Positioning method and apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a positioning method and device, communication equipment and a readable storage medium, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The positioning method of the application comprises the following steps: a first communication equipment calls a positioning service operation of a second communication equipment through a service interface, and the positioning service operation is used for requesting position information of a terminal or canceling terminal positioning. Therefore, unnecessary signaling overhead can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of wireless communication technology, specifically relating to a positioning method, apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In existing positioning methods, all positioning messages exchanged between the terminal and / or access network functions and the Location Management Function (LMF) need to be transparently forwarded through the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The AMF is unaware of the message content, resulting in significant forwarding signaling overhead. Therefore, it can be seen that existing positioning methods have substantial signaling overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a positioning method, apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium to solve the problem of high signaling overhead in existing positioning methods.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0005] Firstly, a positioning method is provided, including:

[0006] The first communication device invokes the location service operation of the second communication device through a service interface. The location service operation is used to request the location information of the terminal or cancel the terminal's location.

[0007] Secondly, a positioning method is provided, including:

[0008] The second communication device receives a location service operation from the first communication device through a service interface. The location service operation is used to request the location information of the terminal or cancel the terminal's location.

[0009] Thirdly, a positioning device is provided, applied to a first communication device, comprising:

[0010] The first sending module is used to call the location service operation of the second communication device through a service interface. The location service operation is used to request the location information of the terminal or cancel the terminal location.

[0011] Fourthly, a positioning device is provided for use in a second communication device, comprising:

[0012] The second receiving module is used to receive a location service operation from the first communication device through a service interface, wherein the location service operation is used to request the location information of the terminal.

[0013] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0015] In this embodiment, the first communication device (e.g., the core network function (LMF)) can directly invoke the location service operation of the second communication device (e.g., the terminal and / or access network function) through a service-based interface. This location service operation is used to request the terminal's location information or cancel the terminal's location. Therefore, the interaction information between the first and second communication devices does not need to be forwarded through the AMF, but can be exchanged through service access, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the service-oriented interface in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the MAC CE in the embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the location assistance information broadcasting process in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of another positioning method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the MT-LR process in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the MO-LR process in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of RAN single-site positioning in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of RAN multi-station positioning in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 10This is a flowchart of LMF positioning in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a positioning device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a positioning device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0031] To address the issue of high signaling overhead in existing positioning methods, embodiments of this application propose an N2 interface (such as...) between the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the core network. Figure 1 The thick line shown represents the RAN (Nran) service. This allows the RAN and LMF to have a service-oriented interface for direct signaling interaction. As a result, the interaction information (such as location requests) between the access network functions and the LMF does not need to be forwarded through the AMF, but can be exchanged through service access, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead and further reducing location acquisition latency.

[0032] Among them, such as Figure 1As shown, core network functions may include, but are not limited to, LMF, AMF, Network Repository Function (NRF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), and UE Radio Capability Management Function (UCMF). Access network functions may include, but are not limited to, base stations, WLAN access points, or WiFi nodes. Terminals may be mobile phones, tablet personal computers, robots, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted devices (VUE), pedestrian terminals (PUE), smart home devices, and other terminal-side devices. It should be noted that the specific type of terminal is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0033] Furthermore, by service-orientedizing the N2 interface between the access network (RAN) and the core network, in MO-LR (Mobile-Originated Location Request) scenarios, terminals such as user equipment (UEs) can achieve positioning simply by entering the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, without needing to enter the Connection Management (CM-CONNECTED) state. In other words, positioning can be achieved with only an RRC connection. Even in situations where positioning accuracy requirements are not high, such as those requiring cell-level UE location information, the UE can achieve positioning without entering the RRC-connected state; that is, the UE can achieve positioning without an RRC connection. This reduces terminal power consumption.

[0034] Furthermore, by service-orientedizing the N2 interface between the access network (RAN) and the core network, the RAN can be equipped with local positioning capabilities. This reduces signaling overhead caused by core network network function (NF) forwarding for single-base station or multi-base station positioning scenarios.

[0035] In this embodiment of the application, the location-related services and corresponding service operations of the RAN may include at least one of the following:

[0036] 1) Local Location Service (LLS)

[0037] In this embodiment, the Local Location Service (LLS) is used to provide terminal location information and / or distribute location configuration information. The terminal location information includes, but is not limited to, the terminal's location, its location within a region / city, the positioning method used, and the reason for positioning failure. The location configuration information includes, but is not limited to, positioning reference signals and positioning measurement result reporting configuration information. Access network functions, core network NFs, and / or Network Function Services (NFS) can obtain the terminal's location information by accessing the LLS.

[0038] Optionally, the local location service (LLS) may include at least one of the following service operations:

[0039] -EventNotify: Notifies the terminal of its location information when a target event occurs; for example, the target event may be a subscription to another Network Function Service (NFS), such as an implicit subscription.

[0040] -ProvideLocationInfo: Provides the terminal's location information and / or sends location configuration information.

[0041] -CancelLocation: Cancels the device's location settings, such as canceling specific types of device location settings, like canceling periodic location settings.

[0042] In some embodiments, the relevant descriptions of the Local Location Service (LLS) can be shown in Table 1 below:

[0043] Table 1

[0044]

[0045] 2) Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS)

[0046] In this embodiment, the Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS) is used to provide multicast broadcast services, including but not limited to broadcast methods and multicast methods. For positioning, the LMF can use the MBS to broadcast positioning assistance information such as the Assisted Global Navigation Satellite System (AGNSS).

[0047] Optionally, the multicast broadcast service (MBS) may include at least one of the following service operations:

[0048] -Transfer / Cancel: Used to execute or cancel multicast data transmission for other NFS requests. The corresponding request can carry multicast resource requirements, Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, transmission method, etc.

[0049] -StatusNotify: Used to notify the multicast status, such as whether the multicast message has been successfully received by the terminal.

[0050] In some embodiments, the relevant description of the Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS) can be shown in Table 2 below:

[0051] Table 2

[0052]

[0053] 3) Data Collection Service (DCS)

[0054] In this embodiment, the Data Acquisition Service (DCS) is used to acquire measurement data from the access network side. For positioning, it is used to obtain positioning measurement results from the RAN.

[0055] Optionally, the service operations of the data acquisition service DCS may include:

[0056] -MeasurementReport: Used to inform the access network side of the measurement results.

[0057] In some embodiments, the relevant description of the data acquisition service DCS can be shown in Table 3 below:

[0058] Table 3

[0059] Nran_DataCollection Measurement Report Request / Response

[0060] The positioning method, apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0061] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is applied to a first communication device, which may be a core network function or a terminal. The core network function may include, but is not limited to, LMF (Local Multi-Function). Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0062] Step 21: The first communication device calls the location service operation of the second communication device through the service interface.

[0063] In this embodiment, the location service operation is used to request the terminal's location information or cancel the terminal's location.

[0064] Optionally, the location service operation may include at least one of the following:

[0065] Event notification: When a target event occurs, notify the terminal of its location information;

[0066] Provide location information: Provide the terminal's location information or send location configuration information;

[0067] Cancel location tracking: Cancel the location tracking of the device, such as canceling specific types of device location tracking.

[0068] Optionally, the location service operation may carry at least one of the following information: terminal identifier (such as UE ID), RAN UE NGAP ID, Location Service (LCS) correlation identifier, QoS information, etc. For example, the terminal identifier may be an S-Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (S-TMSI). The RAN UE NGAP ID may be assigned by the RAN and sent to the LMF.

[0069] In the positioning method of this application embodiment, the first communication device (e.g., LMF) can directly call the positioning service operation of the second communication device (e.g., terminal and / or access network function) through a service-based interface. The positioning service operation is used to request the terminal's location information or cancel the terminal's positioning. Therefore, the interaction information between the first and second communication devices does not need to be forwarded through the AMF, but can be exchanged through service access, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0070] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned operation of invoking the location service of the second communication device may include: the first communication device sending a location request message to the second communication device through a service-based interface.

[0071] Optionally, the location request message may carry at least one of the following information: terminal identifier (such as UEID), RAN UE NGAP ID, Location Service (LCS) correlation identifier, QoS information, etc. For example, the terminal identifier may be S-TMSI. The RAN UE NGAP ID may be assigned by the RAN and sent to the LMF.

[0072] In some embodiments, the aforementioned location request message can be an `Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo_Request` message, used to invoke the Local Location Service (LLS) to obtain the location estimation result of the corresponding terminal, and the corresponding location response message is an `Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo_Response` message. Alternatively, the aforementioned location request message can be an `Nran_DataCollection_MeasurementReport_Request` message, used to invoke the Data Collection Service (DCS) to obtain the location measurement result of the corresponding terminal, and the corresponding location response message is an `Nran_DataCollection_MeasurementReport_Response` message.

[0073] In some embodiments, for a UE in an RRC inactive state, an RRC connection for the UE can be established through the UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI), and then the access network function can know the UE that the LMF wants to locate.

[0074] In some embodiments, for UEs in the RRC connected state, the access network function can associate the air interface UE ID with the RAN UENGAP ID.

[0075] In some embodiments, regardless of the UE's state, the LCS correlation identifier can be used to associate the LMF with the UE, and subsequent access network functions can use the LCS correlation identifier to inform the LMF of location-related information.

[0076] In this embodiment, depending on the different positioning requirements, the above-mentioned call can be initiated by the core network function or sent by the terminal. That is, the first communication device mentioned above can be either the core network function or the terminal. For example, when the LCS client and / or application function (AF) has a positioning requirement, corresponding to the MT-LR scenario, the positioning request is initiated by the core network function; or, when the terminal has a positioning requirement, corresponding to the MO-LR scenario, the positioning request is initiated by the terminal.

[0077] Optionally, if the first communication device is a core network function, the above-mentioned operation of invoking the location service of the second communication device may include at least one of the following:

[0078] When the location of the access network meets the QoS requirements, the core network function invokes the location service operation of the access network function; for example, it sends a location request message to the access network function.

[0079] When the terminal's location meets QoS requirements, the core network functions invoke the terminal's location service operations; for example, by sending a location request message to the terminal.

[0080] For example, taking the core network function as LMF as an example, LMF can combine QoS requirements and RAN / UE location capabilities, which can be obtained from AMF or UDM, and perform any of the following:

[0081] 1) Directly call the RAN's location service operation, such as sending a location request to the RAN. This method is suitable when the RAN's location can meet the QoS requirements.

[0082] 2) Directly invoke the UE's location service operation, such as initiating a location request to the UE. This method is suitable when the UE's location can meet QoS requirements.

[0083] 3) Simultaneously invoke the positioning service operations of RAN and UE, such as simultaneously initiating positioning requests to RAN and UE. This method can be used to improve positioning accuracy.

[0084] Optionally, taking LMF as an example, the location request message sent by LMF may carry, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0085] -LMF determines one or more positioning methods (such as Observed Time Difference of Arrival OTDOA, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System BDS, Global Navigation Satellite System GNSS, etc.) and related configuration parameters, such as Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration parameters and Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) configuration parameters.

[0086] -Location QoS requirements;

[0087] -Time requirements for location estimation feedback;

[0088] - Indication of whether it is a periodic positioning.

[0089] Optionally, after the aforementioned location service operation of the access network function is invoked, such as sending a location request message to the access network function, the core network function can receive first information fed back by the access network function. This first information includes at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the local location service of the access network function, and access network-side location measurement results obtained through the data acquisition service of the access network function. For example, the first information can be fed back through a location response message. This allows the core network function to obtain terminal location-related information.

[0090] Optionally, after the aforementioned operation of invoking the terminal's location service, such as sending a location request message to the terminal, the core network function can receive second information fed back by the terminal. This second information includes at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the terminal's local location service, and terminal-side location measurement results obtained through the terminal's data acquisition service. For example, the second information can be fed back through a location response message. This allows the core network function to obtain terminal location-related information.

[0091] Optionally, when the core network function mentioned above is a location management function (LMF), the LMF can be selected by the access mobility management function (AMF), or the LMF can be selected by the gateway mobile location center (GMLC).

[0092] Optionally, if the first communication device is a terminal, the aforementioned operation of invoking the location service of the second communication device may include: the terminal invoking the location service of the access network function. For example, the terminal may send a location request message to the access network function, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: QoS information (such as accuracy, response time) requested by LCS, the earliest time of the requested location, and the requested location type (such as "current location" or "current or last known location").

[0093] Optionally, the terminal may invoke the location service operation of the access network function through at least one of the following methods, such as sending a location request message to the access network function:

[0094] (1) A Medium Access Control Element (MACCE), which is identified by a location-related Logical Channel Identity (LCID). For example, this location-related LCID is a specific LCID configured for RAN positioning.

[0095] Optional, such as Figure 3 As shown, the aforementioned MAC CE may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the requested location type (such as "current location" or "current or last known location"), information indicating whether vertical positioning is required, horizontal positioning accuracy information, vertical positioning accuracy information, the earliest time of the requested location, response time requirement information, etc.

[0096] (2) RRC message;

[0097] (3) Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) message; for example, this HTTP message is a service interface message.

[0098] Optionally, if the first communication device is a core network function, the above positioning method may further include at least one of the following:

[0099] The core network function sends a first request to the access network function, such as a multicast request, to request the access network function to broadcast location assistance information so that the access network function broadcasts the corresponding location assistance information.

[0100] The core network function receives notification information from the access network function. The notification information is used to notify the access network function of the multicast broadcast status, such as whether the multicast broadcast message has been successfully received by the terminal.

[0101] The core network function sends a second request to the access network function. The second request is, for example, a multicast cancellation request, which requests the access network function to cancel the broadcast of positioning assistance information; for example, it may request the cancellation of broadcasting specific positioning assistance information.

[0102] For example, taking the core network function as LMF as an example, for positioning assistance information such as AGNSS satellite ephemeris, LMF can request the RAN's multicast broadcast service MBS, and through this service, distribute the positioning assistance information to all UEs within the RAN's coverage area.

[0103] For example, see Figure 4 As shown, the location assistance information broadcasting process may include: S1: The LMF requests the RAN to broadcast location assistance information through a first request (e.g., Nran_MulticastBroadcast_Transfer Request), which may include information such as broadcast period and broadcast resources; S2: The RAN provides feedback on the broadcast status through a first response (e.g., Nran_MulticastBroadcast_Transfer Response); S3: The LMF obtains the multicast broadcast status through notification information obtained from the RAN (e.g., Nran_MulticastBroadcast_StatusNotify), such as whether the multicast broadcast message has been successfully received by the UE; S4: The LMF requests to terminate the broadcast of certain location assistance information through a second request (e.g., Nran_MulticastBroadcast_CancelRequest); S5: The LMF responds through a second response (e.g., Nran_MulticastBroadcast_Cancel Response).

[0104] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is applied to a second communication device, which may be an access network function or a terminal. The access network function may include, but is not limited to, a base station. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0105] Step 51: The second communication device receives the location service operation from the first communication device through the service interface.

[0106] In this embodiment, the location service operation is used to request the terminal's location information or cancel the terminal's location.

[0107] Optionally, the location service operation may include at least one of the following:

[0108] Event notification: When a target event occurs, notify the terminal of its location information;

[0109] Provide location information: Provide the terminal's location information or send location configuration information;

[0110] Cancel location tracking: Cancel the location tracking of the device, such as canceling specific types of device location tracking.

[0111] Optionally, the location service operation may carry at least one of the following information: terminal identifier, RAN UENGAP ID, LCS association identifier, QoS information, etc.

[0112] In the positioning method of this application embodiment, the second communication device (such as a terminal and / or access network function) can directly receive positioning service operations from the first communication device (such as an LMF) through a service-based interface. These positioning service operations are used to request the terminal's location information or cancel the terminal's positioning. Therefore, the interaction information between the first and second communication devices does not need to be forwarded through the AMF, but can be exchanged through service access, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0113] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned receiving location service operation from the first communication device may include: the second communication device receiving a location request message from the first communication device through a service-based interface.

[0114] Optionally, the location request message may carry at least one of the following information: terminal identifier (such as UEID), RAN UE NGAP ID, LCS correlation identifier, QoS information, etc. For example, the terminal identifier may be an S-Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (S-TMSI). The RAN UE NGAP ID may be assigned by the RAN and sent to the LMF.

[0115] In some embodiments, for a UE in an RRC inactive state, an RRC connection for the UE can be established through the UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI), and then the access network function can know the UE that the LMF wants to locate.

[0116] In some embodiments, for UEs in the RRC connected state, the access network function can associate the air interface UE ID with the RAN UENGAP ID.

[0117] In some embodiments, regardless of the UE's state, the LCS correlation identifier can be used to associate the LMF with the UE, and subsequent access network functions can use the LCS correlation identifier to inform the LMF of location-related information.

[0118] In this embodiment, depending on the different positioning needs, the positioning request can be initiated by the core network function or sent by the terminal. That is, the first communication device can be either the core network function or the terminal. For example, when the LCS client and / or AF have positioning needs, corresponding to the MT-LR scenario, the positioning request is initiated by the core network function; or, when the terminal has positioning needs, corresponding to the MO-LR scenario, the positioning request is initiated by the terminal.

[0119] Optionally, if the first communication device is a core network function and the second communication device is an access network function, after receiving the location service operation from the first communication device (e.g., receiving a location request message from the first communication device), the access network function can feed back first information to the core network function. This first information includes at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the local location service of the access network function, and access network-side location measurement results obtained through the data acquisition service of the access network function. For example, the first information can be fed back through a location response message.

[0120] Optionally, if the first communication device is a core network function and the second communication device is a terminal, after receiving the location service operation from the first communication device, such as receiving a location request message from the first communication device, the terminal can feed back second information to the core network function. The second information includes at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the terminal's local location service, and terminal-side location measurement results obtained through the terminal's data acquisition service. For example, the second information can be fed back through a location response message.

[0121] Optionally, if the first communication device is a core network function and the second communication device is an access network function, after receiving the location service operation from the first communication device, such as receiving a location request message from the first communication device, the access network function may also perform the following:

[0122] If the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, a first paging message is sent to the terminal. The first paging message is used to establish an RRC connection between the access network function and the terminal and to obtain information about the terminal. For example, the terminal can be obtained through the S-TMSI carried in the location request message.

[0123] If the terminal is in RRC connection state, the terminal can be identified by the RAN UE NGAP ID carried in the location request message.

[0124] In this way, the terminal can achieve positioning simply by entering the RRC connected state, without needing to enter the CM-CONNECTED state. In other words, positioning can be achieved with only an RRC connection. Even in situations where positioning accuracy requirements are not high, such as when cell-level terminal location information is needed, the terminal can achieve positioning without entering the RRC-connected state. In other words, the UE can achieve positioning without an RRC connection. This reduces terminal power consumption.

[0125] Optionally, if the first communication device is a core network function and the second communication device is a terminal, after receiving the location service operation from the first communication device, such as receiving a location request message from the first communication device, if the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, the terminal can receive a second paging message from the access network function. The second paging message is used to establish an RRC connection between the access network function and the terminal.

[0126] Optionally, if the second communication device is an access network function, the aforementioned receiving location service operation from the first communication device may include: the access network function receiving location service operation from the terminal. For example, the access network function may receive a location request message from the terminal to request the acquisition of the terminal's location information.

[0127] Furthermore, after receiving a location service operation from the terminal, such as receiving a location request message from the terminal, the aforementioned access network function can perform any of the following:

[0128] 1) If the location of the access network function meets the QoS requirements, i.e., the RAN single-site location can meet the QoS requirements, then the terminal's location information can be obtained through its own local location service and / or data acquisition service. For example, positioning configuration or auxiliary information can be sent to the terminal based on the RAN Positioning Service (LLS). The positioning configuration may include positioning reference signal configuration to instruct the terminal to perform downlink positioning measurement and / or location estimation calculation. The auxiliary information is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink reference signal (so that the RAN can perform uplink positioning measurement) or send GNSS-related auxiliary information to the UE.

[0129] 2) If the location provided by the access network function cannot meet the QoS requirements, a third request can be sent to other access network functions. This third request requests the other access network functions to obtain the terminal's location information. These other access network functions include at least one access network function different from the one provided. In this case, RAN multi-site positioning can meet the QoS requirements. For example, a location request can be sent to other RAN positioning services based on the RAN Positioning Service (LLS). This location request can carry location QoS requirements, as well as specific positioning methods, reference signal configurations, measurement requirements, etc.

[0130] 3) If the location of the access network function cannot meet the QoS requirements, or if the location of the access network function and other access network functions cannot meet the QoS requirements (i.e., the RAN location cannot meet the QoS requirements), a fourth request can be sent to the core network function (such as the LMF). This fourth request requests the core network function to obtain the terminal's location information. For example, a location request can be initiated to the LMF, which then decides which location method to use and contacts relevant nodes such as the UE and / or the RAN node.

[0131] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the access network function can receive location service operations from the terminal through at least one of the following methods, such as receiving a location request message from the terminal:

[0132] MAC CE, wherein the MAC CE is identified by an LCID associated with positioning;

[0133] RRC message;

[0134] HTTP message.

[0135] Optionally, the aforementioned MAC CE may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the requested location type (such as "current location" or "current or last known location"), information indicating whether vertical positioning is required, horizontal positioning accuracy information, vertical positioning accuracy information, the earliest time of the requested location, response time requirement information, etc.

[0136] Optionally, if the second communication device has access network functionality, the above positioning method may further include at least one of the following:

[0137] The access network function receives a first request sent by the core network function (such as LMF), the first request being used to request the access network function to broadcast location assistance information;

[0138] The access network function sends a notification message to the core network function (such as LMF), the notification message being used to notify the access network function of its multicast broadcast status;

[0139] The access network function receives a second request from the core network function (such as LMF), which requests the access network function to cancel the broadcast of location assistance information; for example, it may request to cancel the broadcast of specific location assistance information.

[0140] The embodiments of this application will be described below in conjunction with specific scenarios.

[0141] Scene 1

[0142] Scenario 1 corresponds to the MT-LR process, the core of which is that the NF or NFS can directly initiate a location request to the RAN and / or UE through a service interface. This method is only applicable to UE location in RRC Connected or RRC Inactive states. Figure 6 As shown, the specific process is as follows:

[0143] Step 1. The LCS client or AF sends a location service request (such as an LCS service request) to the GMLC; the location service request may include the required QoS and LCS client type, etc.

[0144] Step 2. The GMLC sends a request (e.g., Nudm_UECM_Get Request) to the UDM to request the network address of the target UE's current serving AMF (e.g., SUPI or GPSI identifier), the network address of the target UE's current serving RAN node, and / or the target UE's S-TMSI. The S-TMSI can be encrypted and cannot be understood by the GMLC to ensure security.

[0145] Step 3. UDM sends a response to GMLC (e.g., Nudm_UECM_Get Response).

[0146] In this process, the LMF can be selected in the following two ways:

[0147] Method 1: AMF performs LMF selection, as shown in the following steps:

[0148] Step 4a. The GMLC sends a UE location request message (such as Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo_Request) to the AMF. This request message carries the UE identifier and may also carry the network address of the target UE's current serving RAN node. The UE identifier may be, for example, a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) and / or a Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI).

[0149] Step 5a. AMF performs the selection of LMF.

[0150] Step 6a. The AMF sends the network address of the target UE's current serving RAN node, UE positioning capabilities, UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI), RAN UENGAP ID(), and / or LCS correlation identifier (assigned by the AMF) to the LMF via a location request message (e.g., Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation_Request). The RANUE NGAP ID is assigned by the RAN and sent to the AMF via the initial UE message. The network address of the target UE's current serving RAN node can be provided by the GMLC or obtained by the AMF itself.

[0151] Method 2: GMLC performs LMF selection, as shown in the following steps:

[0152] Step 5b. GMLC performs LMF selection.

[0153] Step 6b. The GMLC sends the network address of the target UE's current serving RAN node, UE positioning capability, UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI), RAN UENGAP ID, and / or LCS correlation identifier to the LMF via a location request message (e.g., Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo_Request). This information is obtained by the GMLC through steps 2 and 3.

[0154] Step 7. The LMF sends a location request to the RAN and / or UE based on location QoS requirements, RAN / UE capabilities, and other information. This may include one of the following scenarios:

[0155] Scenario 1: RAN positioning meets QoS requirements

[0156] Step 7a. The LMF sends a location request message (e.g., Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo_Request) to the RAN to obtain the UE location estimation result from the RAN, or sends a location request message (e.g., Nran_DataCollection_MeasurementReport_Request) to the RAN to obtain the UE location measurement result from the RAN. The location request message may carry at least one of the following: UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI), RAN UENGAP ID, LCS correlation identifier, etc. If the UE is in RRC Inactive state, the RAN will initiate a RAN paging procedure, carrying the UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI) in the corresponding paging message to establish an RRC connection between the RAN and the UE.

[0157] Scenario 2: UE positioning meets QoS requirements

[0158] Step 7b. The LMF sends a location request message (e.g., Nue_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo_Request) to the UE to obtain the UE's location estimation results, or it can send a location request message (e.g., Nue_DataCollection_MeasurementReport_Request) to the UE to obtain the UE's location measurement results. This location request message is forwarded by the RAN and may carry at least one of the following: UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI), RAN UE NGAP ID, LCS correlation identifier, etc. If the UE is in RRC Inactive state, the RAN will initiate a RAN paging procedure, carrying the UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI) in the corresponding paging message to establish an RRC connection between the RAN and the UE.

[0159] Scenario 3: Simultaneously send location requests to both the RAN and UE. This can be used to improve positioning accuracy.

[0160] Step 7c. The LMF simultaneously sends a location request message to both the RAN and the UE, which is a superposition of steps 7a and 7b. If the UE is in RRC Inactive state, the RAN will initiate a RAN paging procedure, carrying the UE ID (such as S-TMSI) in the corresponding paging message to establish an RRC connection with the UE.

[0161] Step 8a: The RAN calculates the location estimate of the UE.

[0162] Step 8b. The UE calculates its own position estimate.

[0163] Step 8c. LMF calculates the UE's location estimate.

[0164] Step 9a. Corresponding to step 7a, the RAN returns the positioning estimate or measurement result to the LMF through a positioning response message (such as Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo_Response).

[0165] Step 9b. Corresponding to step 7b, the UE returns the positioning estimate or measurement result to the LMF through a positioning response message (such as Nue_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo_Response).

[0166] Step 10. Corresponding to step 6a, the LMF forwards the UE location information to the AMF via a location response message (e.g., Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation_Response).

[0167] Step 11. Corresponding to step 6b, the AMF forwards the UE location information to the GMLC via a location response message (e.g., Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo_Response).

[0168] Step 12. Corresponding to Step 1, GMLC further forwards the UE location information to the external LCS client or AF through the location service response message (such as LCS service Response).

[0169] Scene 2

[0170] Scenario 2 corresponds to the MO-LR procedure, the core of which is: the UE can directly initiate a location request to the RAN. If the RAN location meets the QoS requirements, the UE doesn't even need to enter RRC Connected mode; however, if the RAN location does not meet the QoS requirements, the RAN will send the location request to the LMF or surrounding RAN nodes through a service interface. This method is applicable not only to UEs in RRC Connected or RRC Inactive states, but also to UEs in RRC idle state. Figure 7 As shown, the specific process is as follows:

[0171] Step 1. The UE sends a location request message to the RAN; the location request message may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: QoS information requested by the LCS (such as accuracy, response time), the earliest time of the requested location, and the requested location type (such as "current location" or "current or last known location").

[0172] In one implementation, as in step 1a: the UE can send a location request message to the RAN via MAC CE.

[0173] In another implementation, when an RRC connection is established, as in step 1b, the UE can send a location request message to the RAN via RRC signaling / message.

[0174] In one implementation, as in step 1c: the UE can send a location request message (such as Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Request) to the RAN via an HTTP message.

[0175] Step 2. RAN performs one of the following operations:

[0176] Method 1: If RAN single-site positioning can meet QoS requirements: RAN Positioning Service (LLS) sends positioning configuration or auxiliary information to UE. The positioning configuration may include positioning reference signal configuration to instruct the terminal to perform downlink positioning measurement and / or position estimation calculation. The auxiliary information is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink reference signal (so that RAN can perform uplink positioning measurement) or send GNSS-related auxiliary information to UE.

[0177] Method 2: If RAN multi-site positioning is required to meet QoS requirements: RAN Positioning Service (LLS) sends a positioning request to other RAN Positioning Services. The positioning request may carry positioning QoS requirements, as well as specific positioning methods, reference signal configurations, measurement requirements, etc.

[0178] Method 3: If the RAN positioning cannot meet the QoS requirements: The RAN initiates a positioning request to the LMF, and the LMF decides which positioning method to use and contacts relevant nodes such as the terminal UE and / or the RAN node.

[0179] For RAN single-site positioning, such as Figure 8 As shown, the specific process is as follows:

[0180] Step 1. With Figure 7 The steps shown are the same as step 1.

[0181] Step 2. After service-oriented implementation, the RAN directly calls the UDM's UE Context Management Service (UECM) to obtain UE location-related capabilities. For example, the RAN can obtain UE location-related capabilities from the UDM through Nudm_UECM_Get Request&Response. Alternatively, the RAN can also obtain these capabilities through other methods, such as UE capability reporting.

[0182] In this process, the RAN can obtain the UE measurement results through one of the following two methods:

[0183] ① Service operations, applicable to scenarios where the UE is also service-oriented:

[0184] Step 3. The RAN sends a location request message (e.g., Nue_DataCollection_MeasurementReport_Request) to the UE to request the UE's measurement service and inform the UE of the relevant location configuration.

[0185] Step 4. The UE returns a positioning response message (e.g., Nue_DataCollection_MeasurementReport Response) to the RAN to return the positioning measurement results to the RAN.

[0186] ② Measurement configuration and reporting method:

[0187] Step 5. The RAN and UE communicate via RRC messages to configure and report measurement results to obtain the UE measurement results.

[0188] Step 6. Corresponding to Step 1, the RAN sends a location response message to the UE, which at least carries the UE location estimate calculated by the RAN LLS. Compared to the three methods of location request, the location response can also be given in one of the following three ways:

[0189] 1) MAC CE;

[0190] 2) RRC signaling / messages;

[0191] 3) HTTP messages, such as Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Response.

[0192] For RAN multi-site positioning, such as Figure 9 As shown, the specific process is as follows:

[0193] Step 1. With Figure 7 The steps shown are the same as step 1.

[0194] Step 2. Optionally, the RAN can directly call the relevant services of the NRF to obtain RAN location-related capabilities. For example, the RAN can obtain RAN location-related capabilities from the NRF through the Nnrf_NFDiscovery Request & Response.

[0195] Step 3. Optionally, the RAN can directly call the UDM's UE Context Management Service (UECM) to obtain UE location-related capabilities. For example, the RAN can obtain UE location-related capabilities from the UDM through Nudm_UECM_Get Request&Response.

[0196] Step 4. The RAN sends a positioning request message (e.g., Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Request) to other RAN nodes to request them to obtain positioning measurement results or send positioning reference signals.

[0197] Step 5. Other RANs return a location response message to the RAN for confirmation (e.g., Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Response).

[0198] Step 6. The RAN sends a positioning request message (e.g., Nran_DataCollection_MeasurementReport Request) to the UE to request the UE to obtain and report the positioning measurement results.

[0199] Step 7. The UE returns a location response message (such as Nran_DataCollection_MeasurementReport Response) to the RAN for confirmation.

[0200] Step 8. Optionally, the RAN and UE perform measurement configuration and reporting via RRC messages to obtain UE measurement results.

[0201] Step 9. Other RAN nodes respond to the RAN with the location measurement results via notification messages (such as Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Notify).

[0202] Step 10. Corresponding to Step 1, the RAN sends a location response message to the UE, which carries at least the UE location estimate calculated by the RAN LLS.

[0203] For LMF positioning, i.e., high-precision positioning, such as Figure 10 As shown, the specific process is as follows:

[0204] Step 1. With Figure 7 The steps shown are the same as step 1.

[0205] Step 2. When the RAN local positioning cannot meet the positioning QoS accuracy, the RAN sends a location request message (such as Nlmf_Location_DeterminLocation Request) to the LMF to request the LMF to perform UE positioning. The location request message may carry positioning QoS requirements, as well as information such as UE positioning capabilities and RAN positioning capabilities.

[0206] Step 3. Optionally, the RAN can directly call the UDM's UE Context Management Service (UECM) to obtain UE location-related capabilities. For example, the RAN can obtain UE location-related capabilities from the UDM through Nudm_UECM_Get Request&Response.

[0207] Step 4. Optionally, the RAN can directly call the relevant services of the NRF to obtain RAN location-related capabilities. For example, the RAN can obtain RAN location-related capabilities from the NRF through the Nnrf_NFDiscovery Request & Response.

[0208] Step 5. The LMF sends a positioning request message (such as Nran_DataCollection_MeasurementReport Request or Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Request) to the RAN / other RAN nodes to request the RAN / other RAN nodes to obtain positioning measurement results or send positioning reference signals.

[0209] Step 6. The RAN / other RANs return a location response message (such as Nran_DataCollection_MeasurementReport Response or Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Response) to the LMF for confirmation.

[0210] Step 7. The RAN sends a positioning request message (e.g., Nran_DataCollection_MeasurementReport Request) to the UE to request the UE to obtain and report the positioning measurement results.

[0211] Step 8. The UE returns a location response message (such as Nran_DataCollection_MeasurementReport Response) to the RAN for confirmation.

[0212] Step 9. Optionally, the RAN and UE perform measurement configuration and reporting via RRC messages to obtain UE measurement results.

[0213] Step 10. RAN / other RAN nodes report the positioning measurement results to LMF via notification messages (such as Nran_DataCollection_MeasurementReport Notify or Nran_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Notify).

[0214] Step 11. Corresponding to step 2, the LMF returns a location response message (e.g., Nlmf_Location_DeterminLocation Response) to the RAN.

[0215] Step 12. Corresponding to step 1, the RAN sends a location response message to the UE, which carries at least the UE location estimate calculated by the RAN LLS.

[0216] It should be noted that the positioning method provided in this application can be executed by a positioning device or a control module within that positioning device. This application uses the example of a positioning device executing a positioning method to illustrate the positioning device provided in this application.

[0217] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device is applied to a first communication device, which may be a core network function or a terminal. The core network function may include, but is not limited to, LMF (Local Multi-Function). Figure 11 As shown, the positioning device 110 includes:

[0218] The first sending module 111 is used to call the location service operation of the second communication device through a service interface. The location service operation is used to request the location information of the terminal or cancel the terminal location.

[0219] Optionally, if the first communication device is a core network function, the first sending module 111 is specifically used to perform at least one of the following:

[0220] If the location of the access network function meets the QoS requirements, invoke the location service operation of the access network function.

[0221] If the location of the terminal meets the QoS requirements, the location service operation of the terminal is invoked.

[0222] Optionally, the positioning device 110 also includes:

[0223] The first receiving module is configured to receive first information fed back by the access network function, the first information including at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the local positioning service of the access network function, and access network-side positioning measurement results obtained through the data acquisition service of the access network function; and / or, to receive second information fed back by the terminal, the second information including at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the local positioning service of the terminal, and terminal-side positioning measurement results obtained through the data acquisition service of the terminal.

[0224] Optionally, the location service operation includes at least one of the following:

[0225] When the target event occurs, the terminal is notified of its location information;

[0226] Provide the terminal's location information or send location configuration information;

[0227] Cancel the device's location tracking.

[0228] Optionally, when the core network function is a location management function (LMF), the LMF is selected by the access mobility management function (AMF), or the LMF is selected by the gateway mobility location center (GMLC).

[0229] Optionally, if the first communication device is a terminal, the first sending module 111 is specifically used for: calling the location service operation of the access network function.

[0230] Optionally, the first sending module 111 is specifically used to: invoke the location service operation of the access network function through at least one of the following:

[0231] MAC CE, wherein the MAC CE is identified by an LCID associated with positioning;

[0232] Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages;

[0233] Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) messages.

[0234] Optionally, the MAC CE includes at least one of the following:

[0235] The requested location type, information indicating whether vertical positioning is required, horizontal positioning accuracy information, vertical positioning accuracy information, the earliest time of the requested location, and response time requirements.

[0236] Optionally, the location service operation carries at least one of the following information:

[0237] Terminal identifier, Radio Access Network (RAN) UE NGAP ID, Location Service (LCS) associated identifier, and QoS information.

[0238] Optionally, if the first communication device is a core network function, the first sending module 111 is further configured to: send a first request to the access network function, the first request being used to request the access network function to broadcast positioning assistance information; or, send a second request to the access network function, the second request being used to request the access network function to cancel the broadcasting of positioning assistance information;

[0239] The first receiving module is further configured to: receive notification information from the access network function, the notification information being used to notify the access network function of its multicast broadcast status.

[0240] The positioning device 110 of this application embodiment can achieve the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The various processes of the method embodiments shown can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0241] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device is applied to a second communication device, which may be an access network function or a terminal. The access network function may include, but is not limited to, a base station. Figure 12 As shown, the positioning device 120 includes:

[0242] The second receiving module 121 is used to receive a location service operation from the first communication device through a service interface. The location service operation is used to request the location information of the terminal or cancel the terminal location.

[0243] Optionally, the location service operation carries at least one of the following information:

[0244] Terminal identifier, RAN UE NGAP ID, LCS association identifier, QoS information.

[0245] Optionally, when the first communication device has core network functionality, the positioning device 120 includes:

[0246] The second sending module is configured to, when the second communication device is an access network function, feed back first information to the core network function, the first information including at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the local positioning service of the access network function, and access network-side positioning measurement results obtained through the data acquisition service of the access network function; or, when the second communication device is a terminal, feed back second information to the core network function, the second information including at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the local positioning service of the terminal, and terminal-side positioning measurement results obtained through the data acquisition service of the terminal.

[0247] Optionally, the location service operation includes at least one of the following:

[0248] When the target event occurs, the terminal is notified of its location information;

[0249] Provide the terminal's location information or send location configuration information;

[0250] Cancel the device's location tracking.

[0251] Optionally, if the first communication device has core network functionality and the second communication device has access network functionality, the positioning device 120 further includes:

[0252] The first execution module is configured to send a first paging message to the terminal when the terminal is in an RRC inactive state. The first paging message is used to establish an RRC connection between the access network function and the terminal and to obtain information about the terminal. Alternatively, when the terminal is in an RRC connected state, the module can obtain information about the terminal through the RAN UE NGAPID carried in the location request message.

[0253] Optionally, if the first communication device is a core network function and the second communication device is a terminal, the positioning device 120 further includes:

[0254] The third receiving module is used to receive a second paging message from the access network function when the terminal is in an RRC inactive state. The second paging message is used to establish an RRC connection between the access network function and the terminal.

[0255] Optionally, if the second communication device is an access network function, the second receiving module 121 is specifically used to: receive the location service operation from the terminal.

[0256] Optionally, if the second communication device has access network functionality, the positioning device 120 further includes:

[0257] The second execution module is configured to: obtain the location information of the terminal through its own local positioning service and / or data acquisition service when the location of the access network function meets the QoS requirements; or, send a third request to other access network functions when the location of the access network function does not meet the QoS requirements, the third request being used to request the other access network functions to obtain the location information of the terminal; or, send a fourth request to the core network function when the location of the access network function does not meet the QoS requirements, or when the location of the access network function and other access network functions both fail to meet the QoS requirements, the fourth request being used to request the core network function to obtain the location information of the terminal; wherein, the other access network functions include at least one access network function different from the access network function.

[0258] Optionally, the second receiving module 121 is specifically configured to: receive the location service operation from the terminal via at least one of the following:

[0259] MAC CE, wherein the MAC CE is identified by an LCID associated with positioning;

[0260] RRC message;

[0261] HTTP message.

[0262] Optionally, if the second communication device is an access network function, the second receiving module 121 is further configured to: receive a first request sent by the core network function, the first request being used to request the access network function to broadcast positioning assistance information; or, receive a second request sent by the core network function, the second request being used to request the access network function to cancel the broadcasting of positioning assistance information;

[0263] The second sending module is further configured to: send notification information to the core network function, the notification information being used to notify the access network function of its multicast broadcast status.

[0264] The positioning device 120 in this embodiment can achieve the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The various processes of the method embodiments shown can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0265] Optional, such as Figure 13 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 130, including a processor 131, a memory 132, and a program or instructions stored in the memory 132 and executable on the processor 131. For example, when the communication device 130 is a terminal, the program or instructions executed by the processor 131 implement the above-mentioned... Figure 2The various processes of the positioning method embodiment shown can achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 130 is a network-side device, the above-described procedure or instruction is implemented when executed by the processor 131. Figure 5 The various processes of the positioning method embodiments shown can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0266] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, can achieve the above-described functions. Figure 2 The various processes of the positioning method embodiments shown, or the implementation of the above... Figure 5 The various processes of the positioning method embodiments shown can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0267] Computer-readable media include both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media, which can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0268] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0269] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0270] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a service classification device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0271] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that, include: The first communication device calls the location service operation of the second communication device through a service interface. The location service operation is used to request the location information of the terminal or cancel the terminal location. Wherein, the first communication device is a terminal, and the operation of invoking the location service of the second communication device includes: The terminal invokes the location service operation of the access network function through the Media Access Control and Control Unit (MAC CE); wherein, the MAC CE is identified by the Logical Channel Identifier (LCID) related to positioning; the MAC CE includes at least one of the following: requested location type, information indicating whether vertical positioning is required, horizontal positioning accuracy information, vertical positioning accuracy information, the earliest time of the requested location, and response time requirement information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the first communication device is a core network function, the operation of invoking the location service of the second communication device includes at least one of the following: When the location of the access network meets the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, the core network function invokes the location service operation of the access network function. If the location of the terminal meets the QoS requirements, the core network function invokes the location service operation of the terminal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the location service operation is used to request the terminal's location information. After the location service operation that invokes the access network function, the method further includes: The core network function receives first information fed back by the access network function, the first information including at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the local positioning service of the access network function, and access network-side positioning measurement results obtained through the data acquisition service of the access network function. or, After the operation of invoking the terminal's location service, the method further includes: The core network function receives second information fed back by the terminal, the second information including at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the terminal's local positioning service, and terminal-side positioning measurement results obtained through the terminal's data acquisition service.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The location service operation includes at least one of the following: When the target event occurs, the terminal is notified of its location information; Provide the terminal's location information or send location configuration information; Cancel the device's location tracking.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The location service operation that invokes access network functions also includes: The terminal invokes the location service operation of the access network function through at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages; Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) messages.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The location service operation carries at least one of the following information: Terminal identifier, Radio Access Network (RAN) UE NGAP ID, Location Service (LCS) associated identifier, and QoS information.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the first communication device is a core network function, the method further includes at least one of the following: The core network function sends a first request to the access network function, the first request being used to request the access network function to broadcast positioning assistance information; The core network function receives notification information from the access network function, and the notification information is used to notify the access network function of the multicast broadcast status. The core network function sends a second request to the access network function, the second request being used to request the access network function to cancel the broadcast of positioning assistance information.

8. A positioning method, characterized in that, include: The second communication device receives a location service operation from the first communication device through a service interface. The location service operation is used to request the location information of the terminal or cancel the terminal location. Wherein, the second communication device is an access network function, the first communication device is a terminal, and the step of receiving the location service operation from the first communication device includes: The access network function receives location service operations from the terminal through a MAC CE; wherein the MAC CE is identified by an LCID related to location; the MAC CE includes at least one of the following: requested location type, information indicating whether vertical positioning is required, horizontal positioning accuracy information, vertical positioning accuracy information, the earliest time of the requested location, and response time requirement information.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The location service operation carries at least one of the following information: Terminal identifier, RAN UE NGAP ID, LCS association identifier, QoS information.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, If the first communication device functions as a core network, and the second communication device functions as an access network, after receiving the location service operation from the first communication device, the method further includes: The access network function feeds back first information to the core network function, the first information including at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the local positioning service of the access network function, and access network-side positioning measurement results obtained through the data acquisition service of the access network function. or, If the second communication device is a terminal, after receiving the location service operation from the first communication device, the method further includes: The terminal feeds back second information to the core network function, the second information including at least one of the following: terminal location information obtained through the terminal's local positioning service, and terminal-side positioning measurement results obtained through the terminal's data acquisition service.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, If the first communication device is a core network function and the second communication device is an access network function, after receiving the location service operation from the first communication device, the method further includes: If the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, the access network function sends a first paging message to the terminal. The first paging message is used to establish an RRC connection between the access network function and the terminal, and to obtain information about the terminal. If the terminal is in RRC connection state, the access network function can obtain the terminal through the RAN UE NGAP ID carried by the location service operation.

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, If the first communication device is a core network function and the second communication device is a terminal, after receiving the location service operation from the first communication device, the method further includes: If the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, the terminal receives a second paging message from the access network function. The second paging message is used to establish an RRC connection between the access network function and the terminal.

13. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After receiving the location service operation from the terminal, the method further includes any one of the following: If the location of the access network function meets the QoS requirements, the access network function obtains the location information of the terminal through its own local location service and / or data collection service; If the location of the access network function cannot meet the QoS requirements, the access network function sends a third request to other access network functions. The third request is used to request the other access network functions to obtain the location information of the terminal. If the location of the access network function cannot meet the QoS requirements, or if the location of the access network function and other access network functions cannot meet the QoS requirements, the access network function sends a fourth request to the core network function, the fourth request being used to request the core network function to obtain the location information of the terminal. The other access network functions include at least one access network function that is different from the access network functions.

14. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of receiving the location service operation from the terminal further includes: The access network function receives the location service operation from the terminal through at least one of the following: RRC message; HTTP message.

15. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, If the second communication device is an access network function, the method further includes at least one of the following: The access network function receives a first request sent by the core network function, the first request being used to request the access network function to broadcast positioning assistance information; The access network function sends a notification message to the core network function, and the notification message is used to notify the access network function of the multicast broadcast status. The access network function receives a second request sent by the core network function, the second request being used to request the access network function to cancel the broadcast of positioning assistance information.

16. A positioning device, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the device includes: The first sending module is used to call the location service operation of the second communication device through a service interface. The location service operation is used to request the location information of the terminal or cancel the terminal location. Wherein, the first communication device is a terminal, and the first sending module is specifically used to: invoke the location service operation of the access network function through MAC CE; The MAC CE is identified by an LCID associated with positioning; the MAC CE includes at least one of the following: requested location type, information indicating whether vertical positioning is required, horizontal positioning accuracy information, vertical positioning accuracy information, the earliest time of the requested location, and response time requirement information.

17. A positioning device, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, the device includes: The second receiving module is used to receive a location service operation from the first communication device through a service interface, wherein the location service operation is used to request the location information of the terminal. Wherein, the second communication device is an access network function, the first communication device is a terminal, and the second receiving module is specifically used to: receive location service operations from the terminal through MAC CE; The MAC CE is identified by an LCID associated with positioning; the MAC CE includes at least one of the following: requested location type, information indicating whether vertical positioning is required, horizontal positioning accuracy information, vertical positioning accuracy information, the earliest time of the requested location, and response time requirement information.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the positioning method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the steps of the positioning method as described in any one of claims 8 to 15.

19. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the positioning method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the steps of the positioning method as described in any one of claims 8 to 15.

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