Positioning method and device, medium, communication equipment and communication system

Abstract

A positioning method and apparatus, a storage medium, a communication device and a communication system, the method comprising: sending first information to an access and mobility management function network element, the access and mobility management function network element being used for sending the first information to a terminal, the first information being used for instructing the terminal to establish a user plane connection, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the position management function network element and the terminal. According to the invention, user plane positioning initiated by a location management function network element can be optimized.

Description

Positioning method, device, medium, communication equipment and communication system Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a positioning method, apparatus, medium, communication equipment, and communication system. Background Art

[0002] 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standards support location service functions to allow the development of new and innovative location-based services. In some location-based services, a terminal may be requested to perform positioning.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present disclosure provides a positioning method, apparatus, storage medium, communication equipment and communication system.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, which is performed by a location management function network element. The method includes:

[0006] Sending first information to an access and mobility management function network element, where the access and mobility management function network element is used to send the first information to a terminal, where the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection, where the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0007] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, which is performed by a terminal and includes:

[0008] receiving first information sent by an access and mobility management function network element, where the first information is sent by a location management function network element to the access and mobility management function network element;

[0009] A user plane connection is established, where the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0010] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, which is performed by an access and mobility management function network element, including:

[0011] receiving first information sent by a location management function network element;

[0012] The first information is sent to the terminal, where the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection, and the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, which is performed by a communication system, the communication system including a location management function network element, an access and mobility management function network element, and a terminal, including:

[0014] The location management function network element sends first information to the access and mobility management function network element;

[0015] The access and mobility management function network element sends the first information to the terminal;

[0016] The terminal establishes a user plane connection, where the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning device is provided, and a method includes:

[0018] The first sending module is configured to send first information to the access and mobility management function network element, and the access and mobility management function network element is used to send the first information to the terminal, and the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection, and the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0019] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a positioning device, including:

[0020] A third receiving module is configured to receive first information sent by an access and mobility management function network element, where the first information is sent by a location management function network element to the access and mobility management function network element;

[0021] An establishing module is configured to establish a user plane connection, where the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0022] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a positioning device, including:

[0023] A fourth receiving module is configured to receive first information sent by the location management function network element;

[0024] The fifth sending module is configured to send the first information to the terminal, where the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection, and the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, including:

[0026] a first processor;

[0027] a first memory for storing first processor executable instructions;

[0028] The first processor is configured to execute the executable instructions to implement the positioning method provided in the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0029] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, including:

[0030] a second processor;

[0031] a second memory for storing second processor executable instructions;

[0032] The second processor is configured to execute the executable instructions to implement the positioning method provided by the first aspect or the third aspect of the present disclosure.

[0033] According to a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising the terminal provided in the eighth aspect and the network device provided in the ninth aspect.

[0034] According to an eleventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer program instructions are stored. When the program instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the positioning method provided by the first to third aspects of the present disclosure are implemented.

[0035] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: the location management function network element sends the first information to the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal. Since the transmission of signaling between the location management function network element and the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element is efficient and reachable, in the user plane connection initiated by the location management function network element, the notification efficiency and reachability from the location management function network element to the terminal can be improved.

[0036] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] FIG1a is a schematic diagram showing a communication system according to some embodiments.

[0039] FIG1 b is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to some embodiments.

[0040] FIG2 a is a flowchart showing a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0041] FIG2 b is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0042] FIG2 c is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0043] FIG2 d is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0044] FIG2e is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0045] FIG2 f is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0046] FIG2g is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0047] FIG2h is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0048] FIG3 a is a flowchart showing a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0049] FIG3 b is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0050] FIG3 c is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0051] FIG3 d is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0052] FIG3e is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0053] FIG3 f is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0054] FIG4 a is a flowchart showing a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0055] FIG4 b is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0056] FIG4 c is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0057] FIG4 d is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0058] FIG4e is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0059] FIG4 f is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0060] FIG5 is a flowchart showing a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0061] FIG6 a is a flowchart showing a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0062] FIG6 b is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments.

[0063] FIG7 is a block diagram showing a positioning device according to some embodiments.

[0064] FIG8 is a block diagram of a positioning device according to some embodiments.

[0065] FIG9 is a block diagram of a positioning device according to some embodiments.

[0066] FIG10 is a block diagram of a terminal according to some embodiments.

[0067] FIG11 is a block diagram of a network device according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0069] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The singular expressions "a," "an," "the," "above," "said," "aforementioned," "this," etc. in the embodiments of the present disclosure also include plural expressions, unless there is a clear contrary indication in the context. The predefined in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood as definition, pre-definition, storage, pre-storage, pre-negotiation, pre-configuration, curing, or pre-firing, etc.

[0070] Prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects, and have no limiting effect on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the described objects. For example, if the described object is a "field", then the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields", and "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the described object is a "level", then the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of described objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking the "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is a "device," then the "first device" and the "second device" can be devices of the same type or different types. For another example, if the object being described is "information," then the "first information" and the "second information" can be information of the same content or information of different contents. In summary, the use of prefixes such as ordinal numbers in the embodiments of the present disclosure to distinguish between the described objects does not constitute a limitation on the described objects. For a description of the described objects, refer to the contextual description in the claims or embodiments, and the use of such prefixes should not constitute an unnecessary limitation.

[0071] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating three relationships that can exist independently. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, B exists alone, and A and B exist at the same time. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, descriptions such as "at least one of Al, A2, ..., An (or at least one, at least one)" include the situation where any one of Al, A2, ..., An exists alone, and also include any combination of any multiple of Al, A2, ..., An, each of which can exist alone; for example, the description of "at least one of A, B, C" includes the situation where A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B are combined, A and C are combined, B and C are combined, and A and B and C are combined.

[0072] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "in one case A, in another case B," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B," may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: executing A independently of B (in some embodiments, A); executing B independently of A (in some embodiments, B); selectively executing A and B (in some embodiments, selecting between A and B); and executing both A and B (in some embodiments, A and B). The same applies when there are more branches, such as A, B, and C.

[0073] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0074] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0075] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "above", "higher than", and "not less than" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "below", "lower than", and "not greater than" can be replaced with each other.

[0076] In some embodiments, terms such as "network element", "node", "function", "device", "equipment", "system", "chip", and "chip system" can be used interchangeably.

[0077] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0078] It should be noted that all actions of acquiring signals, information or data in the present disclosure are carried out in compliance with the corresponding data protection laws and policies of the country where they are located and with the authorization given by the owner of the corresponding device.

[0079] Although operations are described in a particular order in the accompanying drawings in the disclosed embodiments, this should not be construed as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a serial order, or that all of the operations shown be performed to obtain the desired result. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, sending multiple messages via the same message may also be advantageous.

[0080] The following describes an application environment of a positioning method provided by this embodiment.

[0081] FIG1a is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 1 a , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102 .

[0083] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0085] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, such as a radio access network (RAN). The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0087] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0088] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a single device including a location management function (LMF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a user plane function (UPF), etc., or may be multiple devices or a group of devices including all or part of the location management function, access and mobility management function, user plane function, etc. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0089] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is used for access and mobility management of terminals in a mobile network, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0090] In some implementations, the location management function network element is used to manage resources and time for positioning activities, expose the N1mf_Location service to the AMF for immediate or delayed location information requests on the NL1 interface, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0091] In some implementations, the user plane functional network element is responsible for routing and forwarding of core network user plane data packets, data and service identification, action and policy execution, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0092] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1a, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in Figure 1a are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in Figure 1, or may include other entities other than those shown in Figure 1a. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0093] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1b, the communication system includes a terminal, a wireless access network, a user plane function network element, an access and mobility management function network element, a location management function network element, a mobile positioning center gateway (Gateway Mobile Location Centre, GLMC), a unified data management network element (Unified Data Management, UDM), a location retrieval function network element (Location Retrieval Function, LRF), a network exposure function network element (Network Exposure Function, NEF), a positioning service client (LoCation Services client, LCS client), and an application function service (Application Function, AF).

[0094] In some implementations, the mobile positioning center gateway is used to provide access of an external LCS client to the mobile network and is responsible for authentication and authorization of the LCS client, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0095] In some implementations, the unified data management network element is used to process terminal device identification, access authentication, registration, and mobility management, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0096] In some implementations, the location retrieval function network element is used to obtain location information related to the UE for the external LCS Client, including the entity requiring positioning, temporary location information, initial positioning information, and updated positioning information, the name of which is not limited thereto.

[0097] In some implementations, the network open function network element is used to manage externally open network data, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0098] In some embodiments, a positioning service client is a client for requesting positioning services. In some embodiments, positioning services refer to a mobile network obtaining the position information of a mobile terminal through specific positioning technologies, providing it to the mobile user, the communication system, or a third party, and providing the mobile user with location-related calling or non-calling services with the support of certain electronic map information.

[0099] In some implementations, the application function service is similar to an application server that interacts with other core network control plane NFs and provides business services. AFs can exist for different application services and can be owned by operators or trusted third parties.

[0100] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0101] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0102] The following is a positioning method according to some embodiments, which may be used in the communication system shown in FIG1b , and includes the following steps:

[0103] 1. Based on the UE's user plane positioning capabilities and other implementation factors, the LMF decides whether to continue the positioning procedure via the user plane connection between the UE and the LMF.

[0104] If the user plane connection context of the target UE already exists in the LMF and the LMF decides to use the user plane connection for positioning, steps 2-7 are skipped.

[0105] NOTE: The LMF may select user plane positioning for a specific positioning method (e.g. motion sensor based method) and it determines which positioning method requires user plane transmission based on implementation and local configuration.

[0106] 2. If the LMF decides to use the user plane for positioning and there is no secure user plane connection established between the UE and the LMF, the LMF will send user plane information to the AMF to instruct the UE to use the user plane for positioning. The user plane information includes the user plane positioning address of the LMF and security related information.

[0107] NOTE: The security mechanism and security information provided by LMF to UE is subject to work by SA WG3. How UE user plane positioning capabilities and LMF user plane information are transmitted, for example, based on enhanced LPP, supplementary services or NAS messages, is for consideration.

[0108] 3. When the AMF receives the user plane information from the LMF in step 2, the AMF sends it to the UE via a DL NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0109] 4. If no PDU session for user plane positioning is established, the UE uses the URSP defined in 23.503, which includes the PDU session parameters related to user plane positioning, such as the dedicated DNN and S-SSAI, to establish a PDU session for user plane positioning. The UE may send an acknowledgment to the LMF via the AMF to indicate the successful use of the user plane connection for the positioning service or the failure to use the user plane connection, such as the failure to establish a suitable PDU session.

[0110] 5. AMF sends the confirmation received in step 4 to LMF via the Namf_N1messageNotify service.

[0111] 6. If the LMF knows the UE's IP address information, the LMF can notify the UE to establish a secure user plane connection through the known UE's IP address.

[0112] Note: This is the third phase, which checks and decides the protocol to be used by the LMF and informs the UE via the known UE IP address.

[0113] 7. The UE establishes a secure user plane connection with the LMF. If the LMF sends its FQDN to the UE, a DNS server / resolver is used to resolve the IP address of the LMF (e.g., EASDF or local DNS for local LMF address resolution).

[0114] Note: IP address and / or FQDN as LMF address information needs to be checked / verified based on CT1 / CT3 feedback.

[0115] 8. LMF indicates to AMF in the Nlmf_Location_UPNotify message that the user plane connection between the UE and LMF has been established.

[0116] 9. The AMF stores the LCS-UP connection context as part of the UE context.

[0117] 10. If the LMF or UE decides to utilize a user plane connection for positioning and a secure user plane connection is established, LPP messages are transmitted between the UE and the LMF for UE-based positioning, UE-assisted positioning, and delivery of assistance data. Supplementary service event report messages from the UE may also be transmitted to the LMF over the established user plane connection.

[0118] In the positioning method provided in the embodiment of the present application, when the LMF initiates a user plane connection, the LMF may not know the IP address information of the UE, or the LMF may not notify the UE to establish a secure user plane connection through the known UE IP address, or additional protocols need to be supported between the UE and the LMF to facilitate notification from the LMF to the UE, which may affect the efficiency and reachability of the user plane connection initiated by the LMF.

[0119] Figure 2a is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2a, the positioning method can be used in a location management function LMF and includes the following steps.

[0120] In step S210a, first information is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0121] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the first information to the terminal.

[0122] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0123] In some implementations, establishing a user plane connection may be understood as establishing a channel for transmitting information required for user plane positioning.

[0124] In some implementations, information used for user plane positioning is transmitted between the terminal and the location management function network element by establishing a channel based on information required to be transmitted for user plane positioning.

[0125] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0126] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element may receive the first information sent by the location management function network element.

[0127] In some implementations, the terminal may support user plane positioning capabilities. For example, the terminal may establish a user plane connection with a location management function and send information for positioning through the user plane connection to achieve positioning between the terminal and the location management function.

[0128] In some implementations, the terminal may indicate to the core network during registration that it supports user plane positioning capabilities.

[0129] In some embodiments, the terminal may indicate to the access and mobility management function network element during registration that it supports user plane positioning capabilities. The access and mobility management function network element may send information indicating that the terminal supports user plane positioning capabilities to the location management function network element. After receiving the information indicating that the terminal supports user plane positioning capabilities, the location management function network element may consider the information in the process of selecting the terminal's positioning method.

[0130] In an embodiment of the present application, the location management function can send a first message to the access and mobility management function network element, and the access and mobility management function network element can send the first message to the terminal. Since the first information can instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal, the terminal can establish a user plane connection after receiving the first information.

[0131] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element may send the first information to the terminal via the radio access network as shown in FIG. 1b .

[0132] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0133] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0134] In some embodiments, security-related information can be used to determine how the user plane positioning capability of the terminal and the user plane information of the location management function network element are transmitted, for example based on enhanced LPP (LTE Positioning Protocol), supplementary services or NAS (Non Access Stratum) messages.

[0135] In some implementations, the user plane location address of the location management function network element may include an FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) or an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the location management function network element.

[0136] In some implementations, the IP address may be obtained by resolving the FQDN.

[0137] In some implementations, after the terminal establishes a user plane connection, the location management function network element may transmit a third message between the location management function network element and the terminal through the user plane connection to achieve positioning between the terminal and the location management function network element.

[0138] In some embodiments, the third message includes one or more of the following data:

[0139] Based on terminal positioning data, terminal-assisted positioning data, assistance data, and supplementary service event reports sent by the terminal.

[0140] An embodiment of the present application stipulates that the location management function network element can send first information to the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal. Since the transmission of signaling between the location management function network element and the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element is efficient and reachable, in the user plane connection initiated by the location management function network element, the notification efficiency and reachability from the location management function network element to the terminal can be improved.

[0141] Figure 2b is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2b, the positioning method can be used in a location management function LMF and includes the following steps.

[0142] In step S210b, a Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0143] In some implementations, the Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message may include the first information.

[0144] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the first information to the terminal.

[0145] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0146] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0147] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0148] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0149] The detailed description of step S210b can refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0150] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the location management function network element can carry the first information in the sent Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message, thereby implementing the process of sending the first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0151] Figure 2c is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2c, the positioning method can be used in a location management function LMF and includes the following steps.

[0152] In step S210c, first information is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0153] In step S220c, a confirmation message sent by the access and mobility management function network element is received.

[0154] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the first information to the terminal.

[0155] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0156] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0157] In some embodiments, the confirmation information includes at least one of a first confirmation information, a second confirmation information, and a third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of a preset PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection.

[0158] In some implementations, the terminal's opinion on establishing the user plane connection may include agreeing to establish the user plane connection or disagreeing to establish the user plane connection.

[0159] Thus, when the confirmation information includes the first confirmation information, the location management function network element can determine that the terminal has received the first information based on the first confirmation information included in the confirmation information; when the confirmation information includes the second confirmation information, the location management function network element can determine whether the terminal has established a preset PDU session based on the second confirmation information included in the confirmation information; when the confirmation information includes the third confirmation information, the location management function network element can determine the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection based on the third confirmation information included in the confirmation information.

[0160] It should be noted that, when the confirmation information includes the first confirmation information, the second confirmation information, and the third confirmation information, it may include only one type of confirmation information, or may include any two types of confirmation information at the same time, or may include all three types of confirmation information at the same time.

[0161] In some embodiments, the preset PDU session may be a PDU session between the terminal and the UPF suitable for user plane positioning.

[0162] In some embodiments, after receiving the first information, if the terminal determines that a PDU session applicable to user plane positioning has not been established, that is, if the terminal determines that a preset PDU session has not been established, the terminal may establish a PDU session for user plane positioning based on a user routing selection policy (URSP), which includes PDU session parameters related to user plane positioning, such as a dedicated DNN and S-SSAI. Thus, the terminal can determine the second confirmation information based on the establishment of the preset PDU session.

[0163] In some implementations, the second confirmation information includes whether the preset PDU session is established or whether the preset PDU session is not established.

[0164] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0165] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0166] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the location management function network element can send first information to the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element, and the terminal can send confirmation information to the location management function network element through the access and mobility management function network element, so that the location management function network element can determine that the terminal has received the first information, and / or, the location management function network element can determine the establishment status of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and / or, the location management function network element can determine the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection.

[0167] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the location management function network element can receive confirmation information so that the location management function network element can determine the terminal's response to the first information.

[0168] In addition, in some implementations, the terminal may also send information for determining that the user plane connection is successfully established to the location management function network element through the access and mobility management function network element.

[0169] The detailed description of step S210c can refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0170] Figure 2d is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2d, the positioning method can be used in a location management function LMF and includes the following steps.

[0171] In step S210d, first information is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0172] In step S220d, a Namf_N1messageNotify service sent by the access and mobility management function network element is received.

[0173] In some embodiments, the Namf_N1messageNotify service includes confirmation information.

[0174] In some embodiments, the confirmation information includes at least one of a first confirmation information, a second confirmation information, and a third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection.

[0175] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the first information to the terminal.

[0176] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0177] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0178] In some implementations, the confirmation information may be used by the location management function network element to determine a reception status of the first information by the terminal.

[0179] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0180] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0181] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the location management function network element can send the first information to the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element, the terminal can send confirmation information to the access and mobility management function network element, the access and mobility management function network element can initiate a Namf_N1messageNotify service to the location management function network element, and carry the confirmation information in the Namf_N1messageNotify service, so that the location management function network element can obtain the confirmation information and determine based on the confirmation information that the terminal has received the first information, and / or determine the terminal's establishment status for the preset PDU session, and / or determine the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection.

[0182] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the location management function network element can receive the Namf_N1messageNotify service sent by the access and mobility management function network element, so that the location management function network element can determine the response of the terminal to the first information.

[0183] The detailed description of step S210d can refer to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0184] Figure 2e is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2e, the positioning method can be used in a location management function LMF and includes the following steps.

[0185] In step S210e, it is determined that positioning is performed using a user plane connection and that no user plane connection exists between the location management function network element and the terminal, and first information is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0186] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the first information to the terminal.

[0187] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0188] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0189] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0190] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0191] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the location management function network element can send first information to the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element when it determines that positioning is performed using a user plane connection and when it determines that there is no user plane connection between the location management function network element and the terminal, to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0192] In some implementations, the location management function network element may select user plane connection for positioning for a preset positioning method. For example, the location management function network element may determine to use user plane connection for positioning when determining to use a motion sensor-based positioning method.

[0193] An embodiment of the present application stipulates that the location management function network element can send first information to the access and mobility management function network element to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal when it determines that positioning is performed using a user plane connection and when it determines that there is no user plane connection between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0194] The detailed description of step S210e can refer to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0195] Figure 2f is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2f, the positioning method can be used in a location management function LMF and includes the following steps.

[0196] In step S210f, first information is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0197] In step S220f, the second information is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0198] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the first information to the terminal.

[0199] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0200] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0201] In some implementations, the second information is used by the access and mobility management function network element to determine that the user plane connection has been established.

[0202] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0203] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0204] An embodiment of the present application stipulates that the location management function network element can send first information to the access and mobility management function network element to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal, and after the terminal establishes the user plane connection, the location management function network element can send second information to the access and mobility management function network element, so that the access and mobility management function network element can determine that the terminal has established a user plane connection.

[0205] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element may receive the LCS user plane connection context from the location management function network element, store the context, and use it as part of the terminal context.

[0206] The detailed description of step S210f can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0207] Figure 2g is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2g, the positioning method can be used in a location management function LMF and includes the following steps.

[0208] In step S210g, an access and mobility management function is sent to the access and mobility management function network element for N1N2 interface transmission communication message.

[0209] In some implementations, the name of the communication message used by the access and mobility management function to transmit the N1N2 interface is not limited, for example, it can be directly called a message or a Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message.

[0210] In some embodiments, the access and mobility management function may be used to transmit a communication message on the N1N2 interface including the first information.

[0211] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the first information to the terminal.

[0212] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0213] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0214] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0215] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0216] The detailed description of step S210g can refer to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0217] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the location management function network element can carry the first information in the access and mobility management function used for N1N2 interface transmission communication message sent, thereby realizing the process of sending the first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0218] Figure 2h is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2h, the positioning method can be used in a location management function LMF and includes the following steps.

[0219] In step S210h, first information is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0220] In step S220h, an access and mobility management function is used for N1 interface message notification service sent by the access and mobility management function network element.

[0221] In some implementations, the name of the N1 interface message notification service used by the access and mobility management function is not limited, for example, it can be directly called a service, or it can be called a Namf_N1messageNotify service.

[0222] In some embodiments, the access and mobility management function is configured to include confirmation information in the N1 interface message notification service.

[0223] In some embodiments, the confirmation information includes at least one of a first confirmation information, a second confirmation information, and a third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection.

[0224] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the first information to the terminal.

[0225] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0226] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0227] In some implementations, the confirmation information may be used by the location management function network element to determine a reception status of the first information by the terminal.

[0228] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0229] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0230] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the location management function network element can receive the access and mobility management function for N1 interface message notification service sent by the access and mobility management function network element, so that the location management function network element can determine the terminal's response to the first information.

[0231] The detailed description of step S210h can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0232] Figure 3a is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 3a, the positioning method can be used in a terminal and includes the following steps.

[0233] In step S310a, first information sent by an access and mobility management function network element is received.

[0234] In step S320a, a user plane connection is established.

[0235] In some implementations, the first information is sent by a location management function network element to an access and mobility management function network element.

[0236] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0237] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0238] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0239] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the location management function network element can send the first information to the access and mobility management function network element, and the access and mobility management function network element can send the first information to the terminal, so that the terminal can receive the first information sent by the access and mobility management function network element. After the terminal receives the first information, a user plane connection can be established.

[0240] In some implementations, after the terminal establishes a user plane connection, the terminal may transmit a third message between the location management function network element and the terminal through the user plane connection to achieve positioning between the terminal and the location management function network element.

[0241] In some embodiments, the third message includes one or more of the following data:

[0242] Based on terminal positioning data, terminal-assisted positioning data, assistance data, and supplementary service event reports sent by the terminal.

[0243] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the terminal can establish a positioning user plane connection between the location management function network element and the terminal based on the first information sent by the location management function network element through the access and mobility management function network element. Since the transmission of signaling between the location management function network element and the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element is efficient and reachable, in the user plane connection initiated by the location management function network element, the notification efficiency and reachability from the location management function network element to the terminal can be improved.

[0244] Figure 3b is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 3b, the positioning method can be used in a terminal and includes the following steps.

[0245] In step S310b, a DL NAS TRANSPORT message sent by the access and mobility management function network element is received.

[0246] In step S320b, a user plane connection is established.

[0247] In some embodiments, the DL NAS TRANSPORT message includes first information.

[0248] In some implementations, the first information is sent by a location management function network element to an access and mobility management function network element.

[0249] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0250] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0251] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0252] The detailed description of step S320b can refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0253] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the access and mobility management function network element can carry the first information in the DL NAS TRANSPORT message sent, so that the terminal can receive the first message sent by the access and mobility management function network element through the DL NAS TRANSPORT message and establish a user plane connection according to the first message.

[0254] Figure 3c is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 3c, the positioning method can be used in a terminal and includes the following steps.

[0255] In step S310c, first information sent by the access and mobility management function network element is received.

[0256] In step S320c, confirmation information is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0257] In step S330c, a user plane connection is established.

[0258] In some implementations, the first information is sent by a location management function network element to an access and mobility management function network element.

[0259] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0260] In some embodiments, the confirmation information includes at least one of a first confirmation information, a second confirmation information, and a third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection.

[0261] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the confirmation information to the location management function network element.

[0262] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0263] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0264] The detailed description of steps S310c and S330c can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0265] An embodiment of the present application stipulates that the terminal can generate confirmation information based on the response to the first information and send the confirmation information to the access and mobility management function network element. The confirmation information includes at least one of the first confirmation information, the second confirmation information, and the third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection, so that the location management function network element can determine the terminal's response to the first information based on the confirmation information.

[0266] Figure 3d is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 3d, the positioning method can be used in a terminal and includes the following steps.

[0267] In step S310d, first information sent by the access and mobility management function network element is received.

[0268] In step S320d, a UL NAS TRANSPORT message is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0269] In step S330d, a user plane connection is established.

[0270] In some implementations, the first information is sent by a location management function network element to an access and mobility management function network element.

[0271] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0272] In some embodiments, the UL NAS TRANSPORT message includes confirmation information.

[0273] In some embodiments, the confirmation information includes at least one of a first confirmation information, a second confirmation information, and a third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection.

[0274] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the confirmation information to the location management function network element.

[0275] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0276] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0277] The detailed description of steps S310d and S330d can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0278] An embodiment of the present application stipulates that the terminal can generate confirmation information based on the response to the first information, and send the confirmation information to the access and mobility management function network element through the UL NAS TRANSPORT message. The confirmation information includes at least one of the first confirmation information, the second confirmation information, and the third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection, so that the location management function network element can determine the terminal's response to the first information based on the confirmation information.

[0279] Figure 3e is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 3e, the positioning method can be used in a terminal and includes the following steps.

[0280] In step S310e, a downlink non-access stratum transmission message sent by the access and mobility management function network element is received.

[0281] In step S320e, a user plane connection is established.

[0282] In some implementations, the name of the downlink non-access stratum transmission message is not limited, for example, it can be directly called a message or a DL NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0283] In some implementations, the downlink non-access stratum transmission message includes first information.

[0284] In some implementations, the first information is sent by a location management function network element to an access and mobility management function network element.

[0285] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0286] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0287] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0288] The detailed description of step S320e can refer to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0289] An embodiment of the present application stipulates that the access and mobility management function network element can carry the first information in the downlink non-access layer transmission message sent, so that the terminal can receive the first message sent by the access and mobility management function network element through the downlink non-access layer transmission message and establish a user plane connection based on the first message.

[0290] Figure 3f is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 3f, the positioning method can be used in a terminal and includes the following steps.

[0291] In step S310f, first information sent by the access and mobility management function network element is received.

[0292] In step S320f, an uplink non-access layer transmission message is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0293] In step S330f, a user plane connection is established.

[0294] In some implementations, the name of the uplink non-access stratum transmission message is not limited, for example, it can be directly called a message or a UL NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0295] In some implementations, the uplink non-access stratum transmission message includes confirmation information.

[0296] In some implementations, the first information is sent by a location management function network element to an access and mobility management function network element.

[0297] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0298] In some embodiments, the confirmation information includes at least one of a first confirmation information, a second confirmation information, and a third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection.

[0299] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element is configured to send the confirmation information to the location management function network element.

[0300] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0301] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0302] The detailed description of steps S310f and S330f can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0303] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the terminal can generate confirmation information based on the response to the first information, and send the confirmation information to the access and mobility management function network element through an uplink non-access layer transmission message. The confirmation information includes at least one of the first confirmation information, the second confirmation information, and the third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection, so that the location management function network element can determine the terminal's response to the first information based on the confirmation information.

[0304] Figure 4a is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 4a, the positioning method can be used in an access and mobility management function network element AMF, including the following steps.

[0305] In step S410a, first information sent by a location management function network element is received.

[0306] In step S420a, first information is sent to the terminal.

[0307] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0308] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0309] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0310] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0311] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the location management function network element can send the first information to the access and mobility management function network element, and the access and mobility management function network element can send the first information to the terminal, so that the terminal can receive the first information sent by the access and mobility management function network element. After the terminal receives the first information, a user plane connection can be established.

[0312] In some implementations, after the terminal establishes a user plane connection, the terminal or location management function device can transmit a third message between the location management function network element and the terminal through the user plane connection to achieve positioning between the terminal and the location management function network element.

[0313] In some embodiments, the third message includes one or more of the following data:

[0314] Based on terminal positioning data, terminal-assisted positioning data, assistance data, and supplementary service event reports sent by the terminal.

[0315] An embodiment of the present application stipulates that the access and mobility management function network element can send the first information sent by the location management function network element to the terminal to instruct the terminal to establish a positioning user plane connection between the location management function network element and the terminal. Since the transmission of signaling between the location management function network element and the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element is efficient and reachable, in the user plane connection initiated by the location management function network element, the notification efficiency and reachability from the location management function network element to the terminal can be improved.

[0316] Figure 4b is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 4b, the positioning method can be used in an access and mobility management function network element AMF, including the following steps.

[0317] In step S410b, a Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message sent by the location management function network element is received.

[0318] In step S420b, first information is sent to the terminal.

[0319] In some implementations, the Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message includes first information.

[0320] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0321] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0322] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0323] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0324] The detailed description of step S410b can refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0325] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the access and mobility management function network element can receive the first information through the Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message sent by the location management function network element.

[0326] Figure 4c is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 4c, the positioning method can be used in an access and mobility management function network element AMF, including the following steps.

[0327] In step S410c, first information sent by the location management function network element is received.

[0328] In step S420c, a DL NAS TRANSPORT message is sent to the terminal.

[0329] In some embodiments, the DL NAS TRANSPORT message includes first information.

[0330] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0331] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0332] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0333] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0334] The detailed description of step S410c can refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0335] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the access and mobility management function network element may carry the first information in a DL NAS TRANSPORT message, thereby sending the first information to the terminal by sending the DL NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0336] Figure 4d is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 4d, the positioning method can be used in an access and mobility management function network element AMF, including the following steps.

[0337] In step S410d, first information sent by the location management function network element is received.

[0338] In step S420d, first information is sent to the terminal.

[0339] In step S430d, the confirmation information sent by the terminal is received.

[0340] In step S440d, a confirmation message is sent to the location management function network element.

[0341] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0342] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0343] In some embodiments, the confirmation information includes at least one of a first confirmation information, a second confirmation information, and a third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection.

[0344] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element may receive a UL NAS TRANSPORT message sent by the terminal, where the UL NAS TRANSPORT message includes confirmation information.

[0345] In some implementations, the access and mobility management function network element may send a Namf_N1messageNotify service to the location management function network element, where the Namf_N1messageNotify service includes confirmation information.

[0346] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0347] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0348] The detailed description of steps S410d-S440d can refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0349] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the access and mobility management function network element can receive the confirmation information sent by the terminal and send the confirmation information to the location management function network element so that the location management function network element can determine the terminal's response to the first information.

[0350] Figure 4e is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 4e, the positioning method can be used in an access and mobility management function network element AMF, including the following steps.

[0351] In step S410e, an access and mobility management function is used for N1N2 interface transmission communication message sent by the location management function network element.

[0352] In step S420e, first information is sent to the terminal.

[0353] The detailed description of step S410e can refer to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0354] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the access and mobility management function network element can receive the first information through the access and mobility management function sent by the location management function network element for N1N2 interface transmission communication message.

[0355] Figure 4f is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments. As shown in Figure 4f, the positioning method can be used in an access and mobility management function network element AMF, including the following steps.

[0356] In step S410f, first information sent by the location management function network element is received.

[0357] In step S420f, a downlink non-access layer transmission message is sent to the terminal.

[0358] The detailed description of step S410f can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0359] The embodiment of the present application stipulates that the access and mobility management function network element can carry the first information in a downlink non-access layer transmission message, thereby sending the first information to the terminal by sending a downlink non-access layer transmission message.

[0360] FIG5 is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some further embodiments. As shown in FIG5 , the positioning method can be used in a communication system including a location management function network element, an access and mobility management function network element, and a terminal. The method includes the following steps:

[0361] In step S510, the location management function network element sends first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0362] In step S520, the access and mobility management function network element sends first information to the terminal;

[0363] In step S530, the terminal establishes a user plane connection.

[0364] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0365] The detailed description of steps S510-S530 can refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0366] The embodiments of the present application provide that a location management function network element may send first information to an access and mobility management function network element, the access and mobility management function network element may send the first information to a terminal, and the terminal may establish a user plane connection for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal after receiving the first information. Since signaling transmission between the location management function network element and the terminal through the access and mobility management function network element is efficient and reachable, in the user plane connection initiated by the location management function network element, the notification efficiency and reachability from the location management function network element to the terminal can be improved.

[0367] FIG6a is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some further embodiments. As shown in FIG6a , the positioning method can be used in the communication system shown in FIG1b , and the method includes the following steps:

[0368] In step S610a, the location management function network element decides to use the user plane connection for positioning.

[0369] In some implementations, the location management function network element may determine whether to use the user plane connection for positioning based on the terminal user plane positioning capability and other implementation factors.

[0370] In some implementations, other factors may include, for example, whether a certain positioning method is a positioning method corresponding to positioning performed by a user plane connection.

[0371] In step S620a, the location management function network element sends first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0372] In some implementations, the location management function network element may send the first information to the access and mobility management function network element when determining that there is no user plane connection context of the terminal.

[0373] In some implementations, the location management function network element may skip steps S620a to S650a and directly execute step S660a when determining that there is a user plane connection context of the terminal.

[0374] In some implementations, the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection.

[0375] In some implementations, the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0376] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0377] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of a location management function network element and security-related information.

[0378] In some implementations, the first information may be carried in a Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message, so that the location management function network element may send a Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message to the access and mobility management function network element, where the Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message includes the first information.

[0379] In step S630a, the access and mobility management function network element sends first information to the terminal.

[0380] In some implementations, the first information may be carried in a DL NAS TRANSPORT message, so that the access and mobility management function network element sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to the terminal, where the DL NAS TRANSPORT message includes the first information.

[0381] In step S640a, the terminal sends confirmation information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0382] In some embodiments, the confirmation information includes at least one of a first confirmation information, a second confirmation information, and a third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing a user plane connection.

[0383] In some implementations, the confirmation information may be carried in a UL NAS TRANSPORT message, so that the terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the access and mobility management function network element, and the UL NAS TRANSPORT message includes the confirmation information.

[0384] In step S650a, the access and mobility management function network element sends a confirmation message to the location management function network element.

[0385] In some implementations, the confirmation message may be carried in a Namf_N1messageNotify service, so that the access and mobility management function network element initiates a Namf_N1messageNotify service to the location management function network element, and the Namf_N1messageNotify service includes the confirmation message.

[0386] In step S660a, the terminal establishes a user plane connection.

[0387] In some implementations, the terminal establishes a user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0388] In step S670a, the location management function network element sends the second information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0389] In some implementations, the second information is used by the access and mobility management function network element to determine that the user plane connection has been established.

[0390] In some embodiments, the second information can be carried in an Nlmf_Location_Notify message or a location management function for locating the user plane notification message, so that the location management function network element can send an Nlmf_Location_Notify message to the access and mobility management function network element or send a location management function for locating the user plane notification message, indicating that the user plane connection has been established.

[0391] In step S680a, the access and mobility management function network element stores the LCS user plane connection as part of the terminal context.

[0392] In step S690a, the terminal and the location management function network element are located through a user plane connection.

[0393] In some implementations, a third message may be transmitted between the location management function network element and the terminal via a user plane connection, where the third message includes one or more of the following data:

[0394] Based on the terminal's positioning data, terminal-assisted positioning data, assistance data, and supplementary service event reports sent by the terminal, the terminal and the location management function network element can be positioned through the user plane connection.

[0395] FIG6b is a flow chart of a positioning method according to some further embodiments. As shown in FIG6b , the positioning method can be used in the communication system shown in FIG1b , and the method includes the following steps:

[0396] In step S610b, the location management function network element decides to use the user plane connection for positioning.

[0397] In step S620b, the location management function network element sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message to the access and mobility management function network element. The Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message includes user plane information and indication information.

[0398] In step S630b, the access and mobility management function network element sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to the terminal, where the DL NAS TRANSPORT message includes user plane information and indication information.

[0399] In step S640b, the terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the access and mobility management function network element, where the UL NAS TRANSPORT message includes at least one of the first confirmation information, the second confirmation information, and the third confirmation information.

[0400] In step S650b, the access and mobility management function network element sends a Namf_N1messageNotify service to the location management function network element, where the Namf_N1messageNotify service includes at least one of the first confirmation information, the second confirmation information, and the third confirmation information.

[0401] In step S660b, the terminal establishes a user plane connection.

[0402] In step S670b, the location management function network element sends an Nlmf_Location_Notify message to the access and mobility management function network element, where the Nlmf_Location_Notify message includes the second information.

[0403] In step S680b, the access and mobility management function network element stores the LCS user plane connection as part of the terminal context.

[0404] In step S690b, the terminal and the location management function network element are located through a user plane connection.

[0405] The detailed description of steps S610b-S690b can refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0406] The following is a positioning method shown in some embodiments, which includes the following steps:

[0407] 1. Based on the UE's user plane positioning capabilities and other implementation factors, the LMF decides whether to continue the positioning procedure via the user plane connection between the UE and the LMF.

[0408] If the user plane connection context of the target UE already exists in the LMF and the LMF decides to use the user plane connection for positioning, steps 2-7 are skipped.

[0409] NOTE: The LMF may select user plane positioning for a specific positioning method (e.g. motion sensor based method) and it determines which positioning method requires user plane transmission based on implementation and local configuration.

[0410] 2. If the LMF decides to use the user plane for positioning and there is no secure user plane connection established between the UE and the LMF, the LMF will send user plane information to the AMF to instruct the UE to use the user plane for positioning. The user plane information includes the user plane positioning address of the LMF and security related information. The LMF sends an UP positioning trigger indication in Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer, which triggers the UE to use the user plane information to establish a user plane between the UE and the LMF.

[0411] NOTE: The security mechanism and security information provided by LMF to UE is subject to work by SA WG3. How UE user plane positioning capabilities and LMF user plane information are transmitted, for example, based on enhanced LPP, supplementary services or NAS messages, is for consideration.

[0412] 3. When the AMF receives the user plane information and UP positioning trigger indication from the LMF in step 2, the AMF sends it to the UE via a DL NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0413] 4. If no PDU session suitable for user plane positioning is established, the UE uses the URSP defined in 23.503, which includes the PDU session parameters related to user plane positioning, such as dedicated DNN and S-SSAI, to establish a PDU session for user plane positioning. The UE can send a confirmation to the LMF through the AMF to indicate the successful use of the user plane connection for the positioning service or the failure to use the user plane connection, such as the failure to establish a suitable PDU session, to indicate the receipt of the user plane information and the UP positioning trigger indication, and whether the surface agrees to establish the user plane connection.

[0414] 5. AMF sends the confirmation received in step 4 to LMF via the Namf_N1messageNotify service.

[0415] 6. Based on the received user plane information and the UP location trigger indication, the UE establishes a secure user plane connection with the LMF. If the LMF sends its FQDN to the UE, a DNS server / resolver is used to resolve the IP address of the LMF (e.g., EASDF or local DNS for local LMF address resolution).

[0416] Note: IP address and / or FQDN as LMF address information needs to be checked / verified based on CT1 / CT3 feedback.

[0417] 7. LMF indicates to AMF in the Nlmf_Location_UPNotify message that the user plane connection between the UE and LMF has been established.

[0418] 8. The AMF stores the LCS-UP connection context as part of the UE context.

[0419] 9. If the LMF or UE decides to utilize a user plane connection for positioning and a secure user plane connection is established, LPP messages are transmitted between the UE and the LMF for UE-based positioning, UE-assisted positioning, and delivery of assistance data. Supplementary service event report messages from the UE may also be transmitted to the LMF over the established user plane connection.

[0420] It should be noted that, for multiple embodiments or features separated by "or", even if some features are not feasible, it will not affect other solutions. In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with other embodiments or implementations of the positioning method and their various optional solutions, unless there is any contradiction, which will not be repeated here.

[0421] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a positioning device 700 according to some embodiments. Referring to Figure 7, the positioning device 700 is applied to a location management function network element, and the positioning device 700 may include:

[0422] The first sending module 710 is configured to send first information to the access and mobility management function network element, and the access and mobility management function network element is used to send the first information to the terminal, and the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection, and the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0423] In some implementations, the first sending module 710 includes:

[0424] The first sending submodule is configured to send a Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message to the access and mobility management function network element, where the Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message includes the first information.

[0425] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish the user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0426] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of the location management function network element and security-related information.

[0427] In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 further comprises:

[0428] The first receiving module is configured to receive confirmation information sent by the access and mobility management function network element, and the confirmation information includes at least one of the first confirmation information, the second confirmation information, and the third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing the user plane connection.

[0429] In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 further comprises:

[0430] The second receiving module is configured to receive the Namf_N1messageNotify service sent by the access and mobility management function network element, where the Namf_N1messageNotify service includes confirmation information, and the confirmation information includes at least one of the first confirmation information, the second confirmation information, and the third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing the user plane connection.

[0431] In some implementations, the first sending module 710 includes:

[0432] The second sending submodule is configured to determine that positioning is performed using a user plane connection and that no user plane connection exists between the location management function network element and the terminal, and to send the first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0433] In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 further comprises:

[0434] The second sending module is configured to send second information to the access and mobility management function network element, where the second information is used by the access and mobility management function network element to determine that the user plane connection has been established.

[0435] In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 further comprises:

[0436] The first transmission module is configured to transmit a third message between the location management function network element and the terminal through the user plane connection, where the third message includes one or more of the following data:

[0437] Based on terminal positioning data, terminal-assisted positioning data, assistance data, and supplementary service event reports sent by the terminal.

[0438] FIG8 is a block diagram of a positioning device 800 according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG8 , the positioning device 800 is applied to a terminal, and the positioning device 800 may include:

[0439] The third receiving module 810 is configured to receive first information sent by the access and mobility management function network element, where the first information is sent by the location management function network element to the access and mobility management function network element;

[0440] The establishing module 820 is configured to establish a user plane connection, where the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0441] In some embodiments, the third receiving module 810 includes:

[0442] The first receiving submodule is configured to receive a DL NAS TRANSPORT message sent by the access and mobility management function network element, where the DL NAS TRANSPORT message includes the first information.

[0443] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish the user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0444] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of the location management function network element and security-related information.

[0445] In some embodiments, the apparatus 800 further comprises:

[0446] The third sending module is configured to send confirmation information to the access and mobility management function network element, and the confirmation information includes at least one of the first confirmation information, the second confirmation information, and the third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing the user plane connection. The access and mobility management function network element is used to send the confirmation information to the location management function network element.

[0447] The fourth sending module is configured to send a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the access and mobility management function network element, where the DL NAS TRANSPORT message includes confirmation information, and the confirmation information includes at least one of a first confirmation information, a second confirmation information, and a third confirmation information. The first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing the user plane connection. The access and mobility management function network element is used to send the confirmation information to the location management function network element.

[0448] In some embodiments, the apparatus 800 further comprises:

[0449] The second transmission module is configured to transmit a third message between the location management function network element and the terminal through the user plane connection, where the third message includes one or more of the following data:

[0450] Based on terminal positioning data, terminal-assisted positioning data, assistance data, and supplementary service event reports sent by the terminal.

[0451] FIG9 is a block diagram of a positioning device 900 according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG9 , the positioning device 900 is applied to an access and mobility management function network element, and the positioning device 900 may include:

[0452] The fourth receiving module 910 is configured to receive first information sent by the location management function network element;

[0453] The fifth sending module 920 is configured to send the first information to the terminal, where the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection, and the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

[0454] In some embodiments, the fourth receiving module 910 includes:

[0455] The second receiving submodule is configured to receive a Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message sent by a location management function network element, where the Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message includes the first information.

[0456] In some implementations, the fifth sending module 920 includes:

[0457] The third sending submodule is configured to send a DL NAS TRANSPORT message to the terminal, where the DL NAS TRANSPORT message includes the first information.

[0458] In some embodiments, the apparatus 900 further comprises:

[0459] a fifth receiving module, configured to receive confirmation information sent by the terminal, the confirmation information including at least one of first confirmation information, second confirmation information, and third confirmation information, the first confirmation information being used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information being used to confirm the establishment of the preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information being used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing the user plane connection;

[0460] The sixth sending module is configured to send the confirmation information to the location management function network element.

[0461] In some implementations, the first information includes user plane information and instruction information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to establish the user plane connection according to the user plane information.

[0462] In some implementations, the user plane information includes a user plane location address of the location management function network element and security-related information.

[0463] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiment, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiment of the method, and will not be elaborated here.

[0464] The present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon. When the program instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the positioning method provided by the present disclosure are implemented.

[0465] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a terminal according to some embodiments. For example, terminal 1000 can be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a game console, a tablet device, a medical device, a fitness device, a personal digital assistant, a smart car, etc.

[0466] 10 , terminal 1000 may include one or more of the following components: a first processing component 1002 , a first memory 1004 , a first power supply component 1006 , a multimedia component 1008 , an audio component 1010 , a first input / output interface 1012 , a sensor component 1014 , and a communication component 1016 .

[0467] The first processing component 1002 generally controls the overall operation of the terminal 1000, such as operations associated with display, phone calls, data communications, camera operation, and recording operations. The first processing component 1002 may include one or more first processors 1020 to execute instructions to perform all or part of the steps of the positioning method described above. Furthermore, the first processing component 1002 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the first processing component 1002 and other components. For example, the first processing component 1002 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between the multimedia component 1008 and the first processing component 1002.

[0468] The first memory 1004 is configured to store various types of data to support operations on the terminal 1000. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on the terminal 1000, contact data, phone book data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. The first memory 1004 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile memory device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0469] First power supply component 1006 provides power to various components of terminal 1000. First power supply component 1006 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to terminal 1000.

[0470] The multimedia component 1008 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the terminal 1000 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touch, slide, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor can not only sense the boundaries of the touch or slide action, but also detect the duration and pressure associated with the touch or slide operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 1008 includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the terminal 1000 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera can receive external multimedia data. Each front camera and rear camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capability.

[0471] The audio component 1010 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 1010 includes a microphone (MIC), which is configured to receive external audio signals when the terminal 1000 is in an operating mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal can be further stored in the first memory 1004 or transmitted via the communication component 1016. In some embodiments, the audio component 1010 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0472] The first input / output interface 1012 provides an interface between the first processing component 1002 and peripheral interface modules, such as a keyboard, a click wheel, buttons, etc. These buttons may include but are not limited to: a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

[0473] The sensor assembly 1014 includes one or more sensors for providing various aspects of the terminal 1000's status assessment. For example, the sensor assembly 1014 can detect the open / closed state of the terminal 1000, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and keypad of the terminal 1000. The sensor assembly 1014 can also detect changes in the position of the terminal 1000 or a component of the terminal 1000, the presence or absence of user contact with the terminal 1000, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the terminal 1000, and changes in the temperature of the terminal 1000. The sensor assembly 1014 can include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. The sensor assembly 1014 can also include an optical sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 1014 can also include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0474] The communication component 1016 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the terminal 1000 and other devices. The terminal 1000 can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as WiFi, 2G or 3G, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 1016 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 1016 also includes a near field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, infrared data association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology and other technologies.

[0475] In an exemplary embodiment, terminal 1000 can be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors or other electronic components to perform the above-mentioned positioning method.

[0476] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is further provided, such as a first memory 1004 including instructions. The instructions can be executed by the first processor 1020 of the terminal 1000 to perform the above-mentioned positioning method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, etc.

[0477] In addition to being an independent electronic device, the above-mentioned device can also be a part of an independent electronic device. For example, in one embodiment, the device can be an integrated circuit (IC) or a chip, wherein the integrated circuit can be a single IC or a collection of multiple ICs; the chip can include but is not limited to the following types: GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), CPU (Central Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), SOC (System on Chip, SoC, system on chip or system-on-chip), etc. The above-mentioned integrated circuit or chip can be used to execute executable instructions (or codes) to implement the above-mentioned positioning method. The executable instructions can be stored in the integrated circuit or chip, or can be obtained from other devices or equipment. For example, the integrated circuit or chip includes a processor, a memory, and an interface for communicating with other devices. The executable instruction can be stored in the memory, and when the executable instruction is executed by the processor, the above-mentioned positioning method is implemented; alternatively, the integrated circuit or chip can receive the executable instruction through the interface and transmit it to the processor for execution to implement the above-mentioned positioning method.

[0478] In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program product is further provided. The computer program product includes a computer program executable by a programmable device, and has a code portion for performing the above positioning method when executed by the programmable device.

[0479] FIG11 is a block diagram of a network device according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, network device 1100 may be provided as other network logical entities in a core network or an access network. Referring to FIG11 , network device 1100 includes a processing component 1122, which further includes one or more processors, and memory resources represented by memory 1132 for storing instructions executable by processing component 1122, such as applications. The application stored in memory 1132 may include one or more modules, each of which corresponds to a set of instructions. In addition, processing component 1122 is configured to execute instructions to perform the steps of the communication method provided in the above-described method embodiment.

[0480] The network device 1100 may also include a power supply component 1126 configured to perform power management of the device 1100, a wired or wireless network interface 1150 configured to connect the network device 1100 to a network, and an input / output interface 1158. The network device 1100 may operate based on an operating system stored in the memory 1132, such as Windows Server™, Mac OS X™, Unix™, Linux™, FreeBSD™, or the like.

[0481] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but are merely illustrations of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all of the steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, if there is no special explanation and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their internal logical relationships.

[0482] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0483] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0484] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0485] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0486] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0487] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0488] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0489] In some embodiments, "including A", "comprising A", "used to indicate A in", and "carrying A with" can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A. In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at...", "when...", "if...", and "if..." can be used interchangeably.

[0490] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0491] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0492] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, it can also be called device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it can also be set as a structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, language such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by language corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0493] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0494] In some embodiments, determining may be interpreted as judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching, looking up, retrieving, ascertaining, receiving, transmitting, inputting, outputting, accessing, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, “assuming,” “expecting,” “considering,” broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, assigning, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0495] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

[0496] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that: Executed by a location management function network element, the method includes: Sending first information to an access and mobility management function network element, wherein the access and mobility management function network element is used to send the first information to a terminal, wherein the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection, and the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The sending the first information to the access and mobility management function network element includes: Send a Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message to the access and mobility management function network element, where the Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message includes the first information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first information includes user plane information and indication information, and the indication information is used to instruct the terminal to establish the user plane connection according to the user plane information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The user plane information includes the user plane location address of the location management function network element and security related information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receive confirmation information sent by the access and mobility management function network element, the confirmation information including at least one of first confirmation information, second confirmation information, and third confirmation information, the first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of a preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing the user plane connection.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receive the Namf_N1messageNotify service sent by the access and mobility management function network element, the Namf_N1messageNotify service includes confirmation information, the confirmation information includes at least one of first confirmation information, second confirmation information, and third confirmation information, the first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of a preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing the user plane connection.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The sending the first information to the access and mobility management function network element includes: Determine to use the user plane connection for positioning and determine that there is no user plane connection between the location management function network element and the terminal, and send the first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending second information to the access and mobility management function network element, where the second information is used by the access and mobility management function network element to determine that the user plane connection has been established.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Transmitting a third message between the location management function network element and the terminal through the user plane connection, the third message including one or more of the following data: Based on terminal positioning data, terminal-assisted positioning data, assistance data, and supplementary service event reports sent by the terminal.

10. A positioning method, characterized in that: Executed by a terminal, the method includes: Receiving first information sent by an access and mobility management function network element, where the first information is sent by a location management function network element to the access and mobility management function network element; A user plane connection is established, where the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The receiving the first information sent by the access and mobility management function network element includes: receiving a DL NAS TRANSPORT message sent by the access and mobility management function network element, the DL NAS The TRANSPORT message includes the first information.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The first information includes user plane information and indication information, and the indication information is used to instruct the terminal to establish the user plane connection according to the user plane information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The user plane information includes the user plane location address of the location management function network element and security related information.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Send a confirmation message to the access and mobility management function network element, the confirmation message includes at least one of a first confirmation message, a second confirmation message, and a third confirmation message, the first confirmation message is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first message, the second confirmation message is used to confirm the establishment of a preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third message is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing the user plane connection, and the access and mobility management function network element is used to send the confirmation message to the location management function network element.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A UL NAS TRANSPORT message is sent to the access and mobility management function network element, where the DL NAS TRANSPORT message includes confirmation information, where the confirmation information includes at least one of first confirmation information, second confirmation information, and third confirmation information, where the first confirmation information is used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information is used to confirm the establishment of a preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information is used to confirm the terminal's opinion on establishing the user plane connection, and the access and mobility management function network element is used to send the confirmation information to the location management function network element.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Transmitting a third message between the location management function network element and the terminal through the user plane connection, the third message including one or more of the following data: Based on terminal positioning data, terminal-assisted positioning data, assistance data, and supplementary service event reports sent by the terminal.

17. A positioning method, characterized in that: The method is performed by an access and mobility management function network element, and includes: receiving first information sent by a location management function network element; The first information is sent to the terminal, where the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection, and the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The receiving first information sent by the location management function network element includes: Receive a Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message sent by a location management function network element, where the Namf_Communication_N1N2Transfer message includes the first information.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The sending the first information to the terminal includes: A DL NAS TRANSPORT message is sent to the terminal, where the DL NAS TRANSPORT message includes the first information.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving confirmation information sent by the terminal, the confirmation information including at least one of first confirmation information, second confirmation information, and third confirmation information, the first confirmation information being used to confirm that the terminal has received the first information, the second confirmation information being used to confirm the establishment of a preset PDU session by the terminal, and the third information being used to confirm the opinion of the terminal on establishing the user plane connection; The confirmation information is sent to the location management function network element.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that: The first information includes user plane information and indication information, and the indication information is used to instruct the terminal to establish the user plane connection according to the user plane information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The user plane information includes the user plane location address of the location management function network element and security related information.

23. A positioning method, characterized in that: Executed by a communication system, the communication system includes a location management function network element, an access and mobility management function network element and a terminal, the method includes: The location management function network element sends first information to the access and mobility management function network element; The access and mobility management function network element sends the first information to the terminal; The terminal establishes a user plane connection, where the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

24. A positioning device, characterized in that: include: The first sending module is configured to send first information to an access and mobility management function network element, wherein the access and mobility management function network element is used to send the first information to a terminal, wherein the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection, and the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

25. A positioning device, characterized in that: include: A third receiving module is configured to receive first information sent by an access and mobility management function network element, where the first information is sent by a location management function network element to the access and mobility management function network element; An establishing module is configured to establish a user plane connection, where the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

26. A positioning device, characterized in that: include: A fourth receiving module is configured to receive first information sent by the location management function network element; The fifth sending module is configured to send the first information to the terminal, where the first information is used to instruct the terminal to establish a user plane connection, and the user plane connection is used for positioning between the location management function network element and the terminal.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The processor is used to call computer instructions so that the communication device executes the positioning method according to any one of claims 1-22.

28. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes a location management function network element, an access and mobility management function network element, and a terminal, wherein the location management function network element is configured to implement the positioning method described in any one of claims 1-9, the terminal is configured to implement the positioning method described in any one of claims 10-16, and the access and mobility management function network element is configured to implement the positioning method described in any one of claims 17-22.

29. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, characterized in that: When the computer instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device is enabled to execute the method for determining a positioning mode according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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