Cooperative ranging methods, devices, communication equipment and storage media

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a cooperative ranging method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium ranging server, wherein a first network function, in response to satisfying cooperative ranging conditions, determines multiple observer UEs that will perform cooperative ranging on a target user equipment (UE).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to, but is not limited to, the field of wireless communication technology, and particularly to cooperative ranging methods, apparatuses, communication devices, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] In cellular mobile communication systems, ranging services can determine the distance between two user equipment (UE) devices and / or the direction between one UE and another UE through a direct communication connection.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, the observer UE, i.e., the ranging client or ranging requesting end, has a reference plane and a reference direction. The direction from the target UE to the observer UE is the angle between the line connecting the observer UE and the target UE and the reference direction. It is represented by the azimuth direction and the elevation direction. The azimuth of the target UE is the reference direction, the angle formed by the projection of the straight line from the observer UE to the target UE onto a plane orthogonal to the zenith of the reference direction. The elevation direction of the target UE is the angle above the horizontal plane. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cooperative ranging method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a cooperative ranging method is provided, wherein a first network function applied to a core network is included in the method:

[0006] In response to the satisfaction of cooperative ranging conditions, identify multiple observer UEs that will cooperate in ranging of the target UE.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a cooperative ranging method is provided, wherein a second network function applied to a core network is included in the method:

[0008] Receive the first location service request;

[0009] Based on the first location service request, multiple observer UEs are instructed to perform cooperative ranging on a target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an information transmission method is provided, wherein a third network function applied to a core network is included, the method comprising:

[0011] The system receives ranging results sent by the second network function of the core network, wherein the ranging results are obtained by the observer UE performing cooperative ranging on the target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a cooperative ranging method is provided, wherein the method is applied to an observer UE, the method comprising:

[0013] The system receives ranging instructions from the second network function of the core network and performs cooperative ranging on target UEs that meet the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a cooperative ranging device is provided, wherein a first network function applied to a core network is provided, the device comprising:

[0015] The first determination module is configured to determine multiple observer UEs that will cooperate in ranging with the target UE in response to the satisfaction of cooperative ranging conditions.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a cooperative ranging device is provided, wherein a second network function applied to a core network is provided, the device comprising:

[0017] The third receiving module is configured to receive the first location service request;

[0018] The second control module is configured to instruct multiple observer UEs to perform cooperative ranging on a target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions, based on the first positioning service request.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, an information transmission apparatus is provided, wherein a third network function applied to a core network is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0020] The sixth receiving module is configured to receive ranging results sent by the second network function of the core network, wherein the ranging results are obtained by the observer UE performing cooperative ranging on the target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0021] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a cooperative ranging device is provided, wherein it is applied to an observer UE, the device comprising:

[0022] The seventh receiving module is configured to receive ranging instructions from the second network function of the core network and to perform cooperative ranging on target UEs that meet the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0023] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device apparatus is provided, including a processor, a memory, and an executable program stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein when the processor runs the executable program, it performs steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in the first aspect, or steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in the second aspect, or steps of the information transmission method as described in the third aspect, or steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0024] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores an executable program thereon, wherein when the executable program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in the second aspect, or the steps of the information transmission method as described in the third aspect, or the steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0025] According to the cooperative ranging method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, a first network function, in response to satisfying cooperative ranging conditions, determines multiple observer UEs that will cooperate in ranging of a target UE. Thus, when the core network faces difficulties in locating the target UE or achieving the target UE's positioning accuracy, such as when cooperative ranging conditions are met, determining multiple observer UEs can increase the probability of successfully locating the target UE or increasing the probability of achieving the target UE's positioning accuracy. It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not limit the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of UE ranging according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a cooperative ranging method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4a This is another schematic diagram of UE ranging according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4b This is another schematic diagram of UE ranging according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4c This is a schematic diagram of another UE ranging according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another cooperative ranging method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another cooperative ranging method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a collaborative ranging information interaction according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another cooperative ranging information interaction according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a cooperative ranging device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating another cooperative ranging device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating an information transmission device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating yet another cooperative ranging device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0042] Figure 14 This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for collaborative ranging or information transmission according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of the present invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0044] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0045] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in embodiments of this disclosure, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information without departing from the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to a determination."

[0046] Please refer to Figure 2 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the wireless communication system is a communication system based on cellular mobile communication technology. The wireless communication system may include: a number of terminals 11 and a number of base stations 12.

[0047] Terminal 11 can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. Terminal 11 can communicate with one or more core networks via a Radio Access Network (RAN). Terminal 11 can be an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal, such as a sensor device, a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone), and a computer with an IoT terminal. For example, it can be a fixed, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted device. Examples include a station (STA), subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, user device, or user equipment (UE). Alternatively, terminal 11 can also be a device in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Alternatively, terminal 11 can also be a vehicle-mounted device, such as a vehicle computer with wireless communication capabilities, or a wireless communication device connected to an external vehicle computer. Alternatively, terminal 11 can also be a roadside device, such as a street light, traffic light, or other roadside device with wireless communication capabilities.

[0048] Base station 12 can be a network-side device in a wireless communication system. This wireless communication system can be a 4G system (also known as Long Term Evolution, LTE); or it can be a 5G system (also known as a New Radio, NR, or 5G NR system); or it can be the next generation after 5G. In this case, the access network in the 5G system can be called NG-RAN (New Generation-Radio Access Network); or it can be an MTC system.

[0049] In this embodiment, base station 12 can be an evolved NB (eNB) used in a 4G system. Alternatively, base station 12 can also be a gNB (gNB) using a centralized-distributed architecture in a 5G system. When base station 12 adopts a centralized-distributed architecture, it typically includes a central unit (CU) and at least two distributed units (DU). The central unit is equipped with a protocol stack of Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Radio Link Control (RLC), and Media Access Control (MAC) layers; the distributed units are equipped with a physical (PHY) layer protocol stack. This disclosure does not limit the specific implementation of base station 12.

[0050] Base station 12 and terminal 11 can establish a wireless connection via a wireless air interface. In different implementations, the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on the fourth-generation mobile communication network technology (4G) standard; or, the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on the fifth-generation mobile communication network technology (5G) standard, such as a new air interface; or, the wireless air interface can also be a wireless air interface based on a next-generation mobile communication network technology standard based on 5G.

[0051] In some embodiments, terminals 11 can also establish E2E (End to End) connections. Examples include V2V (vehicle to vehicle), V2I (vehicle to Infrastructure), and V2P (vehicle to pedestrian) communication scenarios in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.

[0052] In some embodiments, the wireless communication system described above may further include a network management device 13.

[0053] Several base stations 12 are connected to network management device 13. Network management device 13 can be a core network device in a wireless communication system, such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in an Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Alternatively, it can be other core network devices, such as a Serving Gateway (SGW), a Public Data Network Gateway (PGW), a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), or a Home Subscriber Server (HSS). The implementation of network management device 13 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0054] The execution entities involved in the embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to: UEs such as mobile phone terminals in cellular mobile communication systems, network-side equipment such as access network equipment such as base stations, and core networks.

[0055] In related technologies, the positioning of a target UE depends on measurement information between the target UE and multiple base stations. For example, positioning is achieved using the triangulation principle. This requires the target UE to have a network connection with the base stations. Furthermore, the measurements between the target UE and multiple base stations can consume significant power, which is unacceptable for UEs with strict power constraints. In addition, positioning accuracy largely depends on the number of line-of-sight (LoS) paths. In complex indoor environments, LoS paths may be obstructed by static or semi-static objects, such as tall shelves in a warehouse, or by moving objects, such as large trucks, leading to inaccurate or failed positioning.

[0056] Therefore, how to locate the target UE without using the target UE's base station is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, this exemplary embodiment provides a cooperative ranging method, which can be executed by a first network function of the core network of a cellular mobile communication system, including:

[0058] Step 301: In response to the satisfaction of the cooperative ranging conditions, identify multiple observer UEs that will cooperate in ranging of the target UE.

[0059] Here, the first network function of the core network can be the core network function that initiates the location of the target UE. The first network function of the core network can include network functions of the core network such as the Network Exposure Function (NEF) or the Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GLMC). For example, the first network function of the core network can be the NEF or GLMC corresponding to the target UE.

[0060] Here, the target UE can be the target that needs to be located. The observer UE can be any UE different from the target UE. The observer UE can be a UE that acts as a ranging node to measure the distance to the target UE.

[0061] Here, cooperative ranging conditions may include situations where it is relatively difficult to locate the target UE or relatively difficult to achieve the target UE's positioning accuracy. For example, a UE whose probability of locating the target UE without using the observer UE is lower than a preset value, or a UE whose probability of achieving the positioning accuracy without using the observer UE is lower than a specific value, is a UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0062] Cooperative ranging can be a process in which an observer UE acts as a ranging node to measure the distance to the target UE during the target UE localization process. In other words, other UEs assist network elements (e.g., base stations) in locating the target UE.

[0063] The ranging result obtained from collaborative ranging, i.e. the relative positional relationship between the target UE and the observer UE, may include: the distance from the observer UE to the target UE, and / or the direction of the observer UE and the target UE.

[0064] The instruction information for multiple observer UEs can be pre-set in the core network or sent to the core network by the location requester. Observer UEs can be UEs associated with the target UE. For example, the target UE can be bound to an observer UE, such as by communicating via Bluetooth. Alternatively, the target UE can access the cellular mobile communication network through the observer network.

[0065] In one embodiment, the cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following:

[0066] The target UE is not within network coverage area;

[0067] The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type;

[0068] The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

[0069] In another embodiment, the assisted-side ranging condition further includes: the target UE has been disconnected from the network for a predetermined duration.

[0070] When the target UE is not within network coverage, meaning it may be located outside the coverage area of ​​the mobile communication network (cellular mobile communication network), and the target UE does not have a LOS for ranging, cooperative ranging can be performed through an observer UE.

[0071] The target UE of the predetermined type can be a UE with power limitations. For example, the target UE has a small battery capacity, or is in a power-limited power-saving mode due to low remaining battery power. The target UE of the predetermined type can include: a UE in eDRX mode, a UE in PSM mode, a UE with a battery capacity less than a battery capacity threshold, or a UE with remaining battery power less than a power threshold, etc.

[0072] Positioning based on signal measurements between a target UE and multiple gNBs consumes excessive power for UEs with strict power constraints. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the UE's location through measurements between the UE and multiple base stations, such as gNBs. In this case, cooperative ranging can be performed by observer UEs.

[0073] When the positioning results of the target UE positioning measurement through the base station cannot meet the predetermined accuracy, for example, when the LOS between the base station and the target UE is interfered with, the distance can be measured collaboratively by the observer UE.

[0074] In practical applications, multiple observation UEs that perform cooperative ranging can be determined by the target UE's core network network function (NF), such as the Network Exposure Function (NEF) or the Gateway MobileLocation Centre (GMLC).

[0075] For example, in a 5G cellular mobile communication system, the situation of the observer UE and the target UE may include, for instance, the following: Figures 4a-4c The three situations shown are as follows: Figure 4aAs shown, both UEs are within 5G signal coverage for ranging; Figure 4b As shown, the observer UE performs ranging while within the coverage area of ​​the 5G signal; as Figure 4c As shown, both UEs were outside the coverage area of ​​the 5G signal during the ranging test.

[0076] against Figure 4a and Figure 4b In this case, UE1 can be identified as the observer UE. The location of the target UE can be determined based on the location of the observer UE (UE1) and the ranging result of the observer UE's cooperative ranging of the target UE (UE2).

[0077] When the core network faces challenges in locating the target UE or achieving the target UE's positioning accuracy, such as under conditions requiring cooperative ranging, identifying multiple observer UEs can increase the probability of successfully locating the target UE or achieving the target UE's positioning accuracy.

[0078] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0079] A first location service request is sent to the second network function of the core network, instructing the multiple observer UEs to perform cooperative ranging of the target UE.

[0080] The core network's secondary network functions can be used for mobility or ranging management of observer UEs. These secondary network functions may include, but are not limited to, the core network's Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). For example, the core network's secondary network function can be the observer UE's AMF. The observer UE's AMF and the target UE's AMF can be the same AMF or different AMFs.

[0081] The first network function can send a first location service request to the second network function of each observer UE, such as AMF, instructing the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE, and then determine the location of the target UE based on the ranging result.

[0082] After receiving the first location service request, the second network function can trigger the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE.

[0083] The second network function can trigger the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE by sending an indication message, which may include the target UE's identification information. The observer UE can then search for the target UE based on the indication message, discover the target UE, and then perform cooperative ranging.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first location service request further includes latency information, wherein the latency information is used to indicate a time threshold for the observer UE to detect the target UE during the cooperative ranging process.

[0085] Since the observer UE may take some time to discover the target UE, the first location service request can provide an allowed delay in the request, i.e., a long-term threshold.

[0086] During the collaborative ranging process of the core network with multiple observer UEs to the target UE, the core network can indicate the duration threshold of the second network function of the core network.

[0087] The core network's second network function determines that if the duration for which an observer UE detects a target UE exceeds a specified threshold, the observer UE can stop cooperative ranging. Excessive detection time prolongs the total duration of cooperative ranging, reducing its efficiency. Therefore, by including latency information in the first location service request, the efficiency of cooperative ranging is improved.

[0088] In one embodiment, the second network function receives the ranging result obtained by the observer UE through the cooperative ranging and sends the ranging result to the third network function of the core network.

[0089] The third network function of the core network can be used for UE location management functions. The third network function of the core network may include, but is not limited to, the location management function (LMF) of the core network.

[0090] Here, there can be multiple observer UEs. Multiple observer UEs can provide multiple potential Loss of Sight (LoS) paths to assist in locating the target UE, thereby improving the accuracy of target UE location.

[0091] The observer UE can achieve cooperative ranging by measuring the duration of wireless signal transmission with the target UE. For example, the observer UE can perform cooperative ranging based on direct link signals, Bluetooth signals, etc., between itself and the target UE.

[0092] The second network function of the core network can send the ranging result of one observer UE to the third network function of the core network. The second network function of the core network can also send the ranging results of multiple observer UEs to the third network function of the core network.

[0093] In one embodiment, the second network function sends the ranging result to a third network function of the core network, including:

[0094] In response to the ranging result meeting the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, the second network function sends the ranging result to the third network function of the core network.

[0095] The second network function of the core network, such as AMF or LMF, can determine whether the ranging result meets the quality of service requirements, and then determine whether to send the ranging result to the third network function to determine the location of the target UE.

[0096] Service quality requirements may include, but are not limited to: the accuracy of the ranging results and / or the time range for obtaining the ranging results.

[0097] For example, if the time to acquire the ranging results is long, the positions of both the observer UE and / or the target UE may have changed during the acquisition process. Therefore, the position of the target UE based on the ranging results may not meet the accuracy requirements, and the ranging results can be discarded. Conversely, if the time to acquire the ranging results is short, the changes in the positions of the observer UE and / or the target UE are minimal during the acquisition process. The position of the target UE based on the ranging results can meet the accuracy requirements, and therefore, the position of the target UE can be determined based on the ranging results.

[0098] In this way, by filtering the ranging results, the ranging results that meet the service quality requirements are selected to determine the location of the target UE, thereby improving the accuracy of the determined location of the target UE.

[0099] In one embodiment, the third network function determines the location of the target UE based on the ranging result and the location of the observer UE.

[0100] Here, the location of the observer UE can be determined by the observer UE through a positioning system or by the positioning function of the mobile communication network.

[0101] For example, the third network function can determine the position of the target UE by using the position of the observer UE as the origin and the ranging result as the offset.

[0102] Here, the position of the observer UE or the target UE can be a geographic coordinate position or a relative position to a reference point, etc.

[0103] For example, the third network function can determine the relative position of the target UE and the reference point based on the ranging results and the relative position of the observer UE and the reference point.

[0104] Here, the location of a target UE can be determined by the location of an observer UE and the ranging result of that observer UE.

[0105] By analyzing the positions of multiple observer UEs and their ranging results, multiple locations of the target UE can be determined. The final location of the target UE can be obtained by statistically processing these multiple locations. For example, the final location of the target UE can be determined by taking an arithmetic or weighted average of the multiple locations.

[0106] Thus, the target UE is located by measuring the distance of the observer UE, thereby providing a new way to determine the relative position of the target UE without using the base station, and improving the flexibility of locating the target UE.

[0107] In one embodiment, the location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function based on the Mobile Originated Location Request (MO-LR) triggered by the observer UE.

[0108] or,

[0109] The location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function, which is triggered by the observer UE's AMF and initiates a network-initiated location request (NI-LR).

[0110] In one embodiment, the second network function receives the ranging result obtained from the cooperative ranging performed by the observer UE, including:

[0111] The second network function receives the MO-LR carrying indication information indicating the ranging result.

[0112] Here, the second network function can be AMF, and the third network function can be LMF.

[0113] For example, the second network function could be the AMF (Advanced Position Function), and the third network function could be the LMF (Local Position Function). After the observer UE returns the ranging result to its AMF, the AMF determines whether to initiate a NI-LR (Network Indicator-Redirection) for the observer UE based on the ranging result. The AMF can request the LMF to locate the observer UE and determine the location of the target UE. The AMF can include the ranging result in the location request sent to the LMF.

[0114] For example, if the ranging process is successful, the observer UE can send an MO-LR request with the ranging result to the observer UE's AMF. The observer UE's AMF can then request the observer UE's LMF to locate the observer UE and determine the target UE's position. The observer UE's AMF can include the ranging result in the location request sent to the observer UE's LMF.

[0115] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0116] The third network function of the core network sends an indication information indicating the location of the target UE to the second network function of the core network.

[0117] The second network function of the core network receives indication information indicating the location of the target UE sent by the third network function of the core network;

[0118] The second network function of the core network sends indication information indicating the location of the target UE to the first network function of the core network.

[0119] The first network function of the core network receives indication information sent by the second network function, indicating the location of the target UE.

[0120] Here, the first network function can be NEF or GMLC, the second network function can be AMF, and the third network function can be LMF.

[0121] The third network function of the core network sends the determined location of the target UE to the second network function of the core network.

[0122] The second network function of the core network forwards the location of the target UE to the first network function of the core network.

[0123] The first network function of the core network can send the location of the target UE to the location service (LCS) client or the core network application function (AF) and other location request terminals.

[0124] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0125] In response to receiving a discovery notification from a first observer UE among the plurality of observer UEs, the cooperative ranging of a second observer UE among the plurality of observer UEs is released, wherein the discovery notification is used to indicate that the first observer UE has discovered the target UE, and the first observer UE is different from the second observer UE.

[0126] During the cooperative ranging process, the observer UE can initiate the discovery of the target UE first. When the observer UE detects the target UE, it can send a discovery notification to the core network.

[0127] The first observer UE can be the first observer UE to send a discovery notification; or, among multiple observer UEs, the UE with the strongest radio signal quality between itself and the target UE.

[0128] Once the core network’s first network function receives the first discovery notification, it can release cooperative ranging for other observer UEs.

[0129] For example, after receiving the first discovery notification, the core network can send an instruction message to the second observer UE, instructing the observer UE to stop cooperative ranging. The second observer UE can be any observer UE other than the first observer UE.

[0130] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0131] Receive indication information from the location request terminal, indicating the multiple observer UEs.

[0132] The location requesting end can include: application server, network NF, or UE, etc. When the location requesting end has a location requirement for the target UE, it can send a location request to the 5GC NF of the target UE.

[0133] The location request may carry indication information indicating the multiple observer UEs. This indication information includes: the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) or Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) of the observer UEs, etc. Upon receiving the first location service request, the core network can initiate location tracking for the target UE. When locating the target UE, if cooperative ranging conditions are met, the core network uses the multiple observer UEs indicated by the indication information to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE, and combines this with the location results of the observer UEs to determine the target UE's location.

[0134] like Figure 5 As shown, this exemplary embodiment provides a cooperative ranging method, which can be executed by a second network function of the core network of a cellular mobile communication system, including:

[0135] Step 501: Receive the first location service request;

[0136] Step 502: Based on the first location service request, instruct multiple observer UEs to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0137] Here, the first network function of the core network can be the core network function that initiates the location of the target UE. The first network function of the core network can include network functions of the core network such as the Network Exposure Function (NEF) or the Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GLMC). For example, the first network function of the core network can be the NEF or GLMC corresponding to the target UE.

[0138] Here, the target UE can be the target that needs to be located. The observer UE can be any UE different from the target UE. The observer UE can be a UE that acts as a ranging node to measure the distance to the target UE.

[0139] Here, cooperative ranging conditions may include situations where it is relatively difficult to locate the target UE or relatively difficult to achieve the target UE's positioning accuracy. For example, a UE whose probability of locating the target UE without using the observer UE is lower than a preset value, or a UE whose probability of achieving the positioning accuracy without using the observer UE is lower than a specific value, is a UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0140] Cooperative ranging can be a process in which an observer UE acts as a ranging node to measure the distance to the target UE during the target UE localization process. In other words, other UEs assist network elements (e.g., base stations) in locating the target UE.

[0141] The ranging result obtained from collaborative ranging, i.e. the relative positional relationship between the target UE and the observer UE, may include: the distance from the observer UE to the target UE, and / or the direction of the observer UE and the target UE.

[0142] The instruction information for multiple observer UEs can be pre-set in the core network or sent to the core network by the location requester. Observer UEs can be UEs associated with the target UE. For example, the target UE can be bound to an observer UE, such as by communicating via Bluetooth. Alternatively, the target UE can access the cellular mobile communication network through the observer network.

[0143] When the cooperative ranging conditions are met, the core network's first network function can identify multiple observer UEs that are performing cooperative ranging on the target UE.

[0144] In one embodiment, the cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following:

[0145] The target UE is not within network coverage area;

[0146] The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type;

[0147] The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

[0148] In another embodiment, the assisted-side ranging condition further includes: the target UE has been disconnected from the network for a predetermined duration.

[0149] When the target UE is not within network coverage, meaning the target UE may be located outside the coverage area of ​​the mobile communication network (cellular mobile communication network), and the target UE does not have a range of stops (LOS) for ranging, cooperative ranging can be performed through an observer UE.

[0150] The target UE of the predetermined type can be a UE with power limitations. For example, the target UE has a small battery capacity, or is in a power-limited power-saving mode due to low remaining battery power. The target UE of the predetermined type can include: a UE in eDRX mode, a UE in PSM mode, a UE with a battery capacity less than a battery capacity threshold, or a UE with remaining battery power less than a power threshold, etc.

[0151] Positioning based on signal measurements between a target UE and multiple gNBs consumes excessive power for a target UE with strict power constraints. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the UE's location through measurements between the UE and multiple gNBs. In this case, cooperative ranging can be performed by observer UEs.

[0152] When the positioning results of the target UE positioning measurement through the base station cannot meet the predetermined accuracy, for example, when the LOS between the base station and the target UE is interfered with, the distance can be measured collaboratively by the observer UE.

[0153] In practical applications, multiple observation UEs that perform cooperative ranging can be determined by the target UE's core network network function (NF), such as the Network Exposure Function (NEF) or the Gateway MobileLocation Centre (GMLC).

[0154] For example, in a 5G cellular mobile communication system, the situation of the observer UE and the target UE may include, for instance, the following: Figures 4a-4c The three situations shown are as follows: Figure 4a As shown, both UEs are within 5G signal coverage for ranging; Figure 4b As shown, the observer UE performs ranging while within the coverage area of ​​the 5G signal; as Figure 4c As shown, both UEs were outside the coverage area of ​​the 5G signal during the ranging test.

[0155] against Figure 4a and Figure 4bIn this case, UE1 can be identified as the observer UE. The location of the target UE can be determined based on the location of the observer UE (UE1) and the ranging result of the observer UE's cooperative ranging of the target UE (UE2).

[0156] When the core network faces challenges in locating the target UE or achieving the target UE's positioning accuracy, such as under conditions requiring cooperative ranging, identifying multiple observer UEs can increase the probability of successfully locating the target UE or achieving the target UE's positioning accuracy.

[0157] The core network's secondary network functions can be used for mobility or ranging management of observer UEs. These secondary network functions may include, but are not limited to, the core network's AMF (Active Network Function). For example, the core network's secondary network function could be the observer UE's AMF. The observer UE's AMF and the target UE's AMF can be the same AMF or different AMFs.

[0158] The first network function can send a first location service request to the second network function of each observer UE, such as AMF, instructing the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE, and then determine the location of the target UE based on the ranging result.

[0159] After receiving the first location service request, the second network function can trigger the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE.

[0160] The second network function can trigger the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE by sending an indication message, which may include the target UE's identification information. The observer UE can then search for the target UE based on the indication message, discover the target UE, and then perform cooperative ranging.

[0161] In one embodiment, the first location service request further includes latency information, wherein the latency information is used to indicate a time threshold for the observer UE to detect the target UE during the cooperative ranging process.

[0162] In one embodiment, the method further includes: stopping the observer UE from performing cooperative ranging in response to the observer UE discovering that the duration of the target UE exceeds the duration threshold.

[0163] Since the observer UE may take some time to discover the target UE, the first location service request can provide an allowed delay in the request, i.e., a long-term threshold.

[0164] During the collaborative ranging process of the core network with multiple observer UEs to the target UE, the core network can indicate the duration threshold of the second network function of the core network.

[0165] The core network's second network function determines that if the duration for which an observer UE detects a target UE exceeds a specified threshold, the observer UE can stop cooperative ranging. Excessive detection time prolongs the total duration of cooperative ranging, reducing its efficiency. Therefore, by including latency information in the first location service request, the efficiency of cooperative ranging is improved.

[0166] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0167] Receive the ranging result obtained by the cooperative ranging from the observer UE;

[0168] The ranging results are sent to the third network function of the core network.

[0169] The third network function of the core network can be used for UE location management. The third network function of the core network may include, but is not limited to, the LMF of the core network.

[0170] Here, there can be multiple observer UEs. Multiple observer UEs can provide multiple potential Loss of Sight (LoS) paths to assist in locating the target UE, thereby improving the accuracy of target UE location.

[0171] The observer UE can perform cooperative ranging by measuring the duration of wireless signal transmissions with the target UE. For example, the observer UE can perform cooperative ranging based on direct link signals, Bluetooth signals, etc., between itself and the target UE. The observer UE can then send the ranging results from the cooperative ranging to a second network function.

[0172] The second network function of the core network can send the ranging result of one observer UE to the third network function of the core network. The second network function of the core network can also send the ranging results of multiple observer UEs to the third network function of the core network.

[0173] In one embodiment, the third network function that sends the ranging result to the core network includes:

[0174] In response to the ranging result meeting the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, the ranging result is sent to the third network function of the core network.

[0175] The second network function of the core network, such as AMF or LMF, can determine whether the ranging result meets the quality of service requirements, and then determine whether to send the ranging result to the third network function to determine the location of the target UE.

[0176] Service quality requirements may include, but are not limited to: the accuracy of the ranging results and / or the time range for obtaining the ranging results.

[0177] For example, if the time to acquire the ranging results is long, the positions of both the observer UE and / or the target UE may have changed during the acquisition process. Therefore, the position of the target UE based on the ranging results may not meet the accuracy requirements, and the ranging results can be discarded. Conversely, if the time to acquire the ranging results is short, the changes in the positions of the observer UE and / or the target UE are minimal during the acquisition process. The position of the target UE based on the ranging results can meet the accuracy requirements, and therefore, the position of the target UE can be determined based on the ranging results.

[0178] In this way, by filtering the ranging results, the ranging results that meet the service quality requirements are selected to determine the location of the target UE, thereby improving the accuracy of the determined location of the target UE.

[0179] In one embodiment, the third network function determines the location of the target UE based on the ranging result and the location of the observer UE.

[0180] Here, the location of the observer UE can be determined by the observer UE through a positioning system or by the positioning function of the mobile communication network.

[0181] For example, the third network function can determine the position of the target UE by using the position of the observer UE as the origin and the ranging result as the offset.

[0182] Here, the position of the observer UE or the target UE can be a geographic coordinate position or a relative position to a reference point, etc.

[0183] For example, the third network function can determine the relative position of the target UE and the reference point based on the ranging results and the relative position of the observer UE and the reference point.

[0184] Here, the location of a target UE can be determined by the location of an observer UE and the ranging result of that observer UE.

[0185] By analyzing the positions of multiple observer UEs and their ranging results, multiple locations of the target UE can be determined. The final location of the target UE can be obtained by statistically processing these multiple locations. For example, the final location of the target UE can be determined by taking an arithmetic or weighted average of the multiple locations.

[0186] Thus, the target UE is located by measuring the distance of the observer UE, thereby providing a new way to determine the relative position of the target UE without using the base station, and improving the flexibility of locating the target UE.

[0187] In one embodiment, the location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function based on the Mobile Station Initiated Location Request (MO-LR) triggered by the observer UE.

[0188] or,

[0189] The location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function, which is triggered by the network-initiated location request NI-LR by the AMF of the observer UE.

[0190] In one embodiment, the second network function receives the ranging result obtained from the cooperative ranging performed by the observer UE, including:

[0191] The second network function receives the MO-LR carrying indication information indicating the ranging result.

[0192] Here, the second network function can be AMF, and the third network function can be LMF.

[0193] For example, the second network function could be the AMF (Advanced Position Function), and the third network function could be the LMF (Local Position Function). After the observer UE returns the ranging result to its AMF, the AMF determines whether to initiate a NI-LR (Network Indicator-Redirection) for the observer UE based on the ranging result. The AMF can request the LMF to locate the observer UE and determine the location of the target UE. The AMF can include the ranging result in the location request sent to the LMF.

[0194] For example, if the ranging process is successful, the observer UE can send an MO-LR request with the ranging result to the observer UE's AMF. The observer UE's AMF can then request the observer UE's LMF to locate the observer UE and determine the target UE's position. The observer UE's AMF can include the ranging result in the location request sent to the observer UE's LMF.

[0195] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0196] The second network function of the core network receives indication information indicating the location of the target UE sent by the third network function of the core network;

[0197] The second network function of the core network sends indication information indicating the location of the target UE to the first network function of the core network.

[0198] Here, the first network function can be NEF or GMLC, the second network function can be AMF, and the third network function can be LMF.

[0199] The third network function of the core network sends the determined location of the target UE to the second network function of the core network.

[0200] The second network function of the core network forwards the location of the target UE to the first network function of the core network.

[0201] The core network's primary network function can send the target UE's location to a location service (LCS) client or an AF (Area Function) and other location requesting endpoints.

[0202] like Figure 6 As shown, this exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission method that can be executed by a third network function of the core network of a cellular mobile communication system, including:

[0203] Step 601: Receive the ranging result sent by the second network function of the core network, wherein the ranging result is obtained by the observer UE performing cooperative ranging on the target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0204] Here, the first network function of the core network can be the core network function that initiates the location of the target UE. The first network function of the core network can include network functions of the core network such as the Network Exposure Function (NEF) or the Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GLMC). For example, the first network function of the core network can be the NEF or GLMC corresponding to the target UE.

[0205] Here, the target UE can be the target that needs to be located. The observer UE can be any UE different from the target UE. The observer UE can be a UE that acts as a ranging node to measure the distance to the target UE.

[0206] Here, cooperative ranging conditions may include situations where it is relatively difficult to locate the target UE or achieve the target UE's positioning accuracy. For example, a UE whose probability of locating the target UE without using the observer UE is lower than a preset value, or a UE whose probability of achieving the positioning accuracy without using the observer UE is lower than a specific value, is a UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0207] Cooperative ranging can be a process in which an observer UE acts as a ranging node to measure the distance to the target UE during the target UE localization process. In other words, other UEs assist network elements (e.g., base stations) in locating the target UE.

[0208] The ranging result obtained from collaborative ranging, i.e. the relative positional relationship between the target UE and the observer UE, may include: the distance from the observer UE to the target UE, and / or the direction of the observer UE and the target UE.

[0209] The instruction information for multiple observer UEs can be pre-set in the core network or sent to the core network by the location requester. Observer UEs can be UEs associated with the target UE. For example, the target UE can be bound to an observer UE, such as by communicating via Bluetooth. Alternatively, the target UE can access the cellular mobile communication network through the observer network.

[0210] When the cooperative ranging conditions are met, the core network's first network function can identify multiple observer UEs that are performing cooperative ranging on the target UE.

[0211] In one embodiment, the cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following:

[0212] The target UE is not within network coverage area;

[0213] The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type;

[0214] The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

[0215] In another embodiment, the assisted-side ranging condition further includes: the target UE has been disconnected from the network for a predetermined duration.

[0216] When the target UE is not within network coverage, meaning it may be located outside the coverage area of ​​the mobile communication network (cellular mobile communication network), and the target UE does not have a LOS for ranging, cooperative ranging can be performed through an observer UE.

[0217] The target UE of the predetermined type can be a UE with power limitations. For example, the target UE has a small battery capacity, or is in a power-limited power-saving mode due to low remaining battery power. The target UE of the predetermined type can include: a UE in eDRX mode, a UE in PSM mode, a UE with a battery capacity less than a battery capacity threshold, or a UE with remaining battery power less than a power threshold, etc.

[0218] Positioning based on signal measurements between a target UE and multiple gNBs consumes excessive power for a target UE with strict power constraints. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the UE's location through measurements between the UE and multiple gNBs. In this case, cooperative ranging can be performed by observer UEs.

[0219] When the positioning results of the target UE positioning measurement through the base station cannot meet the predetermined accuracy, for example, when the LOS between the base station and the target UE is interfered with, the distance can be measured collaboratively by the observer UE.

[0220] In practical applications, multiple observation UEs that perform cooperative ranging can be determined by the target UE's core network network function (NF), such as the Network Exposure Function (NEF) or the Gateway MobileLocation Centre (GMLC).

[0221] For example, in a 5G cellular mobile communication system, the situation of the observer UE and the target UE may include, for instance, the following: Figures 4a-4c The three situations shown are as follows: Figure 4a As shown, both UEs are within 5G signal coverage for ranging; Figure 4b As shown, the observer UE performs ranging while within the coverage area of ​​the 5G signal; as Figure 4c As shown, both UEs were outside the coverage area of ​​the 5G signal during the ranging test.

[0222] against Figure 4a and Figure 4b In this case, UE1 can be identified as the observer UE. The location of the target UE can be determined based on the location of the observer UE (UE1) and the ranging result of the observer UE's cooperative ranging of the target UE (UE2).

[0223] When the core network faces challenges in locating the target UE or achieving the target UE's positioning accuracy, such as under conditions requiring cooperative ranging, identifying multiple observer UEs can increase the probability of successfully locating the target UE or achieving the target UE's positioning accuracy.

[0224] The core network's secondary network functions can be used for mobility or ranging management of observer UEs. These secondary network functions may include, but are not limited to, the core network's AMF (Active Mobile Function). For example, the core network's secondary network function could be the observer UE's AMF. The observer UE's AMF and the target UE's AMF can be the same or different AMFs.

[0225] The first network function can send a first location service request to the second network function of each observer UE, such as AMF, instructing the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE, and then determine the location of the target UE based on the ranging result.

[0226] After receiving the first location service request, the second network function can trigger the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE.

[0227] The second network function can trigger the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE by sending an indication message, which may include the target UE's identification information. The observer UE can then search for the target UE based on the indication message, discover the target UE, and then perform cooperative ranging.

[0228] The third network function of the core network can be used for UE location management. The third network function of the core network may include, but is not limited to, the LMF of the core network.

[0229] Here, there can be multiple observer UEs. Multiple observer UEs can provide multiple potential Loss of Sight (LoS) paths to assist in locating the target UE, thereby improving the accuracy of target UE location.

[0230] The observer UE can perform cooperative ranging by measuring the duration of wireless signal transmissions with the target UE. For example, the observer UE can perform cooperative ranging based on direct link signals, Bluetooth signals, etc., between itself and the target UE. The observer UE can then send the ranging results from the cooperative ranging to a second network function.

[0231] The second network function of the core network can send the ranging result of one observer UE to the third network function of the core network. The second network function of the core network can also send the ranging results of multiple observer UEs to the third network function of the core network.

[0232] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0233] The location of the target UE is determined based on the ranging results and the location of the observer UE.

[0234] Here, the location of the observer UE can be determined by the observer UE through a positioning system or by the positioning function of the mobile communication network.

[0235] For example, the third network function can determine the position of the target UE by using the position of the observer UE as the origin and the ranging result as the offset.

[0236] Here, the position of the observer UE or the target UE can be a geographic coordinate position or a relative position to a reference point, etc.

[0237] For example, the third network function can determine the relative position of the target UE and the reference point based on the ranging results and the relative position of the observer UE and the reference point.

[0238] Here, the location of a target UE can be determined by the location of an observer UE and the ranging result of that observer UE.

[0239] By analyzing the positions of multiple observer UEs and their ranging results, multiple locations of the target UE can be determined. The final location of the target UE can be obtained by statistically processing these multiple locations. For example, the final location of the target UE can be determined by taking an arithmetic or weighted average of the multiple locations.

[0240] Thus, the target UE is located by measuring the distance of the observer UE, thereby providing a new way to determine the relative position of the target UE without using the base station, and improving the flexibility of locating the target UE.

[0241] In one embodiment, the location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function based on the Mobile Station Initiated Location Request (MO-LR) triggered by the observer UE.

[0242] or,

[0243] The location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function, which is triggered by the network-initiated location request NI-LR by the AMF of the observer UE.

[0244] Here, the second network function can be AMF, and the third network function can be LMF.

[0245] For example, the second network function could be the AMF (Advanced Position Function), and the third network function could be the LMF (Local Position Function). After the observer UE returns the ranging result to its AMF, the AMF determines whether to initiate a NI-LR (Network Indicator-Redirection) for the observer UE based on the ranging result. The AMF can request the LMF to locate the observer UE and determine the location of the target UE. The AMF can include the ranging result in the location request sent to the LMF.

[0246] For example, if the ranging process is successful, the observer UE can send an MO-LR request with the ranging result to the observer UE's AMF. The observer UE's AMF can then request the observer UE's LMF to locate the observer UE and determine the target UE's position. The observer UE's AMF can include the ranging result in the location request sent to the observer UE's LMF.

[0247] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0248] Indication information indicating the location of the target UE is sent to the second network function of the core network.

[0249] Here, the first network function can be NEF or GMLC, the second network function can be AMF, and the third network function can be LMF.

[0250] The third network function of the core network sends the determined location of the target UE to the second network function of the core network.

[0251] The second network function of the core network forwards the location of the target UE to the first network function of the core network.

[0252] The core network's primary network function can send the target UE's location to a location service (LCS) client or an AF (Area Function) and other location requesting endpoints.

[0253] like Figure 7 As shown, this exemplary embodiment provides a cooperative ranging method that can be executed by an observer UE in a cellular mobile communication system, including:

[0254] Step 701: Receive the ranging instruction of the second network function of the core network, and perform cooperative ranging on the target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0255] Here, the first network function of the core network can be the core network function that initiates the location of the target UE. The first network function of the core network can include network functions of the core network such as the Network Exposure Function (NEF) or the Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GLMC). For example, the first network function of the core network can be the NEF or GLMC corresponding to the target UE.

[0256] Here, the target UE can be the target that needs to be located. The observer UE can be any UE different from the target UE. The observer UE can be a UE that acts as a ranging node to measure the distance to the target UE.

[0257] Here, cooperative ranging conditions may include situations where it is relatively difficult to locate the target UE or achieve the target UE's positioning accuracy. For example, a UE whose probability of locating the target UE without using the observer UE is lower than a preset value, or a UE whose probability of achieving the positioning accuracy without using the observer UE is lower than a specific value, is a UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0258] Cooperative ranging can be a process in which an observer UE acts as a ranging node to measure the distance to the target UE during the target UE localization process. In other words, other UEs assist network elements (e.g., base stations) in locating the target UE.

[0259] The ranging result obtained from collaborative ranging, i.e. the relative positional relationship between the target UE and the observer UE, may include: the distance from the observer UE to the target UE, and / or the direction of the observer UE and the target UE.

[0260] The instruction information for multiple observer UEs can be pre-set in the core network or sent to the core network by the location requester. Observer UEs can be UEs associated with the target UE. For example, the target UE can be bound to an observer UE, such as by communicating via Bluetooth. Alternatively, the target UE can access the cellular mobile communication network through the observer network.

[0261] When the cooperative ranging conditions are met, the core network's first network function can identify multiple observer UEs that are performing cooperative ranging on the target UE.

[0262] In one embodiment, the cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following:

[0263] The target UE is not within network coverage area;

[0264] The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type;

[0265] The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

[0266] In another embodiment, the assisted-side ranging condition further includes: the target UE has been disconnected from the network for a predetermined duration.

[0267] When the target UE is not within network coverage, meaning it may be located outside the coverage area of ​​the mobile communication network (cellular mobile communication network), and the target UE does not have a LOS for ranging, cooperative ranging can be performed through an observer UE.

[0268] The target UE of the predetermined type can be a UE with power limitations. For example, the target UE has a small battery capacity, or is in a power-limited power-saving mode due to low remaining battery power. The target UE of the predetermined type can include: a UE in eDRX mode, a UE in PSM mode, a UE with a battery capacity less than a battery capacity threshold, or a UE with remaining battery power less than a power threshold, etc.

[0269] Positioning based on signal measurements between a target UE and multiple gNBs consumes excessive power for a target UE with strict power constraints. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the UE's location through measurements between the UE and multiple gNBs. In this case, cooperative ranging can be performed by observer UEs.

[0270] When the positioning results of the target UE positioning measurement through the base station cannot meet the predetermined accuracy, for example, when the LOS between the base station and the target UE is interfered with, the distance can be measured collaboratively by the observer UE.

[0271] In practical applications, multiple observation UEs that perform cooperative ranging can be determined by the target UE's core network network function (NF), such as the Network Exposure Function (NEF) or the Gateway MobileLocation Centre (GMLC).

[0272] For example, in a 5G cellular mobile communication system, the situation of the observer UE and the target UE may include, for instance, the following: Figures 4a-4c The three situations shown are as follows: Figure 4a As shown, both UEs are within 5G signal coverage for ranging; Figure 4b As shown, the observer UE performs ranging while within the coverage area of ​​the 5G signal; as Figure 4c As shown, both UEs were outside the coverage area of ​​the 5G signal during the ranging test.

[0273] against Figure 4a and Figure 4b In this case, UE1 can be identified as the observer UE. The location of the target UE can be determined based on the location of the observer UE (UE1) and the ranging result of the observer UE's cooperative ranging of the target UE (UE2).

[0274] When the core network faces challenges in locating the target UE or achieving the target UE's positioning accuracy, such as under conditions requiring cooperative ranging, identifying multiple observer UEs can increase the probability of successfully locating the target UE or achieving the target UE's positioning accuracy.

[0275] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0276] The first network function of the core network sends a first location service request to the second network function of the core network, instructing the target UE to perform cooperative ranging through the multiple observer UEs.

[0277] The core network's secondary network functions can be used for mobility or ranging management of observer UEs. These secondary network functions may include, but are not limited to, the core network's AMF (Active Mobile Function). For example, the core network's secondary network function could be the observer UE's AMF. The observer UE's AMF and the target UE's AMF can be the same or different AMFs.

[0278] The first network function can send a first location service request to the second network function of each observer UE, such as AMF, instructing the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE, and then determine the location of the target UE based on the ranging result.

[0279] After receiving the first location service request, the second network function can trigger the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE.

[0280] The second network function can trigger the observer UE to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE by sending an indication message, which may include the target UE's identification information. The observer UE can then search for the target UE based on the indication message, discover it, and perform cooperative ranging. The ranging result is then sent to the second network function.

[0281] In one embodiment, the method further includes,

[0282] In response to the observer UE discovering the target UE during the cooperative ranging process, a discovery notification instructing the observer UE to discover the target UE is sent to the first function of the core network.

[0283] During the cooperative ranging process, the observer UE can initiate the discovery of the target UE first. When the observer UE detects the target UE, it can send a discovery notification to the core network.

[0284] Once the core network’s first network function receives the first discovery notification, it can release cooperative ranging for other observer UEs.

[0285] For example, the first observer UE is the first observer UE to send a discovery notification. After receiving the first discovery notification, the core network can send an instruction message to the second observer UE, instructing the observer UE to stop cooperative ranging. The second observer UE can be any observer UE other than the first observer UE.

[0286] The following provides a specific example in conjunction with any of the above embodiments:

[0287] When a Location Service (LCS) requester (application server, network NF, or UE) wants to locate a target UE, it can include a list of observer UEs in the location request. The 5G core network (5GC) can use these lists to locate the target UE.

[0288] If the 5GC receives a list of observer UEs, and the 5GC identifies that the target UE is not within network coverage, or the target UE has limited power, or requires high positioning accuracy, the 5GC initiates a ranging (cooperative ranging) process to multiple observer UEs.

[0289] When the ranging process is successfully executed, the observer UE and 5GC can selectively initiate the location of the observer UE according to the required QoS, and then deduce the location of the target UE based on the location result of the observer UE and the ranging result of the target UE.

[0290] Since the discovery of the target UE may take some time, the LCS service request can specify an allowed time delay in the request. The ranging process will continue until the target UE is discovered or until the allowed time delay.

[0291] The target UE location is calculated in the LMF, taking into account the location results of the observer UE and the ranging results between the observer UE and the target UE.

[0292] Location services (Localization) for observer UEs can be initiated by the UE itself (MO-LR) or by the observer UE's serving AMF (NI-LR).

[0293] For the MO-LR procedure, when the ranging procedure is successful, the ranging result is included in the request to calculate the target UE location.

[0294] For the NI-LR procedure, the AMF triggers the localization process when ranging results are received from the observer UE. The AMF then selects the LMF for localization of the observer UE.

[0295] Example 1, such as Figure 8 As shown, the specific steps for locating the target UE through the observer UE include:

[0296] Step 801: The LCS requester (application server, network NF, or UE) sends a location service request to the target UE's 5GCNF, including a list of potential observer UEs and an allowed delay. The 5GCNF can be either NEF or GMLC.

[0297] Step 802: The 5GC identifies that cooperative ranging is required to locate the target UE. The judgment conditions include, but are not limited to: the target UE being outside network coverage or having limited power. Steps 802 and 801 are not sequential.

[0298] Step 803: 5GC sends a location service request to UE1, UE2, ... and UEn. The request includes an allowed delay, which is derived based on the allowed delay received in step 802.

[0299] Step 804: UE1, UE2, ... and UEn initiate a ranging process to the target UE.

[0300] Step 805: The observer UE (UE1) that successfully discovered the target UE sends a discovery notification to 5GCNF.

[0301] Step 806: When a discovery notification indicating the discovery of the target UE is received from an observer UE, the 5GCNF may decide to release the location process of the remaining observer UEs.

[0302] Step 807: Once the ranging process of UE1 is successfully executed, UE1 reports the ranging result to AMF1, and AMF1 initiates the NI-LR process (option a). Alternatively, UE1 uses the ranging result (option b) to initiate the MO-LR process. AMF1 calculates the position of the target UE (positioning result) based on the ranging result and the positioning result of the observer UE (UE1).

[0303] Step 808: The location of the target UE is reported to the 5GC NF of the target UE.

[0304] Step 809: The location of the target UE is sent to the LCS requester.

[0305] Example 2, such as Figure 9 As shown, the specific steps for locating the target UE through the observer UE include:

[0306] Step 901a: The LCS client or AF (via NEF) sends a location service request to the GMLC to obtain the location of the target UE. This request may include a list of potential observer UEs and the allowed latency.

[0307] Step 901b: The AF sends a location service request to the GMLC via the NEF to obtain the location of the target UE. This request may include a list of potential observer UEs and the allowed latency.

[0308] Step 902: The GMLC invokes a service operation to the Unified Data Management (UDM) of the target UE to obtain the UE's privacy settings. The UDM returns the target UE's privacy settings and the UE's SUPI. The GMLC checks the UE's LCS privacy profile. If locating the target UE is permitted, step 903 is executed; otherwise, locating the target UE is not performed.

[0309] Step 903: The GMLC uses the UE's Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) to invoke the UDM service operation on the target UE. The UDM returns the network address of the current serving AMF or the non-serving AMF to the target UE.

[0310] Step 904: If no serving AMF is returned in step 903 and / or the target UE is identified as power-limited, the GMLC determines that the location of the target UE requires cooperative ranging.

[0311] Step 905: GMLC uses UE1's SUPI call to perform a service operation on UDM. UDM returns the network address of UE1's current serving AMF.

[0312] Step 906: GMLC sends a location request to AMF1 to obtain the location of the target UE.

[0313] Step 907: Upon receiving the request, AMF1 invokes the ranging procedure between UE1 and the target UE.

[0314] Step 908: UE1 performs a ranging process on the target UE.

[0315] Step 909a: UE1 returns the ranging result to AMF1, and AMF1 will decide whether to initiate NI-LR for UE1 based on the ranging result.

[0316] Step 909b: If the ranging process is successful, UE1 sends an MO-LR request to AMF1 with the ranging result. Either step 909a or 909b can be executed.

[0317] Step 9010: AMF1 can select LMF1 based on available information or local configuration in AMF.

[0318] Step 9011: AMF1 sends a positioning request to LMF1 and locates UE1 based on the ranging results.

[0319] Step 9012: LMF1 executes the UE1 positioning procedure and obtains the UE1 positioning result.

[0320] Step 9013: LMF1 calculates the position of the target UE based on the positioning result of UE1 and the ranging result of the target UE (the relative position of UE1 and the target UE).

[0321] 14. LMF1 returns the positioning results to AMF1.

[0322] 15. AMF1 forwards the location of the target UE to GMLC.

[0323] 16. The location of the target UE is sent to the LCS client or AF.

[0324] This invention also provides a cooperative ranging device, such as... Figure 10 As shown, in the first network function of the core network of a cellular mobile wireless communication system, the device 100 includes:

[0325] The first determining module 110 is configured to determine multiple observer UEs that perform cooperative ranging on the target UE in response to the satisfaction of cooperative ranging conditions.

[0326] In one embodiment, the cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following:

[0327] The target UE is not within network coverage area;

[0328] The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type;

[0329] The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

[0330] In one embodiment, the device 100 further includes:

[0331] The first sending module 120 is configured to send a first positioning service request to the second network function of the core network, instructing the multiple observer UEs to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE.

[0332] In one embodiment, the first location service request further includes latency information, wherein the latency information is used to indicate a time threshold for the observer UE to detect the target UE during the cooperative ranging process.

[0333] In one embodiment, the device 100 further includes:

[0334] The first receiving module 130 is configured to receive indication information sent by the second network function indicating the location of the target UE.

[0335] In one embodiment, the device 100 further includes:

[0336] The first control module 140 is configured to release the cooperative ranging of the second observer UE among the plurality of observer UEs in response to receiving a discovery notification sent by the first observer UE among the plurality of observer UEs, wherein the discovery notification is used to instruct the first observer UE to discover the target UE, and the first observer UE is different from the second observer UE.

[0337] In one embodiment, the device 100 further includes:

[0338] The second receiving module 150 is configured to receive indication information from the positioning request terminal that instructs the plurality of observer UEs.

[0339] This invention also provides a cooperative ranging device, such as... Figure 11 As shown, in the second network function of the core network of a cellular mobile wireless communication system, the device 200 includes:

[0340] The third receiving module 210 is configured to receive the first location service request;

[0341] The second control module 220 is configured to instruct multiple observer UEs to perform cooperative ranging on a target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions based on the first positioning service request.

[0342] In one embodiment, the device 200 further includes:

[0343] The fourth receiving module 230 is configured to receive the ranging result obtained by the cooperative ranging sent by the observer UE;

[0344] The second sending module 240 is configured to send the ranging result to the third network function of the core network.

[0345] In one embodiment, the second sending module 240 is specifically configured as follows:

[0346] In response to the ranging result meeting the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, the ranging result is sent to the third network function of the core network.

[0347] In one embodiment, the device 200 further includes:

[0348] The fifth receiving module 250 is configured to receive indication information indicating the location of the target UE sent by the third network function of the core network;

[0349] The third sending module 260 is configured to send indication information indicating the location of the target UE to the first network function of the core network.

[0350] In one embodiment, the fourth receiving module 230 is specifically configured as follows:

[0351] Receive MO-LR carrying indication information indicating the ranging result.

[0352] In one embodiment, the first location service request further includes latency information, wherein the latency information is used to indicate a time threshold for the observer UE to detect the target UE during the cooperative ranging process.

[0353] In one embodiment, the device 200 further includes:

[0354] The third control module 270 is configured to stop the observer UE from performing cooperative ranging in response to the observer UE discovering that the duration of the target UE exceeds the duration threshold.

[0355] In one embodiment, the cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following:

[0356] The target UE is not within network coverage area;

[0357] The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type;

[0358] The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

[0359] This invention also provides an information transmission device, such as... Figure 12 As shown, in the third network function of the core network of a cellular mobile wireless communication system, the device 300 includes:

[0360] The sixth receiving module 310 is configured to receive ranging results sent by the second network function of the core network, wherein the ranging results are obtained by the observer UE performing cooperative ranging on the target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0361] In one embodiment, the device 300 further includes:

[0362] The second determining module 320 is configured to determine the position of the target UE based on the ranging result and the position of the observer UE.

[0363] In one embodiment, the device 300 further includes:

[0364] The fourth sending module 330 is configured to send indication information indicating the location of the target UE to the second network function of the core network.

[0365] In one embodiment, the location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function based on the Mobile Station Initiated Location Request (MO-LR) triggered by the observer UE.

[0366] or,

[0367] The location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function, which is triggered by the network-initiated location request NI-LR by the AMF of the observer UE.

[0368] In one embodiment, the cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following:

[0369] The target UE is not within network coverage area;

[0370] The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type;

[0371] The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

[0372] This invention also provides a cooperative ranging device, such as... Figure 13 As shown, in an observer UE applied to a cellular mobile wireless communication system, the device 400 includes:

[0373] The seventh receiving module 410 is configured to receive ranging indications from the second network function of the core network and to perform cooperative ranging on target UEs that meet the cooperative ranging conditions.

[0374] In one embodiment, the device 400 further includes,

[0375] The fifth sending module 420 is configured to send a discovery notification to the first function of the core network in response to the observer UE discovering the target UE during the cooperative ranging process.

[0376] In one embodiment, the cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following:

[0377] The target UE is not within network coverage area;

[0378] The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type;

[0379] The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

[0380] In an exemplary embodiment, the first determining module 110, the first transmitting module 120, the first receiving module 130, the first control module 140, the second receiving module 150, the third receiving module 210, the second control module 220, the fourth receiving module 230, the second transmitting module 240, the fifth receiving module 250, the third transmitting module 260, the third control module 270, the sixth receiving module 310, the second determining module 320, the fourth transmitting module 330, the seventh receiving module 410, and the fifth transmitting module 420 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), baseband processors (BPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, and microcontrollers (MCUs). Implemented by a unit, microprocessor, or other electronic components, for performing the aforementioned methods.

[0381] Figure 14This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus 3000 for collaborative ranging or information transmission according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, apparatus 3000 may be a mobile phone, computer, digital broadcasting terminal, messaging device, game console, tablet device, medical device, fitness equipment, personal digital assistant, etc.

[0382] Reference Figure 14 The device 3000 may include one or more of the following components: processing component 3002, memory 3004, power supply component 3006, multimedia component 3008, audio component 3010, input / output (I / O) interface 3012, sensor component 3014, and communication component 3016.

[0383] Processing component 3002 typically controls the overall operation of device 3000, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communication, camera operation, and recording. Processing component 3002 may include one or more processors 3020 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, processing component 3002 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between processing component 3002 and other components. For example, processing component 3002 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 3008 and processing component 3002.

[0384] Memory 3004 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of device 3000. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on device 3000, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 3004 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0385] Power supply component 3006 provides power to various components of device 3000. Power supply component 3006 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to device 3000.

[0386] Multimedia component 3008 includes a screen that provides an output interface between device 3000 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touchscreen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensors may sense not only the boundaries of touch or swipe actions but also the duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In some embodiments, multimedia component 3008 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When device 3000 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or rear-facing camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0387] Audio component 3010 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 3010 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when device 3000 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 3004 or transmitted via communication component 3016. In some embodiments, audio component 3010 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0388] I / O interface 3012 provides an interface between processing component 3002 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, start buttons, and lock buttons.

[0389] Sensor assembly 3014 includes one or more sensors for providing state assessments of various aspects of device 3000. For example, sensor assembly 3014 may detect the on / off state of device 3000, the relative positioning of components such as the display and keypad of device 3000, changes in the position of device 3000 or a component of device 3000, the presence or absence of user contact with device 3000, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of device 3000, and temperature changes of device 3000. Sensor assembly 3014 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 3014 may also include an optical sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 3014 may also include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0390] Communication component 3016 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between device 3000 and other devices. Device 3000 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, 2G, or 3G, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 3016 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 3016 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0391] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 3000 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the methods described above.

[0392] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 3004 including instructions, which can be executed by a processor 3020 of the device 3000 to perform the above-described method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0393] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the embodiments of the invention that follow the general principles of the embodiments of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed in this disclosure. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the embodiments of the invention are indicated by the claims.

[0394] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from their scope. The scope of the embodiments of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooperative ranging method, wherein, The method, applied to a first network function in the core network, includes: In response to the satisfaction of cooperative ranging conditions, identify multiple observer UEs that will cooperate in ranging of the target user equipment UE. A first location service request is sent to the second network function of the core network. The first location service request instructs the multiple observer UEs to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE. The first location service request includes latency information, wherein the latency information is used to indicate the duration threshold for the observer UE to detect the target UE during the cooperative ranging process.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following: The target UE is not within network coverage area; The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type; The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Receive indication information sent by the second network function indicating the location of the target UE.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: In response to receiving a discovery notification from a first observer UE among the plurality of observer UEs, the cooperative ranging of a second observer UE among the plurality of observer UEs is released, wherein the discovery notification is used to indicate that the first observer UE has discovered the target UE, and the first observer UE is different from the second observer UE.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The method further includes: Receive indication information from the location request terminal, indicating the multiple observer UEs.

6. A cooperative ranging method, wherein, The method, applied to a second network function in the core network, includes: Receive a first location service request; the first location service request includes latency information, wherein the latency information is used to indicate the duration threshold for the observer user equipment (UE) to detect the target UE during the cooperative ranging process; Based on the first location service request, the multiple observer UEs are instructed to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions within a time threshold. Receive the ranging result sent by the observer UE, obtained by performing the cooperative ranging within a duration threshold; The ranging results are sent to the third network function of the core network.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The third network function that sends the ranging result to the core network includes: In response to the ranging result meeting the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, the ranging result is sent to the third network function of the core network.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The method further includes: Receive indication information indicating the location of the target UE sent by the third network function of the core network; Send indication information indicating the location of the target UE to the first network function of the core network.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The step of receiving the ranging result obtained from the cooperative ranging by the observer UE includes: A mobile station that receives indication information carrying the ranging result initiates a position request (MO-LR).

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The method further includes: in response to the observer UE discovering that the duration of the target UE exceeds the duration threshold, stopping the observer UE from performing cooperative ranging.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following: The target UE is not within network coverage area; The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type; The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

12. An information transmission method, wherein, The method, applied to a third network function in the core network, includes: The system receives ranging results sent by the second network function of the core network, wherein the ranging results are obtained by the observer user equipment (UE) performing cooperative ranging on a target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions within a time threshold. The ranging result is sent by the second network function in response to a first positioning service request from the first network function of the core network. The first positioning service request instructs the target UE to perform cooperative ranging through the plurality of observer UEs. The first positioning service request includes latency information, which is used to indicate the duration threshold for the observer UE to discover the target UE during the cooperative ranging process. The observer UE is determined by the first network function in response to the target UE meeting the cooperative ranging conditions.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The method further includes: The location of the target UE is determined based on the ranging results and the location of the observer UE.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method further includes: Send indication information indicating the location of the target UE to the second network function of the core network.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function based on the location request (MO-LR) initiated by the mobile station triggered by the observer UE. or, The location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function, which is triggered by the network-initiated location request (NI-LR) of the observer UE's Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein, The cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following: The target UE is not within network coverage area; The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type; The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

17. A cooperative ranging method, wherein, Applied to an observer user equipment (UE), the method includes: Receive ranging instructions from the second network function of the core network and perform cooperative ranging on target UEs that meet the cooperative ranging conditions within a time threshold. The second network function sends the ranging results to the core network; The ranging result is sent by the second network function in response to a first positioning service request from the first network function of the core network. The first positioning service request instructs the target UE to perform cooperative ranging through the plurality of observer UEs. The first positioning service request includes latency information, which is used to indicate the duration threshold for the observer UE to discover the target UE during the cooperative ranging process. The observer UE is determined by the first network function in response to the target UE meeting the cooperative ranging conditions.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The method also includes, In response to the observer UE discovering the target UE during the cooperative ranging process, a discovery notification instructing the observer UE to discover the target UE is sent to the first network function of the core network.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following: The target UE is not within network coverage area; The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type; The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

20. A cooperative ranging device, wherein, The first network function applied to the core network, the apparatus comprising: The first determining module is configured to determine multiple observer UEs that perform cooperative ranging on the target user equipment UE in response to the satisfaction of cooperative ranging conditions. The device further includes: The first sending module is configured to send a first positioning service request to the second network function of the core network. The first positioning service request instructs the target UE to perform cooperative ranging through the multiple observer UEs. The first positioning service request also includes latency information, wherein the latency information is used to indicate the time threshold for the observer UE to detect the target UE during the cooperative ranging process.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following: The target UE is not within network coverage area; The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type; The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The device further includes: The first receiving module is configured to receive indication information sent by the second network function, indicating the location of the target UE.

23. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The device further includes: A first control module is configured to release the cooperative ranging of a second observer UE among the plurality of observer UEs in response to receiving a discovery notification sent by a first observer UE among the plurality of observer UEs, wherein the discovery notification is used to indicate that the first observer UE has discovered the target UE, and the first observer UE is different from the second observer UE.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein, The device further includes: The second receiving module is configured to receive indication information from the positioning request terminal that instructs the plurality of observer UEs.

25. A cooperative ranging device, wherein, The second network function applied to the core network, the device comprising: The third receiving module is configured to receive a first positioning service request; the first positioning service request includes latency information, wherein the latency information is used to indicate the time threshold for the observer user equipment (UE) to detect the target UE during the cooperative ranging process; The second control module is configured to instruct the multiple observer UEs to perform cooperative ranging on the target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions within a time threshold, based on the first positioning service request. The fourth receiving module is configured to receive the ranging result sent by the observer UE, which is obtained by the cooperative ranging within a duration threshold. The second sending module is configured to send the ranging result to the third network function of the core network.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, The second sending module is specifically configured as follows: In response to the ranging result meeting the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, the ranging result is sent to the third network function of the core network.

27. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, The device further includes: The fifth receiving module is configured to receive indication information indicating the location of the target UE sent by the third network function of the core network; The third sending module is configured to send indication information indicating the location of the target UE to the first network function of the core network.

28. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, The fourth receiving module is specifically configured as follows: A mobile station that receives indication information carrying the ranging result initiates a position request (MO-LR).

29. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, The device further includes: The third control module is configured to stop the observer UE from performing cooperative ranging in response to the observer UE discovering that the duration of the target UE exceeds the duration threshold.

30. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein, The cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following: The target UE is not within network coverage area; The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type; The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

31. An information transmission device, wherein, A third network function applied to the core network, the device comprising: The sixth receiving module is configured to receive ranging results sent by the second network function of the core network, wherein the ranging results are obtained by the observer user equipment (UE) performing cooperative ranging on the target UE that meets the cooperative ranging conditions within a time threshold. The ranging result is sent by the second network function in response to a first positioning service request from the first network function of the core network. The first positioning service request instructs the target UE to perform cooperative ranging through the plurality of observer UEs. The first positioning service request includes latency information, which is used to indicate the duration threshold for the observer UE to discover the target UE during the cooperative ranging process. The observer UE is determined by the first network function in response to the target UE meeting the cooperative ranging conditions.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein, The device further includes: The second determining module is configured to determine the position of the target UE based on the ranging result and the position of the observer UE.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein, The device further includes: The fourth sending module is configured to send indication information indicating the location of the target UE to the second network function of the core network.

34. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein, The location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function based on the location request (MO-LR) initiated by the mobile station triggered by the observer UE. or, The location of the observer UE is determined by the third network function, which is triggered by the network-initiated location request (NI-LR) of the observer UE's Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

35. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein, The cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following: The target UE is not within network coverage area; The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type; The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

36. A cooperative ranging device, wherein, Applied to an observer user equipment (UE), the device includes: The seventh receiving module is configured to receive ranging instructions from the second network function of the core network and to perform cooperative ranging on target UEs that meet the cooperative ranging conditions within a time threshold. The fifth sending module is configured to send the ranging results to the second network function of the core network; The ranging result is sent by the second network function in response to a first positioning service request from the first network function of the core network. The first positioning service request instructs the target UE to perform cooperative ranging through the plurality of observer UEs. The first positioning service request includes latency information, which is used to indicate the duration threshold for the observer UE to discover the target UE during the cooperative ranging process. The observer UE is determined by the first network function in response to the target UE meeting the cooperative ranging conditions.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein, The device also includes, The sixth sending module is configured to send a discovery notification to the first function of the core network in response to the observer UE discovering the target UE during the cooperative ranging process.

38. The apparatus according to claim 36 or 37, wherein, The cooperative ranging conditions include at least one of the following: The target UE is not within network coverage area; The target UE is a UE of a predetermined type; The positioning accuracy of the target UE did not reach the preset accuracy.

39. A communication device apparatus, comprising a processor, a memory, and an executable program stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein, When the processor runs the executable program, it performs the steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or the steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in any one of claims 6 to 11, or the steps of the information transmission method as described in any one of claims 12 to 16, or the steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in any one of claims 17 to 19.

40. A storage medium having an executable program stored thereon, wherein, When the executable program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or the steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in any one of claims 6 to 11, or the steps of the information transmission method as described in any one of claims 12 to 16, or the steps of the cooperative ranging method as described in any one of claims 17 to 19.

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