Methods for obtaining location information, terminals and network-side devices

Abstract

This application discloses a method for acquiring location information, a terminal, and a network-side device, belonging to the field of communication technology. The method for acquiring location information in this application includes: a first network element acquiring a request message, the request message being used to request the acquisition of location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; the first network element determining a positioning network element based on the request message; the first network element receiving positioning information from the positioning network element, the positioning information being used to determine the location information of the IoT device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, specifically relating to a method for acquiring location information, a terminal, and a network-side device. Background Technology

[0002] Current mobile phones establish connections with base stations in communication networks, allowing the networks to obtain the phone's location information. Internet of Things (IoT) devices are terminal devices used in specific scenarios or for specific services, such as smart homes / cities, smart utilities, e-health, and smart wearables. Some IoT devices operate with lower power consumption, supporting shorter communication distances—far shorter than the current communication distance between terminals (like mobile phones) and base stations. Therefore, in outdoor or indoor environments with obstructions, these IoT devices may be unable to connect to base stations, preventing the mobile network from obtaining their location information. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method, terminal, and network-side device for obtaining location information, which can solve the problem that mobile networks cannot obtain the location information of IoT devices.

[0004] In a first aspect, a method for acquiring location information is provided, comprising: a first network element acquiring a request message, the request message being used to request the acquisition of location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; the first network element determining a positioning network element based on the request message; and the first network element receiving positioning information from the positioning network element, the positioning information being used to determine the location information of the IoT device.

[0005] Secondly, a method for acquiring location information is provided, comprising: a positioning network element receiving a request message from a first network element, the request message being used to request the acquisition of location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; the positioning network element assisting the first network element in acquiring the location information according to the request message, the location information being used to determine the location information of the IoT device; and the positioning network element sending the location information to the first network element.

[0006] Thirdly, a method for obtaining location information is provided, comprising: a second terminal sending a request message to a first network element; wherein the request message is used to request the location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; and the second terminal receiving the location information of the IoT device from the first network element.

[0007] Fourthly, a method for acquiring location information is provided, comprising: a second network element receiving a request message from a second terminal, the request message being used to request the acquisition of location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; the second network element acquiring the location information of the IoT device; and the second network element sending the location information to the second terminal.

[0008] Fifthly, a location information acquisition device is provided, comprising: an acquisition module for acquiring a request message, the request message being used to request the acquisition of location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; a determination module for determining a positioning network element based on the request message; and a receiving module for receiving positioning information from the positioning network element, the positioning information being used to determine the location information of the IoT device.

[0009] A sixth aspect provides a location information acquisition device, comprising: a receiving module for receiving a request message from a first network element, the request message being used to request the acquisition of location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; an acquisition module for assisting the first network element in acquiring location information according to the request message, the location information being used to determine the location information of the IoT device; and a sending module for sending the location information to the first network element.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a location information acquisition device is provided, comprising: a sending module for sending a request message to a first network element; wherein the request message is used to request location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; and a receiving module for receiving the location information of the IoT device from the first network element.

[0011] Eighthly, a location information acquisition device is provided, comprising: a receiving module for receiving a request message from a second terminal, the request message being used to request the acquisition of location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; an acquisition module for acquiring the location information of the IoT device; and a sending module for sending the location information to the second terminal.

[0012] A ninth aspect provides a terminal including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the second or third aspect.

[0013] In a tenth aspect, a terminal is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor or the communication interface is used to implement the steps of the method described in the second or third aspect.

[0014] Eleventhly, a network-side device is provided, the network-side device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the first, second, or fourth aspects.

[0015] In a twelfth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor or the communication interface is used to implement the steps of the method described in the first, second, or fourth aspects.

[0016] In a thirteenth aspect, a location information acquisition system is provided, comprising: a terminal and a network-side device, wherein the terminal can be used to perform the steps of the method as described in the second or third aspect, and the network-side device can be used to perform the steps of the method as described in the first, second, or fourth aspect.

[0017] In a fourteenth 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 as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0018] In a fifteenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run a program or instructions to implement the steps of the method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0019] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, the computer program / program product being stored in a storage medium, the computer program / program product being executed by at least one processor to perform the steps of the method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0020] In this embodiment, after receiving the request message, the first network element can determine the positioning network element based on the request message. This positioning network element can obtain the positioning information of the IoT device, and the first network element receives the positioning information from the positioning network element. This embodiment uses the positioning network element to assist in obtaining the location information of the IoT device. Even when the IoT device is far from the mobile network base station or is obstructed, the location information of the IoT device can still be obtained through the positioning network element, thus achieving the positioning of the IoT device. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for obtaining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for obtaining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for obtaining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for obtaining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for obtaining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for obtaining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a location information acquisition device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a location information acquisition device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a location information acquisition device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a location information acquisition device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network-side device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network-side device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] 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 terms can be used interchangeably 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" and "second" are generally of the same class, not limited in number; 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.

[0038] It is worth noting that the technologies described in this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in this application are often used interchangeably, and the described technologies can be used with the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as with other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and NR terminology is used in most of the following description; however, these technologies can also be applied to applications beyond NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) radio systems. th Generation 6G communication system.

[0039] Figure 1This diagram illustrates a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. Terminal 11 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld computer, netbook, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), mobile internet device (MID), augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, robot, wearable device, vehicle-mounted device (VUE), pedestrian terminal (PUE), smart home (home devices with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, or furniture), game console, personal computer (PC), ATM, or self-service machine, etc. Wearable devices include: smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart chains, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. It should be noted that the specific type of terminal 11 is not limited in this embodiment. Network-side equipment 12 may include access network equipment or core network equipment. Access network equipment may also be referred to as radio access network equipment, radio access network (RAN), radio access network function, or radio access network unit. Access network equipment may include base stations, WLAN access points, or WiFi nodes, etc. Base stations may be referred to as Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), access point, base transceiver station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), home B node, home evolved B node, Transmitting Receiving Point (TRP), or any other suitable term in the field, as long as the same technical effect is achieved. The base station is not limited to specific technical terms. It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses a base station in an NR system as an example for description and does not limit the specific type of base station.Core network equipment may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Centralized network configuration (CNC), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Local NEF (or L-NEF), and Binding Support. Core network functions (BSF), application functions (AF), etc. It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses core network equipment in the NR system as an example for description, and does not limit the specific type of core network equipment.

[0040] The method for obtaining location information provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a method 200 for obtaining location information. This method can be executed by a first network element. In other words, this method can be executed by software or hardware installed on the first network element. The method includes the following steps.

[0042] S202: First network element acquisition request message, the request message is used to request the acquisition of the location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment.

[0043] In various embodiments of this application, the first network element may be a mobility management function, such as a first AMF; the first network element may also be a network open function or a unified data management function. The positioning network element mentioned later can be used to assist the first network element in obtaining the positioning information of IoT devices, and the positioning network element may include a first terminal (such as a mobile phone) or an access network device (such as a base station), etc.

[0044] In one example, the first network element is a mobility management function, and the positioning network element is a location management function, such as LMF; in another example, the first network element is a mobility management function, and the positioning network element includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, an access network device; in yet another example, the first network element is a location management function, and the positioning network element includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, an access network device; in yet another example, the first network element is a network open function or a unified data management function, and the positioning network element is a mobility management function or a location management function.

[0045] Optionally, the first network element is a mobility management function, the positioning network element is a location management function, and the method further includes the following steps: the mobility management function sends information of the first terminal to the location management function; wherein, the first terminal is used to assist in obtaining the positioning information, that is, the first terminal and the IoT device obtain the positioning information of the IoT device by sending and receiving positioning information.

[0046] In the examples above, a first terminal is mentioned. Optionally, the first terminal's subscription data or capability information allows the first terminal to participate in the positioning of the IoT device.

[0047] Optionally, the request message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the IoT device, service level information, and information on the possible location of the IoT device. Optionally, the service level information includes at least one of the following: positioning accuracy information, positioning time information, positioning range information, and service level indication information.

[0048] Optionally, the first network element is a mobility management function, and the first network element obtains a request message including: the mobility management function receives a request message from a second terminal, wherein the subscription data of the second terminal allows the second terminal to request the location information of the IoT device; or, the mobility management function receives a request message from a network open function.

[0049] S204: The first network element determines the location network element based on the request message.

[0050] As mentioned above, the request message may include at least one of the following: the identification information of the IoT device, service level information, and information on the possible location of the IoT device. In this step, the first network element can determine the location network element based on at least one of the above parameters in the request message.

[0051] Optionally, the first network element may determine the location network element based on information about the possible location of the IoT device; or, the first network element may determine one or more location network elements based on the capability information of multiple location network elements stored therein.

[0052] Optionally, the first network element determines the location network element based on the request message, including: the first network element sending a location request message to the location network element, the location request message being used to request the location information of the IoT device. The content of this location request message can be found in the request message in S202.

[0053] S206: The first network element receives positioning information from the positioning network element, the positioning information being used to determine the location information of the IoT device.

[0054] Optionally, the positioning information includes at least one of the following: 1) the cell identification information where the IoT device is located; 2) the tracking area identification information where the IoT device is located; 3) the geographical location information where the IoT device is located; 4) the relative position information of the IoT device; and 5) the positioning reference signal measurement results of the IoT device.

[0055] The relative position information of the IoT device can be the relative position information between the IoT device and the positioning network element, or it can be the relative position information between the IoT device and a certain network element collected by the positioning network element.

[0056] Optionally, after the first network element receives the positioning information from the positioning network element, the method further includes: the first network element processing the positioning information to obtain the location information of the Internet of Things device.

[0057] Optionally, this application embodiment further includes: a first network element sending a location request message to a positioning network element, the location request message being used to request the location information of the IoT device. This step can occur before S206.

[0058] It is worth noting that the parameters of the location request message can be the same as or different from those of the request message in S202. For example, the location request message may include one or more parameters from the request message in S202.

[0059] It should be noted that the terms "location information" and "location information" mentioned in the various embodiments of this application can be equivalent in some examples. For example, both "location information" and "location information" can refer to the geographical location information of the IoT device. In other examples, the location information is similar to intermediate information, and the location information of the IoT device can be obtained from the location information.

[0060] The location information acquisition method provided in this application embodiment allows a first network element to determine a positioning network element based on a request message after receiving the request message. This positioning network element can acquire the location information of the IoT device, and the first network element receives the location information from the positioning network element. This application embodiment uses a positioning network element to assist in acquiring the location information of the IoT device. Even when the IoT device is far from the mobile network base station or is obstructed, the location information of the IoT device can still be acquired through the positioning network element, thus achieving the positioning of the IoT device.

[0061] It should be noted that this embodiment uses the acquisition of location information of IoT devices as an example for illustration. However, the method described in this embodiment can also be used for application functions or communication between terminal devices and IoT devices. In this case, the request message in this embodiment can be replaced by an IoT device communication request message. The first network element sends a communication request to terminal devices (such as positioning network elements) that can communicate with the IoT device, and the communication between the first network element and the IoT device is carried out through these terminal devices.

[0062] The above combination Figure 2 The method for obtaining location information according to embodiments of this application is described in detail below. The following will combine... Figure 3 A method for obtaining location information according to another embodiment of this application is described in detail. It will be understood that the interaction between the location network element and the first network element, as described from the perspective of the location network element, is... Figure 2 In the method shown, the positioning network element on the first network element side is the same as or corresponds to the interaction description of the first network element. To avoid repetition, relevant descriptions are omitted appropriately.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of the location information acquisition method in an embodiment of this application, which can be applied to the positioning network element side. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the method 300 includes the following steps.

[0064] S302: The positioning network element receives a request message from the first network element. The request message is used to request the location information of an IoT device, which is a device that obtains energy from the environment.

[0065] Optionally, the request message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the IoT device, the service level information, and the information on the possible location of the IoT device.

[0066] Optionally, the service level information includes at least one of the following: positioning accuracy information, positioning time information, positioning range information, and level indication information.

[0067] For example, the positioning network element is a first terminal; optionally, the first terminal's subscription data or capability information allows the first terminal to participate in the positioning of the Internet of Things device.

[0068] S304: The positioning network element assists the first network element in obtaining positioning information according to the request message, and the positioning information is used to determine the location information of the Internet of Things device.

[0069] This step, for example, involves the positioning network element using a positioning method to locate the IoT device. The positioning method includes, for example, the positioning network element sending a positioning reference signal to the IoT device and measuring the positioning reference signal reflected by the IoT device to obtain the positioning information of the IoT device. Alternatively, the positioning network element sending a positioning reference signal to the IoT device and receiving the measurement result of the positioning reference signal from the IoT device.

[0070] Optionally, the positioning information includes at least one of the following: 1) the cell identification information where the IoT device is located; 2) the tracking area identification information where the IoT device is located; 3) the geographical location information where the IoT device is located; 4) the relative position information of the IoT device; and 5) the positioning reference signal measurement results of the IoT device.

[0071] S306: The positioning network element sends the positioning information to the first network element.

[0072] The location information acquisition method provided in this application embodiment allows a positioning network element to assist the first network element in acquiring location information after receiving a request message from a first network element. This application embodiment, by using a positioning network element to assist in acquiring the location information of an IoT device, can still acquire the location information of the IoT device even when it is far from the mobile network base station or is obstructed, thus achieving the positioning of the IoT device.

[0073] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the location information acquisition method according to an embodiment of this application, which can be applied to a second terminal. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the method 400 includes the following steps.

[0074] S402: The second terminal sends a request message to the first network element; wherein the request message is used to request the location information of an IoT device, and the IoT device is a device that obtains energy from the environment.

[0075] S404: The second terminal receives the location information of the IoT device from the first network element.

[0076] The location information acquisition method provided in this application embodiment involves a second terminal sending a request message to a first network element. The request message requests the acquisition of location information of an IoT device, and the second terminal receives the location information of the IoT device from the first network element. This application embodiment acquires the location information of the IoT device through the first network element, enabling location acquisition even when the IoT device is far from the mobile network base station or is obstructed, thus achieving IoT device positioning.

[0077] Optionally, the request message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the IoT device, the service level information, and the information on the possible location of the IoT device.

[0078] Optionally, the service level information includes at least one of the following: positioning accuracy information, positioning time information, positioning range information, and level indication information.

[0079] Optionally, the first network element is a mobility management function or a location management function.

[0080] Optionally, the subscription data of the second terminal allows the second terminal to request the location information of the IoT device.

[0081] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of the location information acquisition method in an embodiment of this application, which can be applied to a second network element. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the method 500 includes the following steps.

[0082] S502: The second network element receives a request message from the second terminal. The request message is used to request the location information of an IoT device, which is a device that obtains energy from the environment.

[0083] Optionally, the request message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the IoT device, the service level information, and the information on the possible location of the IoT device.

[0084] Optionally, the service level information includes at least one of the following: positioning accuracy information, positioning time information, positioning range information, and level indication information.

[0085] The second network element is a mobility management function or a location management function; for example, the second network element is a second AMF.

[0086] S504: The second network element obtains the location information of the IoT device.

[0087] Optionally, the second network element obtaining the location information of the IoT device includes: the second network element determining a mobility management network element; the second network element sending the request message to the mobility management network element, wherein the mobility management network element is used to obtain the location information of the IoT device; and the second network element receiving the location information of the IoT device from the mobility management network element.

[0088] The second network element determines the mobility management network element by: the second network element determining the mobility management network element based on the coverage area of ​​the mobility management network element.

[0089] S506: The second network element sends the location information to the second terminal.

[0090] The location information acquisition method provided in this application embodiment involves a second network element receiving a request message from a second terminal. The request message requests the acquisition of location information of an IoT device, and the second network element acquires the location information of the IoT device. This application embodiment acquires the location information of the IoT device through the second network element, enabling location acquisition even when the IoT device is far from the mobile network base station or is obstructed, thus achieving IoT device positioning.

[0091] It is worth noting that, Figure 4 Figure 5 In this context, the second terminal can be the user's terminal device within the Internet of Things (IoT) system. Through... Figure 4 Figure 5 The described method allows users of IoT devices to query the communication network using their terminal devices to obtain the location information of the IoT devices.

[0092] To illustrate in detail the location information acquisition method provided in the embodiments of this application, the following will describe it in conjunction with several specific embodiments.

[0093] Example 1

[0094] like Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0095] Step 1: The Application Function (AF) sends a request message to the Network Open Function (NEF).

[0096] This request message is used to obtain the location information of IoT devices.

[0097] The request message may include identification information of the IoT device. Optionally, it may also include the service level and the region where the IoT device may be located.

[0098] The service level indicates the level of information requested in this request. Examples may include positioning accuracy, positioning time, and positioning range.

[0099] Positioning accuracy indicates the precision of the acquired location information. For example, the positioning accuracy is 3m.

[0100] The location time indicates the time when the location information was acquired. For example, a location time of 1 hour indicates that the location information needs to be acquired within 1 hour.

[0101] The location range indicates the area within which location information is obtained. For example, a location range of area A indicates finding the location information of the IoT device within area A. Another example is a location range of location B, 1km, which indicates finding the location information of the IoT device within a 1km radius of location B. Location B in the location range may be a regional area. It is worth noting that location B can be represented by the areas where the IoT device might be located. In this case, the location range and the areas where the IoT device might be located can use the same parameter.

[0102] Service levels may also include level indicators. For example, the level indicator can be set to high, medium, low, or default. This value corresponds to the service policy provided by the mobile network. Each policy corresponds to the positioning accuracy, positioning time, and positioning range specified by the operator.

[0103] The area where IoT devices may be located can be the location information of the IoT devices that have been there before.

[0104] It is worth noting that the location range of the aforementioned IoT devices can be represented using mobile network location information (such as cell identifiers, tracking area identifiers, etc.) or geographic location information (such as latitude and longitude, street, administrative region, etc.).

[0105] For example, AF sends an Event Exposure Subscribe (Nnef_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to NEF to request the location information of IoT devices.

[0106] Step 2: NEF authorizes AF to request location information from IoT devices.

[0107] As one possible implementation, the NEF authorizes the received request messages. For example, the NEF can authorize this based on operator configuration information or an agreement between the operator and the AF. For instance, if the configuration information or agreement allows the AF to query the location information of IoT devices from the operator's network, then the NEF authorizes the location information request from the IoT device.

[0108] Step 2 is optional.

[0109] Step 3: NEF sends a request message to AMF.

[0110] NEF can send request messages to AMF via UDM, or it can send request messages directly to AMF.

[0111] For example, NEF sends a Nudm_EventExposure_Subscribe message to UDM, and UDM sends an event open subscription (Namf_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to AMF.

[0112] The UDM can determine the AMF (Access Provider Function) based on the service level and / or the area parameters where the IoT device may be located in the request message, and send the request message to that AMF. For example, if the service level indicates the location range as area A, then the UDM sends the request message to the AMF covering area A. If the IoT device may be located in area B, then the UDM sends the request message to the AMF covering both areas A and B. Area A may include area B, or area A may be a subset of area B. This scheme does not impose any restrictions. The AMF determined by the UDM can be one or more. For example, when the service level and / or the area where the IoT device may be located in the request message are covered by multiple AMFs, the request message can be sent to all of these AMFs.

[0113] It is worth noting that the request message in step 3 may include some or all of the parameters in the request message in step 1, but the parameter names or expressions may be the same or different. The message names of the request message in step 3 and the request message in step 1 may also be the same or different; this embodiment of the application does not impose any limitations. For example, the request message in step 3 may include the identification information of the IoT device. Optionally, it may also include the service level and the region where the IoT device may be located.

[0114] It's worth noting that NEF can send request messages to one or more AMFs. For example, when the service level and / or the area where the IoT device might be located is covered by multiple AMFs, the request message can be sent to all of them.

[0115] Step 4: AMF determines the location network element that acquires the location information of IoT devices.

[0116] The aforementioned positioning network elements include at least one of the following: one or more UEs, or one or more RANs.

[0117] Optionally, the AMF can determine the aforementioned positioning network elements based on the request message. For example, the AMF can determine the positioning network elements that support the positioning accuracy based on the positioning accuracy. The AMF can also determine the aforementioned positioning network elements based on the positioning range. The AMF can also determine the aforementioned positioning network elements based on the area where the IoT device may be located.

[0118] Optionally, the AMF can determine the aforementioned positioning network element based on the capability information of the IoT device positioning network element stored in its database.

[0119] Optionally, if the location network element includes the UE, the UE's subscription data determines whether the UE is allowed to obtain the location information of the IoT device.

[0120] Step 5: The AMF sends a request message to the UE. The UE is the IoT device location network element from Step 4.

[0121] The request message includes the identification information of the IoT device. Optionally, it may also include positioning accuracy and positioning range. Optionally, it may also include the positioning method. This request message is used to request the location information of the IoT device.

[0122] For example, the request message is a NAS message.

[0123] It is worth noting that the AMF can send request messages to one or more UEs.

[0124] Step 6: The AMF sends a request message to the RAN. The RAN is the IoT device location network element from Step 4.

[0125] The request message includes the identification information of the IoT device. Optionally, it may also include positioning accuracy and positioning range. Optionally, it may also include the positioning method. This request message is used to request the location information of the IoT device.

[0126] For example, the request message can be an NGAP message or a NAS message. If it is a NAS message, then the RAN supports the NAS protocol stack.

[0127] It is worth noting that the AMF can send request messages to one or more RANs.

[0128] It is worth noting that the request message in step 5 or 6 may include some or all of the parameters in the request message in step 3, but the parameter names or expressions may be the same or different. The message names of the request messages in step 5 or 6 and the request message in step 3 may also be the same or different, and this embodiment of the application does not impose any restrictions.

[0129] Step 7: The UE and / or RAN perform the location information acquisition process for the IoT device.

[0130] The aforementioned UE or RAN uses a positioning method to locate the IoT device. This positioning method includes at least one of the UE, RAN, and IoT device performing at least one of transmitting a positioning reference signal and measuring the positioning reference signal.

[0131] Step 8: The UE reports the location information of the obtained IoT devices to the AMF.

[0132] Step 9: The RAN reports the location information of the acquired IoT devices to the AMF.

[0133] It is worth noting that in steps 8 and 9, the UE or RAN may report the measurement results of the positioning reference signal to the AMF. Optionally, the AMF may calculate the location information of the IoT device based on the measurement results.

[0134] It is worth noting that the location information in steps 8 and 9 can also indicate location failure, used to notify the AMF of the location failure for the IoT device. For example, when the UE or RAN cannot find the IoT device, or cannot establish a connection with the IoT device, or does not receive a message from the IoT device, the UE or RAN can send this location information to the AMF to indicate location failure. The UE or RAN can also choose not to send location information to the AMF to indicate location failure, i.e., steps 8 and 9 are optional.

[0135] The AMF can further determine the location information of the IoT device based on location information from multiple UEs or RANs. If all location information received by the AMF indicates location failure, the AMF also determines that the location of the IoT device has failed.

[0136] It should be noted that steps 5 through 9 can be performed in their entirety or only partially. For example, steps 5, 7, and 8 can be performed, or steps 6, 7, and 9 can be performed.

[0137] Step 10: AMF sends the location information of IoT devices to NEF.

[0138] It is worth noting that if the AMF determines that the location of the IoT device has failed, in step 10, the location information indicates that the location of the IoT device has failed, or the AMF sends a location failure message to the NEF, which indicates that the location of the IoT device has failed.

[0139] Step 11: NEF sends the location information of IoT devices to AF.

[0140] It is worth noting that the location information in step 11 may be the same as or different from the location information in step 10. For example, in step 10, NEF obtains the location information of the IoT device in the communication network (such as cell information), converts the location information into geographic location information (such as latitude and longitude or street location information), and sends it to AF in step 11.

[0141] It is worth noting that the NEF can further determine the location information of the IoT device based on the location information from multiple AMFs. If all the location information received by the NEF indicates location failure, the NEF can also determine that the location of the IoT device has failed. If the location of the IoT device fails, in step 11, the location information indicates that the location of the IoT device has failed, or the NEF sends a location failure message to the AF, which indicates that the location of the IoT device has failed. It is worth noting that in the above embodiment, the AMF can be replaced by the location management function LMF.

[0142] As one possible implementation, in the above embodiments, AMF is completely replaced with LMF.

[0143] As another possible implementation, the AMF in steps 4-9 of the above embodiment can be replaced with the LMF. Before step 4, the AMF can send a request message to the LMF. After step 9, the LMF sends the location information of the IoT device to the AMF.

[0144] It is worth noting that the UE or RAN in the above embodiments can be the reader / writer of an IoT device.

[0145] Example 2

[0146] like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0147] Step 1: UE2 sends a request message to AMF2.

[0148] The request message can be found in the description in Example 1.

[0149] For example, a user uses UE2 to locate IoT devices. The request message is a NAS message.

[0150] Step 2: AMF2 authorizes UE2's location information request.

[0151] For example, AMF2 determines whether UE2 is allowed to request location information of IoT devices based on UE2's subscription data. Optionally, AMF2 determines whether UE2 is allowed to use the service level in the request message based on UE2's subscription data.

[0152] Optionally, AMF2 determines AMF1 for acquiring device locations. When it is necessary to locate IoT devices outside the coverage area of ​​AMF2, AMF2 needs to determine AMF1 that can serve the search area.

[0153] Step 3: AMF2 sends a request message to AMF1.

[0154] Step 4: AMF1 determines the location network element for acquiring the location information of IoT devices.

[0155] Step 5: AMF1 sends a request message to UE1. UE1 is the IoT device location network element from Step 4.

[0156] Step 6: AMF1 sends a request message to RAN. RAN is the IoT device location network element from Step 4.

[0157] Step 7: UE1 and / or RAN perform the location information acquisition process for IoT devices.

[0158] Step 8: UE1 reports the location information of the obtained IoT devices to AMF1.

[0159] Step 9: The RAN reports the acquired location information of the IoT device to AMF1. Steps 4-9 can be referred to the description of steps 4-9 in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, AMF and UE are replaced with AMF1 and UE1 in this embodiment.

[0160] Step 10: AMF1 sends the location information of the IoT device to AMF2.

[0161] It is worth noting that if the location of the IoT device fails, in step 10, the location information indicates that the location of the IoT device has failed, or AMF1 sends a location failure message to AMF2, which indicates that the location of the IoT device has failed.

[0162] Step 11: AMF2 sends the location information of the IoT device to UE2.

[0163] It is worth noting that if the location of the IoT device fails, in step 11, the location information indicates that the location of the IoT device has failed, or AMF2 sends a location failure message to UE2, which indicates that the location of the IoT device has failed.

[0164] If UE2 is no longer under AMF2, for example, if AMF2 finds that there is no more context information for UE2 locally, the following steps can be performed:

[0165] As one possible implementation, AMF2 requests the AMF currently serving UE2 from UDM, such as AMF3, and AMF2 sends the location information of the IoT device to AMF3.

[0166] As another possible implementation, AMF2 sends a failure message or rejection message to AMF1, indicating that AMF2 is not currently serving UE2. AMF1 requests the AMF currently serving UE2 from UDM, such as AMF3, and AMF1 sends the location information of the IoT device to AMF3.

[0167] It is worth noting that AMF1 and AMF2 can be the same or different. When AMF1 and AMF2 are the same, the interaction between AMF1 and AMF2 in the above method can be omitted.

[0168] It is worth noting that in the above embodiments, AMF can be replaced with location management function LMF.

[0169] As one possible implementation, in the above embodiments, AMF is completely replaced with LMF.

[0170] As another possible implementation, AMF1 in steps 4-9 of the above embodiment can be replaced by LMF. Before step 4, AMF1 can send a request message to LMF. After step 9, LMF sends the location information of the IoT device to AMF1.

[0171] It is worth noting that the UE or RAN in the above embodiments can be a reader / writer.

[0172] In addition to the descriptions in the above embodiments, this embodiment uses the acquisition of location information of IoT devices as an example for illustration. However, the method described in this embodiment can also be used for application functions or communication between terminal devices and IoT devices. In this case, the request message in this embodiment can be replaced with an IoT device communication request message, and the AMF sends a communication request to terminal devices that can communicate with the IoT device, through which communication occurs between the terminal devices and the IoT device.

[0173] The location information acquisition method provided in this application can be executed by a location information acquisition device. This application uses an example of a location information acquisition device executing the location information acquisition method to illustrate the location information acquisition device provided in this application.

[0174] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a location information acquisition device according to an embodiment of this application. This device may correspond to AMF, NEF, or UDM in other embodiments, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the device 800 includes the following modules.

[0175] The acquisition module 802 is used to acquire a request message, which is used to request the acquisition of the location information of an IoT device, wherein the IoT device is a device that obtains energy from the environment.

[0176] The determination module 804 is used to determine the location network element based on the request message.

[0177] The receiving module 806 is used to receive positioning information from the positioning network element, the positioning information being used to determine the location information of the Internet of Things device.

[0178] The location information acquisition device provided in this application embodiment can determine a positioning network element based on the request message after receiving the request message. This positioning network element can acquire the location information of the IoT device and receive the location information from the positioning network element. This application embodiment uses a positioning network element to assist in acquiring the location information of the IoT device. Even when the IoT device is far from the mobile network base station or is obstructed, the location information of the IoT device can still be acquired through the positioning network element, thus achieving the positioning of the IoT device.

[0179] Optionally, as an embodiment, the device is a mobility management function, and the positioning network element is a location management function; or, the device is a mobility management function, and the positioning network element includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, an access network device; or, the device is a location management function, and the positioning network element includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, an access network device; or, the device is a network open function or a unified data management function, and the positioning network element is a mobility management function or a location management function.

[0180] Optionally, as an embodiment, the positioning network element is used to assist the device in acquiring the positioning information.

[0181] The apparatus 800 according to the embodiments of this application can refer to the flow of the method 200 corresponding to the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, each unit / module in the apparatus 800 and the other operations and / or functions described above implement the corresponding flow in the method 200 and can achieve the same or equivalent technical effects. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0182] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a location information acquisition device according to an embodiment of this application. This device may correspond to a first terminal or access network device in other embodiments. Figure 9 As shown, the device 900 includes the following modules.

[0183] The receiving module 902 is used to receive a request message from the first network element. The request message is used to request the location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, which is a device that obtains energy from the environment.

[0184] The acquisition module 904 is used to assist the first network element in acquiring location information according to the request message, and the location information is used to determine the location information of the Internet of Things device.

[0185] The sending module 906 is used to send the positioning information to the first network element.

[0186] The location information acquisition device provided in this application embodiment, upon receiving a request message from a first network element, can assist the first network element in acquiring location information based on the request message. This application embodiment, through the location information acquisition device assisting in acquiring the location information of IoT devices, can still acquire the location information of IoT devices even when they are far from the mobile network base station or are obstructed, thus achieving the positioning of IoT devices.

[0187] The apparatus 900 according to the embodiments of this application can refer to the flow of the method 300 corresponding to the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, each unit / module in the apparatus 900 and the other operations and / or functions described above implement the corresponding flow in the method 300 and can achieve the same or equivalent technical effects. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0188] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a location information acquisition device according to an embodiment of this application. This device may correspond to a second terminal in other embodiments. Figure 10 As shown, the device 1000 includes the following modules.

[0189] The sending module 1002 is used to send a request message to the first network element; wherein the request message is used to request the location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and the IoT device is a device that obtains energy from the environment.

[0190] The receiving module 1004 is used to receive the location information of the IoT device from the first network element.

[0191] The location information acquisition device provided in this application embodiment sends a request message to a first network element; wherein, the request message is used to request the acquisition of location information of an IoT device, and receives the location information of the IoT device from the first network element. This application embodiment acquires the location information of the IoT device through the first network element, and can still acquire the location information of the IoT device when it is far from the mobile network base station or when there is obstruction, thus realizing the positioning of the IoT device.

[0192] The apparatus 1000 according to the embodiments of this application can refer to the process of the method 400 corresponding to the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, each unit / module in the apparatus 1000 and the other operations and / or functions described above implement the corresponding process in the method 400 and can achieve the same or equivalent technical effects. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0193] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a location information acquisition device according to an embodiment of this application. This device may correspond to a network-side device in other embodiments. Figure 11 As shown, the device 1100 includes the following modules.

[0194] The receiving module 1102 is used to receive a request message from a second terminal, the request message being used to request the location information of an IoT device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment.

[0195] The acquisition module 1104 is used to acquire the location information of the Internet of Things device.

[0196] The sending module 1106 is used to send the location information to the second terminal.

[0197] The location information acquisition device provided in this application embodiment receives a request message from a second terminal. The request message is used to request the acquisition of the location information of an IoT device, and the location information of the IoT device is acquired. This application embodiment acquires the location information of an IoT device through the location information acquisition device. Even when the IoT device is far from the mobile network base station or is obstructed, the location information of the IoT device can still be acquired, thus realizing the positioning of the IoT device.

[0198] Optionally, as an embodiment, the acquisition module 1104 is configured to: determine a mobility management network element; send the request message to the mobility management network element, wherein the mobility management network element is used to acquire the location information of the IoT device; and receive the location information of the IoT device from the mobility management network element.

[0199] The apparatus 1100 according to the embodiments of this application can refer to the flow of the method 500 corresponding to the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, each unit / module in the apparatus 1100 and the other operations and / or functions described above implement the corresponding flow in the method 500 and can achieve the same or equivalent technical effects. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0200] The location information acquisition device in this application embodiment can be an electronic device, such as an electronic device with an operating system, or a component in an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or a chip. The electronic device can be a terminal, or other devices besides a terminal. For example, the terminal can include, but is not limited to, the type of terminal 11 listed above; other devices can be servers, network attached storage (NAS), etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit the type.

[0201] The location information acquisition device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figures 2 to 5 The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0202] Optional, such as Figure 12As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a communication device 1200, including a processor 1201 and a memory 1202. The memory 1202 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 1201. For example, when the communication device 1200 is a terminal, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1201 implement the various steps of the above-described location information acquisition method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1200 is a network-side device, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1201 implement the various steps of the above-described location information acquisition method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0203] This application embodiment also provides a terminal, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor or the communication interface is used to implement, for example... Figure 3 or Figure 4 The steps obtained in the illustrated embodiment are as follows. This terminal embodiment corresponds to the terminal-side method embodiment described above. All implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this terminal embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. Specifically, Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal to implement an embodiment of this application.

[0204] The terminal 1300 includes, but is not limited to, at least some of the following components: radio frequency unit 1301, network module 1302, audio output unit 1303, input unit 1304, sensor 1305, display unit 1306, user input unit 1307, interface unit 1308, memory 1309, and processor 1310.

[0205] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terminal 1300 may also include a power supply (such as a battery) for supplying power to various components. The power supply may be logically connected to the processor 1310 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as managing charging, discharging, and power consumption through the power management system. Figure 13 The terminal structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the terminal. The terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0206] It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the input unit 1304 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) 13041 and a microphone 13042. The GPU 13041 processes image data of still images or videos obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in video capture mode or image capture mode. The display unit 1306 may include a display panel 13061, which may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, or the like. The user input unit 1307 includes a touch panel 13071 and at least one of other input devices 13072. The touch panel 13071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 13071 may include a touch detection device and a touch controller. Other input devices 13072 may include, but are not limited to, physical keyboards, function keys (such as volume control buttons, power buttons, etc.), trackballs, mice, and joysticks, which will not be described in detail here.

[0207] In this embodiment, after receiving downlink data from the network-side device, the radio frequency unit 1301 can transmit it to the processor 1310 for processing; in addition, the radio frequency unit 1301 can send uplink data to the network-side device. Typically, the radio frequency unit 1301 includes, but is not limited to, antennas, amplifiers, transceivers, couplers, low-noise amplifiers, duplexers, etc.

[0208] The memory 1309 can be used to store software programs or instructions, as well as various data. The memory 1309 may primarily include a first storage area for storing programs or instructions and a second storage area for storing data. The first storage area may store the operating system, application programs or instructions required for at least one function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.). Furthermore, the memory 1309 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. The non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (Synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 1309 in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0209] Processor 1310 may include one or more processing units; optionally, processor 1310 integrates an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly handles operations involving the operating system, user interface, and applications, and the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor. It is understood that the aforementioned modem processor may also not be integrated into processor 1310.

[0210] The radio frequency unit 1301 can be used to receive a request message from a first network element, the request message being used to request the location information of an IoT device, wherein the IoT device is a device that obtains energy from the environment; assist the first network element in obtaining the location information according to the request message, the location information being used to determine the location information of the IoT device; and send the location information to the first network element. Alternatively, the radio frequency unit 1301 can be used to send a request message to the first network element; wherein the request message is used to request the location information of an IoT device, wherein the IoT device is a device that obtains energy from the environment; and receive the location information of the IoT device from the first network element.

[0211] The terminal 1300 provided in this application embodiment can also implement the various processes of the above-described location information acquisition method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0212] This application embodiment also provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor or the communication interface is used to implement, for example... Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 5 The steps obtained in the illustrated embodiment are as follows. This network-side device embodiment corresponds to the network-side device method embodiment described above. All implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this network-side device embodiment and achieve the same technical effects.

[0213] Specifically, embodiments of this application also provide a network-side device. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the network-side device 1400 includes: an antenna 141, a radio frequency (RF) device 142, a baseband device 143, a processor 144, and a memory 145. The antenna 141 is connected to the RF device 142. In the uplink direction, the RF device 142 receives information through the antenna 141 and transmits the received information to the baseband device 143 for processing. In the downlink direction, the baseband device 143 processes the information to be transmitted and sends it to the RF device 142. The RF device 142 processes the received information and transmits it through the antenna 141.

[0214] The method executed by the network-side device in the above embodiments can be implemented in the baseband device 143, which includes a baseband processor.

[0215] Baseband device 143 may include, for example, at least one baseband board on which multiple chips are disposed, such as Figure 14 As shown, one of the chips is, for example, a baseband processor, which is connected to the memory 145 via a bus interface to call the program in the memory 145 and execute the network device operation shown in the above method embodiment.

[0216] Optionally, the network-side device may also include a network interface 146, such as a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0217] Specifically, the network-side device 1400 in this application embodiment further includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 145 and executable on processor 144, wherein processor 144 calls the instructions or programs in memory 145 to execute. Figure 9 The methods executed by each module shown achieve the same technical effect, and therefore will not be described in detail here to avoid repetition. The network-side device 1400 in this embodiment can be an access network device.

[0218] Specifically, embodiments of this application also provide a network-side device. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the network-side device 1500 includes a processor 1501, a network interface 1502, and a memory 1503. The network interface 1502 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0219] Specifically, the network-side device 1500 in this application embodiment further includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 1503 and executable on processor 1501, wherein processor 1501 calls the instructions or programs in memory 1503 to execute. Figure 8 or Figure 11 The methods executed by each module shown achieve the same technical effect, and to avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail here.

[0220] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described method for obtaining location information and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0221] The processor is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0222] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described location information acquisition method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0223] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0224] This application also provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-described location information acquisition method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0225] This application embodiment also provides a location information acquisition system, including: a terminal and a network-side device, wherein the terminal can be used to execute the steps of the location information acquisition method described above, and the network-side device can be used to execute the steps of the location information acquisition method described above.

[0226] 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. Without further limitations, 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. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0227] 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 computer 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 terminal (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.

[0228] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for acquiring location information, characterized in that, include: The first network element acquires a request message, which is used to request the location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, wherein the IoT device is a device that obtains energy from the environment. The first network element determines the location network element based on the request message; The first network element receives positioning information from the positioning network element. The positioning information is used to determine the location information of the IoT device. The positioning information is obtained by the positioning network element measuring the positioning reference signal reflected by the IoT device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The request message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the IoT device, the service level information, and the information on the possible location of the IoT device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The service level information includes at least one of the following: positioning accuracy information, positioning time information, positioning range information, and service level indication information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first network element is for mobility management, and the positioning network element is for location management; or, The first network element is a mobility management function, and the positioning network element includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, an access network device; or, The first network element is for location management, and the location network element includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, an access network device; or, The first network element is a network open function or a unified data management function, and the positioning network element is a mobility management function or a location management function.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first network element is a mobility management function, the positioning network element is a location management function, and the method further includes: The mobility management function sends information about the first terminal to the location management function; wherein the first terminal is used to assist in obtaining the location information.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first terminal's subscription data or capability information allows the first terminal to participate in the positioning of the IoT device.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first network element is a mobility management function, and the request message received by the first network element includes: The mobility management function receives a request message from a second terminal, wherein the second terminal's subscription data allows the second terminal to request the location information of the IoT device; or, The mobility management function receives request messages from network open functions.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The location information includes at least one of the following: The cell identification information where the IoT device is located; The tracking area identification information where the IoT device is located; The geographical location information of the IoT device; The relative location information of the IoT device; The measurement results of the positioning reference signal of the Internet of Things device.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the first network element receives the positioning information from the positioning network element, the method further includes: The first network element processes the positioning information to obtain the location information of the IoT device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The positioning network element is used to assist the first network element in obtaining the positioning information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first network element determines the location network element according to the request message, including: The first network element sends a location request message to the positioning network element, the location request message being used to request the location information of the IoT device.

12. A method for acquiring location information, characterized in that, include: The positioning network element receives a request message from the first network element. The request message is used to request the location information of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, which is a device that obtains energy from the environment. The positioning network element assists the first network element in obtaining positioning information according to the request message. The positioning information is used to determine the location information of the Internet of Things device. The positioning information is obtained by the positioning network element by measuring the positioning reference signal reflected by the Internet of Things device. The positioning network element sends the positioning information to the first network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The request message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the IoT device, the service level information, and the information on the possible location of the IoT device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The service level information includes at least one of the following: positioning accuracy information, positioning time information, positioning range information, and service level indication information.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The positioning network element is the first terminal; The first terminal's contract data or capability information allows the first terminal to participate in the location of the IoT device.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The location information includes at least one of the following: The cell identification information where the IoT device is located; The tracking area identification information where the IoT device is located; The geographical location information of the IoT device; The relative location information of the IoT device; The measurement results of the positioning reference signal of the Internet of Things device.

17. A method for acquiring location information, characterized in that, include: The second terminal sends a request message to the first network element; wherein, the request message is used to request the location information of an IoT device, and the IoT device is a device that obtains energy from the environment; The second terminal receives the location information of the IoT device from the first network element. The location information is determined by the first network element based on the location information from the positioning network element. The location information is obtained by the positioning network element by measuring the positioning reference signal reflected by the IoT device.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The request message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the IoT device, the service level information, and the information on the possible location of the IoT device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The service level information includes at least one of the following: positioning accuracy information, positioning time information, positioning range information, and service level indication information.

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first network element is a mobility management function or a location management function.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17-20, characterized in that, The subscription data of the second terminal allows the second terminal to request the location information of the IoT device.

22. A method for acquiring location information, characterized in that, include: The second network element receives a request message from the second terminal. The request message is used to request the location information of an IoT device, which is a device that obtains energy from the environment. The second network element acquires the location information of the IoT device. The location information is determined by the mobility management network element based on the location information from the positioning network element. The location information is obtained by the positioning network element by measuring the positioning reference signal reflected by the IoT device. The second network element sends the location information to the second terminal.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The request message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the IoT device, the service level information, and the information on the possible location of the IoT device.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The service level information includes at least one of the following: positioning accuracy information, positioning time information, positioning range information, and service level indication information.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that, The second network element obtains the location information of the IoT device by: The second network element determines the mobility management network element; The second network element sends the request message to the mobility management network element, which is used to obtain the location information of the IoT device; The second network element receives the location information of the IoT device from the mobility management network element.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The second network element determines the mobility management network element by: the second network element determining the mobility management network element based on the coverage area of ​​the mobility management network element.

27. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The second network element is a mobility management function or a location management function.

28. A device for acquiring location information, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire a request message, which is used to request the location information of an IoT device, wherein the IoT device is a device that obtains energy from the environment. The determination module is used to determine the location network element based on the request message; A receiving module is used to receive positioning information from the positioning network element. The positioning information is used to determine the location information of the Internet of Things (IoT) device. The positioning information is obtained by the positioning network element measuring the positioning reference signal reflected by the IoT device.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The device provides mobility management functionality, and the positioning network element provides location management functionality; or... The device is a mobility management function, and the positioning network element includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, an access network device; or... The device is for location management, and the location network element includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, an access network device; or... The device is a network open function or a unified data management function, and the positioning network element is a mobility management function or a location management function.

30. The apparatus according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that, The positioning network element is used to assist the device in obtaining the positioning information.

31. A device for acquiring location information, characterized in that, Applied to positioning network elements, including: A receiving module is used to receive a request message from a first network element, the request message being used to request the location information of an IoT device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; The acquisition module is used to assist the first network element in acquiring positioning information according to the request message. The positioning information is used to determine the location information of the Internet of Things device. The positioning information is obtained by the positioning network element by measuring the positioning reference signal reflected by the Internet of Things device. The sending module is used to send the location information to the first network element.

32. A device for acquiring location information, characterized in that, include: The sending module is used to send a request message to the first network element; wherein the request message is used to request the location information of an IoT device, and the IoT device is a device that obtains energy from the environment; The receiving module is configured to receive location information of the IoT device from the first network element. The location information is determined by the first network element based on location information from the positioning network element, and the location information is obtained by the positioning network element by measuring the positioning reference signal reflected by the IoT device.

33. A device for acquiring location information, characterized in that, include: A receiving module is used to receive a request message from a second terminal, the request message being used to request the location information of an IoT device, the IoT device being a device that obtains energy from the environment; The acquisition module is used to acquire the location information of the Internet of Things (IoT) device. The location information is determined by the mobility management network element based on the location information from the positioning network element. The location information is obtained by the positioning network element by measuring the positioning reference signal reflected by the IoT device. The sending module is used to send the location information to the second terminal.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that, The acquisition module is used for: Identify mobility management network elements; The request message is sent to the mobility management network element, which is used to obtain the location information of the IoT device; Receive location information of the IoT device from the mobility management network element.

35. A terminal, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 21.

36. A network-side device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, or to implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 27.

37. 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 method as described in any one of claims 1 to 27.

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