Positioning method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a positioning method and device. The method comprises: a location management network element obtaining first information provided by an application entity, the first information comprising a first identifier of a terminal device, the terminal device not being configured with the capability of accessing a network; the location management network element sending second information to an access network device, the second information being used for establishing the context of the terminal device, the second information comprising a second identifier of the terminal device, the second identifier being determined according to the first identifier; the location management network element receiving fourth information sent by the access network device, the fourth information being determined by the access network device according to third information sent by the terminal device, the third information comprising the second identifier; and the location management network element determining the location of the terminal device according to the fourth information. By using the above method, real-time tracking, historical trajectory tracking, and alarm in a restricted area of the terminal device not configured with the capability of accessing the network can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for locating terminal devices. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, many types of terminal devices have emerged. In practical work scenarios, it is often necessary to obtain the location information of these terminal devices.

[0003] To extend the battery life of terminal devices, one possible approach is to retain only the device's positioning capabilities without configuring it with network communication capabilities, such as the ability to access the network. In this scenario, how to locate such terminal devices is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a positioning method and apparatus, which enables the positioning of terminal devices that are not configured to access a network.

[0005] In a first aspect, a positioning method is provided, comprising: a location management network element acquiring first information, the first information being provided by an application entity, the first information including information of a first identifier corresponding to a terminal device, the terminal device not supporting network access capability; the location management network element sending second information to an access network device, the second information being used to establish the context of the terminal device, the second information including information of a second identifier corresponding to the terminal device, the second identifier being determined based on the first identifier; the location management network element receiving fourth information sent by the access network device, the fourth information being determined by the access network device based on third information sent by the terminal device, the third information including information of the second identifier; and the location management network element determining the location of the terminal device based on the fourth information.

[0006] According to the solution in this application, for terminal devices that are not configured to access the network, the location management network element can configure the terminal device's identifier to the access network device based on the terminal device information provided by the application entity. The access network device then establishes the terminal device's context based on the configuration of the core network element. Although the terminal device is not connected to the network, through the configuration of the location management network element, the access network device determines that it needs to process information containing the identifier of the corresponding terminal device, enabling the location management network element to complete the positioning of such terminal devices.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the fourth information includes signal strength information of the radio wave signal used to carry the third information; or, the fourth information includes the time information corresponding to the time when the access network device receives the third information.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information further includes information about the first location of the terminal device and information about the first parameters, the first identifier and the first parameters are used to determine the second identifier, and the method further includes: the location management network element selecting the access network device, wherein the first location is within the service area of ​​the access network device.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second information also includes the routing information of the location management network element.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device is a device that is not configured with a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol and / or an Unlimited Resource Control (RRC) protocol.

[0011] Secondly, a positioning method is provided, comprising: an access network device receiving second information from a location management network element, the second information being used to establish a context for a terminal device, the second information including information of a second identifier corresponding to the terminal device, wherein the second identifier is determined by the location management network element based on a first identifier corresponding to the terminal device, the information of the first identifier being included in first information provided by an application entity, and the terminal device not supporting network access capability; the access network device receiving third information from the terminal device, the third information including information of the second identifier; and the access network device sending fourth information to the location management network element, the fourth information being used to locate the terminal device, the fourth information being determined based on the third information.

[0012] According to the solution of this application, for terminal devices that are not configured to access the network, when the identifier of the terminal device in the third information received by the access network device corresponds to the identifier of the terminal device in the second information, the fourth information is sent to complete the location of the terminal device.

[0013] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the fourth information includes signal strength information of the radio wave signal used to carry the third information; or, the fourth information includes the time information corresponding to the time when the access network device receives the third information.

[0014] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second information also includes the routing information of the location management network element.

[0015] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the terminal device is a device that is not configured with NAS protocol and / or RRC protocol.

[0016] Thirdly, a positioning method is provided, comprising: a terminal device acquiring third information, the third information including information of a second identifier corresponding to the terminal device; wherein the second identifier corresponds to a second identifier in second information received by an access network device from a location management network element, the second identifier in the second information is determined by the location management network element based on a first identifier, the information of the first identifier is included in first information provided by an application entity, and the terminal device does not support the ability to access the network; and the terminal device sending the third information.

[0017] According to the solution of this application, for a terminal device that is not configured to access the network, the terminal device can send third information. The second identifier of the terminal device included in the third information corresponds to the second identifier in the second information received by the access network device from the location management network element. Based on the third information, the access network device can determine that the terminal device is the terminal device that needs to be located, and thus complete the location of the terminal device.

[0018] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the terminal device is a device that is not configured with NAS protocol and / or RRC protocol.

[0019] Fourthly, a positioning method is provided, comprising: a data storage management network element acquiring first information, the first information being provided by an application entity, the first information including information of a first identifier corresponding to a terminal device, the terminal device not supporting network access capability; and the data storage management network element sending the first information to a first mobility management network element.

[0020] According to the solution of this application, for terminal devices that are not configured to access the network, the data storage management network element obtains first information from the application entity and sends the first information to the mobility management network element, so that the mobility management network element can obtain the context information of the terminal device and thus complete the positioning of the terminal device.

[0021] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information further includes information about the first location of the terminal device, and the method further includes: the data storage management network element selecting the first mobility management network element, wherein the first location is within the service area of ​​the first mobility management network element.

[0022] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information may also include information about the positioning capability of the terminal device and information about the first parameter.

[0023] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the data storage management network element sends a first request message to the application entity, the first request message being used to request the application entity to send information about the second location when the second location of the terminal device is outside the service area of ​​the first mobility management device; the data storage management network element receives the information about the second location; the data storage management network element selects a second mobility management network element, the second location being within the service area of ​​the second mobility management network element.

[0024] According to the solution of this application, when the terminal device moves outside the service area of ​​the first mobility management network element, the second mobility management network element can be selected in a timely manner so that the second mobility management network element can serve as the service device for locating the terminal device.

[0025] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the terminal device is a device that is not configured with the NAS protocol and / or the RRC protocol.

[0026] Fifthly, a positioning method is provided, comprising: an application entity acquiring first information, the first information including information of a first identifier corresponding to a terminal device, wherein the terminal device does not support the ability to access a network; and the application entity sending the first information to a data storage management network element.

[0027] According to the solution in this application, for terminal devices that are not configured to access the network, the application entity can obtain the first information of the terminal device and send the first information to the core network element. This is equivalent to the application entity accessing the network on behalf of the terminal device. The core network element configures the access network device based on the first information, thereby completing the location of the terminal device.

[0028] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first information further includes information about the first location of the terminal device, information about its positioning capability, and information about its first parameters.

[0029] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: the application entity receiving a first request message, the first request message being used to request the application entity to send information about the second location when the second location of the terminal device is outside the service area of ​​the first mobility management network element, wherein the first request message includes information about the service area of ​​the first mobility management network element; the application entity determining that the second location is outside the service area of ​​the first mobility management network element; the application entity sending the information about the second location, the information about the second location being used to select a second mobility management network element, the second location being within the service area of ​​the second mobility management network element.

[0030] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the terminal device is a device that is not configured with the NAS protocol and / or the RRC protocol.

[0031] A sixth aspect provides a positioning method, comprising: a mobility management network element receiving first information, the first information being provided by an application entity, the first information including information of a first identifier corresponding to a terminal device, the terminal device not supporting network access capability; and the mobility management network element sending the first information to a location management network element.

[0032] According to the solution of this application, for terminal devices that are not configured to access the network, the mobility management network element establishes the context information of the terminal device based on the first information provided by the application entity, and sends the first information to the location management network element, so that the location management network element can complete the positioning of the terminal device based on the first information.

[0033] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first information further includes information about the first location of the terminal device, information about its positioning capability, and information about the first parameters. The method further includes: the mobility management network element selecting the location management network element based on the first location and the positioning capability.

[0034] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the terminal device is a device that is not configured with the NAS protocol and / or the RRC protocol.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, a location management network element is provided, the location management network element including a unit for performing the method of the first aspect or its various implementations.

[0036] Eighthly, an access network device is provided, the access network device including a unit for performing the method of the second aspect or its various implementations.

[0037] A ninth aspect provides a terminal device comprising a unit for performing the method of the third aspect or its various implementations.

[0038] In a tenth aspect, a data storage management network element is provided, the data storage management network element including a unit for performing the method in the fourth aspect or its various implementations.

[0039] Eleventhly, an application entity is provided, the application entity including a unit for performing the methods of the fifth aspect or its various implementations.

[0040] In a twelfth aspect, a mobility management network element is provided, the mobility management network element including a unit for performing the method of the sixth aspect or its various implementations.

[0041] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects described above.

[0042] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform a method in any of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects described above.

[0043] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising a core network element and an access network device, wherein the core network element is used to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first, fourth, and sixth aspects described above; and the access network device is used to perform the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect described above.

[0044] In a sixteenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip having a processing circuit configured to execute the method in any one of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects described above. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 The architecture of a communication system to which embodiments of this application are applicable is shown.

[0046] Figure 2 A location service architecture diagram of the location method applicable to this application is shown.

[0047] Figure 3 An example interactive diagram of the positioning method of this application is shown.

[0048] Figure 4 Another illustrative interactive diagram of the positioning method of this application is shown.

[0049] Figure 5 Another illustrative interactive diagram of the positioning method of this application is shown.

[0050] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in this application is shown.

[0051] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in this application is shown.

[0052] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of the access network equipment device provided in this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solutions of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some, not all, of the embodiments described herein. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] The technical solution proposed in this application can be applied to communication systems capable of communicating through access networks and core networks, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0055] In the embodiments of this application, the access network includes access network equipment, which is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices. For example, it can be an access point (AP) in WLAN, a base transceiver station (BTS) in GSM or CDMA, a base station (nodeB, NB) in WCDMA, a gNB in ​​a new radio (NR) system, an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, and in a 5G network, it can also be a radio access network (RAN).

[0056] In the embodiments of this application, the core network may include, but is not limited to, data storage management network elements, mobility management network elements, location management network elements, and network openness network elements. Among them, the data storage management network element is a network element used to store and manage data from terminal devices. For example, in a 5G network, it may be a unified data management function (UDM). In future communication systems, the unified data management function network element may still be a UDM network element, or it may have other names; this application does not limit this. The mobility management network element is a network element used to manage the mobility of terminal devices. For example, in a 4G network, it may be a mobility management entity (MME), and in a 5G network, it may be an access and mobility management function (AMF). In future communication systems, the access and mobility management function network element may still be an AMF network element, or it may have other names; this application does not limit this. A location management network element is a network element used to manage the location of terminal devices. For example, in a 5G network, it could be a location management function (LMF). In future communication systems, the location management function network element may still be an LMF network element, or it may have other names; this application does not limit this. A network exposure network element is responsible for providing network functions to third-party applications. For example, in a 5G network, it could be a network exposure function (NEF). In future communication systems, the network exposure function network element may still be a NEF network element, or it may have other names; this application does not limit this.

[0057] It should be understood that in actual deployments or future communication systems, several core network elements mentioned above may be co-located, or the function of one core network element may be jointly implemented by several network elements. When several core network elements are co-located, the interaction between these core network elements involved in this application is an internal operation or may be omitted.

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, the application entity, which is used to request specific capabilities from the network, is an application that accesses the network, for example, it may be an application function (AF).

[0059] In this embodiment, the terminal device can be a general-purpose terminal device or a terminal device specifically designed for positioning with very low power consumption and very simple functions (hereinafter referred to as a positioning terminal). To reduce the power consumption of the positioning terminal and extend its battery life, the positioning terminal is not configured with network access capabilities. In one possible implementation, the positioning terminal is not configured with non-access stratum (NAS) protocols and / or radio resource control (RRC) protocols; optionally, the positioning terminal is not configured with LPP layer protocols. Therefore, the positioning terminal cannot communicate with core network elements, the core network elements cannot create the positioning terminal's context, and cannot configure relevant information about the positioning terminal to the RAN. Therefore, how to locate such terminal devices is a problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0060] Figure 2 A location service architecture diagram applicable to the technical solution proposed in this application is shown. This location service architecture also includes a gateway mobile location center (GMLC), a location client (LCSclient), and a location retrieval function (LRF). The GMLC receives location requests from the LCS client and forwards them to the AMF, while the LRF is responsible for retrieving or verifying location information.

[0061] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of an example of the positioning method proposed in this application is shown, which can be applied to... Figure 1 The communication system shown can also be applied to Figure 2 In the location service architecture shown, the method includes:

[0062] S301, AF (an example of an application entity) obtains information #A (an example of first information) from device #A (an example of a terminal device).

[0063] In one possible implementation, the content of information #A can be configured on the AF. For example, information #A can be configured on the AF before device #A is powered on; or, information #A can be configured on the AF after device #A is powered on. Information #A includes information about a first identifier corresponding to device #A, for example, the first identifier can be a permanent identifier for device #A.

[0064] S302, AF sends information #A to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives information #A.

[0065] For example, the AF can send information #A to the LMF network element in the core network, and the LMF network element receives information #A accordingly. The AF can send information #A directly to the LMF network element, or the AF can send information #A to the LMF network element through other network elements, for example, the AF can send information #A to the LMF network element through the AMF network element.

[0066] Optionally, the method may further include, S303, the core network element selecting at least one RAN (an example of an access network device).

[0067] For example, the information #A also includes information about the first location corresponding to device #A. The core network element can select a RAN based on the information about the first location in information #A, such as the network location identifier of device #A or the geographical coordinates of device #A. The first location is within the service area of ​​the selected RAN.

[0068] S304, a core network element sends information #B (an example of second information) to at least one RAN. This information #B is used to establish context information for device #A. Information #B includes identification information for device #A. Accordingly, the RAN receives information #B.

[0069] For example, when using triangulation-based positioning technology to locate device #A, information #B can be sent to three RANs.

[0070] The following describes two scenarios where the identification information of device #A is contained within information #B:

[0071] Scenario 1:

[0072] Information #B includes information about the first identifier corresponding to device #A.

[0073] Scenario 2:

[0074] The information #A may also include information about a first parameter of device #A, which is used to obtain a second identifier for device #A. For example, the first parameter may be the key information corresponding to device #A. The method may also include the core network element obtaining the second identifier corresponding to device #A. For example, the second identifier corresponding to device #A may be a temporary identifier corresponding to device #A, and the information #B includes information about the second identifier corresponding to device #A.

[0075] For example, a core network element can generate a second identifier corresponding to device #A based on the first parameter, first identifier, and first variable corresponding to device #A. The value of the first variable can be determined locally by the core network element, and its value is related to the number of times the second identifier corresponding to device #A is obtained. For example, when generating the second identifier for device #A for the first time, the value of the first variable can be 1; when generating the second identifier for device #A for the second time, the value of the first variable can be 2, and so on.

[0076] It should be understood that different values ​​of the first variable can yield different second identifiers. Including different second identifiers in multiple pieces of information #B, compared to including the same first identifier in multiple pieces of information #B, can avoid leaking the first identifier corresponding to device #A, thus improving security.

[0077] Optionally, information #B may also include routing information of core network elements, such as routing information of LMF network elements. That is, the core network elements configure the RAN with the mapping relationship between the identification information of device #A and the routing information of core network elements.

[0078] S305, device #A sends information #C (an example of third information), which includes the identification information corresponding to device #A.

[0079] In one possible approach, device #A can send information #C via broadcast.

[0080] The following describes two scenarios where information #C includes the identification information corresponding to device #A:

[0081] Scenario 3:

[0082] Corresponding to case 1 in S304, the identification information of device #A in information #C is the information of the first identifier corresponding to device #A.

[0083] Scenario 4:

[0084] Corresponding to scenario 2 in S304, the identification information for device #A in information #C is the information of the second identifier corresponding to device #A. It should be understood that device #A obtains its second identifier in the same way that core network elements obtain the second identifier corresponding to device #A. For example, device #A can generate its second identifier based on its first parameter, first identifier, and first variable, where the value of the first variable is determined locally by device #A, and the first parameter and first identifier are pre-configured in device #A.

[0085] It should be understood that device #A can obtain different second identifiers corresponding to device #A through different values ​​of the first variable. Including different second identifiers in multiple information #Cs, compared to including the same first identifier in multiple information #Cs, can avoid the leakage of the first identifier corresponding to device #A and improve security.

[0086] S306, the RAN receives information #C sent by device #A and sends information #D (an example of the fourth message) to the core network element. Accordingly, the core network element receives information #D.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the information #D includes signal strength information of the radio signal received by the RAN to carry the information #C. It should be understood that the RAN has the capability to detect signal strength.

[0088] In another possible implementation, the information #D includes the time information corresponding to the information #C received by the RAN.

[0089] It should be understood that the RAN can receive information sent by multiple terminal devices. The information sent by each terminal device includes the identification information corresponding to that terminal device. The RAN only sends information #D to the core network element when it receives information #C sent by device #A.

[0090] The RAN can determine whether the identification information of the terminal device in the received information corresponds to the identification information of device #A in information #B.

[0091] When the identification information of the terminal device in the received information corresponds to the identification information of device #A in information #B, the RAN sends information #D.

[0092] For example, if the RAN receives information #C, which includes the first identifier of device #A, and information #B also includes the first identifier of device #A, then the RAN sends information #D; or, if the second identifier of device #A included in information #C is the same as the second identifier of device #A included in information #B, then the RAN sends information #D. Optionally, the RAN can determine the routing information of the core network element corresponding to device #A, such as the routing information of the LMF network element, based on the identifier information of device #A in information #C, and send information #D to the core network element based on this routing information.

[0093] When the identification information of the terminal device in the received information does not correspond to the identification information of device #A in information #B, the RAN may choose not to process the received information.

[0094] For example, if the information received by the RAN includes the identification information corresponding to device #B, but the RAN does not receive information #B containing the identification of device #B, then the RAN may not process the received information. It should be understood that device #B can be any terminal device other than device #A.

[0095] It should be understood that at least one RAN can receive information #C sent by device #A and send information #D to the core network element. This at least one RAN is the same as at least one RAN in S304.

[0096] S307, the core network element calculates the location information of device #A based on the received information #D.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the location information of device #A can be calculated by the LMF network element in the core network element.

[0098] For example, when locating device #A using triangulation-based positioning technology, three RANs can each send information #D to the LMF. Each RAN's information #D includes the time information corresponding to the received information #C. The LMF can then calculate the location information of device #A based on the three received information #Ds. It should be understood that the clocks of the three RANs must maintain a certain level of synchronization accuracy.

[0099] It should be understood that the steps involving core network elements in the above method can be performed by a single core network element, such as the LMF, or by multiple core network elements working together, such as the UDM, AMF, and LMF, or the AMF and LMF. This application does not limit the specific physical device of the core network element.

[0100] According to the scheme in this application, for terminal devices that are not configured with network access capabilities, core network elements can configure the terminal device's identifier to the access network device based on the terminal device information provided by the application entity. The access network device then establishes the terminal device's context based on the core network element's configuration. Although the terminal device is not connected to the network, the access network device determines, through the core network element's configuration, that it needs to process information containing the corresponding terminal device's identifier, enabling the core network element to locate such terminal devices.

[0101] The following is based on Figure 3 Taking the core network elements in the network, including UDM, AMF, and LMF, as an example, for... Figure 3 The method shown will be explained in detail.

[0102] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of an example of the positioning method proposed in this application is shown, which can be applied to... Figure 2 The location service architecture shown.

[0103] S401, AF obtains information #A from device #A.

[0104] The information #A includes information about the first identifier corresponding to device #A. Optionally, the information #A may also include information about the positioning capability of device #A, information about the first location, and information about the first parameters.

[0105] Among them, the positioning capability information and the first location information of device #A are used to select core network elements, and the first parameter information of device #A is used to obtain the second identifier corresponding to device #A.

[0106] S402, AF sends message #A to UDM. Accordingly, UDM receives message #A.

[0107] For example, the AF can send the message #A to the UDM via NEF, or the AF can send the message #A directly to the UDM; this application does not limit this.

[0108] Optionally, in S403, UDM selects the first AMF (an example of the first mobility management element).

[0109] In one possible implementation, the UDM can select a first AMF based on information about the first location of device #A in information #A, such as the geographic location #1 of device #A, where the first location is within the service area of ​​the first AMF.

[0110] S404, UDM sends information #A to the first AMF, and the first AMF receives the information #A accordingly.

[0111] S405, the first AMF sends a request message #A to the first LMF. This request message #A instructs the first LMF to locate device #A based on information #A.

[0112] Optionally, the first AMF selects the first LMF based on information #A. For example, the first AMF selects the first LMF based on the first location information and / or positioning capability information of device #A in information #A. The device #A is within the service range of the first LMF.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the information #A may be included in the request message #A. In another possible implementation, the information #A may also be included in other messages. In other words, the AMF also sends other messages to the LMF carrying information A, which is not limited in this application.

[0114] S406, the first LMF sends information #B to at least one RAN. Information #B includes identification information corresponding to device #A, and is used to establish the context of device #A. Optionally, information #B may also include routing information of the first LMF. Accordingly, the RAN receives information #B.

[0115] For example, when positioning technology based on triangulation locates device #A, it can send information #B to three RANs.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the first LMF can select at least one RAN and send information #B to the selected RAN. The first LMF can select at least one RAN based on information about the first location of device #A included in information #A, for example, based on the network location identifier of device #A, or the geographical location #1 of device #A, where the first location is within the service area of ​​the selected RAN.

[0117] The following describes two scenarios where information #B contains certain content:

[0118] Scenario 1:

[0119] Information #B includes information about the first identifier corresponding to device #A.

[0120] Scenario 2:

[0121] This information #B includes information about the second identifier corresponding to device #A.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the second identifier can be obtained by the first LMF based on the first parameter, the first identifier, and the first variable corresponding to device #A. For the specific acquisition method, please refer to S304.

[0123] In another possible implementation, the second identifier can be obtained by the UDM or the first AMF based on the first parameter, the first identifier, and the first variable corresponding to device #A. After obtaining the second identifier corresponding to device #A, the UDM or the first AMF sends the second identifier corresponding to device #A to the first LMF. The method by which the UDM or the first AMF obtains the second identifier corresponding to device #A can be referred to in S304.

[0124] It should be understood that this application does not limit the method by which the first LMF obtains the second identifier.

[0125] S407 is the same as S305; for details, please refer to the description of S305.

[0126] S408, the RAN receives information #C sent by device #A and sends information #D to the first LMF. Correspondingly, the first LMF receives information #D.

[0127] The specific process can be found in the description of S306. Specifically, the operations involving core network elements in S306 can be replaced by the first LMF in S408.

[0128] S409, the first LMF calculates the location information of device #A based on the received information #D.

[0129] For details, please refer to S307.

[0130] S410, the first LMF sends the location information of device #A to the GMLC.

[0131] S411, GMLC sends the location information of device #A to the LCS client.

[0132] According to the scheme in this application, for terminal devices that are not configured to access the network, the application entity can obtain the context information of the terminal device. Through information transmission between core network elements, the LMF (Local Modem) element can obtain the identifier of the terminal device and then configure the identifier of the terminal device to the access network device. Based on the configuration of the core network elements, the access network device establishes the context of the terminal device. Although the terminal device is not connected to the network, through the configuration of the LMF element, the access network device determines that it needs to process information containing the identifier of the corresponding terminal device, enabling the LMF element to complete the location of such terminal devices.

[0133] when Figure 3 When the core network elements include AMF and LMF, but exclude UDM, in S402, AF sends information #A to the first AMF, and the first AMF receives the information #A accordingly. In this case, the above method can skip S403 and S404, and execute S405-S411 after S401 and S402.

[0134] The methods S401-S411 described above address scenarios where the terminal device is located within the service area of ​​the first AMF. However, in reality, the terminal device may move out of the service area of ​​the first AMF. Therefore, it is necessary to consider this scenario when locating the terminal device. The following describes a method for locating the terminal device in scenarios where it may move out of the service area of ​​the first AMF, such as... Figure 5 As shown. It should be understood that the methods described below can be used in conjunction with S401-S411.

[0135] S501, UDM sends a request message #B (an example of the first request message) to AF, which is used to subscribe to the location information of device #A.

[0136] Optionally, the request message #B includes information about the service area of ​​the first AMF. The request message #B is used to request the AF to send information about the second location of device #A to the UDM when the second location of device #A (e.g., the geographic location #2 of device #A) is outside the service area of ​​the first AMF.

[0137] The UDM can send a request message #B to the AF via the NEF, or the UDM can send the request message #B directly to the AF. This application does not limit the method by which the UDM sends the request message #B to the AF.

[0138] The execution order between S501 and S404 is not limited. For example, S501 can be executed at the same time as S404 or after S404.

[0139] S502, AF obtains information about the second position of device #A.

[0140] For example, the information of the second location of device #A can be configured on AF, or the information of the second location of device #A can be obtained by AF from device #A, or the information of the second location of device #A can be obtained by AF from other devices (such as device management servers).

[0141] S503, AF sends the second location information of device #A to UDM. Correspondingly, UDM receives the second location information of device #A.

[0142] Optionally, if the AF determines that the second location of device #A is outside the service area of ​​the first AMF, it sends the information of the second location of device #A to the UDM. For example, in the AF, if the geographical location #2 of device #A is not within the service area of ​​the first AMF, then the AF sends the information of the second location of device #A.

[0143] S504, UDM selects the second AMF (an example of the second mobility management element) based on the second location information of device #A.

[0144] Among them, the second location of device #A is within the service area of ​​the second AMF.

[0145] S505, UDM sends information #E to the second AMF, which includes information about the first identifier corresponding to device #A. Optionally, information #E may also include information about the positioning capability of device #A, information about the second location, and information about the first parameters.

[0146] Subsequently, the second AMF performs the operations performed by the first AMF in S405-S411, and the second LMF performs the operations performed by the second LMF in S405-S411. That is, the first AMF in S405-S411 is replaced by the second AMF, and the first LMF in S405-S411 is replaced by the second LMF. The second LMF can be selected by the second AMF based on the second location information and / or positioning capability information of device #A in information #E. The specific process can be referred to in S405-S411, and will not be described in detail here.

[0147] According to the solution of this application, when the location of the terminal device moves outside the service area of ​​the first AMF, the above method can be used to locate the terminal device.

[0148] According to the aforementioned method, Figure 6 A communication device provided in this application includes a transceiver unit 601 and a processing unit 602. The transceiver unit 601 is used to enable content interaction between the communication device and other units or network elements. The processing unit 602 is used to process data by the communication device. It should be understood that the transceiver unit 601 in this application embodiment can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components, and the processing unit 602 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as processing circuitry).

[0149] For example, the communication device can be a communication apparatus, or it can be a chip or other combination device or component that has the functions of the aforementioned communication apparatus.

[0150] For example, when the communication device is an application entity, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by the application entity or AF in the above method examples.

[0151] For example, when the communication device is a data storage management network element, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by the data storage management network element or UDM in the above method examples.

[0152] For example, when the communication device is a mobility management network element, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by the mobility management network element, the first AMF, or the second AMF in the above method examples.

[0153] For example, when the communication device is a location management network element, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by the location management network element, the first LMF, or the second LMF in the above method examples.

[0154] For example, when the communication device is an access network device, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by the access network device or RAN in the above method examples.

[0155] For example, when the communication device is a terminal device, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method examples.

[0156] This application also provides a communication device, such as... Figure 7 As shown, it includes: a processor 701, a communication interface 702, and a memory 703. The processor 701, communication interface 702, and memory 703 can be interconnected via a bus 704; the bus 704 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus 704 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 7The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Processor 701 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor may further include hardware chips. These hardware chips can be application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or combinations thereof. The PLD can be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. Memory 703 can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache.

[0157] The processor 701 is used to implement data processing operations of the communication device. The communication interface 702 is used to implement the transmission and reception operations of the communication device.

[0158] For example, when the communication device is an application entity, the processor 701, the communication interface 702, and the memory 703 can support the actions performed by the application entity or AF in the above method examples.

[0159] For example, when the communication device is a data storage management network element, the processor 701, the communication interface 702, and the memory 703 can support the actions performed by the data storage management network element or UDM in the above method examples.

[0160] For example, when the communication device is a mobility management network element, the processor 701, the communication interface 702, and the memory 703 can support the actions performed by the mobility management network element, the first AMF, or the second AMF in the above method examples.

[0161] For example, when the communication device is a location management network element, the processor 701, the communication interface 702, and the memory 703 can support the actions performed by the location management network element, the first LMF, or the second LMF in the above method examples.

[0162] For example, when the communication device is an access network device, the processor 701, the communication interface 702, and the memory 703 can support the actions performed by the access network device or the RAN in the above method examples.

[0163] For example, when the communication device is a terminal device, the processor 701, the communication interface 702, and the memory 703 can support the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method examples.

[0164] This application also provides an access network device, such as... Figure 8 As shown. The access network device 800 includes one or more radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU) 810 and one or more baseband units (BBUs) (also referred to as digital units, DUs) 820. The RRU 810 can be called a transceiver module, which may include a transmitting module and a receiving module, or it may be a single module capable of both transmitting and receiving functions. This transceiver module can be used with... Figure 6 The transceiver unit 610 corresponds to this. Optionally, this transceiver module can also be called a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, etc., and it may include at least one antenna 811 and a radio frequency unit 812. The RRU 810 part is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals, such as for sending indication information to terminal equipment. The BBU 820 part is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station, etc. The RRU 810 and BBU 820 can be physically set together or physically separated, i.e., a distributed base station.

[0165] The BBU 820 serves as the control center of the base station, also known as the processing module, and can communicate with... Figure 6 The corresponding processing unit 620 is mainly used to complete baseband processing functions, such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, spreading, etc. For example, this BBU (processing module) can be used to control the base station to execute the operation process of the network device in the above method embodiment, such as generating the above-mentioned indication information.

[0166] In one example, the BBU 820 can consist of one or more boards. These boards can collectively support a single access standard wireless access network (such as an LTE network), or they can each support different access standards wireless access networks (such as LTE, 5G, or other networks). The BBU 820 also includes a memory 821 and a processor 822. The memory 821 stores necessary instructions and data. The processor 822 controls the base station to perform necessary actions, such as controlling the base station to execute the network device operation procedures described in the above method embodiments. The memory 821 and processor 822 can serve one or more boards. That is, each board can have its own memory and processor, or multiple boards can share the same memory and processor. Furthermore, each board can also have necessary circuitry.

[0167] This application also provides a communication system, which includes core network elements and access network equipment. The core network elements in the system can be the location management network elements, mobility management network elements, or data storage management network elements in the aforementioned methods. The communication system can be used to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0168] This application also provides a computer-readable medium storing a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned method.

[0169] This application also provides a computer program product comprising: computer program code that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned method.

[0170] This application also provides a chip having a processing circuitry on it, which is used to perform the aforementioned method.

[0171] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," etc., are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. As illustrated, applications running on computing devices and computing devices can both be components. One or more components may reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and components may be located on a single computer and / or distributed among two or more computers. Furthermore, these components can be executed from various computer-readable media on which various data structures are stored. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0172] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0173] 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.

[0174] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0175] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0176] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0177] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0178] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that, include: The location management network element obtains first information, which is provided by the application entity. The first information includes information about the first identifier corresponding to the terminal device. The terminal device does not support the ability to access the network. The terminal device is a device that is not configured with a non-access stratum NAS protocol and / or a radio resource control (RRC) protocol. The location management network element sends second information to the access network device. The second information is used to establish the context of the terminal device. The second information includes information of a second identifier corresponding to the terminal device. The second identifier is determined based on the first identifier. The location management network element receives fourth information sent by the access network device, the fourth information being determined by the access network device based on third information sent by the terminal device, the third information including the information of the second identifier; The location management network element determines the location of the terminal device based on the fourth information.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first information also includes information about the first location of the terminal device and information about the first parameter, wherein the first identifier and the first parameter are used to determine the second identifier, and the method further includes: The location management network element selects the access network device, and the first location is within the service area of ​​the access network device.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second information also includes the routing information of the location management network element.

4. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fourth information includes signal strength information of the radio wave signal used to carry the third information; or... The fourth information includes the time information corresponding to when the access network device receives the third information.

5. A positioning method, characterized in that, include: The access network device receives second information from the location management network element. The second information is used to establish the context of the terminal device. The second information includes information of a second identifier corresponding to the terminal device. The second identifier is determined by the location management network element based on a first identifier corresponding to the terminal device. The information of the first identifier is included in the first information provided by the application entity. The terminal device does not support the ability to access the network. The terminal device is a device that is not configured with a non-access stratum NAS protocol and / or a radio resource control (RRC) protocol. The access network device receives third information from the terminal device, the third information including information of the second identifier; The access network device sends fourth information to the location management network element. The fourth information is used to locate the terminal device and is determined based on the third information.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second information also includes the routing information of the location management network element.

7. The method as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The fourth information includes signal strength information of the radio wave signal used to carry the third information; or... The fourth information includes the time information corresponding to when the access network device receives the third information.

8. A positioning method, characterized in that, include: The communication device acquires third information, wherein the communication device is a terminal device or a chip in the terminal device, and the third information includes information of a second identifier corresponding to the terminal device. Wherein, the second identifier corresponds to the second identifier in the second information received by the access network device from the location management network element, the second identifier in the second information is determined by the location management network element based on the first identifier, the information of the first identifier is included in the first information provided by the application entity, the terminal device does not support the ability to access the network, and the terminal device is a device that is not configured with non-access stratum NAS protocol and / or radio resource control RRC protocol; The communication device sends the third information, which is used by the access network device to determine the fourth information, and the fourth information is used by the location management network element to determine the location of the terminal device.

9. A positioning method, characterized in that, include: The method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, and The method as described in any one of claims 5 to 7.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: the method as described in claim 8.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first information is provided by the application entity, and the method further includes: The data storage management network element receives the first information from the application entity; The data storage management network element sends the first information to the first mobility management network element; The location management network element acquires the first information, including: The location management network element receives the first information from the first mobility management network element.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first information also includes information about the first location of the terminal device, and the method further includes: The data storage management network element selects the first mobility management network element, and the first location is within the service area of ​​the first mobility management network element.

13. The method as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first information also includes information about the positioning capability of the terminal device and information about the first parameter, and the method further includes: The first mobility management network element selects the location management network element based on the first location of the terminal device and the positioning capability.

14. The method as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The data storage management network element sends a first request message to the application entity. The first request message is used to request the application entity to send information about the second location when the second location of the terminal device is outside the service area of ​​the first mobility management network element. The application entity determines that the second location is outside the service area of ​​the first mobility management element; The application entity sends the information of the second location to the data storage management network element; The data storage management network element selects a second mobility management network element, and the second location is within the service area of ​​the second mobility management network element.

15. A location management network element, characterized in that, include: A transceiver unit is used to acquire first information, which is provided by an application entity. The first information includes information about a first identifier corresponding to a terminal device. The terminal device does not support the ability to access the network. The terminal device is a device that is not configured with a non-access stratum (NAS) protocol and / or a radio resource control (RRC) protocol. The transceiver unit is further configured to send second information to the access network device, the second information being used to establish the context of the terminal device, the second information including information of a second identifier corresponding to the terminal device, the second identifier being determined based on the first identifier; The transceiver unit is further configured to receive fourth information sent by the access network device, the fourth information being determined by the access network device based on third information sent by the terminal device, the third information including the information of the second identifier; The processing unit is used to determine the location of the terminal device based on the fourth information.

16. The network element as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The fourth information includes signal strength information of the radio wave signal used to carry the third information; or... The fourth information includes the time information corresponding to when the access network device receives the third information.

17. The network element as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first information also includes information about the first location of the terminal device and information about the first parameters, wherein the first identifier and the first parameters are used to determine the second identifier. The processing unit is further configured to select the access network device, wherein the first location is within the service area of ​​the access network device.

18. The network element as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The second information also includes the routing information of the location management network element.

19. An access network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver unit is used to receive second information from the location management network element. The second information is used to establish the context of the terminal device. The second information includes information of a second identifier corresponding to the terminal device. The second identifier is determined by the location management network element based on a first identifier corresponding to the terminal device. The information of the first identifier is included in the first information provided by the application entity. The terminal device does not support the ability to access the network. The terminal device is a device that is not configured with a non-access stratum (NAS) protocol and / or a radio resource control (RRC) protocol. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive third information from the terminal device, the third information including information of the second identifier; The transceiver unit is further configured to send fourth information to the location management network element, the fourth information being used to locate the terminal device, and the fourth information being determined based on the third information.

20. The access network device as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The fourth information includes signal strength information of the radio wave signal used to carry the third information; or... The fourth information includes the time information corresponding to when the access network device receives the third information.

21. The access network device as described in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The second information also includes the routing information of the location management network element.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processing unit is used to acquire third information, the third information including information of a second identifier corresponding to the terminal device, and the communication device is the terminal device or a chip in the terminal device; Wherein, the second identifier corresponds to the second identifier in the second information received by the access network device from the location management network element, the second identifier in the second information is determined by the location management network element based on the first identifier, the information of the first identifier is included in the first information provided by the application entity, the terminal device does not support the ability to access the network, and the terminal device is a device that is not configured with non-access stratum NAS protocol and / or radio resource control RRC protocol; The transceiver unit is used to send the third information, which is used by the access network device to determine the fourth information, and the fourth information is used by the location management network element to determine the location of the terminal device.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed,... Cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-4; or, The device is made to perform the method as described in any one of claims 5-7; or, Cause the device to perform the method as described in claim 8; or, This causes the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: computer program code, which, when executed by a computer... Cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-4; or Cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 5-7; or Cause the computer to perform the method as described in claim 8; or This causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

25. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes location management network elements and access network equipment, wherein... The location management network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-4; The access network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 5-7.

26. The communication system as described in claim 25, characterized in that, It also includes a terminal device for performing the method as described in claim 8.

27. The communication system as described in claim 26, characterized in that, It also includes a data storage management network element and a first mobility management network element; The data storage management network element is used to receive the first information from the application entity and to send the first information to the first mobility management network element; The first mobility management network element is used to send the first information to the location management network element.

28. The communication system as described in claim 27, characterized in that, It also includes the application entity, which is used to obtain the first information and send the first information to the data storage management network element.

29. The communication system as described in claim 27 or 28, characterized in that, The first information also includes information about the first location of the terminal device. The data storage management network element is also used to select the first mobility management network element, and the first location is within the service area of ​​the first mobility management network element.

30. The communication system as described in claim 27 or 28, characterized in that, The first information also includes information about the positioning capability of the terminal device and information about the first parameter. The first mobility management network element is also configured to select the location management network element based on the first location of the terminal device and the positioning capability.

31. The communication system as described in claim 28, characterized in that, The data storage management network element is also used to send a first request message to the application entity. The first request message is used to request the application entity to send information about the second location when the second location of the terminal device is outside the service area of ​​the first mobility management network element. The application entity is also used to determine that the second location is outside the service area of ​​the first mobility management network element, and to send the information of the second location to the data storage management network element; The data storage management network element is also used to select a second mobility management network element, wherein the second location is within the service area of ​​the second mobility management network element.

32. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is equipped with processing circuitry. The processing circuit is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-4; or The processing circuit is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 5-7; or The processing circuit is configured to perform the method as described in claim 8; or The processing circuit is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

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