Method and device for determining a position of a terminal device

Abstract

The application provides a method and device for determining the position of a terminal device. The method comprises the following steps: a positioning management center network element determines the position information of a relay node; the positioning management center network element acquires the measurement information of a plurality of terminal devices to be measured; and the positioning management center network element determines the position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured according to the position information of the relay node and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. In the method, the positioning management center network element acquires the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured through the relay node, and further determines the position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured according to the position information of the relay node and the measurement information. Therefore, the signaling overhead can be reduced and the network resources can be saved without separate positioning process signaling interaction with each of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for determining the location of a terminal device. Background Technology

[0002] With the emergence of new industries such as autonomous driving, smart cities, and the Internet of Things, communication technologies are increasingly merging with these industries, creating a demand for terminal device positioning. When a large number of terminal devices need to be located in an area, such as for inventory management of materials and assets in a park, current positioning methods require a separate positioning process for each terminal device. Core network equipment needs to interact with each terminal device multiple times through the radio access network equipment where these terminal devices reside. Therefore, in scenarios where a large number of terminals need to be located in the same area, both core network equipment and radio access network equipment will experience a significant signaling burden, consuming substantial network resources. For the terminal devices themselves, the complete positioning process involves measurement or periodic transmission of Sounding Reference Signals (SRS), resulting in high power consumption for the terminal devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method and apparatus for determining the location of terminal devices, so that the location management center network element does not need to perform separate location process signaling interaction with each of the multiple terminal devices or wireless access network devices in the process of determining the location of multiple terminal devices to be measured, which can reduce the signaling overhead in the location process of multiple terminal devices to be measured and save network resources.

[0004] In a first aspect, a method for determining the location of terminal devices is provided. This method is executed by a location management center network element, comprising: the location management center network element determining the location information of a relay node; the location management center network element acquiring measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured; and the location management center network element determining the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0005] In the above technical solution, the positioning management center network element obtains measurement information from multiple terminal devices to be measured through relay nodes, and determines the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay nodes and the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured. Therefore, the positioning management center network element does not need to perform a separate positioning process with each of the multiple terminal devices to be measured to determine their location information. This reduces the signaling overhead in the positioning process of multiple terminal devices to be measured, saving network resources.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, before the location management center network element obtains the location information of the relay node, the method further includes: the location management center network element sending a request capabilities message to multiple terminal devices; the location management center network element receiving a provide capabilities message sent by the multiple terminal devices or the wireless access network device; if one of the multiple terminal devices has a terminal device that supports sidelink capabilities, the location capability feedback information of that terminal device carries information about supporting sidelink capabilities; based on the location capability feedback information, the location management center network element determines one of the multiple terminal devices with sidelink capabilities as the relay node, and determines all or some of the remaining multiple terminal devices with sidelink capabilities as the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in another possible implementation of the first aspect, before the location management center network element obtains the location information of the relay node, the method further includes: the location management center network element sending a sixth request message to the wireless access network device, the sixth request message being used to request the wireless access network device to determine the relay node, the sixth request message including the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; the location management center network element receiving the identifiers of the relay node from the wireless access network device, the relay node being determined by the wireless access network device based on the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in another possible implementation of the first aspect, before the location management center network element obtains the location information of the relay node, the method further includes: the location management center network element determining the serving radio access network device of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured as the relay node.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in another possible implementation of the first aspect, the location management center network element acquires measurement information of multiple terminal devices, including: the location management center network element sending a first request message to the relay node, the first request message being used to request the relay node to report the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices, the first request message carrying the identifiers of the multiple terminal devices to be measured, or the first request message carrying first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the relay node to identify the multiple terminal devices to be measured; the location management center network element receiving a first response message sent by the relay node, the first response message including the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in another possible implementation of the first aspect, the positioning management center network element acquires measurement information from multiple terminal devices, including: the positioning management center network element sending a fourth request message, the fourth request message being used to request measurement data or location information from the relay node, the fourth request message carrying second indication information, the second indication information being used to instruct the relay node to report the measurement information from the multiple terminal devices; the positioning management center network element receiving a fourth response message sent by the relay node, the fourth response message including the measurement data or location information of the relay node, and the measurement information from the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the positioning management center network element requests the relay node to send the measurement information of the terminal device to be measured while requesting the measurement data or location information of the relay node, which can further reduce the signaling process and reduce positioning latency.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in another possible implementation of the first aspect, the location management center network element determines the location information of the relay node by: the location management center network element determining the location information of the relay node based on the measurement data of the relay node.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first request message includes at least one of the following: periodic reporting indication information, reporting period, number of reporting times, and type of measurement data.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first response message further includes at least one of the following: identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node; the relative position information includes the distance and / or angle from the plurality of terminal devices to be measured to the relay node, or the relative position coordinates of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node. The identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured are used by the positioning management center network element to determine the position estimate of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in another possible implementation of the first aspect, the measurement data includes any one or any combination of the following data: sidelink reference signal received power, angle of arrival, and transmit-receive time difference.

[0016] Secondly, a method for determining the location of a terminal device is provided. This method is executed by a relay node and includes: the relay node sending its location information or measurement data to a positioning management center network element, wherein the measurement data is used by the positioning management center network element to determine the location information of the relay node; the relay node acquiring measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured; and the relay node sending the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured to the positioning management center network element, so that the positioning management center network element determines the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the relay node sends a second request message to multiple terminal devices to be measured via multicast or unicast, and reports its own measurement data, as well as the measurement data received by the relay node from the multiple terminal devices to be measured, to the positioning management center network element. This information is used by the positioning management center network element to determine the location of the multiple terminal devices to be measured. Sending measurement request messages to multiple terminal devices via broadcast or multicast reduces signaling overhead in the positioning process of multiple terminal devices to be measured, thus saving network resources.

[0018] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, before the relay node acquires the measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured, the method further includes: the relay node receiving a first request message sent by the positioning management center network element, the first request message being used to request the relay node to report the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured, the first request message carrying the identifier of the multiple terminal devices to be measured or the first request message carrying first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the relay node to identify the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0019] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, if the first request message carries the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, the relay node obtains the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, including: the relay node sending a second request message to the plurality of terminal devices to be measured in the form of multicast or unicast, the second request message being used to request the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; the relay node receiving a second response message sent by the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, the second response message including the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured including the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, if the first request message carries the first indication information, the relay node obtains the measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured, including: the relay node sending a probe message to multiple terminal devices via broadcast; the relay node receiving response messages sent by multiple terminal devices, the response messages including the identifiers of the multiple terminal devices; the relay node determining the multiple terminal devices as the multiple terminal devices to be measured; and the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured including the identifiers of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in another possible implementation of the second aspect, the measurement data includes any one or any combination of the following information: sidelink reference signal received power, angle of arrival, and transmit-receive time difference.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, in another possible implementation of the second aspect, the method includes: the relay node determining the relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node based on the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in another possible implementation of the second aspect, the relay node determines the relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node based on the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. For example, the relay node determines the distance and / or angle from the plurality of terminal devices to be measured to the relay node based on the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; or, the relay node determines the relative position coordinates of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured based on the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0024] Thirdly, a positioning management center network element is provided, which includes: a determining unit for determining the location information of a relay node; an acquiring unit for acquiring measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured; the determining unit is further used to determine the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement information.

[0025] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the positioning management center network element further includes: a sending unit, configured to send request capabilities messages to multiple terminal devices; a receiving unit, configured to receive provide capabilities messages sent by the multiple terminal devices or wireless access network devices; if one of the multiple terminal devices has a terminal device that supports sidelink capabilities, the positioning capability feedback information of that terminal device carries information about supporting sidelink capabilities; the determining unit is further configured to determine one of the multiple terminal devices with sidelink capabilities as the relay node based on the positioning capability feedback information; the determining unit is further configured to determine all or some of the remaining multiple terminal devices with sidelink capabilities, excluding the relay node, as the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0026] In conjunction with the third aspect, in another possible implementation of the third aspect, the sending unit is further configured to send a sixth request message to the radio access network device, the sixth request message being used to request the radio access network device to determine the relay node, the sixth request message including the identifiers of a plurality of terminal devices to be measured, the plurality of terminal devices to be measured being terminal devices with sidelink support capability; the receiving unit is configured to receive the identifier of the relay node from the radio access network device, the relay node being determined by the radio access network device based on the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0027] In conjunction with the third aspect, in another possible implementation of the third aspect, the determining unit is further configured to determine the serving radio access network device of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured as the relay node.

[0028] In conjunction with the third aspect, in another possible implementation of the third aspect, the acquisition unit is specifically used to: send a first request message to the relay node, the first request message being used to request the relay node to report the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; and receive a first response message from the relay node, the first response message including the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0029] In conjunction with the third aspect, in another possible implementation of the third aspect, the acquisition unit is specifically configured to: send a fourth request message to the relay node, the fourth request message being used to request the relay node's measurement data or location information, the fourth request message carrying second indication information, the second indication information being used to instruct the relay node to report the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; and receive a fourth response message from the relay node, the fourth response message including the relay node's measurement data or location information, and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0030] In conjunction with the third aspect, in another possible implementation of the third aspect, the determining unit is specifically used to determine the location information of the relay node based on the measurement data of the relay node.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect, in another possible implementation of the third aspect, the measurement information includes at least one of the following: the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; the relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node, for example, the distance and / or angle of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured to the relay node; or, the relative position coordinates of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node.

[0032] Fourthly, a relay node is provided, comprising: a sending unit, configured to send the location information or measurement data of the relay node to a positioning management center network element, wherein the measurement data is used by the positioning management center network element to determine the location information of the relay node; an acquisition unit, configured to acquire measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured; the sending unit is further configured to send the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured, so that the positioning management center network element determines the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0033] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the relay node further includes a receiving unit for receiving a first request message sent by the positioning management center network element. The first request message is used to request the relay node to report measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured. The first request message carries the identifiers of the multiple terminal devices to be measured or carries first indication information, which is used to instruct the relay node to identify the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0034] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, if the first request message carries the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, the acquisition unit is specifically configured to: send a second request message to the plurality of terminal devices to be measured via multicast or unicast, the second request message being used to request measurement data from the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; receive a second response message sent by the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, the second response message including the measurement data from the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured including the measurement data from the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0035] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, if the first request message carries the first indication information, the acquisition unit is specifically used to: send a probe message to multiple terminal devices via broadcast; receive response messages sent by multiple terminal devices, the response messages including the identifiers of the multiple terminal devices, the relay node determining the multiple terminal devices as the multiple terminal devices to be measured, and the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured including the identifiers of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0036] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured includes any one or any combination of the following data: sidelink reference signal received power, angle of arrival, and transmit-receive time difference.

[0037] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the relay node further includes a determining unit, which is used to: determine the relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; the sending unit is also used to send the relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured to the positioning management center network element.

[0038] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the determining unit is further configured to: determine the distance and / or angle from the plurality of terminal devices to be measured to the relay node based on the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; or, determine the relative position coordinates of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured based on the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0039] Fifthly, a location management center network element is provided, comprising: at least one processor, a memory, and a transceiver, wherein the memory is used to store instructions, the transceiver is used for the location management center network element to communicate with other devices, and the stored instructions are executed directly or indirectly by the at least one processor, enabling the location management center network element to perform the methods in the first aspect or any optional implementation thereof.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, a relay node is provided, comprising: at least one processor, a memory, and a transceiver, the memory for storing instructions, the transceiver for communicating between the terminal device and other devices, the stored instructions being executed directly or indirectly by the at least one processor, such that the terminal device can perform the methods of the second aspect or any optional implementation thereof.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, a chip system is provided, comprising: at least one processor for executing stored instructions, such that a positioning management center network element can execute the method of the first aspect or any optional implementation thereof.

[0042] Eighthly, a chip system is provided, comprising: at least one processor for executing stored instructions such that a relay node can execute the methods of the second aspect or any optional implementation thereof.

[0043] In a ninth aspect, a computer storage medium is provided that stores program instructions, which, when executed, enable a positioning management center network element to perform the method of the first aspect or any optional implementation thereof.

[0044] In a tenth aspect, a computer storage medium is provided that stores program instructions, when executed, causing a relay node to perform the methods of the second aspect or any optional implementation thereof.

[0045] In the eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including instructions that, when executed, cause a positioning management center network element to perform the method in the first aspect or any optional implementation thereof.

[0046] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including instructions that, when executed, cause a relay node to perform the methods of the second aspect or any optional implementation thereof.

[0047] In a thirteenth aspect, a system is provided, comprising a location management center network element as described in the first aspect or any optional implementation thereof; and a relay node as described in the second aspect or any optional implementation thereof.

[0048] In conjunction with aspect thirteen, in some implementations of aspect thirteen, the system further includes a radio access network device for selecting a relay node based on a sixth request message sent by the location management center network element. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication system architecture for a method of determining the location of a terminal device in the prior art;

[0050] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the location of a terminal device in the prior art;

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of the architecture of a method for determining the location of a terminal device and a wireless communication system of the device provided in this application;

[0052] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the location of a terminal device according to this application;

[0053] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of another method for determining the location of a terminal device according to this application;

[0054] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of another method for determining the location of a terminal device according to this application;

[0055] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of another method for determining the location of a terminal device according to this application;

[0056] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of the positioning management center network element of this application;

[0057] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of the relay node in this application;

[0058] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system 100 for a positioning terminal device in the prior art. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the system architecture 100 includes a terminal device 110, a radio access network device 120, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element 130, a location management center (LMF) network element 140, and a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) network element 150.

[0061] in, Figure 1 The terminal equipment in the system can be used to connect to the wireless access network equipment deployed by the operator via the wireless air interface, and then connect to the data network through the wireless access network equipment. The wireless access network equipment is mainly used to implement wireless physical layer functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, wireless access control, and mobility management. The access and mobility management function network element is mainly used for terminal equipment registration, security authentication, mobility management, and location management. The positioning management center network element is mainly used to locate the location of the terminal equipment. This LMF is located inside the core network and communicates with the wireless access network equipment through the AMF. The gateway mobile positioning center is connected to the external network to receive positioning requests from the external network or send positioning results to the external network.

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the network shown, communication between functional units can be achieved through connections established via Next Generation (NG) interfaces. For example, terminal devices can establish air interface connections with radio access network devices through New Radio (NR) interfaces to transmit user plane data and control plane signaling; terminal devices can establish control plane signaling connections with AMF through NG interface 1 (N1); AMF can establish connections with LMF through NL1 interface; and AMF can establish connections with GLMC through NL2 interface.

[0063] It should be understood that the interface names between network elements in this application are merely exemplary, and the interfaces between network elements may also have other names. This application does not limit the names of the interfaces.

[0064] It should be understood that the network architecture may also include other functional units or functional network elements. For example, system 100 may also include user plane function (UPF), data network (DN), session management function (SMF), policy control function (PCF), and application function (AF). Among them, UPF is used for data flow forwarding, QoS control, and billing statistics; DN can correspond to various different service domains, such as IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Internet, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), and other operator service domains, and is mainly used to provide various data service services for terminal devices, which may include network devices such as servers, routers, and gateways; AMF is used for terminal device access and mobility management, receiving UE mobility policies and network selection policies provided by PCF and executing the policies; SMF is used for session and service flow control policies provided by PCF and executing the policies; PCF can generate policies and billing control rules based on AF request information, operator policies, user subscription information, etc., control network behavior, and issue policies and billing control rules to control plane network elements; AF mainly provides application-side requirements for the network side, including service quality requirements for service flows and user equipment mobility requirements.

[0065] It should be noted that, Figure 1 This is just an example architecture diagram, except... Figure 1In addition to the functional units shown, the network architecture may also include other functional units or functional network elements, which are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0066] Some of the aforementioned network elements can work independently or be combined to implement certain control functions. For example, AMF, SMF, and PCF can be combined as a management device to perform access control and mobility management functions such as access authentication, security encryption, and location registration for terminal devices, as well as session management functions such as establishing, releasing, and modifying user plane transmission paths, and analyzing some slice-related data (such as congestion) and terminal device-related data. UPF, as a gateway device, mainly performs functions such as routing and forwarding user plane data, such as filtering data packets from terminal devices, data transmission / forwarding, rate control, and generating billing information.

[0067] The following is combined Figure 2 A brief description of the process of locating terminal devices in the prior art is provided.

[0068] In 210, the AMF obtains location requests from different devices. These location requests are used to instruct the AMF to locate the terminal device. The location request information can come from three devices: a location request sent by the terminal device, a location request sent by an external network (which notifies the AMF through GMLC), or the AMF's own location needs.

[0069] In 220, the AMF sends the location request to the location center LMF.

[0070] In section 230, the LMF interacts with the terminal device or radio access network device through signaling procedures. These procedures may include the LMF querying the terminal device or radio access network device for positioning capabilities, the terminal device or radio access network device providing feedback on its positioning capabilities, the LMF determining the positioning method to use, the type of measurement data to send to the terminal device, and auxiliary information sent by the radio access network device to the terminal device based on the feedback, the terminal device or radio access network device sending the measurement data back to the LMF, and the LMF calculating the terminal device's location based on this measurement data. The signaling interaction between the LMF and the terminal device is based on the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), while the signaling interaction between the LMF and the radio access network device is based on the New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa).

[0071] In step 240, the LMF sends the calculated location information of the terminal device to the AMF, and then the AMF returns the location information to the device that sent the location request.

[0072] In existing technologies, when multiple terminal devices in an area need to be located, a separate location process must be executed for each terminal device. The LMF needs to perform multiple signaling interactions with each terminal device through the radio access network equipment where these terminal devices are located, which consumes a lot of network resources. Secondly, for the terminal devices, the complete terminal device location process involves the terminal device measuring or periodically sending sounding reference signals (SRS) to the radio access network equipment, resulting in relatively high power consumption of the terminal devices.

[0073] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a method and apparatus for determining the location of terminal devices. The LMF (Local Metering Function) obtains measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured through relay nodes at known locations, thereby determining the location information of these multiple terminal devices. Since the LMF obtains measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured through relay nodes at known locations, it eliminates the need for a separate positioning process between the wireless access network equipment and each terminal device to be measured, reducing signaling overhead in the process of locating multiple terminal devices. Furthermore, the short distance between the terminal devices to be measured and the relay nodes allows the terminal devices to send messages to the relay nodes during the measurement process, saving transmission power consumption and thus reducing the energy consumption of the terminal devices to be measured.

[0074] Below is a schematic block diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system 300 for determining the location of a terminal device, as provided in this application. Figure 3 As shown, the system 300 includes terminal device 310, terminal device 320, relay node 330, wireless access network device 340, access and mobility management function 350, positioning management center network element 360, and gateway mobility positioning center 370. It should be noted that the system 300 may include multiple relay nodes, each of which may correspond to one or more terminal devices; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0075] It should be understood that, for Figure 3 For descriptions of other network elements in the system shown, please refer to... Figure 1 To avoid repetition, the relevant descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0076] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, future 5th Generation (5G) system, or New Radio (NR), etc.

[0077] The terminal device in this application embodiment can refer to user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device can also be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, terminal device in future 5G networks, or terminal device in future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this to these categories.

[0078] The wireless access network device in this application embodiment can be a device used to communicate with terminal devices. The access network device can be a base station (BTS) in a Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a base station (NodeB, NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the wireless access network device can be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, or network device in a future 5G network or a network device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0079] The relay node in this application embodiment can be a terminal device or a wireless access network device, such as a terminal device that supports sidelinks, a fixed-location terminal device, or an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node.

[0080] The following is combined with Figure 4 This application provides a detailed description of a method 400 for determining the location of a positioning terminal device. Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a method 400 for determining the location of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application. Method 400 can be applied to... Figure 3 The scenario shown can, of course, be applied to other communication scenarios as well, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0081] In S410, the LMF interacts with relay nodes and / or wireless access network devices via signaling to determine the location information of the relay nodes.

[0082] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the LMF may determine the relay node before determining the location information of the relay node. In one possible implementation, the LMF first determines the terminal devices with sidelink capabilities among a plurality of terminal devices, selects one of the terminal devices with sidelink capabilities as the relay node, and the remaining terminal devices with sidelink capabilities are selected as the terminal devices to be measured.

[0083] Specifically, the LMF sends Request Capabilities messages to multiple terminal devices. These messages inquire about the positioning capabilities of the terminal devices, including whether they support sidelink capabilities. The LMF also receives Provide Capabilities messages from these terminal devices. These messages provide positioning capability information, such as supported positioning methods and auxiliary data. If any of the terminal devices supports sidelink capabilities, this information can be added to the feedback. Based on this feedback, the LMF selects a terminal device of this type as a relay node; for example, the LMF may randomly select one.

[0084] In another possible implementation, the LMF sends a fifth request message to the radio access network (RAN) device, requesting the RAN device to determine a relay node. Specifically, the fifth request carries the identifiers (IDs) of a plurality of terminal devices to be measured. These terminal devices are those supporting sidelink capabilities. The RAN device selects one of these terminal devices as a relay node based on a list of their IDs. For example, the RAN device selects the relay node based on the location of the cell where the terminal device is located, as listed in the ID list.

[0085] In another possible implementation, the LMF identifies a common wireless access network device among the multiple terminal devices to be measured as the relay node.

[0086] After the LMF selects a relay node, it interacts with that relay node and / or radio access network equipment via signaling to determine the relay node's location information. The LMF can determine the relay node's location information using any positioning method. For example, the LMF can send a request message to the relay node requesting its measurement data. The LMF then receives a response message from the relay node, which includes the relay node's measurement data or location estimation information. For instance, the measurement data received by the LMF might include time difference of arrival (TDOA), reference signal receiving power (RSRP), and angle of arrival (AoA), and the LMF determines the relay node's location information based on this data. Alternatively, the LMF can receive measurements provided by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) from the relay node, which serve as the relay node's location estimation information. Alternatively, when the relay node is a wireless access network device, the LMF sends a location request message to the wireless access network device, which requests the location information of the wireless access network device.

[0087] In S420, LMF acquires measurement information from multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0088] The measurement information of the terminal device can be at least one of the following: the identifier of the terminal device, the measurement data of the terminal device, and the relative position information of the terminal device relative to the relay node.

[0089] Specifically, in one possible implementation, the plurality of terminal devices to be measured can be a plurality of terminal devices to be measured known to the LMF.

[0090] The LMF obtains measurement data of the multiple terminal devices to be measured through the relay node, or the LMF obtains the relative position information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node, which is determined by the relay node, wherein the relative position information is determined by the relay node based on the measurement data of the multiple terminal devices.

[0091] In another possible implementation, the plurality of terminal devices to be measured are a plurality of terminal devices unknown to the LMF. The LMF obtains the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured as determined by the relay node through the relay node. Alternatively, the LMF obtains the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured as determined by the relay node and the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured through the relay node. Or, the LMF obtains the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices as determined by the relay node and the relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices relative to the relay node through the relay node.

[0092] It should be understood that the order of the two processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. For example, S410 can be executed at any time when S420 is executed.

[0093] In S430, LMF determines the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0094] Specifically, when the multiple terminal devices to be measured are multiple terminal devices known to the LMF, the LMF determines the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement data of the multiple terminal devices to be measured reported by the relay node. Alternatively, the LMF determines the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the relative position information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node reported by the relay node. Or, the LMF estimates the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node. For example, the LMF uses part or all of the location information of the relay node as the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0095] When multiple terminal devices to be measured are unknown to the LMF, the LMF identifies these devices through the relay node. The measurement information for these terminal devices can be their identifiers. The LMF estimates the location information of the terminal devices based on the relay node's location information and their identifiers. Alternatively, the measurement information can also consist of the identifiers of the terminal devices and their measurement data. The LMF determines the location information based on the identifiers of the terminal devices. The LMF determines the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement data of the multiple terminal devices to be measured; or the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured may also be the identifiers of the multiple terminal devices to be measured and the relative position information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node. The LMF determines the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the identifiers of the multiple terminal devices to be measured and determines the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement data of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0096] Therefore, in this embodiment, the LMF obtains measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured through a relay node, and determines the location of the multiple terminal devices based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement information. This eliminates the need for location process signaling interaction with each of the multiple terminal devices to be measured, reducing signaling overhead in the location process and saving network resources. Furthermore, the distance between the terminal device to be measured and the relay node is usually shorter than the distance between the terminal device to be measured and the wireless access network equipment. Sending messages from the terminal device to the relay node saves transmission power consumption, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the terminal device to be measured.

[0097] The following is combined with Figures 5 to 7 This application provides a detailed description of a method for determining the location of multiple terminal devices according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for locating a terminal device according to this application, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0098] In S510, the LMF determines the location information of the relay node, which is used to report measurement information from multiple terminal devices to be measured. The LMF's determination of the relay node's location information is as described in S410, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] S520, LMF sends a first request message to the relay node, which requests the relay node to report the measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured, and the relay node receives the first request message.

[0100] Specifically, the first request message can be a Measurement Request message; this name is for illustrative purposes only and can be other names. The first request message is used to request the relay node to report measurement information for multiple terminal devices to be measured. The first request message may include one or more of the following information:

[0101] Report characteristics: periodic reporting instructions, reporting cycle, number of reports;

[0102] Measurement data types: S-RSRP, AOA, Tx Rx time difference, etc.;

[0103] When the plurality of terminal devices to be measured are terminal devices with unknown LMF, the first request message also includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the relay node to determine the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0104] When the LMF is aware of the multiple terminal devices to be measured, the first request message also includes the IDs of the multiple terminal devices to be measured. Specifically, the IDs of the multiple terminal devices to be measured can be PC5IDs assigned by the radio access network, such as sidelink radio network temporary identifiers (SL-RNTI). When using this ID, the LMF can request the PC5ID of the terminal device from the radio access network. For example, the LMF sends a request message to the radio access network to request the PC5ID of the terminal device. This message can carry the temporary ID of the terminal device in the core network, such as GUTI. The base station sends the PC5ID of the terminal device corresponding to the temporary ID in the core network to the LMF.

[0105] S530, the relay node obtains the measurement information of the terminal device to be measured according to the first request message.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the relay node receives a first request message carrying the IDs of multiple terminal devices to be measured. The relay node then sends a second request message to the terminal devices indicated by the multiple IDs in a multicast or unicast manner. The second request message requests measurement data from the terminal devices to be measured and includes at least one of the aforementioned measurement data type information. The relay node then receives a second response message, which includes the measurement data of the terminal devices.

[0107] In another possible implementation, the relay node receives a first request message carrying the aforementioned first indication information. After receiving the first request message, the relay node broadcasts a probe message, which is used by the relay node to determine the terminal device to be measured. Specifically, the relay node determines the terminal device to be measured by receiving a response message to the probe message, the response message carrying the ID of the terminal device that received the probe message.

[0108] Alternatively, after receiving the first request message, the relay node broadcasts a third request message to multiple unknown terminal devices. The relay node receives third response messages from the multiple terminal devices and determines that the multiple terminal devices are the terminal devices to be measured. The third response message carries the IDs of the multiple terminal devices. Furthermore, the third response message may also carry the measurement data of the multiple terminal devices.

[0109] S540, Optionally, the relay node can calculate the relative position information of the terminal device to be measured based on the received measurement data of the terminal device to be measured. For example, the relay node determines the distance and / or angle from the terminal device to be measured to the relay node based on the measurement data of the terminal device to be measured. Alternatively, the relay node determines the relative position coordinates of the terminal device to be measured with the relay node as the origin based on the measurement data of the terminal device to be measured.

[0110] S550, the relay node sends a first response message to the LMF, and the LMF receives the first response message. The first response message includes measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. The measurement information is used by the LMF to determine the location information of the terminal devices to be measured.

[0111] S560, LMF determines the location information of the multiple terminal devices based on the measurement information of the terminal device to be measured and the location information of the relay node.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the measurement information includes measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, and the LMF determines the location information of the plurality of terminal devices based on the measurement data and the location information of the relay node. Alternatively, the measurement information includes relative location information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured as described in S530, and the LMF determines the location information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured based on the relative location information and the location information of the relay node.

[0113] In another possible implementation, the measurement information includes the IDs of multiple terminal devices to be measured and measurement data. The LMF determines the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on their IDs and determines their location information based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement data of the multiple terminal devices to be measured. Alternatively, the measurement information includes the IDs of multiple terminal devices to be measured. The LMF determines a location estimate of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on their IDs and the location information of the relay node. This location estimate is a coarse location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured. For example, the location estimate is a coarse location information determined based on the location information of the relay node. Specifically, the LMF can use the location information of the relay node, either wholly or partially, as a substitute for the location of the terminal devices around the relay. The location management center network element's determination of the location estimate of the terminal devices around the relay node based on the location information of the relay node can also include other forms, which are not limited in this application. Alternatively, the measurement information may include the IDs of multiple terminal devices to be measured, and the relative position information determined by the relay node based on the measurement data of the terminal devices to be measured. The LMF determines the position information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the relative position information and the position information of the relay node.

[0114] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of another method for determining the location of a terminal device according to this application; as shown Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0115] S610, LMF sends a fourth request message to the relay node, which requests the relay node's measurement data or location information.

[0116] Specifically, the LMF sends a fourth request message to the relay node. This message can be a Location Information Request message, used to request measurement data or location information from the relay node. This message carries second indication information, instructing the relay node to report measurement information for multiple terminal devices to be measured. When these multiple terminal devices are known to the LMF, the fourth request message may also include the IDs of the multiple terminal devices; alternatively, when these multiple terminal devices are unknown to the LMF, the fourth request message may also include the first indication information from S520 mentioned above.

[0117] S620, the relay node receives the fourth request message, in which the relay node reports its own measurement data or location information, as well as the measurement information of the terminal device to be measured.

[0118] Specifically, the relay node reports its own measurement data or location information, as well as the measurement information of the terminal device to be measured, including: Method 1, S620a, the relay node receives a fourth request message, the fourth request message carries second indication information, and the fourth request message includes the IDs of multiple terminal devices to be measured, the relay node sends the aforementioned second request message to the terminal devices indicated by the multiple IDs in the form of multicast or unicast, the second request message is used to request the measurement data of the terminal devices; in S630a, the terminal device reports measurement data to the relay node, the measurement data type is as described in S520. Method 2, S620b: The fourth request message carries first and second indication information. After receiving the fourth request message, the relay node broadcasts a second request message to multiple terminal devices. Upon receiving the second request message, the multiple terminal devices report measurement data and their IDs to the relay node. The relay node then identifies these multiple terminal devices as the terminal devices to be measured. S630b: After receiving the third request message, the multiple terminal devices reply with a third response message to the relay node. The third response message includes the terminal device ID and measurement data. The relay node then identifies these multiple terminal devices as the terminal devices to be measured. Method 3, S620c: The relay node receives the fourth request message, which carries first and second indication information. The relay node broadcasts a probe message to multiple terminal devices. S630c: After receiving the probe message, the multiple terminal devices reply with a response message to the relay node. This response message is a HARQ message and includes the terminal device ID. The relay node then identifies these multiple terminal devices as the terminal devices to be measured.

[0119] S640, in the above two methods, when the measurement information obtained by the relay node is the measurement data of the terminal device to be measured, optionally, the relay node can also determine the relative position information of the terminal device to be measured relative to the relay node based on the measurement data.

[0120] S650, the relay node sends the fourth response message to the LMF, and the LMF receives the fourth response message, which includes the relay node's measurement data or location information, as well as the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices.

[0121] Specifically, based on the different measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured obtained in S620, the fourth response message includes: the measurement data or location information of the relay node, and the measurement data of the terminal device to be measured; or, the measurement data or location information of the relay node, and the measurement data and ID of the terminal device to be measured; or, the measurement data or location information of the relay node, and the ID of the terminal device to be measured. Wherein, when the measurement information obtained by the relay node is the measurement data of the terminal device to be measured, the relay node may also not report the measurement data of the terminal device to be measured, but instead report the relative position information of the terminal device to be measured relative to the relay node determined based on the measurement data.

[0122] Optionally, in S660, when the fourth response message includes measurement data of the relay node, the LMF determines the location information of the relay node based on the measurement data of the relay node.

[0123] S670, LMF determines the location information of the terminal device to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement information of the terminal device to be measured.

[0124] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of another method for determining the location of a terminal device according to this application; as shown Figure 7 As shown, the method includes:

[0125] S710, the LMF sends a fifth request message to the radio access network device. This fifth request message is used to request measurement information from multiple terminal devices. The fifth request message carries the IDs of multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0126] S720, the wireless access network device receives the fifth request message and determines the relay node based on the IDs of the multiple terminal devices to be measured carried in the fifth request message.

[0127] S730, the wireless access network device forwards the fifth request message to the relay node.

[0128] S740, the relay node receives a fifth request message, and the relay node obtains measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured according to the fifth request message, or determines multiple terminal devices to be measured and obtains the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured. Optionally, the relay node can also determine the relative position information of the terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node according to the measurement data of the terminal devices to be measured.

[0129] S750, the relay node sends a fifth response message to the radio access network device, which is similar to that in S540. Accordingly, the radio access network device receives the fifth response message, which includes measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0130] S760, the radio access network device sends the fifth response message and the identifier of the relay node determined by the radio access network device to the LMF.

[0131] S770, LMF determines the relay node and its location information based on the relay node identifier in the fifth response message, wherein the location information of the relay node is determined as described in S410.

[0132] S780, LMF determines the location information of the terminal device to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement information of the terminal device to be measured.

[0133] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of the positioning management center network element 800 of this application. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the positioning management center network element 800 includes the following units.

[0134] Unit 810 is used to determine the location information of the relay node.

[0135] The acquisition unit 820 acquires measurement information from multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0136] The determining unit 810 is further configured to determine the location information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0137] Furthermore, the positioning management center network element 800 also includes a sending unit 830, used to send a first request message to the relay node, the first request message being used to request the relay node to report measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured. When the multiple terminal devices to be measured are terminal devices with unknown LMF, the first request message may also include first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the relay node to determine and report the measurement information of the terminal devices to be measured.

[0138] The positioning management center network element 800 also includes a receiving unit 840 for receiving a first response message sent by the relay node. The first response message includes measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured. The measurement information of the terminal devices may be at least one of the following: the identifier of the terminal device, the measurement data of the terminal device, and the relative position information of the terminal device relative to the relay node.

[0139] The determining unit 810 is further configured to determine a location estimate of the terminal device to be measured based on the ID of the terminal device to be measured and the location information of the relay node. The location estimate is a coarse location information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. For example, the location estimate is a coarse location information determined based on the location information of the relay node. Specifically, the LMF can use the location information of the relay node, either wholly or partially, as a substitute for the location of the terminal devices around the relay.

[0140] Optionally, the sending unit 830 can also be used to: send a fourth request message, which requests measurement data or location information from the relay node, the message carrying second indication information, which instructs the relay node to report measurement information of a plurality of terminal devices to be measured. The receiving unit can also be used to receive a fourth response message, which includes the relay node's measurement data or location estimate, and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

[0141] Optionally, the sending unit 830 can also be used to send a fifth request message to the wireless access network device. This fifth request message requests measurement information from multiple terminal devices, and carries the IDs of the multiple terminal devices to be measured. The receiving unit can also be used to receive measurement information from the terminal devices to be measured sent by the wireless access network device, as well as the identifier of the relay node determined by the wireless access network device.

[0142] The sending unit is also used to send positioning capability query information to multiple terminal devices to be measured. The receiving unit is also used to receive feedback information sent by the terminal devices, which carries information on whether the multiple terminal devices have sidelink capability. The determining unit is also used to determine one of the multiple terminal devices that have sidelink capability as a relay node, and the rest as terminal devices to be measured.

[0143] Optionally, the sending unit 830 can also be used to send a sixth request message to the wireless access network device, the sixth request message being used to request the wireless access network device to determine the relay node, the sixth request message carrying the IDs of multiple terminal devices to be measured, and the receiving unit being used to receive the identifier of the relay node determined by the wireless access network device.

[0144] The determining unit is further configured to determine a common wireless access network device of multiple terminal devices to be measured as the relay node, and the sending unit is further configured to send a location request message to the wireless access network device, the location request message being used to request the location information of the wireless access network device.

[0145] It should be understood that each unit in the positioning management center network element 800 can be used to perform the above-mentioned tasks. Figures 4 to 7The methods shown describe the actions or processes of the location management center network element. Detailed explanations are omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0146] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of the relay node 900 in this application, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the relay node 900 includes the following units.

[0147] The transmitting unit 910 is used to send the location information or measurement data of the relay node to the positioning management center network element. The measurement data is used by the positioning management center network element to determine the location information of the relay node.

[0148] The acquisition unit 920 is used to acquire measurement information from multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0149] The sending unit is also used to send the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured to the positioning management center network element, so that the positioning management center network element can determine the location information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the measurement information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0150] The relay node also includes a receiving unit 930, which is used to receive a first request message sent by the positioning management center network element. The first request message is used to request the relay node to report the measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured. The first request message carries the IDs of the multiple terminal devices to be measured or carries first indication information, which is used to instruct the relay node to identify the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

[0151] When the receiving unit receives a first request message carrying the IDs of multiple terminal devices to be measured, the acquiring unit is specifically configured to send a second request message to the terminal device indicated by the ID in the form of multicast or unicast. The second request message is used to request measurement data from the multiple terminal devices to be measured, and the acquiring unit receives the measurement data from the multiple terminal devices to be measured. Alternatively, when the receiving unit receives a first request message carrying first indication information, the acquiring unit is specifically configured to send a probe message in the form of broadcast. The probe message is used by the relay node to determine the terminal device to be measured, and the acquiring unit receives the IDs of the multiple terminal devices to be measured. Alternatively, the acquiring unit is specifically configured to send a third request message in the form of broadcast. The acquiring unit receives the measurement data and ID of the terminal device to be measured, and the terminal device to be measured is the multiple terminal devices that received the third request message.

[0152] The relay node also includes a determining unit 940, used to determine the relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. Specifically, the determining unit is used to determine the distance and / or angle from the plurality of terminal devices to the relay node based on the measurement data of the terminal devices to be measured; or, to determine the measurement information coordinates of the plurality of terminal devices based on the measurement results of the plurality of terminal devices.

[0153] The sending unit 910 is specifically used to send the first response message to the positioning management center network element. The first response message includes the measurement data or location estimate of the relay node and the measurement information of the terminal device to be measured.

[0154] It should be understood that each unit in the relay node 900 can be used to perform the above-mentioned tasks. Figures 4 to 7 The methods shown illustrate the actions or processing procedures of the relay nodes. To avoid redundancy, detailed explanations are omitted here.

[0155] The aforementioned location management center network elements and relay nodes completely correspond to the location management center network elements and relay nodes in the method embodiments, and the corresponding units execute the corresponding steps. For details, please refer to the corresponding method embodiments.

[0156] Figure 10 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in this application is shown. The communication device 1000 includes:

[0157] Memory 1010 is used to store a program, the program including code;

[0158] Transceiver 1020 is used for communication with other devices;

[0159] Processor 1030 is used to execute program code in memory 1010.

[0160] Optionally, when the code is executed, the processor 1030 can implement various operations of method 400, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity. The transceiver 1020 is used to perform specific signal transmission and reception under the drive of the processor 1030.

[0161] The communication device 1000 can be any one of the above-mentioned positioning management center network elements and relay nodes, and can perform the operation of the determining unit. The transceiver can include a transmitter and / or a receiver, and can respectively execute the corresponding steps of the sending unit and the receiving unit.

[0162] This application also provides a communication system 300, the architecture of which can be referred to. Figure 3 As shown. The communication system 300 includes: a positioning management center network element and relay nodes.

[0163] Optionally, the system further includes a wireless access network. The wireless access network receives a sixth request message from the positioning management center network element, which requests the wireless access network device to determine a relay node. The wireless access network device sends the relay node's ID. Optionally, the wireless access network can also forward a fifth request message from the positioning management center network element, which requests the relay node to report measurement data from multiple terminal devices.

[0164] The aforementioned location management center network elements and relay nodes completely correspond to the location management center network elements and relay nodes in the method embodiments, and the corresponding units execute the corresponding steps. For details, please refer to the corresponding method embodiments.

[0165] It should be understood that the communication system 300 may also include other network elements or functional entities, and the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this.

[0166] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0167] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0168] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0169] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to implement the solution of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0170] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0171] It should be understood that the terms "and / or" and "at least one of A or B" in this document are merely descriptions of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0172] This application provides a computer-readable medium for storing a computer program, the computer program including functions for executing the above-described... Figure 4 This application describes a method for determining the location of a terminal device. If the function is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0173] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium, or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0174] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining the location of a terminal device, characterized in that, include: The location management center network element determines the location information of the relay node; The positioning management center network element obtains measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured through the relay node. The measurement information includes the relative position information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node. The location management center network element determines the location information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node based on the location information of the relay node and the relative location information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the location management center network element determines the location information of the relay node, the method further includes: The location management center network element sends location capability query information to multiple terminal devices; The location management center network element receives location capability feedback information from the multiple terminal devices; The positioning management center network element determines, based on the positioning capability feedback information, one of the multiple terminal devices that supports sidelink capability as the relay node; The location management center network element determines that all or part of the multiple terminal devices other than the relay node among the multiple terminal devices that support sidelink capabilities are the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the location management center network element determines the location information of the relay node, the method further includes: The positioning management center network element sends a sixth request message to the wireless access network device. The sixth request message is used to request the wireless access network device to determine the relay node. The sixth request message includes the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. The plurality of terminal devices to be measured are terminal devices that support sidelink capabilities. The location management center network element receives the identifier of the relay node from the wireless access network device, and the relay node is determined by the wireless access network device based on the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the location management center network element determines the location information of the relay node, the method further includes: The location management center network element determines the serving radio access network device of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured as the relay node.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The positioning management center network element acquires measurement information from multiple terminal devices to be measured, including: The positioning management center network element sends a first request message to the relay node, the first request message being used to request the relay node to report the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; The location management center network element receives a first response message from the relay node, the first response message including measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The positioning management center network element acquires measurement information from multiple terminal devices to be measured, including: The positioning management center network element sends a fourth request message to the relay node. The fourth request message is used to request the measurement data or location information of the relay node. The fourth request message carries second indication information, which is used to instruct the relay node to send the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. The location management center network element receives a fourth response message from the relay node. The fourth response message includes the measurement data or location information of the relay node, as well as the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The location management center network element determines the location information of the relay node, including: The location management center network element determines the location information of the relay node based on the measurement data of the relay node.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first request message includes any one or more of the following: Periodic report indication information, reporting cycle, number of reports, and type of measurement data.

9. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The measurement information also includes at least one of the following: The identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; Measurement data from the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The measurement data includes any one or more of the following: Side link reference signal received power, angle of arrival, and transmit / receive time difference.

11. A method for determining the location of a terminal device, characterized in that, include: The relay node sends its location information or measurement data to the positioning management center network element, and the measurement data is used by the positioning management center network element to determine the location information of the relay node; The relay node acquires measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured, and the measurement information includes the relative position information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node; The relay node sends the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured to the positioning management center network element, so that the positioning management center network element can determine the location information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before the relay node acquires measurement information from multiple terminal devices to be measured, the method further includes: The relay node receives a first request message sent by the positioning management center network element. The first request message is used to request the relay node to report the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. The first request message carries the identifier of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured or carries first indication information, which is used to instruct the relay node to identify the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, If the first request message carries the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, the relay node obtains the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, including: The relay node sends a second request message to the plurality of terminal devices to be measured via multicast or unicast. The second request message is used to request measurement data from the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. The relay node receives a second response message sent by the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. The second response message includes measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured includes the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, If the first request message carries the first indication information, the relay node acquires measurement information from multiple terminal devices to be measured, including: The relay node sends probe messages to multiple terminal devices via broadcast; The relay node receives response messages sent by the plurality of terminal devices, the response messages including the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices; The relay node determines the plurality of terminal devices as the plurality of terminal devices to be measured based on the response message, and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured includes the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

15. The method according to claim 11 or 13, characterized in that, The measurement data includes any one or more of the following: Side link reference signal received power, angle of arrival, and transmit / receive time difference.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The relay node determines the relative position information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured based on the measurement data of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The relay node determines the relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured based on the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, including: The relay node determines the distance and / or angle from the plurality of terminal devices to be measured to the relay node based on the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; or, The relay node determines the relative position coordinates of the multiple terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node based on the measurement data of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

18. A positioning management center network element, characterized in that, include: The determining unit is used to determine the location information of the relay node; The acquisition unit is used to acquire measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured through the relay node, the measurement information including the relative position information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node; The determining unit is further configured to determine the location information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the relative location information.

19. The positioning management center network element according to claim 18, characterized in that, The location management center network element also includes: The sending unit is used to send location capability query information to multiple terminal devices; The receiving unit is used to receive positioning capability feedback information from the plurality of terminal devices; The determining unit is further configured to determine, based on the positioning capability feedback information, one of the multiple terminal devices with sidelink capability among the multiple terminal devices as the relay node; The determining unit is further configured to determine that all or part of the multiple terminal devices other than the relay node among the multiple terminal devices with side-link support capability are the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

20. The positioning management center network element according to claim 19, characterized in that, The sending unit is further configured to send a sixth request message to the wireless access network device, the sixth request message being used to request the wireless access network device to determine the relay node, the sixth request message including the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, the plurality of terminal devices to be measured being terminal devices with sidelink capabilities; The receiving unit is configured to receive the identifier of the relay node from the wireless access network device, wherein the relay node is determined by the wireless access network device based on the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

21. The positioning management center network element according to claim 18, characterized in that, The determining unit is further configured to determine the common wireless access network device of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured as the relay node.

22. The positioning management center network element according to claim 18, characterized in that, The acquisition unit is specifically used for: Send a first request message to the relay node, the first request message being used to request the relay node to report the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; Receive a first response message from the relay node, the first response message including measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

23. The positioning management center network element according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that, The acquisition unit is specifically used for: A fourth request message is sent to the relay node. The fourth request message is used to request the measurement data or location information of the relay node. The fourth request message carries second indication information, which is used to instruct the relay node to send the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. A fourth response message is received from the relay node, the fourth response message including the measurement data or location information of the relay node, and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

24. The positioning management center network element according to claim 23, characterized in that, The determining unit is specifically used for: The location information of the relay node is determined based on the measurement data of the relay node.

25. The positioning management center network element according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first request message includes any one or more of the following: Periodic report indication information, reporting cycle, number of reports, and type of measurement data.

26. The positioning management center network element according to claim 22, characterized in that, The measurement information also includes at least one of the following: The identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; Measurement data from the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

27. The positioning management center network element according to claim 26, characterized in that, The measurement data includes any one or more of the following: Side link reference signal received power, angle of arrival, and transmit / receive time difference.

28. A relay node, characterized in that, include: The sending unit is used to send the location information or measurement data of the relay node to the positioning management center network element, wherein the measurement data is used by the positioning management center network element to determine the location information of the relay node; The acquisition unit is used to acquire measurement information of multiple terminal devices to be measured, the measurement information including the relative position information of the multiple terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node; The sending unit is further configured to send measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, so that the positioning management center network element determines the location information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured based on the location information of the relay node and the relative location information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node.

29. The relay node according to claim 28, characterized in that, The relay node further includes a receiving unit, which is used for: The system receives a first request message sent by the positioning management center network element. The first request message is used to request the relay node to report the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. The first request message carries the identifier of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured or carries first indication information, which is used to instruct the relay node to identify the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

30. The relay node according to claim 29, characterized in that, If the first request message carries the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, the acquisition unit is specifically used for: A second request message is sent to the plurality of terminal devices to be measured via multicast or unicast. The second request message is used to request measurement data from the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. The system receives a second response message sent by the plurality of terminal devices to be measured. The second response message includes measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured includes the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

31. The relay node according to claim 29, characterized in that, If the first request message carries the first indication information, the acquisition unit is specifically used for: Send probe messages to multiple terminal devices via broadcast; The relay node receives response messages sent by the plurality of terminal devices, the response messages including the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices, the relay node determines the plurality of terminal devices as the plurality of terminal devices to be measured, and the measurement information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured includes the identifiers of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

32. The relay node according to claim 28 or 30, characterized in that, The measurement data includes any one or more of the following: Side link reference signal received power, angle of arrival, and transmit / receive time difference.

33. The relay node according to claim 30, characterized in that, The relay node further includes a determining unit, which is used for: The relative position information of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured is determined based on the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured.

34. The relay node according to claim 33, characterized in that, The determining unit is specifically used for: The distance and / or angle from the relay node to the plurality of terminal devices to be measured are determined based on the measurement data of the plurality of terminal devices to be measured; or, The relative position coordinates of the multiple terminal devices to be measured relative to the relay node are determined based on the measurement data of the multiple terminal devices to be measured.

35. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, The computer storage medium stores program instructions, which, when executed, cause the positioning management center network element to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; or, When the instruction is executed, it enables the relay node to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 17.

36. A chip system, characterized in that, include: At least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute stored instructions, such that the location management center network element can perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; or, The at least one processor is configured to execute stored instructions such that the relay node can perform the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 17.

37. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes: The location management center network element as described in any one of claims 18 to 27; and, The relay node as described in any one of claims 28 to 34.

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