrated embodiment, the GMLC can send a positioning request message to the LMF, instructing the LMF to locate the target UE using the assisting UE. The LMF can then send a request message to the target UE, instructing the target UE to calculate its relative position with the assisting UE. The target UE then sends the relative position to the LMF, which then calculates the target UE's location information. This method allows the target UE to use the assisting UE's precise position to calculate the phase position between the two, thereby making the target UE's location information calculated by the LMF more accurate.

[0211] The following is an introduction using an example in which the first network element is GMLC and the second network element is AMF.

[0212] like Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of another method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application, see Figure 7 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0213] S701: The external AF sends a first positioning request message to the core network to locate the location information of the target UE.

[0214] Step S701 may include Figure 1B In the embodiment shown, steps S101 to S105 are described. For the specific implementation process of this step, please refer to the aforementioned Figure 1B The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiment are not repeated here. S702: The LMF sends first location indication information of the first UE to the GMLC. Correspondingly, the GMLC receives the first location indication information of the first UE sent by the LMF.

[0215] It should be noted that the LMF can send the first location indication information of the first UE to the AMF, which then forwards it to the GMLC.

[0216] S703: GMLC sends a second positioning request message to AMF.

[0217] S704: The AMF selects a second UE and determines a positioning algorithm.

[0218] S705: The AMF sends a third positioning request message to the second UE.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the AMF may send a third positioning request message to the second UE, where the third positioning request message may include identification information of the first UE and identification information of the second UE, and the third positioning request message may be used to instruct the second UE to determine the relative position information between itself and the first UE.

[0220] S706: The second UE sends a fourth positioning request message to the first UE. Correspondingly, the first UE receives the fourth positioning request message sent by the second UE.

[0221] The fourth positioning request message may be used to instruct the first UE to collect measurement data according to a positioning algorithm.

[0222] S707: The first UE feeds back measurement data to the second UE.

[0223] S708: The second UE calculates relative position information between itself and the first UE based on the measurement data fed back by the first UE.

[0224] S709: The second UE sends the relative location information between itself and the first UE to the AMF.

[0225] S7010: AMF calculates the location information of the first UE based on the relative location information and the location information of the second UE.

[0226] S7011: AMF sends a positioning request response message to the external AF.

[0227] In step S7011, the AMF can send a positioning request response message (i.e., a response message of the second positioning request message initiated by the GMLC) to the GMLC, and then the GMLC forwards the positioning request response message to the external AF.

[0228] It should be noted that, Figure 7 The AMF of the embodiment shown performs Figure 4 The method of the LMF in the embodiment shown. Figure 7 Steps S701-S703, S706-S7011 in the embodiment shown can refer to the description of steps S401-S403, S406-S4011 in the embodiment shown, which will not be repeated here. Figure 4 Steps S401-S403, S406-S4011 in the embodiment shown, which will not be repeated here.

[0229] Figure 7 The embodiment shown is different from Figure 4 The embodiment shown includes, Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the second UE is determined by the LMF, and the third positioning request message is sent to the second UE by the LMF, while Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the second UE is determined by the AMF, and the third positioning request message is sent to the second UE by the AMF. In Figure 7 The specific implementation of step S704 in the embodiment shown can refer to Figure 4 Step S404 in the embodiment shown, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] It can be understood that after step S704 is executed, the AMF can also forward the selected second UE and the determined positioning algorithm to the LMF, and send the third positioning request message to the second UE by the LMF. Alternatively, after step S703, the AMF can forward the second positioning request message sent by the GMLC to the LMF, determine the identity information of the second UE by the LMF, and send the third positioning request message to the second UE by the LMF in S705.

[0231] In Figure 7In the positioning method of the illustrated embodiment, the GMLC may send a positioning request message to the AMF to instruct the AMF to locate the target UE using the assisting UE. The AMF may then send a request message to the assisting UE to instruct the assisting UE to calculate the relative position between itself and the target UE. The assisting UE then sends the relative position to the AMF, which then calculates the location information of the target UE. Through the above method, the AMF can calculate the location information of the target UE based on the location information of the assisting UE and the relative position calculated by the assisting UE. The method of calculating the location information of the target UE using the assisting UE can avoid inaccurate measurement data caused by problems such as building obstruction or network blind spots, which in turn leads to inaccurate calculated location information of the target UE, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0232] like Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of another method for positioning a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present application, see Figure 8 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0233] S801: The external AF sends a first positioning request message to the core network to locate the location information of the target UE.

[0234] S802: The LMF sends first location indication information of the first UE to the GMLC. Correspondingly, the GMLC receives the first location indication information of the first UE sent by the LMF.

[0235] In step S802, the LMF may send the first location indication information of the first UE to the AMF, and then the AMF may send the first location indication information of the first UE to the GMLC.

[0236] S803: GMLC sends a second positioning request message to AMF.

[0237] S804: AMF selects a second UE and determines a positioning algorithm.

[0238] S805: The AMF sends a fifth positioning request message to the first UE.

[0239] In one possible implementation, the AMF may send a fifth positioning request message to the first UE, which may include identification information of the first UE and identification information of the second UE, and the fifth positioning request message may be used to instruct the first UE to determine the relative position information between itself and the first UE.

[0240] S806: The first UE sends a sixth positioning request message to the second UE. Correspondingly, the second UE receives the sixth positioning request message sent by the first UE.

[0241] The sixth positioning request message may be used to instruct the second UE to collect corresponding measurement data according to a positioning algorithm.

[0242] S807: The second UE feeds back measurement data to the first UE.

[0243] S808: The first UE calculates relative position information between itself and the second UE based on the measurement data fed back by the second UE.

[0244] S809: The first UE sends the relative location information between itself and the second UE to the AMF.

[0245] S8010: AMF calculates the location information of the first UE based on the relative location information and the location information of the second UE.

[0246] S8011: AMF sends a positioning request response message to the external AF.

[0247] In step S8011, the AMF may first send a positioning request response message (i.e., a response message to the second positioning request message initiated by the GMLC) to the GMLC, and then the GMLC forwards the positioning request response message to the external AF.

[0248] It should be noted that Figure 8 The AMF implementation in the illustrated embodiment Figure 6 The LMF method in the embodiment shown, Figure 8 Steps S801 to S803 and S806 to S8011 in the embodiment shown can refer to Figure 6 The description of steps S601 to S603 and S606 to S6011 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here. Figure 8 The embodiment shown and Figure 6 The difference in the embodiment shown is that Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the LMF determines the second UE and sends a third positioning request message to the second UE. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the AMF determines the second UE and sends a third positioning request message to the first UE. Figure 8 The specific implementation of step S804 in the embodiment shown can be found in Figure 6 Step S604 in the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0249] Of course, it is understandable that after step S804 is executed, the AMF may also forward the selected second UE and the determined positioning algorithm to the LMF, and the LMF may send a third positioning request message to the second UE. Alternatively, after step S803, the AMF may forward the second positioning request message sent by the GMLC to the LMF, and the LMF may determine the identification information of the second UE, and the LMF may send a third positioning request message to the second UE in S805.

[0250] exist Figure 8 In the positioning method of the illustrated embodiment, the GMLC may send a positioning request message to the AMF to instruct the AMF to use the auxiliary UE to locate the target UE. The AMF may then send a request message to the target UE to instruct the target UE to calculate the relative position between itself and the auxiliary UE. The target UE then sends the relative position to the AMF, which calculates the location information of the target UE.

[0251] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the present application from the perspective of the interaction between various network elements. It can be understood that in order to realize the above functions, the above-mentioned network elements include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present invention can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software-driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present invention.

[0252] The following describes the device used to implement the above method in the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the above content can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated content will not be repeated.

[0253] Based on the same concept as the above method embodiment, the embodiment of the present application provides a positioning device for user equipment. In the case of using an integrated unit, such as Figure 9 FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing the logical structure of a positioning device for a user equipment, wherein the positioning device for the user equipment can be applied to a first network element (eg, GMLC). Figure 9 As shown, the positioning apparatus 900 of the user equipment includes a sending unit 901 and a receiving unit 902. As an example, the apparatus 900 is used to implement the functions of the first network element in the above method. For example, the apparatus can be the first network element or a device in the first network element, such as a chip system.

[0254] Among them, the sending unit 901 is used to send a first positioning request message to the second network element, and the first positioning request message is used to instruct the second network element to locate the first UE through the second user equipment UE; the receiving unit 902 is used to receive a first positioning request response message sent by the second network element, and the first positioning request response message includes the first location information of the first UE.

[0255] In a possible implementation manner, the first positioning request message includes at least one of the following information: identification information of the first UE, identification information of the second UE, and positioning accuracy information.

[0256] In a possible embodiment, the sending unit 901 is also used to: send a second positioning request message to the second network element, the second positioning request message is used to instruct the second network element to locate the first UE; the receiving unit 902 is also used to: receive a second positioning request response message sent by the second network element, the second positioning request response message includes the second position indication information of the first UE, the second position indication information is used to indicate that the accuracy information of the second position of the first UE does not meet the positioning accuracy information or is used to indicate the second position information of the first UE.

[0257] In a possible implementation manner, the sending unit 901 is specifically configured to send the first positioning request message to the second network element in the following manner: sending the first positioning request message to the second network element according to the second location indication information of the first UE.

[0258] When implemented in hardware, in the embodiment of the present application, the sending unit 901 may be a communication interface, a transmitter, a transceiver circuit, etc. The receiving unit 902 may be a communication interface, a receiver, a transceiver circuit, etc. The communication interface is a general term and may include one or more interfaces.

[0259] When the sending unit 901 is a transmitter and the receiving unit 902 is a receiver, the positioning device 900 of the user equipment involved in the embodiment of the present application can be as follows: Figure 10 See Figure 10 As shown, a positioning device 1000 for a user equipment provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Exemplarily, the positioning device may be a first network element. The positioning device 1000 for the user equipment may include a transmitter 1001, a receiver 1002, a processor 1003, and a memory 1004. The memory 1004 stores instructions or programs, and the processor 1003 is configured to execute the instructions or programs stored in the memory 1004. The transmitter 1001 is configured to perform the operations performed by the transmitting unit 901 in the above-described embodiment. The receiver 1002 is configured to perform the operations performed by the receiving unit 902 in the above-described embodiment.

[0260] It should be understood that the positioning device 900 or the positioning device 1000 of the user equipment according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to Figure 3 The first network element and Figure 4 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The GMLC network element in the embodiment shown, and the operations and / or functions of the various modules in the positioning device 900 of the user equipment or the positioning device 1000 of the user equipment are respectively to achieve Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding processes in the illustrated embodiment will not be described again here.

[0261] like Figure 11 As shown, the embodiment of the present application also provides a logical structure diagram of a positioning device for a user equipment, see Figure 11 As shown, a positioning apparatus 1100 for a user equipment includes a receiving unit 1101, a positioning unit 1102, and a sending unit 1103. As an example, the apparatus 1100 is used to implement the function of the second network element in the above method. For example, the apparatus can be a LMF or a device in the LMF, such as a chip system.

[0262] Among them, the receiving unit 1101 is used to receive a first positioning request message sent by the first network element, where the first positioning request message is used to instruct the second network element to locate the first UE through the second user equipment UE; the positioning unit 1102 is used to locate the first UE; and the sending unit 1103 is used to send a first positioning request response message to the first network element, where the first positioning request response message includes the location information of the first UE.

[0263] In a possible implementation manner, the first positioning request message includes at least one of the following information: identification information of the first UE, identification information of the second UE, and positioning accuracy information.

[0264] In a possible implementation, the positioning unit 1102 is specifically used to locate the first UE through the second UE in the following manner: sending a third positioning request message to the second UE, the third positioning request message being used to instruct the second UE to determine the relative position information between itself and the first UE, the third positioning request message including the identification information of the first UE; receiving the relative position information sent by the second UE, and determining the position information of the second UE based on the identification information of the second UE; and determining the position information of the first UE based on the relative position information and the position information of the second UE.

[0265] In a possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: an acquisition unit 1104; the acquisition unit 1104 is configured to acquire identification information of the second UE.

[0266] The acquiring unit 1104 is specifically configured to acquire the identification information of the second UE in the following manner: acquiring the identification information of the second UE from a third network element; or acquiring the identification information of the second UE from the first network element; or acquiring the identification information of the second UE according to the registration information of the second UE.

[0267] In a possible implementation, the positioning unit 1102 is specifically used to locate the first UE through the second UE in the following manner: sending a fourth positioning request message to the first UE, the fourth positioning request message being used to instruct the first UE to determine the relative position information between itself and the second UE, the fourth positioning request message including the identification information of the second UE; receiving the relative position information sent by the first UE, and determining the position information of the second UE based on the identification information of the second UE; and determining the position information of the first UE based on the relative position information and the position information of the second UE.

[0268] When implemented in hardware, in the embodiment of the present application, the receiving unit 1101 may be a communication interface, a receiver, a transceiver circuit, etc. The sending unit 1103 may be a communication interface, a transmitter, a transceiver circuit, etc. The communication interface is a general term and may include one or more interfaces.

[0269] When the receiving unit 1101 is a receiver and the sending unit 1103 is a transmitter, the positioning device 1100 of the user equipment involved in the embodiment of the present application can be as follows: Figure 12 See Figure 12As shown, a positioning device 1200 for a user equipment provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Exemplarily, the positioning device may be a second network element. The positioning device 1200 for the user equipment may include a receiver 1201, a transmitter 1202, a processor 1203, and a memory 1204. The memory 1204 stores instructions or programs, and the processor 1203 is configured to execute the instructions or programs stored in the memory 1204. The receiver 1201 is configured to perform the operations performed by the receiving unit 1101 in the above-described embodiment. The transmitter 1202 is configured to perform the operations performed by the sending unit 1103 in the above-described embodiment.

[0270] It should be understood that the positioning device 1100 or the positioning device 1200 of the user equipment according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to Figure 3 The second network element in the embodiment shown and Figure 4 、 Figure 6 The LMF network element or Figure 7 、 Figure 8 The AMF network element in the embodiment shown, and the operations and / or functions of each module in the positioning device 1100 of the user equipment or the positioning device 1200 of the user equipment are respectively implemented Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding processes in the illustrated embodiment will not be described again here.

[0271] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0272] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0273] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) is integrated into the processor.

[0274] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0275] Further, such as Figure 13As shown, a schematic diagram of a positioning system 1300 for a user equipment provided in an embodiment of the present application, the system 1300 may include a positioning device 1301 for the user equipment and a positioning device 1302 for the user equipment. Exemplarily, the positioning device 1301 for the user equipment may be used to: send a first positioning request message to the positioning device 1302 for the user equipment, wherein the first positioning request message is used to instruct the positioning device 1302 for the user equipment to locate the first UE through the second user equipment UE. The positioning device 1302 for the user equipment may be used to: receive a first positioning request message sent by the positioning device 1301 for the user equipment, wherein the first positioning request message is used to instruct the positioning device 1302 for the user equipment to locate the first UE through the second user equipment UE; locate the first UE, and send a first positioning request response message to the positioning device 1301 for the user equipment, wherein the first positioning request response message includes the location information of the first UE.

[0276] It is understandable that the specific implementation process and corresponding beneficial effects of the system when used for the above-mentioned positioning method of the user equipment can be referred to the relevant description in the aforementioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0277] Based on the same concept as the above-mentioned method embodiment, an embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by the processor, the computer executes the operations performed by the first network element or the second network element in the above-mentioned method embodiment or any possible implementation of the method embodiment.

[0278] Based on the same concept as the above-mentioned method embodiment, the present application also provides a computer program product, which, when called and executed by a computer, can enable the computer to implement the operations performed by the first network element or the second network element in the above-mentioned method embodiment or any possible implementation method of the method embodiment.

[0279] Based on the same concept as the above method embodiment, the present application also provides a chip or chip system, which may include a processor. The chip may also include a memory (or storage module) and / or a transceiver (or communication module), or the chip is coupled with a memory (or storage module) and / or a transceiver (or communication module), wherein the transceiver (or communication module) can be used to support the chip for wired and / or wireless communication, and the memory (or storage module) can be used to store programs, and the processor calls the program to implement the above method embodiment and any possible implementation of the method embodiment. The operation performed by the first network element or the second network element. The chip system may include the above chip, and may also include the above chip and other discrete devices, such as memory (or storage module) and / or transceiver (or communication module).

[0280] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean 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 application.

[0281] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0282] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0283] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0284] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0285] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0286] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0287] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who can easily conceive of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for positioning a user equipment, characterized in that: include: The gateway mobile positioning center sends a first positioning request message to the location management network element, where the first positioning request message is used to instruct the location management network element to locate the first user equipment through the second user equipment, and the first positioning request message includes identification information of the first user equipment and identification information of the second user equipment; The gateway mobile positioning center receives a first positioning request response message sent by the location management network element, where the first positioning request response message includes the first location information of the first user equipment, where the first location information of the first user equipment is determined based on the location information of the second user equipment and the relative location information between the second user equipment and the first user equipment.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first positioning request message also includes: positioning accuracy information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Before the gateway mobile positioning center sends the first positioning request message to the location management network element, the method further includes: The gateway mobile positioning center sends a second positioning request message to the location management network element, where the second positioning request message is used to instruct the location management network element to locate the first user equipment; The gateway mobile positioning center receives a second positioning request response message sent by the location management network element, where the second positioning request response message includes second location indication information of the first user equipment, where the second location indication information is used to indicate that the accuracy information of the second location of the first user equipment does not meet the positioning accuracy information or is used to indicate the second location information of the first user equipment.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The gateway mobile positioning center sends a first positioning request message to the location management network element, including: The gateway mobile positioning center sends a first positioning request message to the location management network element according to the second location indication information of the first user equipment.

5. A method for positioning a user equipment, characterized in that: include: The location management network element receives a first positioning request message sent by the gateway mobile positioning center, where the first positioning request message is used to instruct the location management network element to locate the first user equipment through the second user equipment, and the first positioning request message includes identification information of the first user equipment and identification information of the second user equipment; The location management network element locates the first user equipment through the second user equipment, and sends a first positioning request response message to the gateway mobile positioning center, where the first positioning request response message includes the location information of the first user equipment; The location management network element locates the first user equipment through the second user equipment, including: The location management network element sends a fourth positioning request message to the first user equipment, where the fourth positioning request message is used to instruct the first user equipment to determine relative position information between itself and the second user equipment, and the fourth positioning request message includes identification information of the second user equipment; The location management network element receives the relative location information sent by the first user equipment, and determines the location information of the second user equipment according to the identification information of the second user equipment; The location management network element determines the location information of the first user equipment according to the relative location information and the location information of the second user equipment.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The first positioning request message also includes: positioning accuracy information.

7. A positioning device for user equipment, characterized in that: include: a sending unit, configured to send a first positioning request message to a location management network element, where the first positioning request message is used to instruct the location management network element to locate the first user equipment through the second user equipment, and the first positioning request message includes identification information of the first user equipment and identification information of the second user equipment; A receiving unit is used to receive a first positioning request response message sent by the location management network element, where the first positioning request response message includes the first location information of the first user equipment, and the first location information of the first user equipment is determined by the location management network element based on the location information of the second user equipment and the relative location information between the second user equipment and the first user equipment.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein The first positioning request message also includes: positioning accuracy information.

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The sending unit is further configured to: send a second positioning request message to the location management network element, where the second positioning request message is used to instruct the location management network element to locate the first user equipment; The receiving unit is also used to: receive a second positioning request response message sent by the location management network element, the second positioning request response message including the second location indication information of the first user equipment, the second location indication information being used to indicate that the accuracy information of the second location of the first user equipment does not meet the positioning accuracy information or to indicate the second location information of the first user equipment.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein The sending unit is specifically configured to send a first positioning request message to the location management network element in the following manner: A first positioning request message is sent to a location management network element according to the second location indication information of the first user equipment.

11. The device according to claim 7, wherein The positioning device is a gateway mobile positioning center.

12. A positioning device for user equipment, characterized in that: include: a receiving unit, configured to receive a first positioning request message sent by a gateway mobile positioning center, where the first positioning request message is used to instruct the positioning apparatus to locate the first user equipment through the second user equipment, and the first positioning request message includes identification information of the first user equipment and identification information of the second user equipment; a positioning unit, configured to locate the first user equipment through a second user equipment; a sending unit, configured to send a first positioning request response message to the gateway mobile positioning center, where the first positioning request response message includes location information of the first user equipment; The positioning unit is specifically configured to position the first user equipment through the second user equipment in the following manner: Sending a fourth positioning request message to the first user equipment, where the fourth positioning request message is used to instruct the first user equipment to determine relative position information between itself and the second user equipment, and the fourth positioning request message includes identification information of the second user equipment; receiving the relative location information sent by the first user equipment, and determining the location information of the second user equipment according to the identification information of the second user equipment; determining the location information of the first user equipment according to the relative location information and the location information of the second user equipment; The positioning device is a location management network element.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein The first positioning request message also includes: positioning accuracy information.

14. A positioning device for user equipment, characterized in that: include: processor and memory; The memory is used to store one or more programs, and the one or more programs include computer-executable instructions. When the device is running, the processor executes the one or more programs stored in the memory to enable the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

15. A positioning device for user equipment, characterized in that: include: processor and memory; The memory is used to store one or more programs, and the one or more programs include computer-executable instructions. When the device is running, the processor executes the one or more programs stored in the memory to enable the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 5 to 6.

16. A positioning system for a user equipment, characterized in that: It includes the positioning device of the user equipment according to any one of claims 7-11 and the positioning device of the user equipment according to any one of claims 12-13.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or the method according to any one of claims 5 to 6 is implemented.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product includes instructions, and when the instructions are executed, the positioning device of the user equipment performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or the method according to any one of claims 5-6.

19. A method for positioning a user equipment, applied to a system including a gateway mobile positioning center and a location management network element, characterized in that: The method comprises: The gateway mobile positioning center sends a first positioning request message to the location management network element, where the first positioning request message is used to instruct the location management network element to locate the first user equipment through the second user equipment, and the first positioning request message includes identification information of the first user equipment and identification information of the second user equipment; The location management network element receives a first positioning request message sent by the gateway mobile positioning center; The location management network element locates the first user equipment through the second user equipment, and sends a first positioning request response message to the gateway mobile positioning center, where the first positioning request response message includes location information of the first user equipment; The gateway mobile positioning center receives a first positioning request response message sent by the location management network element; The location management network element positioning the first user equipment through the second user equipment includes: The location management network element sends a fourth positioning request message to the first user equipment, where the fourth positioning request message is used to instruct the first user equipment to determine relative position information between itself and the second user equipment, and the fourth positioning request message includes identification information of the second user equipment; The location management network element receives the relative location information sent by the first user equipment, and determines the location information of the second user equipment according to the identification information of the second user equipment; The location management network element determines the location information of the first user equipment according to the relative location information and the location information of the second user equipment.

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