Positioning methods, devices, equipment and storage media

Abstract

This disclosure provides a positioning method, apparatus, device, chip system, and storage medium, applicable to communication systems. The method includes: a core network device determining positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used to locate a terminal device. By implementing the method of this disclosure, positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area can be effectively determined, improving the positioning performance of the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In some application scenarios, location tracking of user equipment (UE) can be supported. For example, location tracking of UEs in the radio resource control (RRC) deactivated state (RRC_INACTIVE) can be supported. Based on certain communication protocols, UEs can use the same location signal configuration information within a certain area without needing to request new location signal configuration information from the network device when moving to a new cell. The location signal configuration information is determined by the serving cell, and the location signal configuration information related to the effective area involves the uplink resource usage of all cells within the effective area.

[0003] In related technologies, it is not possible to effectively determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, which affects the positioning effect of the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a positioning method, apparatus, device, chip system, storage medium, computer program, and computer program product, which can be applied in the field of communication technology and can effectively determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, thereby improving the positioning effect of terminal devices.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a positioning method executed by a core network device. The method includes: determining positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used to locate a terminal device.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a positioning method executed by a first access network device. The method includes: determining available positioning signal configuration information, wherein the available positioning signal configuration information is used by the core network device to determine positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area; and / or determining positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used to locate a terminal device.

[0007] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a positioning method executed by a second access network device. The method includes: determining available positioning signal configuration information, wherein the available positioning signal configuration information is used by the first access network device to determine positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area, and the positioning signal configuration information is used to locate a terminal device.

[0008] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device that implements some or all of the functions of the core network equipment in the method of the first aspect described above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this disclosure, or it may have the functions of implementing any one embodiment of this disclosure individually. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0009] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein the processing module is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions in the above-described methods. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, and stores the necessary computer programs and data of the communication device.

[0010] As an example, the processing module can be a processor, the transceiver module can be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage module can be a memory.

[0011] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide another communication device that has some or all of the functions of the first access network device in the method example of the second aspect described above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this disclosure, or it may have the functions of implementing any one embodiment of this disclosure individually. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0012] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, the processing module being configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions in the methods described above. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, and stores the computer programs and data necessary for the communication device.

[0013] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide another communication device that has some or all of the functions of the second access network device in the method example of the third aspect described above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this disclosure, or it may have the functions of implementing any one embodiment of this disclosure individually. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0014] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, the processing module being configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions in the methods described above. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, and stores the computer programs and data necessary for the communication device.

[0015] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the positioning method described in the first aspect.

[0016] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the positioning method described in the second aspect.

[0017] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the positioning method described in the third aspect.

[0018] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the positioning method described in the first aspect.

[0019] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the positioning method described in the second aspect.

[0020] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the positioning method described in the third aspect.

[0021] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is used to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the positioning method described in the first aspect.

[0022] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is used to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the positioning method described in the second aspect.

[0023] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is used to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the positioning method described in the third aspect.

[0024] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, which includes a communication device of the fourth aspect, a communication device of the fifth aspect, and a communication device of the sixth aspect; or, the system includes a communication device of the seventh aspect, a communication device of the eighth aspect, and a communication device of the ninth aspect; or, the system includes a communication device of the tenth aspect, a communication device of the eleventh aspect, and a communication device of the twelfth aspect; or, the system includes a communication device of the thirteenth aspect, a communication device of the fourteenth aspect, and a communication device of the fifteenth aspect.

[0025] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions used by the core network device, the first access network device, and the second access network device, which, when executed, cause the core network device, the first access network device, and the second access network device to perform the positioning method described above.

[0026] In an eighteenth aspect, this disclosure also provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned positioning method.

[0027] In a nineteenth aspect, this disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting core network equipment in implementing the functions involved in the first aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods.

[0028] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing the computer programs and data necessary for the core network equipment. This chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0029] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting a first access network device in implementing the functions involved in the second aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods.

[0030] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the first access network device. This chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0031] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting a second access network device in implementing the functions involved in the third aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods.

[0032] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing the computer programs and data necessary for the second access network device. This chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0033] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned positioning method.

[0034] In summary, the positioning method, apparatus, device, chip system, storage medium, computer program, and computer program product provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0035] The core network equipment can determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area. This positioning signal configuration information is used to locate the terminal equipment, which can effectively determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area and improve the positioning effect of the terminal equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure will be described below.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 3a This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 3b This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 3c A flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5a This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5b This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 5c This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 6a This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 6b This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0052] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0053] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0054] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0056] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the chip structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0057] 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 this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0058] 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” 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.

[0059] 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 words “if” and “suppose” as used herein may be interpreted as “when”, “when”, or “in response to a determination”.

[0060] To facilitate understanding, the terminology used in this disclosure will be introduced first.

[0061] 1. Radio Resource Control (RRC)

[0062] Radio resource control, also known as radio resource management (RRM) or radio resource allocation (RRA), refers to the management, control, and scheduling of radio resources through certain strategies and methods. Under the premise of meeting the requirements of quality of service, it aims to make full use of limited wireless network resources, ensure coverage of the planned area, and maximize service capacity and resource utilization.

[0063] 2. Location Management Function (LMF)

[0064] The Location Management Function (LMF) is located on the radio access network (RAN) or the core network (CN) side and is used to provide location management function services to the UE.

[0065] To better understand the positioning method disclosed in this embodiment, the communication system to which this embodiment applies is described below.

[0066] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, three network devices and one terminal device. Figure 1 The number and form of devices shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. In actual applications, two or more network devices and two or more terminal devices may be included. Figure 1 The communication system shown is exemplified by a core network device 101, a terminal device 102, a first access network device 103, and a second access network device 104.

[0067] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, 5G New Radio (NR) systems, or other future new mobile communication systems.

[0068] The network device (which may include core network equipment and / or access network equipment) in the embodiments of this disclosure is an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals. For example, the network device may be an evolved NodeB (eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in an NR system, a base station in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device.

[0069] The network device provided in this embodiment can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called a control unit. By adopting the CU-DU structure, the protocol layer of the network device, such as a base station, can be separated. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0070] The terminal device 102 in this embodiment is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. Terminal devices can be communication-enabled vehicles, smart cars, mobile phones, wearable devices, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminal devices in industrial control, wireless terminal devices in self-driving, wireless terminal devices in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal devices in smart grids, wireless terminal devices in transportation safety, wireless terminal devices in smart cities, wireless terminal devices in smart homes, and so on.

[0071] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0072] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0073] The positioning method and apparatus provided in this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, which is executed by a core network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to a core network device, which can be a node device used for location management. The core network device provides location management services; for example, it is a Location Management Function (LMF) entity, but this is not limited.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0075] S201: Determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used for positioning terminal equipment.

[0076] In some embodiments, the positioning signal may be, for example, a sounding reference signal (SRS), a positioning reference signal (PRS), or any other possible signal for locating the UE, without limitation.

[0077] In some embodiments, the UE can use the same positioning signal configuration information for positioning within a certain area, which can be, for example, an optional example of an effective area, and is not limited thereto.

[0078] In some embodiments, the positioning signal configuration information may refer to information used to configure the positioning signal, which is used to configure the positioning signal for positioning terminal equipment, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0079] In some embodiments, the positioning signal configuration information associated with the effective area may be one or more, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0080] In some embodiments, the location signal configuration information can be used to locate terminal devices in an inactive or idle state, and there are no limitations on this.

[0081] In some embodiments, the positioning signal configuration information can be used to continuously locate a terminal device in an inactive or idle state. During continuous positioning, the terminal device may not switch to a connected state, and there is no restriction on this.

[0082] In some embodiments, the positioning signal configuration information can be used to continuously locate a terminal device in an inactive or idle state within an effective area. During continuous positioning, the terminal device may not switch to a connected state, and there is no restriction on this.

[0083] In some embodiments, the LMF entity may determine one or more SRS configurations for a specific region. The SRS configuration for a specific region may be an optional example of positioning signal configuration information associated with the effective region. The specific region may be an optional example of the effective region, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0084] In this embodiment, the core network device can determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area. The positioning signal configuration information is used to locate the terminal device, which can effectively determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area and improve the positioning effect of the terminal device.

[0085] The positioning method provided in this embodiment allows the core network device to receive available positioning signal configuration information sent by a first access network device, and determine positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the available positioning signal configuration information, so as to effectively determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area and / or the effective area.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first access network device may be, for example, a base station or a gNB-CU (gNB Central Unit), and there is no limitation thereto. In some embodiments, the available location signal configuration information may be, for example, the available location signal configuration information of the first access network device, and there is no limitation thereto. In some embodiments, the available location signal configuration information may be, for example, the available location signal configuration information within the coverage area of ​​the first access network device, such as SRS configuration or PRS configuration, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0087] In some embodiments, the LMF entity can determine one or more SRS configurations for a specific area based on available SRS configuration information received from the base station. The available SRS configuration information can be an optional example of available location signal configuration information, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0088] In some embodiments, the core network device may select location signal configuration information related to the effective area from the available location signal configuration information, without limitation.

[0089] In some embodiments, the core network device may also determine the location signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the available location signal configuration information in any other possible manner, without limitation.

[0090] The positioning method provided in this embodiment allows a core network device to send first information to a first access network device. The first information is used to request available positioning signal configuration information and to receive available positioning signal configuration information from the first access network device in response to the first information. This enables timely requesting and obtaining of available positioning signal configuration information and on-demand acquisition of available positioning signal configuration information, effectively expanding the application scenarios of the positioning method.

[0091] In some embodiments, the LMF entity may send information to the base station to request available SRS configuration. The information used to request available SRS configuration may be an optional example of the first information and is not limited thereto.

[0092] In some embodiments, the LMF entity may also receive available SRS configuration information from the base station, without limitation.

[0093] The positioning method provided in this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: available positioning signal request indication, requested cell information, requested bandwidth part (BWP) information, requested frequency band information, requested resource type, and requested time information.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first information may be, for example, information for requesting available SRS configuration. The information for requesting available SRS configuration may include one or more of the following: available SRS request indication, requested cell information, requested BWP information, requested frequency band information, requested resource type, and requested time information. There is no limitation on this.

[0095] In some embodiments, the requested cell information may include one or more cell identifiers (IDs), which may be cell global identity (CGI) and / or physical cell identifier (PCI), without limitation.

[0096] In some embodiments, the requested BWP information may be an indication of the request or specific parameters of the request, including but not limited to location and bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, and / or cyclic prefix, without limitation.

[0097] In some embodiments, the requested frequency band information may be, for example, frequency range 1 (FR1), FR2, or any possible bandwidth band, without limitation.

[0098] In one embodiment, the requested resource type can be, for example, a periodic type or an aperiodic type, without limitation.

[0099] In one embodiment, the requested time information may be, for example, the time period for which the resource is requested to be used, which may include a start time, duration, and / or end time, without limitation.

[0100] The positioning method provided in this disclosure may include available positioning signal configuration information, wherein each available positioning signal configuration includes one or more of available time information and cell information, without limitation.

[0101] In some embodiments, the available SRS configuration information includes one or more available SRS configurations, wherein, optionally, each SRS configuration includes available time information and / or cell information. The available SRS configuration information may be an optional example of available positioning signal configuration information, and there is no limitation thereto. Figure 3a This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, which is executed by a core network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to core network devices, and there are no limitations on its application.

[0102] like Figure 3a As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0103] S301a: Send a first request message to the first access network device, wherein the first request message includes first information, which is used to request available positioning signal configuration information.

[0104] In some embodiments, the request message used to transmit the first information may be referred to as the first request message, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first request message is a request message not related to the terminal device, and there is no restriction on this.

[0106] In some embodiments, the request message related to the non-terminal device can be a transmission and reception point (TRP) information request message or a location signal information request message. Existing request messages can be reused to request available location signal configuration information, which can effectively reduce the transmission overhead of available location signal configuration information.

[0107] In some embodiments, the LMF may send a first request message to the base station to request available positioning signal configuration information from the base station, and there is no limitation on this.

[0108] In some embodiments, the location signal information request message may be, for example, an SRS information request message, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0109] S302a: Receive a first response message from the first access network device in response to the first information sent in relation to the first request message, wherein the first response message includes available positioning signal configuration information.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first access network device may respond to the first information by sending a first response message to the core network device. The first response message is a response message generated in response to the first request message. The first response message may include available positioning signal configuration information, which is not limited thereto.

[0111] S303a: Determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the available positioning signal configuration information.

[0112] In some embodiments, after receiving the first response message, the core network device can parse the available positioning signal configuration information from the first response message and determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, without limitation.

[0113] Therefore, in this embodiment, the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area can be effectively determined, improving the positioning effect of the terminal device. The core network device sends a first request message to the first access network device and receives a first response message related to the first request message from the first access network device in response to the first information, thereby determining the available positioning signal configuration information. This effectively improves the timeliness of obtaining the available positioning signal configuration information and facilitates the timely determination of the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area.

[0114] In some embodiments, the LMF entity may request and receive available SRS configuration information via non-UE-related messages. Non-UE-related messages may be an optional example of non-terminal device-related request messages, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0115] In some embodiments, the LMF entity can request and receive available SRS configuration information through the TRP information exchange process, without limitation.

[0116] In some embodiments, the LMF sends a TRP Information Request message to the base station. The TRP Information Request message may include information for requesting available SRS configuration. The base station includes the available SRS configuration information in the TRP Information Response message based on the information for requesting available SRS configuration, without limitation.

[0117] In some embodiments, the LMF entity may also request and receive available SRS configuration information through a new process, without limitation.

[0118] In some embodiments, the LMF entity may send an SRS Information Request message to the base station, wherein the SRS Information Request message includes information for requesting available SRS configuration. The base station includes the available SRS configuration information in the SRS Information Response message based on the information for requesting available SRS configuration, without limitation.

[0119] Figure 3b This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0120] In this embodiment, the core network device is used as the LMF entity and the first access network device is used as the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) for example, but there are no limitations on this.

[0121] like Figure 3b As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0122] S301b: The LMF sends an SRS information request to the NG-RAN. The SRS information request is used to request available SRS resources on the NG-RAN.

[0123] In some embodiments, the SRS information request may be an optional example of the first request message, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0124] In some embodiments, the available SRS resources may be an optional example of available SRS configuration information, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0125] In some embodiments, SRS resources may be used to determine the SRS configuration for the valid region, and there are no limitations on this.

[0126] In some embodiments, the SRS Information Request includes at least one of the following information: an indication of available SRS requests, requested cell information, requested BWP information, requested frequency band information, requested resource type, and requested time information, without limitation.

[0127] S302b: The NG-RAN node sends SRS information feedback to the LMF based on the SRS information request.

[0128] Here, NG-RAN node refers to an NG-RAN node, which can also be an optional example of a first access network device, without restriction.

[0129] In some embodiments, SRS information feedback may also be referred to as SRS information response, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0130] In some embodiments, the SRS information feedback includes one or more available SRS configuration information, which is not limited.

[0131] In some embodiments, the available SRS configuration information may include one or more SRS configurations, each of which may include available time information and / or cell information, without limitation.

[0132] In some embodiments, the LMF determines the regional SRS configuration for the location UE based on one or more available SRS configuration information. The regional SRS configuration is an optional example of the location signal configuration information and is not limited thereto.

[0133] Figure 3c This disclosure provides a schematic flowchart of a positioning method.

[0134] In this embodiment, the core network device is used as the LMF entity and the first access network device is used as the base station (gNB) for example, but there are no restrictions on this.

[0135] like Figure 3c As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0136] S301c: The LMF sends a TRP information request message to the gNB.

[0137] In some embodiments, the TRP information request message is an optional example of the first request message, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0138] In some embodiments, the TRP information request message includes SRS request information, which is used to request available SRS configuration information. The SRS request information is an optional example of the first information and is not limited thereto.

[0139] In some embodiments, the SRS request information includes at least one of the following: an available SRS request indication, requested cell information, requested BWP information, requested frequency band information, requested resource type, and requested time information, without limitation.

[0140] In one embodiment, a new request type may be added to the TRP information type in the TRP information request message. The new request type, such as SRS or Area SRS, is used to request available SRS configurations, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0141] In other words, SRS request information can be configured to be included in the TRP information type without restriction.

[0142] In another embodiment, a new information element (IE), such as an SRS request or an Area SRS request, can be added to the TRP information request message to request available SRS configurations. There are no restrictions on this.

[0143] In other words, SRS request information can be configured to be included in TRP information request messages without any restrictions.

[0144] S302c: The base station sends a TRP information response message to the LMF based on the SRS request information. The TRP information response message includes available SRS configuration information.

[0145] The base station (NG-RAN node) can determine the available SRS configuration information based on the SRS request information in the TRP information request message, and include the available SRS configuration information in the TRP information response message and feed it back to the LMF, without any restrictions.

[0146] In some embodiments, available SRS configurations are included in the TRP information, and there are no limitations on this.

[0147] As shown in Table 1 below, Table 1 illustrates an information element that contains available SRS configuration information for a specific region from the SRS configuration information associated with the effective region.

[0148] Table 1

[0149]

[0150] In this context, IE stands for Information Element, Group Name represents the group name, SRSconfiguration represents the SRS configuration, NR PCI represents the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the 5G New Radio (NR) system, NR CGI represents the Cell Global Identifier (CGI) of the NR system, Available time duration represents the optional time range, M indicates required, O indicates optional, Presence indicates presence or presentation, Range indicates range, IE Type and Reference represents the IE type and reference, INTEGER represents an integer, and Semantics Description represents the semantic description, which is not restricted.

[0151] The positioning method provided in this embodiment can be either a gNB-CU for the first access network device or a gNB-DU for the second access network device, and there is no limitation on this.

[0152] In some embodiments, the gNB-CU may request the available SRS configuration from the gNB-DU, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0153] In some embodiments, the available SRS configuration can also be sent from the gNB-DU to the gNB-CU, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0154] In some embodiments, the gNB-CU may request the available SRS configuration from the gNB-DU, and then the gNB-DU may send the available SRS configuration to the gNB-CU; there are no restrictions on this.

[0155] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, which is executed by a core network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to core network devices, and there are no limitations on its application.

[0156] like Figure 4 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0157] S401: Send second information to the first access network device, wherein the second information is used to request positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area.

[0158] The information used to request location signal configuration information related to the effective area can be referred to as the second information.

[0159] In some embodiments, the second information may be, for example, regional SRS configuration request information, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0160] In some embodiments, the core network device may request location signal configuration information related to the effective area from the first access network device, without limitation.

[0161] In some embodiments, the core network device may send a regional SRS configuration request message to the first access network device to request location signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the regional SRS configuration request message, without limitation.

[0162] In some embodiments, the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area requested by the core network device may be determined by the first access network device. For details on the implementation of the first access network device determining the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, please refer to the following embodiments.

[0163] The positioning method provided in this embodiment can include one or more of the following: requested positioning signal transmission characteristics, requested area positioning signal indication, and requested area information, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of the requested positioning signal configuration information.

[0164] In some embodiments, the area SRS configuration request information includes at least one of the following: requested SRS transmission characteristics, requested area SRS indication, and requested area information, without limitation.

[0165] In this disclosure, "regional SRS configuration" can be understood as SRS configuration for a valid region, without limitation.

[0166] S402: Receive the positioning signal configuration information from the first access network device in response to the second information transmission.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first access network device may respond to the second information by feeding back positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area to the core network device, without limitation.

[0168] Therefore, the core network equipment can request positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area from the first access network equipment, effectively determining the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area and improving the positioning effect of the terminal equipment. Furthermore, it can obtain positioning signal configuration information on demand, effectively expanding the applicability of the positioning method.

[0169] The positioning method provided in this embodiment allows the core network device to send a second request message to the first access network device. The second request message includes second information, and the first access network device receives a second response message related to the second request message sent in response to the second information. The second response message includes positioning signal configuration information, which can improve the timeliness of obtaining positioning signal configuration information and support the reuse of existing request messages.

[0170] The request message used to transmit the second information can be referred to as the second request message. For example, the area SRS configuration request information can be included in the Positioning information request message to transmit the area SRS configuration request information to the first access network device. There are no restrictions on this.

[0171] The response message generated by the first access network device in response to the first request message can be referred to as the second response message.

[0172] The positioning method provided in this embodiment can use a second request message related to a terminal device to reuse existing request messages, thereby effectively reducing the transmission overhead of available positioning signal configuration information.

[0173] In some embodiments, the second request message may be, for example, a Positioning information request message, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0174] The positioning method provided in this embodiment includes positioning signal configuration information including at least one of the following: positioning signal configuration, available time of positioning signal configuration, regional positioning signal indication, and regional information, wherein the regional information includes at least a list of cell identifiers, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0175] In some embodiments, the available time is used to indicate the range of available time for the positioning signal configuration, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0176] In some embodiments, the area positioning signal is indicated to distinguish it from other positioning signal configurations, and there are no limitations on this.

[0177] In some embodiments, the area information is used to indicate the valid area information for the positioning signal configuration, and there are no limitations on this.

[0178] It should be noted that in the following embodiments, the descriptions of the same or corresponding methods as in the above embodiments can be found in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0179] Figure 5a This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in this embodiment, which is executed by a first access network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to a first access network device, which can be, for example, a base station or an NG-RAN (NG-RAN node). Specifically, the first access network device can be, for example, a network device serving the terminal device being located, and there are no limitations on this.

[0180] like Figure 5a As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0181] S501a: Determine available positioning signal configuration information, wherein the available positioning signal configuration information is used by the core network equipment to determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, and the positioning signal configuration information is used by the positioning terminal equipment.

[0182] In some embodiments, the available location signal configuration information determined by the first access network device can be used by the core network device to determine location signal configuration information related to the effective area, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0183] In some embodiments, the available location signal configuration information may be the available location signal configuration information of the first access network device, or it may be the available location signal configuration information of other base stations or gNB-DU (an optional example of the second access network device), and there is no limitation thereto.

[0184] In some embodiments, the available location signal configuration information may be available location signal configuration information received by the gNB-CU, which is the first access network device, from the gNB-DU, which is the second access network device, wherein the gNB-DU is a logical unit under the gNB-CU, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first access network device may receive neighbor cell available SRS configuration information from other base stations. The neighbor cell available SRS configuration information may be an optional example of available location signal configuration information, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0186] Figure 5b This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in this embodiment, which is executed by a first access network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to a first access network device, which can be, for example, a base station or an NG-RAN (NG-RAN node). Specifically, the first access network device can be, for example, a network device serving the terminal device being located, and there are no limitations on this.

[0187] like Figure 5b As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0188] S501b: Determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used for positioning terminal equipment.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first access network device may determine location signal configuration information related to the effective area, without limitation.

[0190] In some embodiments, the base station may determine one or more SRS configuration information for the effective area, without limitation.

[0191] Figure 5c This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in this embodiment, which is executed by a first access network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to a first access network device, which can be, for example, a base station or an NG-RAN (NG-RAN node). Specifically, the first access network device can be, for example, a network device serving the terminal device being located, and there are no limitations on this.

[0192] like Figure 5c As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0193] S501c: Determine available positioning signal configuration information and positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area. The available positioning signal configuration information is used by the core network equipment to determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, and the positioning signal configuration information is used by the positioning terminal equipment.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first access network device may determine available location signal configuration information and location signal configuration information related to the effective area, without limitation.

[0195] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first access network device can determine available positioning signal configuration information and / or positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area. If available positioning signal configuration information is determined, the core network device can determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the available positioning signal configuration information, or the first access network device itself can determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area. This can effectively improve the flexibility of determining the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area and is effectively applicable to personalized positioning scenarios.

[0196] In the positioning method of this disclosure, after the first access network device determines the available positioning signal configuration information, it can also send the available positioning signal configuration information to the core network device, without limitation.

[0197] For a detailed description of the specific transmission method, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0198] In the positioning method of this embodiment, the first access network device can receive first information sent by the core network device, wherein the first information is used to request available positioning signal configuration information, and in response to the first information, the first access network device sends available positioning signal configuration information to the core network device, without limitation.

[0199] The method of sending available positioning signal configuration information to the core network equipment in response to the first information can be specifically referred to in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0200] In the positioning method of this embodiment, the first access network device can receive a first request message sent by the core network device, wherein the first request message includes first information, and in response to the first information, sends a first response message related to the first request message to the core network device, wherein the first response message includes available positioning signal configuration information, which is not limited thereto.

[0201] In response to the first request message and the first information, a first response message related to the first request message is sent to the core network device. The description of the first response message can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0202] In the positioning method of this disclosure embodiment, the first access network device may also receive second information sent by the core network device, wherein the second information is used to request positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area; in response to the second information, the positioning signal configuration information is sent to the core network device, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0203] For a detailed description of sending positioning signal configuration information to the core network equipment in response to the second information, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0204] In the positioning method of this embodiment, the first access network device can also receive a second request message sent by the core network device, wherein the second request message includes second information, and in response to the second information, sends a second response message related to the second request message to the core network device, wherein the second response message includes positioning signal configuration information, which is not limited thereto.

[0205] In response to the second request message and the second information, a second response message related to the second request message is sent to the core network device. The description of the second response message can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0206] Figure 6a This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, which is executed by a first access network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to the first access network device, and there are no limitations on its application.

[0207] like Figure 6a As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0208] S601a: Receive available positioning signal configuration information sent by the second access network device.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first access network device may determine location signal configuration information related to the effective area, without limitation.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first access network device may determine the location signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the available location signal configuration information of the second access network device, without limitation.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first access network device may send the available positioning signal configuration information received from the second access network device to the core network device, so that the core network device can determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, without limitation.

[0212] The positioning method provided in this embodiment allows a first access network device to receive a configuration message sent by a second access network device. The configuration message includes available positioning signal configuration information and is a message not related to the terminal device, which can effectively improve the timeliness of obtaining available positioning signal configuration information.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first access network device and the second access network device may establish messages or RAN configuration update messages through the XnAP interface to transmit available location signal configuration information (e.g., available SRS information), and there are no limitations on this.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first access network device and the second access network device may use F1AP (F1 application protocol) interface to establish messages and gNB-DU configuration update messages to transmit available location signal configuration information (e.g., available SRS information), without limitation.

[0215] The positioning method provided in this embodiment allows a first access network device to receive a configuration message sent by a second access network device. The configuration message includes available positioning signal configuration information and is related to the terminal device, which can effectively improve the timeliness of obtaining available positioning signal configuration information.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first access network device and the second access network device may transmit available location signal configuration information (e.g., available SRS information) via F1AP SRS information request messages and location information request messages, without limitation.

[0217] S602a: Determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the available positioning signal configuration information.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first access network device can directly determine the location signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the available location signal configuration information of the second access network device, without limitation.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first access network device may request available location signal configuration information from the second access network device in response to a request (e.g., area SRS configuration request information) from a core network device (e.g., an LMF entity), and determine location signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the request from the core network device and the available location signal configuration information, without limitation.

[0220] In some embodiments, after determining the location signal configuration information related to the effective area, the first access network device may send the location signal configuration information to the core network device, and there is no limitation on this.

[0221] In some embodiments, the base station may send one or more SRS configuration information for the valid area to the LMF entity, without limitation.

[0222] Therefore, the first access network device can obtain available positioning signal configuration information from the second access network device to determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area.

[0223] Figure 6b This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, which is executed by a first access network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to the first access network device, and there are no limitations on its application.

[0224] like Figure 6b As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0225] S601b: Receives available positioning signal configuration information sent by the second access network device.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first access network device may send the available positioning signal configuration information received from the second access network device to the core network device, so that the core network device can determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, without limitation.

[0227] The positioning method provided in this embodiment allows a first access network device to receive a configuration message sent by a second access network device. The configuration message includes available positioning signal configuration information and is a message not related to the terminal device, which can effectively improve the timeliness of obtaining available positioning signal configuration information.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first access network device and the second access network device may establish messages or RAN configuration update messages through the XnAP interface to transmit available location signal configuration information (e.g., available SRS information), and there are no limitations on this.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first access network device and the second access network device may use F1AP (F1 application protocol) interface to establish messages and gNB-DU configuration update messages to transmit available location signal configuration information (e.g., available SRS information), without limitation.

[0230] The positioning method provided in this embodiment allows a first access network device to receive a configuration message sent by a second access network device. The configuration message includes available positioning signal configuration information and is related to the terminal device, which can effectively improve the timeliness of obtaining available positioning signal configuration information.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first access network device and the second access network device may transmit available location signal configuration information (e.g., available SRS information) via F1AP SRS information request messages and location information request messages, without limitation.

[0232] S602b: Sends configuration information on available positioning signals to core network equipment.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first access network device may request available location signal configuration information from the second access network device in response to a request (e.g., area SRS configuration request information) from the core network device (e.g., an LMF entity), and send the available location signal configuration information received from the second access network device to the core network device, without limitation.

[0234] Therefore, the first access network device can obtain available location signal configuration information from the second access network device, and then send the available location signal configuration information to the core network device, so that the core network device can determine the location signal configuration information related to the effective area under the CU-DU separated RAN architecture, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the location signal configuration information related to the effective area.

[0235] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the method.

[0236] In this embodiment, the first access network device is NG-RAN1 and the second access network device is NG-RAN2, which is used as an example to illustrate the interaction between NG-RAN1 and NG-RAN2. This is not a limitation.

[0237] like Figure 7 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0238] S701: NG-RAN 2 sends an XnAP message to NG-RAN 1. The XnAP message is non-UE-related and includes one or more available SRS configuration information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the available SRS configuration information includes one or more available SRS configurations, each of which includes available time information and / or cell information, without limitation.

[0240] In some embodiments, the Xn interface application protocol (AP) message can be an optional example of a configuration message, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0241] In some embodiments, the XnAP message can be an Xn Setup Request message, an Xn Setup Response message, a RAN configuration update message, etc., and there is no limitation on this.

[0242] In some embodiments, the XnAP message may include one or more available SRS configuration information, without limitation.

[0243] Then NG-RAN 1 can determine the regional SRS configuration for the location UE based on one or more available SRS configuration information.

[0244] In some embodiments, the regional SRS configuration for the location UE is an optional example of location signal configuration information related to the effective area, and is not limited thereto.

[0245] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, which is executed by a first access network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to the first access network device, and there are no limitations on its application.

[0246] like Figure 8 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0247] S801: In response to receiving the second information sent by the core network device, a third information is sent to the second access network device, wherein the second information is used to request positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, and the third information is used to request available positioning signal configuration information of the second access network device.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first access network device may request available location signal configuration information from the second access network device in response to a request (e.g., area SRS configuration request information) from a core network device (e.g., an LMF entity), and determine location signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the request from the core network device and the available location signal configuration information, without limitation.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first access network device (e.g., gNB-CU) may request available location signal configuration information from the second access network device (e.g., gNB-DU) in response to a request (e.g., area SRS configuration request information) from the core network device (e.g., LMF entity), and send the received available location signal configuration information to the core network device so as to determine the location signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the request from the core network device and the available location signal configuration information, without limitation.

[0250] In some embodiments, the second information may be, for example, regional SRS configuration request information, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0251] In some embodiments, the core network device may send a regional SRS configuration request message to a first access network device, and the first access network device, in response to the regional SRS configuration request message, sends third information to a second access network device to request available location signal configuration information of the second access network device, so as to request to obtain available location signal configuration information of the second access network device, without limitation.

[0252] S802: Receive available positioning signal configuration information from the second access network device in response to the third information transmission.

[0253] S803: Determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the second information and the available positioning signal configuration information.

[0254] In some embodiments, the base station (an optional example of a first access network device) may determine one or more SRS configuration information for a specific area, without limitation.

[0255] In some embodiments, the base station may be receiving area SRS configuration request information (an optional example of second information) from an LMF entity, and there are no limitations on this.

[0256] In some embodiments, the base station receives a regional SRS configuration request information from an LMF entity, and in response to the regional SRS configuration request information, it may receive neighboring cell available SRS configuration information from other base stations (an optional example of a second access network device), without limitation.

[0257] In some embodiments, the base station may combine the regional SRS configuration request information from the LMF entity and the available SRS configuration information of neighboring cells to determine the SRS configuration information related to the effective area, without limitation.

[0258] In some embodiments, the base station may also confirm regional SRS configuration information (an optional example of location signal configuration information related to the effective area) with other base stations, without limitation.

[0259] In some embodiments, other base stations refer to base stations within the effective area, and this is not limited.

[0260] Therefore, the first access network device can flexibly and accurately determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area to support the positioning terminal device.

[0261] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0262] In this embodiment, the core network device is taken as the LMF entity, the first access network device is taken as the gNB, and the second access network device is taken as other base stations for example, but there are no restrictions on this.

[0263] like Figure 9 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0264] S901: The LMF sends a Positioning Information Request message to the gNB. The Positioning Information Request message includes area SRS configuration request information, which is used to request area SRS configuration.

[0265] In some embodiments, the area SRS configuration may be an optional example of location signal configuration information related to the effective area, and is not limited thereto.

[0266] In some embodiments, the area SRS configuration request information includes at least one of the following: requested SRS transmission characteristics, requested area SRS indication, and requested area information, without limitation.

[0267] S902: The base station determines the SRS configuration information for a specific area based on the area SRS configuration request information and / or the available SRS configuration received from other base stations.

[0268] In some embodiments, the area SRS configuration request information may be an optional example of the second information, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0269] In some embodiments, the available SRS configuration received from other base stations may be an optional example of available location signal configuration information sent by the second access network device, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0270] In some embodiments, the SRS configuration information for a specific area is an optional example of the positioning signal configuration information associated with the effective area, and is not limited thereto.

[0271] In some embodiments, the SRS configuration information for a specific area includes at least one of the following: SRS configuration, available time of the SRS configuration, available time used to indicate the available time range of the SRS configuration, area SRS indication, area SRS indication used to distinguish other SRS configurations, area information, including one or more cell lists, area information used to indicate the valid area information of the SRS configuration, which is not limited thereto.

[0272] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in this embodiment, which is executed by a first access network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to the first access network device, and there are no limitations on its application.

[0273] like Figure 10 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0274] S1001: In response to receiving the second information sent by the core network device, a third information is sent to the second access network device, wherein the second information is used to request positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, and the third information is used to request available positioning signal configuration information of the second access network device.

[0275] S1002: Receive available positioning signal configuration information from the second access network device in response to the third information transmission.

[0276] S1003: Based on the second information and / or available positioning signal configuration information, determine the positioning signal to be confirmed related to the effective area.

[0277] S1004: Send fourth information to the second access network device, wherein the fourth information is used to request confirmation of the location signal to be confirmed.

[0278] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be, for example, regional SRS request information, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0279] S1005: In response to receiving the fifth information sent by the second access network device based on the unconfirmed positioning signal, the configuration information of the unconfirmed positioning signal is used as the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, wherein the fifth information is used to indicate that the unconfirmed positioning signal has been confirmed.

[0280] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may be, for example, a regional SRS request confirmation message, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first access network device may receive a request from the LMF (e.g., area SRS configuration request information). Based on the request and / or available SRS configuration (which may be an optional example of available location signal configuration information), the first access network device determines the area SRS to be confirmed (an optional example of the location signal to be confirmed) and sends a confirmation request (an optional example of the fourth information) to the second access network device. In response to the confirmation request sent by the first access network device, the second access network device includes the configuration information of the area SRS to be confirmed in the feedback message, which is not limited.

[0282] In some embodiments, after the first access network device determines that the second access network device has confirmed the location signal to be confirmed, it can use the configuration information of the location signal to be confirmed fed back by the second access network device as the location signal configuration information related to the effective area, without limitation.

[0283] The positioning method provided in this embodiment includes a fifth piece of information, which includes a sixth piece of information. The sixth piece of information is used to indicate configuration information that confirms support for the positioning signal to be confirmed, and is not limited thereto.

[0284] The positioning method provided in this embodiment includes seventh information as the fifth information. The seventh information is used to indicate and confirm cell information that supports the positioning signal to be confirmed, and there are no limitations on this.

[0285] The positioning method provided in this embodiment may include a fifth piece of information, which may include a sixth piece of information and a seventh piece of information. The sixth piece of information is used to indicate configuration information that confirms support for the positioning signal to be confirmed, and the seventh piece of information is used to indicate cell information that confirms support for the positioning signal to be confirmed. This method can effectively indicate to other network devices that the positioning signal to be confirmed has been confirmed.

[0286] In some embodiments, the base station confirms the regional SRS configuration information with other base stations by sending regional SRS request information to other base stations via XnAP messages, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0287] In some embodiments, the base station can receive regional SRS request confirmation information from other base stations via XnAP messages, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0288] In some embodiments, the area SRS request confirmation information may include at least one of the following: area SRS information for indicating confirmation of support for the request, and cell information for indicating confirmation of support for the area SRS, without limitation.

[0289] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in this embodiment.

[0290] In this embodiment, the core network device is taken as the LMF entity, the first access network device is gNB1, and the second access network device is gNB2 for example, but there are no limitations on this.

[0291] like Figure 11 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0292] S1101: The LMF sends a Positioning Information Request message to the gNB. The Positioning Information Request message includes area SRS configuration request information, which is used to request area SRS configuration.

[0293] S1102: gNB1 sends a regional SRS request to gNB2 based on the regional SRS configuration request information.

[0294] In some embodiments, the regional SRS request includes SRS configuration information for a specific region determined by gNB1.

[0295] In some embodiments, a regional SRS request may be an optional example of fourth information, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0296] S1103: Based on the area SRS request, gNB2 decides whether to agree to reserve the requested SRS resources and sends an area SRS request confirmation message to gNB1. The area SRS request confirmation message includes at least one of the following:

[0297] SRS information used to indicate the area where a support request is confirmed;

[0298] Cell information used to indicate the area SRS for confirming support requests, such as a list of one or more cell identifiers.

[0299] S1104: Based on the area SRS request confirmation information sent by gNB2, gNB1 determines the SRS configuration information of a specific area and sends the SRS configuration information of the specific area to the LMF entity.

[0300] In some embodiments, the SRS configuration information for a specific area may be an optional example of the positioning signal configuration information associated with the effective area, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0301] In some embodiments, gNB1 can determine area information (which may be an optional example of location signal configuration information related to the effective area) based on area SRS request confirmation information obtained from multiple base stations (i.e., gNB2). For example, if the area SRS request confirmation information indicates that a cell under gNB2 supports area SRS configuration, gNB1 includes the cell ID of the cell in the area information sent to the LMF entity, without limitation.

[0302] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating another positioning method provided in this embodiment, which is executed by a second access network device. The positioning method in this embodiment can be applied to a second access network device, which can be, for example, a base station or an NG-RAN (NG-RAN node), and there are no limitations on this.

[0303] like Figure 12 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0304] S1201: Determine available positioning signal configuration information, wherein the available positioning signal configuration information is used by the first access network device to determine positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, and the positioning signal configuration information is used by the positioning terminal device.

[0305] In some embodiments, the available location signal configuration information may be determined by the second access network device, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second access network device determines available location signal configuration information and may provide the available location signal configuration information to the first access network device, without limitation.

[0307] In some embodiments, the first access network device may locate the terminal devices it serves based on the available location signal configuration information provided by the second access network device.

[0308] In some embodiments, the second access network device may be, for example, NG-RAN2 or gNB2 as described in the above embodiments, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0309] Therefore, the availability of positioning signal configuration information determined by the second access network device can effectively support the first access network device in determining the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the availability of positioning signal configuration information, so as to assist the positioning terminal device and ensure the positioning effect of the terminal device.

[0310] The positioning method provided in this embodiment allows the second access network device to send available positioning signal configuration information to the first access network device after determining the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area; this is not limited.

[0311] For details on how the second access network device sends available location signal configuration information to the first access network device, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0312] The positioning method provided in this embodiment can be such that the second access network device receives third information sent by the first access network device. The third information is used to request available positioning signal configuration information, and in response to the third information, the second access network device sends available positioning signal configuration information to the first access network device. There are no restrictions on this.

[0313] For the implementation of sending available positioning signal configuration information to the first access network device in response to the third information, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0314] The positioning method provided in this embodiment allows a second access network device to send a configuration message to a first access network device. The configuration message includes available positioning signal configuration information. The configuration message is not related to the terminal device and will not be described in detail here.

[0315] For a detailed explanation of the configuration messages, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0316] In the positioning method provided in this embodiment, the second access network device can also receive fourth information sent by the first access network device, wherein the fourth information is used to request confirmation of the positioning signal to be confirmed, and based on the positioning signal to be confirmed, sends fifth information to the first access network device, wherein the fifth information is used to indicate that the positioning signal to be confirmed has been confirmed, and there are no limitations on this.

[0317] The positioning method provided in this embodiment includes, in which the fifth information includes one or more of the sixth and seventh information, wherein the sixth information is used to indicate configuration information that confirms support for the positioning signal to be confirmed, and the seventh information is used to indicate cell information that confirms support for the positioning signal to be confirmed, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0318] For a detailed explanation of the sixth and seventh pieces of information, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0319] The positioning method provided in this embodiment includes positioning signal configuration information including one or more of the following: positioning signal configuration, available time of positioning signal configuration, regional positioning signal indication, and regional information. The regional information includes at least a list of cell identifiers, but is not limited thereto.

[0320] The positioning method provided in this embodiment includes available positioning signal configuration information, wherein each available positioning signal configuration includes one or more of available time information and cell information, without limitation.

[0321] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 13 The communication device 130 shown may include a transceiver module 1301 and a processing module 1302. The transceiver module 1301 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module is used to implement the sending function, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function. The transceiver module 1301 can implement both sending and / or receiving functions.

[0322] The communication device 130 may be a network device (such as the core network device, the first access network device, or the second access network device in the aforementioned method embodiments), or a device within a network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a network device.

[0323] Communication device 130, located on the core network equipment side, includes:

[0324] The processing module 1302 is used to determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used for positioning terminal equipment.

[0325] In this embodiment, the core network device can determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area. The positioning signal configuration information is used to locate the terminal device, which can effectively determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area and improve the positioning effect of the terminal device.

[0326] Communication device 130, on the first access network equipment side, the device includes:

[0327] The processing module 1302 is used to determine available positioning signal configuration information, wherein the available positioning signal configuration information is used by the core network equipment to determine positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area; and / or to determine positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used by the positioning terminal equipment.

[0328] In this embodiment, the first access network device can determine available positioning signal configuration information and / or positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area. If available positioning signal configuration information is determined, the core network device can determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the available positioning signal configuration information, or the first access network device itself can determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area. This can effectively improve the flexibility of determining the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area and is effectively applicable to personalized positioning scenarios.

[0329] Communication device 130, on the second access network equipment side, the device includes:

[0330] The processing module 1302 is used to determine available positioning signal configuration information, wherein the available positioning signal configuration information is used by the first access network device to determine positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, and the positioning signal configuration information is used by the positioning terminal device.

[0331] In this embodiment, the second access network device determines the available positioning signal configuration information, which can effectively support the first access network device to determine the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area based on the available positioning signal configuration information, so as to assist the positioning terminal device and ensure the positioning effect of the terminal device.

[0332] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 140 can be a network device (such as the core network device, first access network device, and second access network device in the foregoing method embodiments), or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and for details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0333] The communication device 140 may include one or more processors 1401. The processor 1401 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0334] Optionally, the communication device 140 may further include one or more memories 1402, on which computer program 1404 may be stored, and the processor 1401 may store computer program 1403. The processor 1401 executes computer program 1404 and / or computer program 1403 to cause the communication device 140 to perform the method described in the above method embodiments.

[0335] Optionally, the memory 1402 may also store data. The communication device 140 and the memory 1402 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0336] Optionally, the communication device 140 may further include a transceiver 1405 and an antenna 1406. The transceiver 1405 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 1405 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0337] Optionally, the communication device 140 may further include one or more interface circuits 1407. The interface circuits 1407 are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 1401. The processor 1401 executes the code instructions to cause the communication device 140 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0338] In one implementation, the processor 1401 may include a transceiver for implementing receive and transmit functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receive and transmit functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0339] In one implementation, processor 1401 may store computer program 1403, which runs on processor 1401 and causes communication device 140 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Computer program 1403 may be embedded in processor 1401; in this case, processor 1401 may be implemented in hardware.

[0340] In one implementation, the communication device 140 may include circuitry capable of performing the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this disclosure can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0341] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device (such as the core network device, the first access network device, and the second access network device in the foregoing method embodiments), but the scope of the communication device described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may vary. Figure 14 The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be:

[0342] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0343] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0344] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0345] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0346] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0347] (6) Others, etc.

[0348] For cases where the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the chip structure according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 15 The chip shown includes a processor 1501 and an interface 1502. There can be one or more processors 1501, and multiple interfaces 1502.

[0349] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of network devices (such as the core network device, first access network device, and second access network device in the aforementioned method embodiments):

[0350] Processor 1501 is used to implement the above. Figures 2-12 Each step in the process, etc.

[0351] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 1503, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0352] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0353] This disclosure also provides a communication system, which includes a communication device that serves as a network device (such as the core network device, first access network device, or second access network device in the aforementioned method embodiments), or the system includes the aforementioned... Figure 14 The communication device in the embodiment is a network device (such as the core network device, the first access network device, and the second access network device in the aforementioned method embodiments).

[0354] This disclosure also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0355] This disclosure also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0356] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0357] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor do they indicate the order of events.

[0358] At least one of the features described in this disclosure can also be described as one or more, and multiple features can be two, three, four or more, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations. In the embodiments of this disclosure, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", etc., and there is no sequential order or size order among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0359] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0360] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0361] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0362] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0363] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that, Performed by core network equipment, the method includes: Determine positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used to locate the terminal device within the effective area; The location signal configuration information related to the effective area includes: Send a second message to the first access network device, wherein the second message is used to request the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area; Receive the positioning signal configuration information sent by the first access network device in response to the second information; The terminal device is in a deactivated state or an idle state, wherein when the terminal device is located within the effective area, the terminal device does not switch to a connected state.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the second information to the first access network device includes: Send a second request message to the first access network device, wherein the second request message includes the second information; The step of receiving the positioning signal configuration information sent by the first access network device in response to the second information includes: The system receives a second response message from the first access network device in response to the second information, which is related to the second request message. The second response message includes the positioning signal configuration information.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second request message is a request message related to the terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: The characteristics of the requested location signal transmission; Requesting area location signal indication; Requested region information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The positioning signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: Positioning signal configuration; The available time of the positioning signal configuration; Area positioning signal indication; Regional information, wherein the regional information includes at least a list of cell identifiers.

6. A positioning method, characterized in that, Performed by a first access network device, the method includes: Determine available positioning signal configuration information, wherein the available positioning signal configuration information is used by the core network equipment to determine positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area; and / or Determine positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used to locate the terminal device within the effective area; the determination of positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area includes: Receive second information sent by the core network device, wherein the second information is used to request the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area; In response to the second information, the positioning signal configuration information is sent to the core network device; The terminal device is in a deactivated state or an idle state, wherein when the terminal device is located within the effective area, the terminal device does not switch to a connected state.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second information received from the core network device includes: Receive a second request message sent by the core network device, wherein the second request message includes the second information; The step of sending the positioning signal configuration information to the core network device in response to the second information includes: In response to the second information, a second response message related to the second request message is sent to the core network device, wherein the second response message includes the positioning signal configuration information.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The second request message is a request message related to the terminal device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: The characteristics of the requested location signal transmission; Requesting area location signal indication; Requested region information.

10. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first access network device determines the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, including: Receive available positioning signal configuration information sent by the second access network device; The positioning signal configuration information is determined based on the available positioning signal configuration information.

11. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first access network device determines available positioning signal configuration information, including: Receive available positioning signal configuration information sent by the second access network device; Send the available positioning signal configuration information to the core network equipment.

12. The method as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The configuration information for receiving available positioning signals sent by the second access network device includes: In response to receiving the second information sent by the core network device, a third information is sent to the second access network device, wherein the second information is used to request the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, and the third information is used to request the available positioning signal configuration information of the second access network device; The second access network device receives the available location signal configuration information in response to the third information.

13. The method as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The configuration information for receiving available positioning signals sent by the second access network device includes: The system receives a configuration message sent by the second access network device, wherein the configuration message includes the available positioning signal configuration information and is a non-terminal device related message.

14. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first access network device determines the location signal configuration information based on the available location signal configuration information, including: Based on the second information and the available positioning signal configuration information, the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area is determined.

15. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first access network device determines the location signal configuration information based on the available location signal configuration information, including: Based on the second information and / or the available positioning signal configuration information, determine the positioning signal to be confirmed related to the effective area; Send a fourth message to the second access network device, wherein the fourth message is used to request confirmation of the location signal to be confirmed; In response to receiving the fifth information sent by the second access network device based on the unconfirmed location signal, the configuration information of the unconfirmed location signal is used as the location signal configuration information related to the effective area, wherein the fifth information is used to indicate that the unconfirmed location signal has been confirmed.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The fifth piece of information includes at least one of the following: The sixth information, wherein the sixth information is used to indicate configuration information that confirms support for the positioning signal to be confirmed; The seventh information, wherein the seventh information is used to indicate cell information that confirms support for the location signal to be confirmed.

17. The method according to any one of claims 6-16, characterized in that, The available location signal configuration information includes available location signal configurations, wherein each available location signal configuration includes at least one of the following: Available time information; Community information.

18. The method according to any one of claims 6-17, characterized in that, The positioning signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: Positioning signal configuration; The available time of the positioning signal configuration; Area positioning signal indication; Regional information, wherein the regional information includes at least a list of cell identifiers.

19. A positioning method, characterized in that, Performed by a second access network device, the method includes: The system determines available positioning signal configuration information, wherein the available positioning signal configuration information is used by a first access network device to determine positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area, and the positioning signal configuration information is used to locate a terminal device within the effective area; the first access network device receives second information sent by a core network device, wherein the second information is used to request the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area; the first access network device responds to the second information by sending the positioning signal configuration information to the core network device; The terminal device is in a deactivated state or an idle state, wherein when the terminal device is located within the effective area, the terminal device does not switch to a connected state.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The location signal configuration information related to the effective area includes: Send available location signal configuration information to the first access network device.

21. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, Sending available location signal configuration information to the first access network device includes: Receive third information sent by the first access network device, wherein the third information is used to request the available positioning signal configuration information; In response to the third information, the available positioning signal configuration information is sent to the first access network device.

22. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, Sending available location signal configuration information to the first access network device includes: A configuration message is sent to the first access network device, wherein the configuration message includes the available positioning signal configuration information, and the configuration message is a non-terminal device related message.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a fourth message sent by the first access network device, wherein the fourth message is used to request confirmation of the location signal to be confirmed. Based on the unconfirmed location signal, a fifth message is sent to the first access network device, wherein the fifth message is used to indicate that the unconfirmed location signal has been confirmed.

24. The method as described in claim 23, characterized in that, The fifth piece of information includes at least one of the following: The sixth information, wherein the sixth information is used to indicate configuration information that confirms support for the positioning signal to be confirmed; The seventh information, wherein the seventh information is used to indicate cell information that confirms support for the location signal to be confirmed.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19-24, characterized in that, The positioning signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: Positioning signal configuration; The available time of the positioning signal configuration; Area positioning signal indication; Regional information, wherein the regional information includes at least a list of cell identifiers.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19-25, characterized in that, The available location signal configuration information includes available location signal configurations, wherein each available location signal configuration includes at least one of the following: Available time information; Community information.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: A processing module is used to determine positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used to locate the terminal device within the effective area; The location signal configuration information related to the effective area includes: Send a second message to the first access network device, wherein the second message is used to request the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area; Receive the positioning signal configuration information sent by the first access network device in response to the second information; The terminal device is in a deactivated state or an idle state, wherein when the terminal device is located within the effective area, the terminal device does not switch to a connected state.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: A processing module is configured to determine available positioning signal configuration information, wherein the available positioning signal configuration information is used by the core network device to determine positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area; and / or determine positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area, wherein the positioning signal configuration information is used to locate a terminal device within the effective area; the determination of positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area includes: receiving second information sent by the core network device, wherein the second information is used to request the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area; and responding to the second information by sending the positioning signal configuration information to the core network device; The terminal device is in a deactivated state or an idle state, wherein when the terminal device is located within the effective area, the terminal device does not switch to a connected state.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: A processing module is configured to determine available positioning signal configuration information, wherein the available positioning signal configuration information is used by a first access network device to determine positioning signal configuration information related to an effective area, and the positioning signal configuration information is used to locate a terminal device within the effective area; the first access network device receives second information sent by a core network device, wherein the second information is used to request the positioning signal configuration information related to the effective area; the first access network device responds to the second information and sends the positioning signal configuration information to the core network device; The terminal device is in a deactivated state or an idle state, wherein when the terminal device is located within the effective area, the terminal device does not switch to a connected state.

30. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a core network device, a first access network device, and a second access network device. The core network device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-5, the first access network device performs the method as described in any one of claims 6-18, and the second access network device performs the method as described in any one of claims 19-26.

31. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1-26 to be implemented.

Images