Information processing method and apparatus, communication device, and storage medium

Abstract

This disclosure provides an information processing method and apparatus, a communication device, and a storage medium. The information processing method executed by a first network element may include: receiving location information of a user equipment (UE) sent by a second network element; determining whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, and obtaining a first determination result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, the field of wireless communication technology, and particularly to an information processing method and apparatus, communication equipment and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] After a User Equipment (UE) powers on, it needs to register with the network. Typically, the UE may also periodically update its registration. The base station broadcasts one or more Tracking Area Identifiers (TAIs). During the initial access process, the UE sends a registration request message to the network. Upon receiving the UE's registration request message, the base station sends the broadcast TAI along with the registration request message to the Access Management Function (AMF). If the base station knows the UE's current TA, it will also send the TAI of that TA to the AMF. After receiving the TAI, the AMF can construct a Registration Area (RA) for the UE based on the received TAI. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides an information processing method and apparatus, a communication device and a storage medium.

[0004] The first aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing method, wherein the method is executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0005] Receive the location information of the user equipment (UE) sent by the second network element;

[0006] Determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE to obtain a first determination result.

[0007] A second aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing method, wherein the method is executed by a second network element, the method comprising:

[0008] Obtain the UE's location information;

[0009] Determine whether the location information of the UE represents the current location of the UE to obtain a second determination result.

[0010] A third aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes:

[0011] The first receiving module is configured to receive the location information of the user equipment (UE) sent by the second network element;

[0012] The first determining module is configured to determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a first determining result.

[0013] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes:

[0014] The acquisition module is configured to acquire the UE's location information;

[0015] The second determining module is configured to determine whether the location information of the UE represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a second determining result.

[0016] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device, including a processor, a transceiver, a memory, and an executable program stored in the memory and capable of being run by the processor, wherein when the processor runs the executable program, it performs the information processing method as provided in the first or second aspect above.

[0017] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer storage medium storing an executable program; the executable program, when executed by a processor, can implement the information processing method provided in the first or second aspect described above.

[0018] The technical solutions provided in this disclosure include a first network element and a second network element, which may introduce the possibility that the location information of the UE is accurate enough, reduce various situations that may lead to the deception of the UE's location information, and ensure that the location information is used correctly and reasonably according to the determination result when used subsequently.

[0019] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a TAI broadcast according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a TAI broadcast according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UE according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments disclosed herein. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used herein are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in embodiments of this disclosure, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information without departing from the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to a determination."

[0040] Please refer to Figure 1 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system is a communication system based on cellular mobile communication technology. The wireless communication system may include: several UEs 11 and several access devices 12.

[0041] UE11 can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. UE11 can communicate with one or more core networks via a Radio Access Network (RAN). UE11 can be an IoT UE, such as a sensor device, a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone), and a computer with an IoT UE. For example, it can be a fixed, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted device. Examples include a station (STA), subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, user device, or user equipment (UE). Alternatively, UE11 can be a device in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Alternatively, UE11 can be a vehicle-mounted device, such as a vehicle computer with wireless communication capabilities, or a wireless communication device connected to an external vehicle computer. Alternatively, UE11 can also be a roadside device, such as a street light, traffic light, or other roadside device with wireless communication capabilities.

[0042] Access device 12 can be a network-side device in a wireless communication system. This wireless communication system can be a 4G system (also known as Long Term Evolution, LTE); or it can be a 5G system (also known as a New Radio, NR, or 5G NR system). Alternatively, it can be the next generation after 5G. In this case, the access network in the 5G system can be called NG-RAN (New Generation-Radio Access Network). Alternatively, it can be an MTC system.

[0043] The access device 12 can be an evolved NB (eNB) used in a 4G system. Alternatively, the access device 12 can also be a gNB (gNB) using a centralized-distributed architecture in a 5G system. When the access device 12 adopts a centralized-distributed architecture, it typically includes a central unit (CU) and at least two distributed units (DUs). The central unit is equipped with a protocol stack of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and the Media Access Control (MAC) layer; the distributed units are equipped with a physical (PHY) layer protocol stack. This disclosure does not limit the specific implementation of the access device 12.

[0044] Access device 12 and UE11 can establish a wireless connection via a wireless air interface. In different implementations, the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on the fourth-generation mobile communication network technology (4G) standard; or, the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on the fifth-generation mobile communication network technology (5G) standard, such as a new air interface; or, the wireless air interface can also be a wireless air interface based on a next-generation mobile communication network technology standard based on 5G.

[0045] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a UE registration and update process, which may specifically include:

[0046] 1) The UE sends a registration request message to the Radio Access Network (RAN). The registration request message may include parameters such as: registration type, Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI) or 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI) or Permanent Equipment Identifier (PEI), Requested Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), and Last Accessed Tracking Area Identifier (TAI).

[0047] UE registration types include initial registration, mobile registration update, periodic registration update, and emergency registration. The last accessed TAI may be included in the registration request new message to help the Access Management Function (AMF) designate the Registration Area (RA) for the UE.

[0048] 2) AMF selection may include: (R)AN selecting an AMF based on the radio access technology or access technology ((R)AT) and requesting NSSAI. If (R)AN cannot select a suitable AMF, it will forward the registration request message to the AMF configured in (R)AN.

[0049] 3)(R)AN sends a registration request to the new AMF, for example, by sending an N2 message. This message contains N2 parameters, the registration request, etc. The N2 parameters include the selected Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) Identification ID, location information, and the cell identifier associated with the cell where the UE is camped.

[0050] 4) Context Transfer (Namf_UEContext Transfer).

[0051] 5) If the AMF of the service has changed since the last registration, the new AMF can retrieve the stored UE Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) and UE context from the old AMF. If the UE does not provide a SUPI and does not obtain it from the old AMF, the new AMF initiates an identity request procedure to the UE to request a SUPI.

[0052] 6) The new AMF may decide to initiate UE authentication by invoking the Authentication Server Function (AUSF). The AMF selects ASF based on SUPI or SUCI.

[0053] 7) If the AMF has changed since the last registration, or if the UE provides a SUPI that does not reference a valid context in the AMF, then the AMF will select a UDM based on the SUPI and register with the UDM. If the AMF does not have the UE's subscription data, the AMF will retrieve access, mobile subscription, and other data from the UDM.

[0054] 8) The new AMF establishes / modifies the AM Policy association with the PCF.

[0055] 9) If the registration request in step 1 contains a list of PDU sessions to be activated, the AMF will send a session update request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request) to the SMF associated with the PDU session to activate the user plane (UP) connection of these PDU sessions.

[0056] 10) The new AMF sends a registration acceptance message to the UE, indicating that the registration request has been accepted. This registration acceptance message includes the registration area, mobility restrictions, NSSAI permission, and strict timed registration timer indication.

[0057] If the AMF assigns a new registration area, the AM will send the new registration area to the UE. If the registration acceptance message does not contain registration area information, the UE considers the old registration area to be valid.

[0058] If mobility restrictions apply to the UE and the registration type is not emergency registration, then mobility restrictions are included.

[0059] 11) The remaining steps of the registration process.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, this disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes:

[0061] S1110: Receive UE location information sent by the second network element;

[0062] S1120: Determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a first determination result.

[0063] The first network element can be any core network element; for example, the first network element includes, but is not limited to, AMF.

[0064] The location information can be carried in any message sent by a second network element (exemplarily, the second network element can be an access network element) to a first network element. For example, the location information can be carried in an NGAP message sent by the second network element to the first network element. The UE's location information may include at least one of the following:

[0065] TAI;

[0066] Cell Identity;

[0067] Base station ID.

[0068] Of course, the above are just examples of specific content of UE location information, and the actual implementation is not limited to the examples above.

[0069] The location information can be represented by different fields in the same message, which is equivalent to representing location information through different fields, implicitly indicating whether the location information represents the UE's current location or an approximate location. In this embodiment, the message carrying the location information may include:

[0070] The second field indicates the current location of the UE; or, the third field indicates the approximate location of the UE.

[0071] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the second field and the third field are different fields. The difference between the second field and the third field can be reflected in any of the following aspects:

[0072] The second field and the third field are located in different positions within the message;

[0073] or,

[0074] The second field and the third field contain different numbers of bits;

[0075] or,

[0076] The second field and the third field have different information formats.

[0077] In this embodiment, determining whether the location information represents the current location of the UE and obtaining the first determination result means that after receiving the message, the first network element can directly determine whether the location information represents the current location or an approximate location of the UE based on the different fields representing the location information of the UE.

[0078] In one embodiment, the location information includes: a Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) indicating the Tracking Area (TA) where the UE is currently located or the approximate TA where the UE is located.

[0079] The approximate location of the UE may be a neighboring TA of the UE's current location. Of course, this is just an example, and the actual implementation is not limited to this example.

[0080] Of course, the above is just an example of determining whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, and the specific implementation is not limited to the above example.

[0081] By introducing the above step S1120, it is possible to identify whether the acquired UE location information represents the UE's current location, thereby assisting in the construction of the registration area, paging range, etc., and improving mobility management and paging efficiency. Figure 4 As shown, this disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes:

[0082] S1210: Receive UE location information sent by the second network element and receive first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE; or, the first indication information indicates that the location information represents the approximate location of the UE.

[0083] S1230: Based on the first indication information, determine whether the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE to obtain a first determination result.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first network element receives the UE's location information and also receives first indication information. The first indication information can also be sent by the second network element. The first indication information and the location information can be carried in the same message and sent to the first network element, or they can be sent separately by the second network element to the first network element.

[0085] In summary, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving the location information, the first network element determines whether the location information represents the current location of the UE based on the first indication information. In one embodiment, the first indication information indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE, or represents an approximate location of the UE.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first indication information is:

[0087] The first field is used to indicate that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE; the first field and the field representing the location information may be different fields.

[0088] or,

[0089] The indicator bit in the location information field indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE. The indicator bit may be one or more bits.

[0090] The first field may be included in any field of a message sent from the second network element to the first network element. This field may be a newly added field or a field specifically used to carry the first indication information. For example, the first field may be a newly added field in an NGAP message.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, this disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes:

[0092] S1310: Receive UE location information sent by the second network element;

[0093] S1320: After receiving the location information of the UE, a request is sent to the second network element to obtain whether the location information represents the current location of the UE;

[0094] S1330: Receive second indication information returned based on the request; the second indication information indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE;

[0095] S1340: Based on the second indication information, determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE to obtain the first determination result.

[0096] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after the first network element receives the location information of the UE, it will send a request to the second network element to determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE. In this way, the first network element will receive a second indication information returned by the second network element based on the request. This second indication information is obviously sent to the first network element by a different message than the location information.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first network element can determine whether it is necessary to determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, without having to determine in advance whether the location information accurately indicates the current location of the UE, but only performing the determination operation when it is necessary.

[0098] In some embodiments, the location information includes: TAI, indicating the TA where the UE is currently located or the TA approximately where the UE is located.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment of the disclosure provides an information processing method, executed by a first network element, including:

[0100] S1410: Receive UE location information sent by the second network element;

[0101] S1420: Determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a first determination result;

[0102] S1430: Based on the first confirmation result, establish the UE's Registration Area (RA), Forbidden Area (FA), or Service Domain Restriction (SAR).

[0103] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after the location information of the UE is received by the first network element, it will determine whether the currently received location information represents the current location of the UE, thereby obtaining a first determination result, and constructing RA, FA or SAR for the UE according to the first determination result.

[0104] In one embodiment, the first network element can establish the RA, FA, or SAR of the UE based on user subscription information, operator policies, and the first determination result, specifically including at least one of the following:

[0105] When the first determination result indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE, an RA, FA, or SAR is established for the UE based on the current location of the UE; for example, the RA includes the TA where the current location of the UE is located; and for example, when the current location of the UE is a sensitive area, the SAR or FA is constructed based on the sensitive area.

[0106] When the first determination result indicates that the location information represents the approximate location of the UE, an RA, FA, or SAR is established for the UE based on the approximate location of the UE and the broadcast information; for example, the RA, FA, or SAR is constructed based on the TAI broadcast by the base station.

[0107] Of course, the above are just examples of constructing the RA, FA, or SAR of the UE based on the first determined result, and the specific implementation is not limited to the above examples.

[0108] Since the location information received by the first network element is confirmed to obtain a first determination result, the RA, FA and SAR can be constructed based on the first determination result to improve the mobility management of the UE.

[0109] like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment of the disclosure provides an information processing method, executed by a first network element, including:

[0110] S1510: Receive UE location information sent by the second network element;

[0111] S1520: Determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a first determination result;

[0112] S1530: Based on the first determination result, determine the paging range for the UE.

[0113] In one embodiment, the first network element may determine the paging range of the UE based on the operator's policy and the first determination result, which may specifically include at least one of the following:

[0114] When the first determination result indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE, the paging range of the UE is determined to be: the TA including the location indicated by the location information;

[0115] When the first determination result indicates that the location information represents the approximate location of the UE, the paging range is determined to be: the TA containing the location indicated by the location information and at least one adjacent TA containing the TA containing the location indicated by the location information;

[0116] Of course, the above is just an example of determining the paging range of the UE based on the first determination result, and the specific implementation is not limited to the above example.

[0117] Since the location information received by the first network element is confirmed to obtain a first determination result, when determining the paging range based on the first determination result, the UE can be paged faster, reducing the paging load.

[0118] like Figure 8 As shown, this disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a second network element. The method includes:

[0119] S2110: Obtain the UE's location information;

[0120] S2120: Determine whether the location information of the UE represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a second determination result.

[0121] The second network element can be an access network element, which includes, but is not limited to, evolved NB (eNB) or next-generation NB (gNB).

[0122] The 2110 may include at least one of the following:

[0123] Receive the location information reported by the UE;

[0124] The location information of the UE is obtained through measurement and calculation;

[0125] The location information of the UE is determined based on the location information of other electronic devices bound to the UE.

[0126] Of course, there are many ways for the second network element to determine the location information of the UE, and the specific implementation is not limited to any of the above methods.

[0127] The location information of the UE may include at least one of the following:

[0128] TAI;

[0129] Cell Identity;

[0130] Base station ID.

[0131] Of course, the above are just examples of specific content of UE location information, and the actual implementation is not limited to the examples above.

[0132] The second determination result may include:

[0133] The location information indicates the determination result representing the current location of the UE;

[0134] or,

[0135] The location information indicates the determination result representing the approximate location of the UE;

[0136] or,

[0137] The location information indicates that it does not represent the determination of the current location of the UE.

[0138] In some embodiments, S2120 may include: determining whether the location information of the UE represents the current location of the UE or an approximate location of the UE based on measurement auxiliary data and measurement method.

[0139] For example, the second network element comprehensively judges whether the measurement calculation result represents the current position of the UE or the approximate position of the UE based on measurement methods such as UE measurement, UE-assisted measurement, and network measurement, as well as the provided measurement auxiliary data.

[0140] Of course, the above is just an example of determining whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, and the specific implementation is not limited to the above example.

[0141] By introducing the above step S2120, it can be determined whether the UE's location information is accurate enough.

[0142] like Figure 9 As shown, this disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a second network element. The method includes:

[0143] S2210: Obtain the UE's location information;

[0144] S2220: Determine whether the location information of the UE represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a second determination result;

[0145] S2230: Based on the second determination result, send the location information to the first network element.

[0146] In one embodiment, S2230 may include:

[0147] Based on the second determination result, determine whether to send the location information to the first network element;

[0148] or,

[0149] Based on the second determination result, the information content to be sent to the first network element is determined. The information content may include at least the location information and may also include the indication information of the second determination result.

[0150] For example, determining whether to send the location information to the first network element based on the second determination result may include:

[0151] When the second determination result indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE, the location information is sent to the first network element;

[0152] If the second determination result indicates that the location information does not represent the current location of the UE, the location information is not sent to the first network element.

[0153] For example, determining the information content to be sent to the first network element based on the second determination result may include at least one of the following:

[0154] When the second determination result indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE, the location information is sent to the first network element;

[0155] When the second determination result indicates that the location information does not represent the current location of the UE, the location information and the indication information indicating that the location information represents the approximate location of the UE are sent to the first network element;

[0156] The location information and the first indication information are sent to the first network element, and the first indication information indicates the second determination result.

[0157] The above are examples of S2230, and the actual implementation is not limited to the examples above.

[0158] In summary, by sending the location information to the first network element based on the second determination result, the first network element receiving the location information can determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE.

[0159] In some embodiments, S2230 may include:

[0160] Based on the second determination result, the location information and / or a first indication information containing the second determination result are sent to the first network element.

[0161] For example, the first indication information indicates that the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE;

[0162] Alternatively, the first indication information indicates that the location indicated by the location information is an approximate location of the UE.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first indication information includes:

[0164] The first field is used to indicate that the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE or an approximate location of the UE;

[0165] or,

[0166] The indicator bit in the location information field indicates that the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first field may be included in any field of a message sent by the second network element to the first network element. This field may be a newly added field or a field specifically used to carry the first indication information. For example, the first field may be a newly added field in N2 messages such as registration request messages and / or service request messages. The first field carrying the first indication information may be different from the field carrying location information.

[0168] If the location information and the first indication information are carried in the same field, then different bits in that field indicate the location information and the first indication information, respectively. For example, the remaining bits in the field after indicating the location information are used to carry the first indication information.

[0169] In one embodiment, the first indication information may be carried by one or more indication bits, but these one or more indication bits do not themselves constitute a field. For example, the first indication information may be carried using the remaining bits of an existing field in an NGAP message such as a registration request message and / or a service request message.

[0170] The location information can be carried by different fields in the same message, which implicitly indicates whether the location information represents the UE's current location or an approximate location. Thus, a message containing the location information includes:

[0171] The second field indicates the current location of the UE; or, the third field indicates the approximate location of the UE.

[0172] That is, when the second field carries location information, the location information indicates the current location of the UE; when the third field carries location information, the location information indicates the approximate location of the UE.

[0173] The second and third fields are different fields belonging to the same message.

[0174] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the second field and the third field are different fields. The difference between the second field and the third field can be reflected in any of the following aspects:

[0175] The second field and the third field are located in different positions within the message;

[0176] or,

[0177] The second field and the third field contain different numbers of bits;

[0178] or,

[0179] The second field and the third field have different information formats.

[0180] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the location information is carried by different fields of a message based on the second determination result, so it is not necessary to send the indication information of the second determination result separately, thus having the characteristic of low signaling overhead.

[0181] like Figure 10 As shown, this disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a second network element. The method includes:

[0182] S2310: Obtain the UE's location information;

[0183] S2320: Determine whether the location information of the UE represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a second determination result;

[0184] S2330: Receive the request sent by the first network element;

[0185] S2340: Upon request, send a second indication message to the first network element indicating the second determination result.

[0186] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after the first network element receives the location information of the UE, it will send a request to the second network element to indicate whether the location information represents the current location of the UE. In this way, the second network element will return second indication information to the first network element based on the request to inform the first network element whether the location information represents the current location of the UE.

[0187] In this embodiment, the first network element can determine whether it needs to determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, so that it does not need to determine in advance whether the location information accurately indicates the current location of the UE. Instead, it will send the second indication information indicating the second determination request to the first network element only when necessary, thereby reducing the information interaction between the first network element and the second network element.

[0188] If the UE uses satellite to access the 5G core network, during the initial access registration process, after the NG-RAN receives the UE's registration request, it needs to forward the registration request to the AMF and at the same time send one or more TAIs broadcast by the gNB to the AMF in the NGAP message.

[0189] If the gNB knows the TAI corresponding to the TA where the UE is currently located, it also needs to include the TAI representing the UE's location in the NGAP message and send it to the AMF.

[0190] AMF constructs a suitable RA for the UE based on the broadcast TAI list provided by the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) and the TAI corresponding to the UE's current location. The RA can be a list of TAIs.

[0191] During the initial access process of the UE, it is optional for the NG-RAN to provide the AMF with a TAI representing the UE's current location. That is, the NG-RAN may not be able to obtain the TAI corresponding to the UE's current location. If it cannot provide the AMF with a TAI representing the UE's location, the NG-RAN can provide a TAI to represent the approximate location of the UE. In this case, the accuracy of the TAI identifying the UE's location will be greatly reduced.

[0192] Therefore, during the initial UE access phase, NG-RAN may provide the AMF with a TAI representing the UE's location, or it may provide the AMF with a TAI representing the UE's approximate location. The AMF needs to construct a suitable RA based on the TAI provided by NG-RAN. In subsequent paging (page) of the UE, in order to reduce paging load, the TAIs in the RA (TAI list) should be used as little as possible. Therefore, whether NG-RAN provides a TAI representing the UE's location is very important to the core network (e.g., the AMF).

[0193] During the initial UE access phase, if the NG-RAN can obtain the TAI corresponding to the TA where the UE is currently located, it will provide the TAI to the AMF; otherwise, the NG-RAN will provide the AMF with a TAI that identifies the approximate location of the UE. The network device cannot determine whether the TAI can identify the TA the UE is currently in based on the TAI, thus it cannot guarantee whether the constructed RA is based on the UE's current location, and therefore cannot optimize subsequent paging load.

[0194] When a paging request is initiated on the network side, in order to minimize paging load, the AMF needs to select a TA (Target Area) covering the UE's location or a nearby TA from the RA (Range Area) as the paging range based on the UE's location. According to existing technology, NG-RAN can provide the core network with a TAI (Target Area Identifier) ​​identifying the UE's location (i.e., the TAI of the TA the UE is currently in) or a TAI identifying the UE's approximate location (e.g., a neighboring TAI of the area where the UE is located). This disclosure provides a method for network-aware UE location, which determines whether the TAI provided by NG-RAN can identify the UE's location, and constructs a suitable RA and paging range accordingly, thereby reducing paging load and improving paging efficiency.

[0195] The first network element obtains the received TAI and the indication information of whether the TAI represents the TA currently in which the UE is located. Based on the indication information and the received TAI, it constructs the RA and / or paging range.

[0196] Send a paging message within the paging range; the paging range may include one or more designated TAs.

[0197] The first network element is a core network element, such as AMF.

[0198] The first network element may obtain information indicating whether the TAI represents the TA currently in which the UE is located, including:

[0199] In one embodiment, when the second network element sends a TAI to the first network element, it also sends an indication that the TA corresponding to the TAI is the TA the UE is currently in, or a second indication that is not the TA the UE is currently in.

[0200] The second indication information can be used to indicate that the TA corresponding to the TAI represents the current location of the UE or represents the approximate location of the UE.

[0201] In another embodiment, after receiving the TAI, the first network element queries the second network element to determine whether the TAI corresponds to the UE's current location. The second network element then returns a response indicating whether the TAI corresponds to the UE's current location. The second network element is an access network element, such as a gNB.

[0202] In one embodiment, the indication information may indicate whether the TA corresponding to the TAI is the TA currently in which the UE is located, or whether it is not the TA currently in which the UE is located.

[0203] For example, the undefined reserved bits of the TAI identifier can be used to carry the indication information in one or more bits. That is, the bit can represent the TA where the TAI identifier UE is currently located, and 0 can represent the TA of the approximate location of the TAI identifier UE.

[0204] In another embodiment, the TA corresponding to the TAI may be the TA where the UE is currently located, or it may not be the TA where the UE is currently located, but may be implicitly indicated.

[0205] For example, refer to Figure 11 As shown, the message sent by the gNB to the AMF includes a registration request message from the UE. The registration request information may include: TAIs (TAI1, TAI2, TAI5) and TAI (TAI6), and indication information. The indication information indicates that TAI6 represents the UE's current location, i.e., the TA the UE is currently in. TAIs (TAI1, TAI2, TAI5) are the TAIs broadcast by the base station.

[0206] After receiving the message, AMF obtains the UE's registration request message and then obtains TAIs (TAI1, TAI2, TAI5), TAI (TAI6), indication information, etc. Based on the indication information, it perceives that TAI6 represents the UE's current location. Based on the broadcast TAIs, TAI and indication information, it constructs RA (TAI2, TAI6), where RA includes TAI6.

[0207] Subsequently, once the AMF receives a request to trigger paging to the UE, the AMF sends a paging message according to the TAI6.

[0208] For example, refer to Figure 12 As shown, for example, the message sent by the gNB to the AMF includes a registration request message from the UE, TAIs (TAI1, TAI2, TAI5), TAI (TAI5), and indication information. The indication may specify that the TAI represents the approximate location of the UE.

[0209] After receiving the message, the AMF obtains the UE's registration request message, which may include: TAIs (TAI1, TAI2, TAI5), TAI (TAI5), and indication information. Based on the indication information, it perceives that TAI5 represents the approximate location of the UE. Based on the broadcast TAIs, TAI, and indication information, it constructs RA (TAI1, TAI2, TAI5). TAIs (TAI1, TAI2, TAI5) are the TAIs broadcast by the base station.

[0210] Subsequently, once the AMF receives a request to trigger paging to the UE, the AMF selects (TAI2, TAI5) as the range for sending paging messages based on the indication information, RA, etc.

[0211] like Figure 13 As shown, this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes:

[0212] The first receiving module 110 is configured to receive the location information of the user equipment (UE) sent by the second network element;

[0213] The first determining module 120 is configured to determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a first determining result.

[0214] The information processing device is included in the first network element, which may include AMF, etc.

[0215] In some embodiments, the device may further include a storage module for storing the location information and the first determination module 120.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first receiving module 110 and the first determining module 120 may be program modules; after being executed by the processor, the program module can perform operations.

[0217] In other embodiments, the first receiving module 110 and the first determining module 120 may be hardware-software hybrid modules, including but not limited to: various programmable arrays; the programmable arrays include but not limited to: field-programmable arrays and / or complex programmable arrays.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first receiving module 110 and the first determining module 120 may be pure hardware modules; the pure hardware modules include, but are not limited to, application-specific integrated circuits.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first determining module 120 is configured to receive first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE; or, the first indication information indicates that the location information represents an approximate location of the UE. Based on the first indication information, a first determining result is obtained by determining whether the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first indication information includes:

[0221] The first field indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE;

[0222] or,

[0223] The indicator bit in the location information field indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE.

[0224] In some embodiments, the message containing the location information includes:

[0225] The second field indicates the current location of the UE; or,

[0226] The third field indicates the approximate location of the UE.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first determining module 120 is further configured to, upon receiving the location information of the user equipment (UE), send a request to the second network element to determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE; receive second indication information returned based on the request; the second indication information indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE; and determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE based on the second indication information to obtain the first determining result.

[0228] In some embodiments, the location information includes: a Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) indicating the Tracking Area (TA) where the UE is currently located or the approximate TA where the UE is located.

[0229] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0230] The module is configured to establish the UE's Registration Area (RA), Forbidden Area (FA), or Service Domain Restricted Area (SAR) based on the first confirmation result.

[0231] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0232] The paging range module is configured to determine the paging range of the UE based on the first determination result.

[0233] like Figure 14 As shown, this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes:

[0234] The acquisition module 210 is configured to acquire the location information of the UE;

[0235] The second determining module 220 is configured to determine whether the location information of the UE represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a second determining result.

[0236] The information processing device may be included in a second network element, which may include a base station, etc.

[0237] In some embodiments, the device may further include a storage module for storing the location information and the second determination module 220.

[0238] In some embodiments, the acquisition module 210 and the second determination module 220 may be program modules; after being executed by the processor, the program module is able to perform operations.

[0239] In other embodiments, the acquisition module 210 and the second determination module 220 may be hardware-software hybrid modules, including but not limited to: various programmable arrays; the programmable arrays include but not limited to: field-programmable arrays and / or complex programmable arrays.

[0240] In some embodiments, the acquisition module 210 and the second determination module 220 may be pure hardware modules; the pure hardware modules include, but are not limited to, application-specific integrated circuits.

[0241] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0242] The first sending module is configured to send the location information to the first network element based on the second determination result.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first sending module is configured to send the location information and / or first indication information containing the second determination result to the first network element based on the second determination result.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first indication information indicates that the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE;

[0245] or,

[0246] The first indication information indicates that the location indicated by the location information is an approximate location of the UE.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first indication information includes:

[0248] The first field is used to indicate that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE;

[0249] or,

[0250] The indicator bit in the location information field indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE.

[0251] In some embodiments, a message containing the location information includes:

[0252] The second field carries the current location of the UE; and / or,

[0253] The third field carries the approximate location of the UE.

[0254] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0255] The second receiving module is configured to receive requests sent by the first network element;

[0256] The second sending module is configured to send a second indication message indicating the second determination result to the first network element upon request.

[0257] This disclosure provides a communication device, including:

[0258] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0259] The processor is connected to the memory separately;

[0260] The processor is configured to execute the strategy processing method provided by any of the aforementioned technical solutions.

[0261] The processor may include various types of storage media, which are non-transitory computer storage media that can continue to store information after the communication device loses power.

[0262] Here, the communication device includes: UE or network element, which can be any one of the aforementioned first to fourth network elements.

[0263] The processor can be connected to the memory via a bus or similar means to read executable programs stored in the memory, for example, such as... Figures 2 to 10 At least one of the methods shown.

[0264] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating a UE 800 according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the UE 800 may be a mobile phone, computer, digital broadcast user equipment, messaging transceiver, game console, tablet device, medical device, fitness equipment, personal digital assistant, etc.

[0265] Reference Figure 15 UE800 may include one or more of the following components: processing component 802, memory 804, power supply component 806, multimedia component 808, audio component 810, input / output (I / O) interface 812, sensor component 814, and communication component 816.

[0266] Processing component 802 typically controls the overall operation of UE 800, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communication, camera operation, and recording. Processing component 802 may include one or more processors 820 to execute instructions to generate all or part of the steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, processing component 802 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between processing component 802 and other components. For example, processing component 802 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 808 and processing component 802.

[0267] Memory 804 is configured to store various types of data to support operation on UE 800. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on UE 800, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 804 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0268] Power supply component 806 provides power to various components of UE800. Power supply component 806 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to UE800.

[0269] The multimedia component 808 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the UE 800 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touchscreen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensors may sense not only the boundaries of the touch or swipe action but also the duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 808 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When the UE 800 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or the rear-facing camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0270] Audio component 810 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 810 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when UE 800 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 804 or transmitted via communication component 816. In some embodiments, audio component 810 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0271] I / O interface 812 provides an interface between processing component 802 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0272] Sensor assembly 814 includes one or more sensors for providing status assessments of various aspects of UE 800. For example, sensor assembly 814 can detect the on / off state of UE 800, the relative positioning of components such as the display and keypad of UE 800, changes in the position of UE 800 or one of its components, the presence or absence of user contact with UE 800, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of UE 800, and temperature changes of UE 800. Sensor assembly 814 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 814 may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 814 may also include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0273] Communication component 816 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between UE 800 and other devices. UE 800 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 816 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 816 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0274] In an exemplary embodiment, UE800 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the methods described above.

[0275] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 804 including instructions that can be executed by a processor 820 of the UE 800 to generate the above-described method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0276] like Figure 16 As shown in the illustration, one embodiment of this disclosure illustrates the structure of an access device. For example, the communication device 900 can be provided as a network-side device. This communication device can be the aforementioned access network element and / or core network element.

[0277] Reference Figure 16 The communication device 900 includes a processing component 922, which further includes one or more processors, and memory resources represented by a memory 932 for storing instructions, such as application programs, that can be executed by the processing component 922. The application programs stored in the memory 932 may include one or more modules, each corresponding to a set of instructions. Furthermore, the processing component 922 is configured to execute instructions to perform any of the methods described above applied to the access device, such as... Figures 2 to 10 Any of the methods shown.

[0278] The communication device 900 may also include a power supply component 926 configured to perform power management of the communication device 900, a wired or wireless network interface 950 configured to connect the communication device 900 to a network, and an input / output (I / O) interface 958. The communication device 900 can operate on an operating system stored in memory 932, such as Windows Server™, Mac OS X™, Unix™, Linux™, FreeBSD™, or similar.

[0279] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0280] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An information processing method, wherein, The method, executed by the first network element, includes: Receive the location information of the user equipment (UE) sent by the second network element; Determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE to obtain a first determination result; Based on the first determination result, determine the paging range for the UE; Determining the paging range for the UE includes at least one of the following: When the first determination result indicates that the location information is the current location of the UE, the paging range is determined to be: the tracking area TA including the location indicated by the location information; When the first determination result indicates that the location information is an approximate location of the UE, the paging range is determined to be: the TA containing the location indicated by the location information and at least one adjacent TA containing the TA containing the location indicated by the location information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of determining whether the location information represents the current location of the UE to obtain a first determination result includes: Receive first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE; or, the first indication information indicates that the location information represents the approximate location of the UE; Based on the first indication information, a first determination result is obtained by determining whether the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The first indication information includes: The first field indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE; or, The indicator bit in the location information field indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Messages containing the location information include: The second field indicates the current location of the UE; or, The third field indicates the approximate location of the UE.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of determining whether the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE, and obtaining a first determination result, further includes: After receiving the UE's location information, a request is sent to the second network element to determine whether the location information represents the UE's current location; Receive second indication information returned based on the request; the second indication information indicates that the location information represents the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE; Based on the second indication information, the first determination result is obtained by determining whether the location information represents the current location of the UE.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The location information includes: Tracking Area Identifier (TAI), which indicates the Tracking Area (TA) where the UE is currently located or the approximate TA where the UE is located.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the first confirmation result, the UE's Registration Area (RA), Forbidden Area (FA), or Service Domain Restriction (SAR) is established.

8. An information processing method, wherein, The method, executed by the second network element, includes: Obtain the UE's location information; Determine whether the location information of the UE represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a second determination result; Based on the second determination result, the location information is sent to the first network element; the location information is used by the first network element to determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE to obtain a first determination result; The first determination result is used by the first network element to determine the paging range of the UE; when the first determination result indicates that the location information is the current location of the UE, the first determination result is used by the first network element to determine that the paging range is: the tracking area (TA) containing the location indicated by the location information; when the first determination result indicates that the location information is the approximate location of the UE, the first determination result is used by the first network element to determine that the paging range is: the TA containing the location indicated by the location information and at least one adjacent TA containing the TA containing the location indicated by the location information.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The step of sending the location information to the first network element based on the second determination result includes: Based on the second determination result, the location information and / or a first indication information containing the second determination result are sent to the first network element.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The first indication information indicates that the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE; or, The first indication information indicates that the location indicated by the location information is an approximate location of the UE.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The first indication information includes: The first field is used to indicate that the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE or an approximate location of the UE; or, The indicator bit in the location information field indicates that the location indicated by the location information is the current location of the UE or the approximate location of the UE.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Messages containing the location information include: The second field indicates the current location of the UE; or, The third field indicates the approximate location of the UE.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the request sent by the first network element; According to the request, a second indication message containing the second determination result is sent to the first network element.

14. An information processing apparatus, wherein, The device includes: The first receiving module is configured to receive the location information of the user equipment (UE) sent by the second network element; The first determining module is configured to determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a first determining result; The paging range module is configured to determine the paging range for paging the UE based on the first determination result; The paging range module is specifically configured to, when the first determination result indicates that the location information is the current location of the UE, determine the paging range as: the tracking area (TA) including the location indicated by the location information; and when the first determination result indicates that the location information is the approximate location of the UE, determine the paging range as: the TA including the location indicated by the location information and at least one adjacent TA including the TA including the location indicated by the location information.

15. An information processing apparatus, wherein, The device includes: The acquisition module is configured to acquire the UE's location information; The second determining module is configured to determine whether the location information of the UE represents the current location of the UE, and obtain a second determining result; The first sending module is configured to send the location information to the first network element according to the second determination result; the location information is used by the first network element to determine whether the location information represents the current location of the UE to obtain the first determination result; The first determination result is used by the first network element to determine the paging range of the UE; when the first determination result indicates that the location information is the current location of the UE, the first determination result is used by the first network element to determine that the paging range is: the tracking area (TA) containing the location indicated by the location information; when the first determination result indicates that the location information is the approximate location of the UE, the first determination result is used by the first network element to determine that the paging range is: the TA containing the location indicated by the location information and at least one adjacent TA containing the TA containing the location indicated by the location information.

16. A communication device, comprising a processor, a transceiver, a memory, and an executable program stored in the memory and capable of being executed by the processor, wherein, When the processor runs the executable program, it performs the method provided as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 or 8 to 13.

17. A computer storage medium storing an executable program; the executable program, when executed by a processor, is capable of implementing the method provided in any one of claims 1 to 7 or 8 to 13.

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