Positioning in cellular communication networks
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202180089727.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-01-11
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-12-22
Smart Images
Figure CN116746276B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Various example embodiments generally relate to cellular communication networks, and more specifically to positioning within such networks. Background Technology
[0002] The performance of cellular communication networks can be improved by utilizing the known or predicted location of user equipment (UEs). For example, by tracking the location of UEs, the network can optimize its resource usage. Furthermore, many applications require and / or benefit from accurate UE location tracking, especially for high-speed UEs.
[0003] Therefore, tracking the location of the UE is important in cellular communication networks (such as those operating under LTE and / or 5G radio access technologies). 5G radio access technology can also be referred to as New Radio (NR) access technology. Since its inception, LTE has been widely deployed, and the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) is still developing LTE. Similarly, 3GPP has also developed standards for 5G / NR. Topics discussed by 3GPP include network efficiency and location. Based on these discussions, there is a need for improved methods, apparatus, and computer programs for location. Such improvements can also be used in other cellular communication networks in the future. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The subject matter of the independent claims is provided for several aspects. Some exemplary embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
[0005] The scope of protection sought by the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is set forth in the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims should be interpreted as examples for understanding the various exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: components for sending an inactivity state measurement request to a user equipment to request the user equipment to perform at least one location measurement in an inactive state and sending an inactivity state measurement report after switching from an inactive state to a connected state; components for receiving an inactivity state measurement report from the user equipment, wherein the inactivity state measurement report includes information about at least one location measurement performed by the user equipment while the user equipment is in an inactive state; components for generating a mobility profile of the user equipment based at least on the information about the at least one location measurement performed by the user equipment; and components for sending the mobility profile of the user equipment to a base station serving the user equipment. The apparatus of the first aspect may include a location management entity or components for controlling a location management entity.
[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: components for receiving an inactivity state measurement request to perform at least one positioning measurement in an inactivity state and sending an inactivity state measurement report after a user equipment has switched from an inactivity state to a connected state; components for performing at least one positioning measurement while the user equipment is in an inactivity state after receiving the inactivity state measurement request; and components for sending an inactivity state measurement report after switching to a connected state, wherein the inactivity state measurement report includes information regarding the at least one positioning measurement performed by the user equipment. The apparatus of the second aspect may include a user equipment or components for controlling the user equipment.
[0008] According to a third aspect of the invention, a first method is provided, comprising: sending an inactivity state measurement request to a user equipment to request the user equipment to perform at least one location measurement in an inactivity state and sending an inactivity state measurement report after switching from an inactivity state to a connected state; receiving the inactivity state measurement report from the user equipment, wherein the inactivity state measurement report includes information about at least one location measurement performed by the user equipment while the user equipment is in an inactivity state; generating a mobility profile of the user equipment based at least on the information about the at least one location measurement performed by the user equipment; and sending the mobility profile of the user equipment to a base station serving the user equipment.
[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a second method is provided, comprising: receiving an inactivity state measurement request to perform at least one positioning measurement in an inactivity state and sending an inactivity state measurement report after a user equipment has switched from an inactivity state to a connected state; performing at least one positioning measurement while the user equipment is in an inactivity state after receiving the inactivity state measurement request; and sending an inactivity state measurement report after switching to a connected state, the inactivity state measurement report including information about the at least one positioning measurement performed by the user equipment.
[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processing core and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processing core, to cause the apparatus to at least: send an inactivity state measurement request to a user equipment to request the user equipment to perform at least one location measurement in an inactive state and send an inactivity state measurement report after switching from an inactive state to a connected state; receive an inactivity state measurement report from the user equipment, wherein the inactivity state measurement report includes information about at least one location measurement performed by the user equipment while the user equipment is in an inactive state; generate a mobility profile of the user equipment based at least on the information about the at least one location measurement performed by the user equipment; and send the mobility profile of the user equipment to a base station serving the user equipment. The apparatus of the fifth aspect may include a location management entity or components for controlling a location management entity.
[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processing core and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processing core, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive an inactivity state measurement request to perform at least one positioning measurement in an inactivity state and send an inactivity state measurement report after a user equipment has switched from an inactivity state to a connected state; perform at least one positioning measurement while the user equipment is in an inactivity state after receiving the inactivity state measurement request; and send an inactivity state measurement report after switching to a connected state, the inactivity state measurement report including information about the at least one positioning measurement performed by the user equipment. The apparatus of the sixth aspect may include a user equipment or components for controlling the user equipment.
[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, on which a set of computer-readable instructions is stored, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes a device to perform at least a first method. According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, on which a set of computer-readable instructions is stored, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes a device to perform at least a second method.
[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, a computer program including instructions is provided that, when executed by a device, causes the device to perform a first method. According to a tenth aspect of the invention, a computer program including instructions is provided that, when executed by a device, causes the device to perform a second method. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1The diagram illustrates a communication network according to at least some example embodiments;
[0015] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a signaling diagram based on at least some example embodiments;
[0016] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a device that supports at least some of the example embodiments;
[0017] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of a first method according to at least some example embodiments;
[0018] Figure 5 The illustration shows a flowchart of a second method according to at least some example embodiments. Detailed Implementation
[0019] Location in cellular communication systems can be improved through the process described herein. More specifically, even when a User Equipment (UE) is inactive, the UE can perform at least one location measurement. The UE can perform at least one location measurement in response to, for example, receiving an inactivity measurement request from a location management entity. Thus, the location management entity can control how the UE performs at least one location measurement (if needed) in an inactive state. Upon switching to a connected state, the UE can then send an inactivity measurement report to the location management entity, which includes information about the at least one location measurement performed by the UE. By taking into account the information about the at least one location measurement performed by the inactive UE, the location management entity can generate or update the UE's mobility profile. This mobility profile can also be further sent to a base station (BS) so that the BS can take appropriate action.
[0020] Figure 1 The illustration depicts a communication network according to at least some example embodiments. Figure 1 An example communication network may include UE 110, a first BS 120, a second BS 130, and a core network 140. If cell reselection or handover of UE 110 is required due to the movement of UE 110, the first BS 120 may be referred to as the source BS, and the second BS 130 may be referred to as the target BS. However, in some example embodiments, if cell reselection and handover are not required due to the movement of UE 110, the first BS 120 and the second BS 130 may be the same.
[0021] The position of UE 110 at different times is determined by Figure 1Points 102, 104, 106, and 108 are indicated in the diagram. Taking cell reselection as an example, UE 110 can be located at point 102 before cell reselection and is connected to the first BS 120 via air interface 115. Then, UE 110 can begin moving from point 102 to the second BS 130 via points 104 and 106. At point 108, UE 110 can perform cell reselection. Therefore, at point 108, UE 110 can be connected to the second BS 130 via air interface 125. At points 104 and 106, UE 110 can be inactive.
[0022] The first BS 120 and the second BS 130 can be directly connected to each other via a wired interface 135, such as an X2 or Xn interface. The first BS 120 and the second BS 130 can also be connected to the core network 140 directly or via at least one intermediate node. The core network 140 can then be connected to another network (in...) via a wired interface 145. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) is coupled, and connectivity to other networks can be obtained via this other network (e.g., via the global interconnection network).
[0023] UE 110 may include or be attached to, for example, a smartphone, cellular phone, machine-to-machine (M2M) node, machine-type communication (MTC) node, Internet of Things (IoT) node, automotive telemetry unit, laptop, tablet, or virtually any suitable mobile wireless terminal or mobile station. In some example embodiments, prior to cell reselection, a first BS 120 may be considered the serving BS for UE 110 (at least connected at point 102), and after cell reselection, a second BS 130 may be considered the serving BS for UE 110 (at least connected at point 108).
[0024] The air interface 115 between UE 110 and the first BS 120 can be configured according to a first radio access technology (RAT) supported by UE 110 and the first BS 120, and UE 110 can communicate with the first BS 120 via air interface 115 using the first RAT before cell reselection. Similarly, the air interface 125 between UE 110 and the second BS 130 can be configured according to a second RAT supported by UE 110 and the second BS 130, and UE 110 can communicate with the second BS 130 via air interface 125 using the second RAT after cell reselection.
[0025] The first RAT and the second RAT may or may not be the same. Examples of cellular RATs include Long Term Evolution (LTE), New Radio (NR), which may also be referred to as 5G radio access technology, and MulteFire. For example, in the context of LTE, a BS may be referred to as an eNB, while in the context of NR, a BS may be referred to as a gNB. In any case, the example embodiments are not limited to any particular wireless technology. Rather, the example embodiments can be utilized in any cellular communication network in which enhanced positioning is desired.
[0026] Generally, location can be used to improve the performance of communication networks. In the case of cellular communication networks, network efficiency can be improved by utilizing at least the location information of the UE. By knowing or predicting the location of UE 110 along the route from point 102 to 108, the network can optimize its resource usage. For example, resource allocation can be optimized by predicting the future location of UE 110, which allows the first BS 120 and / or the second BS 130 to adapt, for example, the modulation and coding scheme, bandwidth, and / or parameter set to channel and cell load conditions.
[0027] Additionally, carrier frequency offset can be pre-compensated using the location information of UE 110. The location information of UE 110 can be referred to as information about the location measurements performed by UE 110, such as the arrival time and strength of the received signal and / or the angle of arrival of the reference signal. High-speed UEs, at least, suffer from significant Doppler shift, which can severely degrade the quality of data reception in both the uplink and downlink unless this shift is taken into account. Location information can also be used for interference, handover, and cell reselection management. Furthermore, many applications require and / or benefit from accurate tracking of the location of UEs (especially high-speed UEs). Therefore, ensuring accurate location within cellular communication networks is generally necessary.
[0028] However, accurate location tracking of UE 110 can become a challenging task if it is inactive. Inactive UEs typically cannot process and report information about location measurements (such as measurements of location reference signals) because there is no component for scheduling reports for inactive UEs. Therefore, the accuracy of location tracking for inactive UEs will decrease. This is especially true for high-speed UEs (such as those on trains or in cars), where location can change drastically during inactivity, necessitating improved location tracking to avoid compromising subsequent resource optimization, such as during cell reselection at the second BS 130. If the network does not know the precise location of a UE when it switches from inactive to connected, especially if the latest channel conditions are not particularly favorable to the UE, the network will need to perform data transmission resource allocation and dimensioning in a very conservative manner. This may require selecting robust modulation and coding schemes and potentially smaller parameter sets, which are not always optimal. Generally speaking, at least under the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standard, inactive state can refer to Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state, and connected state can refer to RRC connected state.
[0029] Therefore, exemplary embodiments of the present invention enhance UE location tracking by improving the accuracy of UE positioning when switching from an inactive state to a connected state. Thus, mobility management can be improved by enhancing location tracking of UEs in an inactive state. The inactive state is a state between idle mode and a connected state to reduce signaling load and tunnel creation / cancellation between the radio network (e.g., including the first BS 120 and the second BS 130) and the core network 140. In the inactive state, the logical signaling link and tunnel from the UE to the core network remain unchanged, but the connection from the UE to the radio network is released.
[0030] More specifically, UE 110 can report to the network its activity during the last inactive period (i.e., when UE 110 was in...). Figure 1The UE 110 can report its past location history (when points 104 and 106 in the inactive state) by sending an inactive state measurement report, which includes information about at least one location measurement performed during the inactive state. The UE 110 can send the inactive state measurement report after waking up from the inactive state (i.e., after switching from the inactive state to the connected state). Subsequently, a location management entity such as a location management function (LMF) in the core network 140 can use the information about at least one location measurement in the inactive state measurement report to generate a mobility profile (MProf) for the UE 110. The LMF can generate the MProf for the UE 110, for example, by updating the UE 110's previous MProf based on the information about at least one location measurement. The information about the location measurement may include, for example, at least one of the following: a timestamp indicating when the measurement was performed (time of arrival), the strength of the received signal (Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), the angle of arrival and indication of the measured cell-specific reference signal (Synchronization Signal Block (SSB)).
[0031] The LMF in core network 140 can, for example, calculate and update the MProf of UE 110. For instance, the MProf can consist of a set of parameters characterizing the mobility pattern of UE 110, such as speed, direction of movement, acceleration, etc. These parameters can be obtained by UE 110 itself (e.g., by reporting sensor information) or estimated by the serving BS using channel state information and past location estimates.
[0032] Furthermore, the LMF can send the MProf of UE 110 to the second BS 130. Furthermore, for example, during the current Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection window, the MProf of UE 110 calculated from the inactivity state measurement report can be used by the second BS 130 to predict the direction of movement, future location, and speed of UE 110. The MProf of UE 110 can define UE 110 in two time instances (such as...). Figure 1 The displacement between points 102 and 108 in the data depends specifically on the velocity and acceleration vector of UE 110. For example, a 2.5s inactivity period while moving uniformly at 500km / h in a connected state is equivalent to a travel distance of 350m. UE 110's MProf can be used by a second BS130 for enhanced mobility management (e.g., for potential pre-compensated RA and predicted carrier frequency offset).
[0033] Example embodiments of the present invention can be used, for example, to enhance the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) and the New Radio Positioning Protocol Appendix (NRPPa) positioning protocol, enabling UE 110 to report information about positioning measurements performed in inactive states, such as on SSBs. An SSB is a cell-specific reference signal that can be broadcast by the first BS 120 and the second BS 130 to enable UEs in the network to perform beam selection and periodic realignment. Typical use of SSBs at the UE includes periodic measurement of the RSRP of all detectable BSs' SSBs and reporting an index of the best SSB back to the serving BS. In some example embodiments, the use of SSBs can be extended to tracking the location of UE 110.
[0034] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a signaling diagram according to at least some example embodiments. On the vertical axis, from left to right, are arranged... Figure 1 The UE 110, first BS 120 (BS 1), second BS 130 (BS2), and LMF in core network 140. Time progresses from top to bottom. Although the LMF in core network 140 is used as Figure 2 The example in the text is an example, but the steps of LMF can generally be performed by any location management entity.
[0035] At optional step 202, the LMF in core network 140 can determine that UE 110 needs to perform at least one location measurement during the inactive state. Therefore, the LMF can assess whether UE 110 needs location tracking during the inactive mode period, i.e., assess the location-related requirements of UE 110 or its user. This determination at step 202 can be based on at least one of the following: the type of UE 110 (obtained from, for example, a vehicle, IIoT, etc.), location accuracy requirements (depending on the application), location integrity requirements (depending on the application), and the UE 110's previous MProf. The accuracy and latency of the location can be determined by the service that first requested the location. Therefore, for example, robots in a factory may need to perform location measurements frequently and very accurately. As another example, virtual reality and extended reality applications may also have high accuracy and latency requirements.
[0036] For example, a BS can learn the type of UE it is serving and can estimate UE mobility (e.g., Doppler estimation, channel state information reporting). Based on this information, the serving BS can determine how frequently the mobility profiles of the UEs it serves need to be updated. Note that the BS may implicitly use this type of method for RRM, handover, or cell reselection purposes.
[0037] At step 204, the LMF in core network 140 may send an inactivity state measurement request to UE 110, requesting UE 110 to perform at least one location measurement in an inactive state, and send an inactivity state measurement report, which includes information about at least one location measurement performed by UE 110 when UE 110 is in an inactive state. The LMF may send the inactivity state measurement request, for example, after determining that the evaluation result is positive at step 202 (i.e., after determining that UE 110 needs to perform a location measurement in an inactive state).
[0038] LMF can configure UE 110 using inactive state measurement requests. For example, an inactive state measurement request may include a measurement rate, the location of at least one cell-specific reference signal for performing at least one location measurement, and at least one indication of the duration of the location measurement during an inactive period. More specifically, the measurement rate may involve performing and collecting measurements at a given rate R, i.e., the frequency at which location measurements are collected, for example, by measuring a certain SSB. If UE 110 is static or moves very slowly, LMF can be configured with a low rate because it does not expect the location measurements to change significantly over short periods. Therefore, performance can be optimized by avoiding unnecessary measurements.
[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the LMF can avoid unnecessary measurements by sending indications regarding the location of at least one cell-specific reference signal used to perform at least one location measurement. The indication regarding the location of the at least one cell-specific reference signal may relate to an SSB location measurement on a certain SSB resource (time / frequency resource), such as time of arrival and / or angle of arrival in addition to RSRP. In some example embodiments, the LMF may be configured with an optimal subset of cell-specific reference signals.
[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the LMF can avoid unnecessary measurements by sending an indication of the duration of location measurements during inactivity periods. The LMF can determine that UE 110 does not need to perform measurements for all times when UE 110 is inactive. For example, if the predicted route of UE 110 is known at the start of inactivity (e.g., UE 110 is on a train), then measurements may not need to be performed at the start of inactivity. Connection state can be restored upon request from an upper layer and initiated by UE 110 or the BS.
[0041] At optional step 206, UE 110 may send a resource allocation request to the first BS 120 and / or possibly to the second BS 130 (if known), for example, to request the first BS 120 to allocate resources in the next X time slots (after switching from inactive to connected state). The resource allocation request may be sent to request the allocation of resources for sending inactive state measurement reports. Alternatively, LMF may send the resource allocation request to the first BS 120 and / or the second BS 130 in a message exchange transparent to UE 110, for example via NRPPa.
[0042] The resource allocation request includes an inactivity state tracking flag, an indication of the expected size of the inactivity state measurement report (the payload of the inactivity state measurement report), and / or an emergency flag (i.e., how long the UE needs to report an inactivity state measurement report after being woken up).
[0043] For example, the expected size of the inactivity status measurement report can be used by the first BS 120 and / or the second BS 130 to appropriately allocate resources for sending the inactivity status measurement report. Since the expected size of the inactivity status measurement report can be considered when allocating resources, it can be ensured that the report is highly likely to fit the allocated resources, and therefore unnecessary signaling can be avoided, as one transmission is sufficient. At the same time, there is no need to over-allocate resources.
[0044] Regarding the urgency flag, "urgency-flag=1" can mean that UE 110 can delay the transmission of inactivity state measurement reports by 0 time slots, while "urgency-flag=2" can mean a delay of A time slots, and so on. The mapping between the flag index and the supported delays can be agreed upon in advance between the LMF, UE 110, and the serving BS. The urgency flag indicates to the BS how long UE 110 can delay the transmission of the report. Based on this flag, the BS can allocate resources to the UE to send the report.
[0045] At optional step 208, the first BS 120 may grant the resource allocation request and notify the UE 110 of resources (such as random access resources) for sending an inactivity report after switching from inactive mode to connected mode. For example, the first BS 120 may configure the resources for sending the inactivity report and send a reconfiguration in an RRC message, for example, by setting pointers to the start and end of the transmission slot. At steps 202-208, the UE 110 may be in a connected state with the first BS 120 and switch to an inactive state after step 208.
[0046] At optional step 210, the first BS 102 may send an indication to the LMF that UE 110 has switched from a connected state to an inactive state. For example, the indication regarding UE 110 may be sent using the NRPPa protocol on the backhaul link (such as...). Figure 1 The signal is transmitted on interface 135. The LMF may determine that UE 110 has switched from a connected state to an inactive state and indicate this to the first BS 120 prior to step 210. In some example embodiments, this indication may involve a group of UEs, and the LMF may periodically indicate this group of UEs to the first BS 120, and may also indicate it to the second BS 130.
[0047] At step 212, UE 110 may perform a location measurement upon receiving an inactivity measurement request, based on the inactivity measurement report request. That is, UE 110 may perform a location measurement in an inactive state based on the measurement rate, measurement duration, and / or the location of at least one cell-specific reference signal used to perform at least one location measurement, i.e., on the indicated SSB. When in an inactive state, UE 110 may listen for at least one cell-specific reference signal, such as a beam management signal, such as an SSB, from all available BSs. For example, UE 110 may perform the requested at least one location measurement on the detected SSB. As indicated by the LMF, a location measurement on an SSB may include measuring at least one of the following: the arrival time and strength of the received signal, and / or the angle of arrival of the optimal SSB in a given SSB burst.
[0048] In some example embodiments, a FIFO storage device can be used at UE 110 to compensate for the memory limitations of UE 110. Thus, UE 110 does not need to store positioning measurements indefinitely, as they will become obsolete after a period of time proportional to the mobility (e.g., speed) of UE 110. For example, the size of the FIFO storage device can be determined based on the UE type of UE 110. Each measurement can be recorded by UE 110 in an inactive measurement report in the following FIFO list:
[0049] 1 SSB-PM[1] … … DR SSB-PM[DR]
[0050] At step 214, UE 110 can generate an inactivity state measurement report by adding information about at least one positioning measurement performed by UE 110 to the inactivity state measurement report. For example, the information about the at least one positioning measurement may include the arrival time and strength of the received signal, the angle of arrival and / or indication of the measured cell-specific reference signal.
[0051] At steps 210-214, UE 110 may be in an inactive state and switch to a connected state after step 214. At step 216, UE 110 may send an inactivity state measurement report to the LMF, wherein the inactivity state measurement report includes the information regarding at least one location measurement performed by UE 110 while UE 110 is in an inactive state (steps 210-214). For example, UE 110 may report the inactivity state measurement report to the LMF via a second BS 130, which includes a list of location measurements collected by UE 110 on the SSB while UE 110 is in an inactive state.
[0052] In some example embodiments, UE 110 may send an inactivity state measurement report using the resources allocated and indicated at step 208 after switching from an inactive state to a connected state. UE 110 may send this report by attaching it to a standard location report, such as that configured by the serving BS during LPP. This report may be sent via the serving BS on the regular control channel, but it is transparent to the serving BS because the serving BS acts as a relay to the LMF.
[0053] Upon receiving an inactivity state measurement report, the LMF in core network 140 can generate or update the MProf of UE 110 at step 218. For example, the MProf of UE 110 may include information about the expected current and future displacements of UE 110, such as based on the estimated velocity and acceleration vectors.
[0054] At step 220, the LMF can send the generated or updated MProf of UE 110 to the second BS 130, that is, to the BS of UE 110 that is serving in the connected state (after UE 110 has switched from an inactive state to the connected state). The generated or updated MProf of UE 110 can be sent to the second BS 130 for mobility management in the next Y time slots of the RRC connected state. The LMF can also transmit a list of predicted locations of UE 110 in the next Y time slots to the BS 130. The generated or updated MProf of UE 110 can be sent via NRPPa.
[0055] At step 222, the second BS 130 can use the MProf of UE 110 for enhanced mobility management.
[0056] Figure 3The illustration depicts an apparatus capable of supporting at least some of the example embodiments. A device 300 is illustrated, which may, for example, include an LMF or UE 110 in a core network 140, or a device controlling its functionality. A processor 310 is included in device 300, which may, for example, include a single-core or multi-core processor, wherein a single-core processor includes one processing core, and a multi-core processor includes more than one processing core. Generally, processor 310 may include a control device. Processor 310 may include more than one processor. Processor 310 may be a control device. For example, the processing core may include a Cortex-A8 processing core manufactured by ARM Holdings or a Steamroller processing core manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices Corporation. Processor 310 may include at least one Qualcomm Snapdragon and / or Intel Atom processor. Processor 310 may include at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Processor 310 may include at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Processor 310 may be a component for performing method steps in device 300. Processor 310 may be configured at least partially by computer instructions to perform actions.
[0057] A processor may include, or be configured as, one or more circuits configured to perform stages of the methods according to the exemplary embodiments described herein. As used herein, the term “circuit” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only, such as an implementation of analog and / or digital circuits only; (b) a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware; and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor having software (including digital signal processors, software, and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions); and (c) hardware circuits and / or processors, such as a microprocessor or a portion thereof, that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when operation does not require software.
[0058] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including its use in any claim. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" will also cover only one hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term "circuit" will also cover (e.g., and if applicable, baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other network devices.
[0059] Device 300 may include memory 320. Memory 320 may include random access memory and / or permanent memory. Memory 320 may include at least one RAM chip. Memory 320 may include, for example, solid-state, magnetic, optical, and / or holographic memory. Memory 320 may be at least partially accessible by processor 310. Memory 320 may be at least partially included in processor 310. Memory 320 may be a component for storing information. Memory 320 may include computer instructions configured to be executed by processor 310. When computer instructions configured to cause processor 310 to perform certain actions are stored in memory 320, and device 300 is configured as a whole to run using computer instructions from memory 320 under the guidance of processor 310, processor 310 and / or at least one of its processing cores may be considered to be configured to perform said certain actions. Memory 320 may be at least partially included in processor 310. Memory 320 may be at least partially external to device 300, but accessible by device 300.
[0060] Device 300 may include a transmitter 330. Device 300 may include a receiver 340. Transmitter 330 and receiver 340 may be configured to transmit and receive information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard, respectively. Transmitter 330 may include more than one transmitter. Receiver 340 may include more than one receiver. Transmitter 330 and / or receiver 340 may, for example, be configured to operate according to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), 5G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), IS-95, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Ethernet, and / or Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX) standards.
[0061] Device 300 may include a near-field communication (NFC) transceiver 350. The NFC transceiver 350 may support at least one NFC technology, such as Bluetooth, Wibree, or a similar technology.
[0062] Device 300 may include a user interface (UI) 360. UI 360 may include at least one of the following: a display, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a vibrator configured to signal to the user by causing device 300 to vibrate, a speaker, and a microphone. The user may be able to operate device 300 via UI 360, for example, to accept incoming calls, initiate phone or video calls, browse the internet, manage digital files stored in memory 320 or accessible in the cloud via transmitter 330 and receiver 340 or via NFC transceiver 350, and / or play games.
[0063] Device 300 may include or be configured to accept a user identity module 370. User identity module 370 may, for example, include a subscriber identity module SIM card that can be installed in device 300. User identity module 370 may include subscription information identifying the user of device 300. User identity module 370 may include password information that can be used to verify the user's identity on device 300 and / or facilitate the encryption of transmitted information and the billing of communications made by the user of device 300 via device 300.
[0064] Processor 310 may be equipped with a transmitter configured to output information from processor 310 to other devices included in device 300 via electrical leads within device 300. Such a transmitter may include, for example, a serial bus transmitter configured to output information to memory 320 for storage via at least one electrical lead. Instead of a serial bus, the transmitter may include a parallel bus transmitter. Similarly, processor 310 may include a receiver configured to receive information within processor 310 from other devices included in device 300 via electrical leads within device 300. Such a receiver may include, for example, a serial bus receiver configured to receive information via at least one electrical lead starting from receiver 340 for processing within processor 310. Instead of a serial bus, the receiver may include a parallel bus receiver.
[0065] Device 300 may include Figure 3 Other devices not shown. For example, in the case where device 300 includes a smartphone, it may include at least one digital camera. Some devices 300 may include a rear camera and a front camera, wherein the rear camera may be designed for digital video recording and the front camera may be designed for video calling. Device 300 may include a fingerprint sensor configured to at least partially authenticate the user of device 300. In some example embodiments, device 300 lacks at least one of the above-mentioned devices. For example, some devices 300 may lack an NFC transceiver 350 and / or a user identity module 370.
[0066] Processor 310, memory 320, transmitter 330, receiver 340, NFC transceiver 350, UI 360, and / or user identity module 370 can be interconnected via electrical leads within device 300 in many different ways. For example, each of the aforementioned devices can be connected to a main bus within device 300 to allow the devices to exchange information. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, this is merely an example, and various ways of interconnecting at least two of the aforementioned devices can be selected according to the example embodiment without departing from the scope of the example embodiment.
[0067] Figure 4A flowchart illustrating a first method according to at least some example embodiments is shown. The stages of the illustrated first method may be performed by an LMF in the core network 140, or possibly by a control device configured to control its functions (when installed therein).
[0068] The first method may include, at step 410, sending an inactivity state measurement request to the user equipment to request the user equipment to perform at least one location measurement in an inactive state and to send an inactivity state measurement report after switching from an inactive state to a connected state. At step 420, the first method may include receiving an inactivity state measurement report from the user equipment, wherein the inactivity state measurement report includes information about at least one location measurement performed by the user equipment while the user equipment is in an inactive state. Furthermore, at step 430, the first method may include generating a mobility profile for the user equipment based at least on the information about the at least one location measurement performed by the user equipment. Finally, at step 440, the first method may include sending the mobility profile of the user equipment to a base station serving the user equipment.
[0069] Figure 5 A flowchart of a second method according to at least some example embodiments is illustrated. The stages of the illustrated second method may be performed by the UE 110, or possibly by a control device configured to control its functions (when installed therein).
[0070] The second method may include, at step 510, receiving an inactivity state measurement request to perform at least one location measurement in an inactive state and sending an inactivity state measurement report after the user equipment has switched from an inactive state to a connected state. At step 520, the second method may include: performing at least one location measurement while the user equipment is in an inactive state after receiving the inactivity state measurement request. Finally, at step 530, the second method may include: sending an inactivity state measurement report after switching to a connected state, the inactivity state measurement report including information about the at least one location measurement performed by the user equipment.
[0071] It should be understood that the disclosed exemplary embodiments are not limited to the specific structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to their equivalents as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0072] References to "an exemplary embodiment" or "exemplary embodiment" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an exemplary embodiment is included in at least one exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one exemplary embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment" appearing in various places in this specification do not refer to the same exemplary embodiment. Where numerical values are referenced using terms such as "about" or "substantially," exact numerical values are also disclosed.
[0073] As used herein, multiple items, structural elements, constituent elements, and / or materials may be presented in a public list for convenience. However, these lists should be interpreted as each member being identified as a separate and unique member. Therefore, without indication to the contrary, no member in such a list should be construed as a factual equivalent of any other member in the same list solely based on their appearance in the public group. Furthermore, various exemplary embodiments and examples may be referenced herein along with alternatives to their various components. It should be understood that such exemplary embodiments, examples, and alternatives should not be construed as factual equivalents of each other, but should be considered as separate and autonomous representations.
[0074] In the example embodiments, an apparatus (such as, for example, an LMF or UE 110 in core network 140, or a control device configured to control its functions) may include components for performing the example embodiments described above and any combination thereof.
[0075] In exemplary embodiments, a computer program may be configured to cause a method according to the above exemplary embodiments and any combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be configured to control a processor to perform processes including the above exemplary embodiments and any combination thereof.
[0076] In an example embodiment, an apparatus (such as an LMF or UE 110 in core network 140, or a control device configured to control its functions) may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least the example embodiments described above and any combination thereof.
[0077] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. In the foregoing description, numerous specific details, such as examples of length, width, shape, etc., have been provided to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
[0078] The verbs “comprising” and “including” as used herein are open-ended restrictions, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of other unlisted features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features listed in the dependent claims may be combined in any way. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “an” (i.e., the singular form) herein does not exclude a plurality.
[0079] Industrial application
[0080] At least some example implementations have been found in industrial applications in cellular communication networks (such as 5G / NR networks) (where improved tracking of the UE's location is desired).
[0081] List of abbreviations
[0082] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project
[0083] ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)
[0084] BS base station
[0085] FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)
[0086] GSM Global Mobile Communication System
[0087] IoT (Internet of Things)
[0088] LMF location management function
[0089] LPP LTE positioning protocol
[0090] LTE Long Term Evolution
[0091] M2M (Machine-to-Machine)
[0092] MAC Media Access Control
[0093] MProf Mobility Profile
[0094] MTC Machine Type Communication
[0095] NFC (Near Field Communication)
[0096] NR New Radio
[0097] NRPPa New Radio Positioning Protocol Appendix
[0098] RAN (Radio Access Network)
[0099] RAT Radio Access Technology
[0100] RRC Radio Resource Control
[0101] RSRP reference signal received power
[0102] SIM subscriber identity module
[0103] SSB Synchronization Signal Block
[0104] UE User Equipment
[0105] UI (User Interface)
[0106] WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access
[0107] WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
[0108] WiMAX Global Microwave Access Interoperability
[0109] Reference tag list
[0110] 115,125 air interface 120 Source BS 130 Target BS 135,145 Wired interface 140 Core Network 210–222 Figure 2 The steps of the signaling diagram 300–370 Figure 3 The structure of the device 410–440 Figure 4 The first method in the stage 510–530 Figure 5 The second method in the stage
Claims
1. A device for communication, comprising: - A component for sending an inactivity state measurement request to a user equipment to request the user equipment to perform at least one location measurement in an inactivity state and to send an inactivity state measurement report after switching from the inactivity state to a connected state, wherein the inactivity state measurement request includes an indication of the measurement rate and / or an indication of the duration of the requested location measurement within the inactivity period. - A component for receiving the inactivity state measurement report from the user equipment, wherein the inactivity state measurement report includes information about the at least one positioning measurement performed by the user equipment when the user equipment is in the inactivity state; - A component for generating a mobility profile of the user equipment based at least on the information regarding the at least one positioning measurement performed by the user equipment; - A component for transmitting the mobility profile of the user equipment to a base station serving the user equipment; and - Components for determining that the user equipment needs to perform the at least one positioning measurement in the inactive state, wherein the determination is based on at least one of: the type of the user equipment, location accuracy requirements, location integrity requirements, and the user equipment's previous mobility profile; and - In response to the determination, send the inactivity state measurement request.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When the device receives the inactivity status measurement report, the user equipment is in the connected state.
3. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The inactivity state measurement request includes an indication of the location of at least one cell-specific reference signal used to perform the at least one positioning measurement.
4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: - A component for sending a resource allocation request to a base station to request the allocation of resources for sending the inactivity state measurement report, wherein the resource allocation request includes an inactivity state tracking flag, an indication of the expected size of the inactivity state measurement report, and / or an emergency flag.
5. A device for communication, comprising: - A component for receiving an inactivity state measurement request to perform at least one positioning measurement in an inactivity state and sending an inactivity state measurement report after the user equipment has switched from the inactivity state to a connected state, wherein the inactivity state measurement request includes an indication of the measurement rate and / or an indication of the duration of the requested positioning measurement during the inactivity period. - A component for performing the at least one positioning measurement when the user equipment is in the inactive state after receiving the inactivity state measurement request; - A component for sending an inactivity state measurement report after switching to the connected state, wherein the inactivity state measurement report includes information about the at least one positioning measurement performed by the user equipment; and - A component for sending a resource allocation request to a base station to request the allocation of resources for sending the inactivity state measurement report, wherein the resource allocation request includes an inactivity state tracking flag, an indication of the expected size of the inactivity state measurement report, and / or an emergency flag.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The user equipment is in the connected state when the device sends the inactivity state measurement report.
7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein, The inactivity state measurement request includes an indication of the location of at least one cell-specific reference signal used to perform the at least one positioning measurement.
8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein, The device includes the user equipment or a component for controlling the user equipment.
9. A method for communication, comprising: - Send an inactivity state measurement request to the user equipment to request the user equipment to perform at least one location measurement in an inactive state and send an inactivity state measurement report after switching from the inactive state to a connected state, wherein the inactivity state measurement request includes an indication of the measurement rate and / or an indication of the duration of the requested location measurement during the inactivity period. - Receive the inactivity state measurement report from the user equipment, wherein the inactivity state measurement report includes information about the at least one positioning measurement performed by the user equipment when the user equipment is in the inactivity state; - A mobility profile of the user equipment is generated based at least on the information regarding the at least one positioning measurement performed by the user equipment; - Send the mobility profile of the user equipment to the base station serving the user equipment; - Determine that the user equipment needs to perform the at least one positioning measurement during the inactive state, wherein the determination is based on at least one of the following: the type of the user equipment, location accuracy requirements, location integrity requirements, and the user equipment's previous mobility profile; and - In response to the determination, send the inactivity state measurement request.
10. A method for communication, comprising: - Receive an inactivity state measurement request to perform at least one location measurement in an inactivity state and send an inactivity state measurement report after the user equipment has switched from the inactivity state to a connected state, wherein the inactivity state measurement request includes an indication of the measurement rate and / or an indication of the duration of the requested location measurement during the inactivity period. - Upon receiving the inactivity state measurement request, the at least one positioning measurement is performed when the user equipment is in the inactivity state; - After switching to the connected state, an inactivity state measurement report is sent, the inactivity state measurement report including information about the at least one positioning measurement performed by the user equipment; as well as - Send a resource allocation request to the base station to request the allocation of resources for transmitting the inactivity state measurement report, wherein the resource allocation request includes an inactivity state tracking flag, an indication of the expected size of the inactivity state measurement report, and / or an emergency flag.