User positioning method and apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium

Abstract

This application provides a user positioning method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium. The user positioning method includes: collecting first session information of a first session already established by a target user; determining whether the first session meets the mandatory update requirement based on the first session information, and forcibly releasing the first session if the mandatory update requirement is met; collecting second session information of a second session re-established by the target user after the release of the first session, and collecting second cell information of the target user from the second session information; and determining the location information of the target user based on the second cell information when the second cell information is successfully collected. This application can solve the problem of inaccurate positioning caused by the target user not promptly reporting cell information when switching cells within the same tracking area, thus improving the accuracy and versatility of user positioning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a user positioning method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In daily life, user location services have become an essential need. For example, they are required in scenarios such as navigation services, emergency rescue, and emergency services.

[0003] Current user positioning technologies typically rely on GPS (Global Positioning System) or BeiDou systems. However, this method requires the user to share their location information with the locator via GPS or BeiDou beforehand. Furthermore, if the user's device experiences issues such as the deletion of the relevant app, replacement of the SIM card, or loss of the device, location sharing will be interrupted, making continuous user positioning impossible and limiting its versatility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, embodiments of this application propose a user positioning method, apparatus, electronic device and storage medium to improve the universality of user positioning.

[0005] According to one aspect of an embodiment of this application, a user location method is provided, the method comprising:

[0006] Collect first session information of the first session already established by the target user;

[0007] Based on the first session information, determine whether the first session meets the mandatory update requirement. If the first session meets the mandatory update requirement, forcibly release the first session.

[0008] Collect second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released, and collect the second cell information where the target user is located from the second session information;

[0009] When the information of the second cell is successfully collected, the location information of the target user is determined based on the information of the second cell.

[0010] Optionally, after collecting the first session information of the first session already established by the target user, the method further includes: collecting the first cell information where the target user is located from the first session information, and recording the first cell information;

[0011] After collecting the second cell information where the target user is located from the second session information, the method further includes: when the collection of the second cell information fails, determining the location information of the target user based on the first cell information.

[0012] Optionally, determining whether the first session meets the mandatory update requirement based on the first session information includes:

[0013] Based on the first session information, determine whether the first session is a continuous service session;

[0014] If the first session is a continuous service session, it is determined that the first session does not meet the mandatory update requirement;

[0015] If the first session is not a continuous service session, it is determined that the first session meets the mandatory update requirement.

[0016] Optionally, determining whether the first session is a continuous service session based on the first session information includes:

[0017] Collect the quality of service parameters of the first session from the first session information;

[0018] When the quality of service parameter is a value representing a continuous service session, the first session is determined to be a continuous service session.

[0019] Optionally, the forced release of the first session includes: the control policy control function network element issuing a release instruction to the target user for the first session, so that the target user releases the first session after receiving the release instruction.

[0020] Optionally, the step of collecting the first session information of the first session already established by the target user includes: collecting the first session signaling of the first session at the interface of the policy control function network element, and collecting the first session information of the first session based on the first session signaling;

[0021] The collection of second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the release of the first session includes: collecting the second session signaling of the second session at the interface of the policy control function network element, and collecting the second session information of the second session based on the second session signaling.

[0022] Optionally, the collection of second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the release of the first session includes: collecting second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the release of the first session after a preset delay.

[0023] Optionally, determining the location information of the target user based on the second cell information includes:

[0024] Search the network parameter table of the non-roaming area corresponding to the target user for the first location information corresponding to the second cell information;

[0025] When the first location information is found, the first location information is determined as the location information of the target user;

[0026] If the first location information is not found, the second location information corresponding to the second cell information is searched from the network parameter table of the roaming area corresponding to the target user.

[0027] When the second location information is found, the second location information is determined as the location information of the target user.

[0028] Optionally, before collecting the first session information of the first session already established by the target user, the method further includes: verifying the location request after receiving the location request for the target user;

[0029] The collection of the first session information of the first session already established by the target user includes: collecting the first session information of the first session already established by the target user after successful verification.

[0030] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a user positioning device is provided, the device comprising:

[0031] The first acquisition module is used to collect the first session information of the first session that the target user has established;

[0032] The update module is used to determine whether the first session meets the mandatory update requirement based on the first session information, and to forcibly release the first session when the first session meets the mandatory update requirement;

[0033] The second acquisition module is used to acquire second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released, and to acquire the second cell information where the target user is located from the second session information;

[0034] The mapping module is used to determine the location information of the target user based on the second cell information when the second cell information is successfully collected.

[0035] Optionally, the first acquisition module is further configured to acquire the first cell information where the target user is located from the first session information, and record the first cell information;

[0036] The mapping module is also used to determine the location information of the target user based on the information of the first cell when the information collection of the second cell fails.

[0037] Optionally, the update module includes:

[0038] The judgment unit is used to determine whether the first session is a continuous service session based on the first session information.

[0039] The determining unit is configured to determine that the first session does not meet the mandatory update requirement when the first session is a continuous service session, and to determine that the first session meets the mandatory update requirement when the first session is not a continuous service session.

[0040] Optionally, the determining unit is specifically used to collect the service quality parameters of the first session from the first session information; when the service quality parameters are values ​​representing continuous service sessions, the first session is determined to be a continuous service session.

[0041] Optionally, the update module includes: a control unit, configured to control the policy control function network element to issue a release instruction to the target user for the first session, so that the target user releases the first session after receiving the release instruction.

[0042] Optionally, the first acquisition module is specifically used to acquire the first session signaling of the first session at the interface of the policy control function network element, and to acquire the first session information of the first session based on the first session signaling;

[0043] The second acquisition module is specifically used to acquire the second session signaling of the second session at the interface on the policy control function network element, and to acquire the second session information of the second session based on the second session signaling.

[0044] Optionally, the second acquisition module is specifically used to acquire second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released, after a preset delay.

[0045] Optionally, the mapping module includes:

[0046] The first search unit is used to search for the first location information corresponding to the second cell information from the network parameter table of the non-roaming area corresponding to the target user;

[0047] The first determining unit is configured to determine the first location information as the location information of the target user when the first location information is found.

[0048] The second search unit is used to search for the second location information corresponding to the second cell information from the network parameter table of the roaming area corresponding to the target user when the first location information is not found.

[0049] The second determining unit is used to determine the second location information as the location information of the target user when the second location information is found.

[0050] Optionally, the device further includes: a verification module, configured to verify the location request after receiving it; and a first acquisition module, specifically configured to acquire first session information of the first session established by the target user after the verification is successful.

[0051] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device including a processor and a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon; when the computer program is executed by the processor, the processor causes the processor to perform the user location method as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0052] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the user location method as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0053] In this embodiment, when locating a target user, if it is determined that the first session information of the first session already established by the target user meets the forced update requirement, the first session is forcibly released. After releasing the first session, the target user will re-establish a second session. Based on the second session information, the second cell information where the target user is currently located can be collected. Then, based on the second cell information, the target user's location information is determined. Therefore, the obtained location information is the latest location information of the target user, which can solve the problem of inaccurate positioning caused by the target user not reporting cell information in a timely manner when switching cells within the same tracking area, thus improving the accuracy of user positioning. Furthermore, positioning based on the target user's session information is not affected by the user equipment used by the target user, enabling continuous user positioning and improving the universality of user positioning.

[0054] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of this application are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0055] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some drawings of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a user location method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a session establishment process according to an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a user location process according to an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a data acquisition process according to an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a forced update process according to an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of a user positioning device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of a computer-readable storage medium according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0064] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0065] First, the technical terms mentioned in the embodiments of this application will be explained.

[0066] MME (Mobility Management Entity): It is an important component in LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks. The MME is responsible for mobility management and communication with other parts of the core network.

[0067] AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function): Performs registration, connection, accessibility, and mobility management.

[0068] SMF (Session Management function): Responsible for tunnel maintenance, IP (Internet Protocol) address allocation and management, UPF (User Plane Function) selection, policy enforcement and QoS (Quality of Service) control, billing data collection, roaming, etc.

[0069] PCF (Policy Control Function): A unified policy framework that provides policy rules for control plane functions. Similar to the PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) in 4G (the 4th Generation mobile communication technology).

[0070] DPI (Deep Packet Inspection): A special network technology. Generally, network devices only look at the Ethernet and IP headers and do not analyze the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / UDP (User Datagram Protocol) content. This is called shallow packet inspection. Deep packet inspection, on the other hand, introduces DPI technology to achieve in-depth inspection and analysis of TCP / UDP content.

[0071] TAC (Tracking Area Code): Location area identifier; one TAC contains multiple cells.

[0072] E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network): It is the radio access network part of the LTE network architecture, responsible for handling wireless communication between mobile users and the evolved packet core network.

[0073] ECI (E-UTRAN Cell Identifier): Its function is to provide a unique identifier for mobile user location.

[0074] NR (New Radio): It is one of the key technologies used for wireless access.

[0075] NCI (NR Cell Identity): Its function is to serve as the location and unique identifier for mobile users.

[0076] MSISDN (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number): Essentially, it's a number used to identify mobile phone numbers internationally. It includes a country code and a domestic destination code to identify the specific network the user is on, as well as the user's number. In the mobile telecommunications field, it's essentially the technical term for telephone numbers.

[0077] IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity): It is a unique identifier used to identify mobile users in GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), LTE, and other mobile phone networks. IMSIs are typically stored in the SIM card and associated with each mobile user's personal information.

[0078] 5QI (5G QoS Indicator): It is used to describe and differentiate different QoS categories to ensure that the network can meet the requirements of different applications. 5QI can define different service levels based on the characteristics and requirements of network traffic, such as low latency, high bandwidth, and high reliability. These different 5QI values ​​can be used to allocate appropriate resources and priorities to specific data flows to achieve customized processing of different types of data.

[0079] In this embodiment of the application, in order to address the problems existing in user positioning methods based on GPS or BeiDou systems, methods such as querying positioning using network elements or using signaling analysis for positioning are considered. However, these positioning methods also have some problems, as detailed below.

[0080] (1) Querying user location using mobile network: User location can be queried in the mobile network using the mobile management function module, such as MME, AMF, and SMF.

[0081] However, in this method, if a user moves within the same TAC, the user equipment's cell location handover will not be reported to network elements such as the MME or AMF, making it impossible to obtain cell information in real time. If a user roams to another province, the local MME or AMF will not be able to query the location information of that province.

[0082] (2) Location platform query: The platform query provided by the mobile network operator.

[0083] However, in this method, the user's MME or AMF information is first queried from UDM (User Data Management) or HSS (Home Subscriber Server), and then queried from the corresponding network element. This method has the problem of inaccurate location information as described in method (1). At the same time, it is costly, requiring the establishment of a platform to connect all network elements, which is costly to activate and maintain.

[0084] (3) Use signaling to collect, analyze and locate: collect DPI data, perform cell information analysis, extract the most recently active cells, and perform coarse location.

[0085] However, this method also suffers from the same problem: when a user cell is switched over, the network element is not reported, resulting in inaccurate location information.

[0086] In this embodiment of the application, the above-mentioned problem is further addressed by forcibly updating the target user's location in order to ensure the accuracy of the location.

[0087] The user positioning method in the embodiments of this application will be described below. The user positioning method in the embodiments of this application can be applied to a user positioning device, which can be any suitable electronic device.

[0088] Reference Figure 1 The diagram shows a flowchart of a user location method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0089] like Figure 1 As shown, the user location method may include the following steps:

[0090] Step 101: Collect the first session information of the first session that the target user has established.

[0091] In one alternative implementation, the user positioning device can collect first session information of the first session that the target user has established when it is necessary to locate the target user.

[0092] For example, a user initiating a query can trigger a location request for the target user. The user location device can receive the location request and verify it. If the verification is successful, the user location device performs a process of collecting first session information from the first session already established by the target user. If the verification fails, the user location device can return a message to the user initiating the query indicating that the verification failed and the query cannot be completed.

[0093] For example, the user positioning device can provide a user interface. The user initiating the query can perform relevant operations on the user interface, such as entering the user number (e.g., mobile phone number) of the target user being queried, the user number and ID card number of the user initiating the query, and the relationship between the user initiating the query and the target user being queried, and then trigger the query button control to trigger the positioning request for the target user being queried.

[0094] For example, the location request may include, but is not limited to, the user number of the target user being queried, the user number and ID number of the user initiating the query, and the relationship between the user initiating the query and the target user being queried. The user location device parses the location request to obtain the aforementioned information, and verifies this information according to set verification conditions. If this information meets the verification conditions, the verification passes; otherwise, the verification fails.

[0095] Specific verification conditions can be set according to actual needs and experience, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on them. For example, the verification conditions can be that the user number and ID card number of the user initiating the query are valid, and / or that the relationship between the user initiating the query and the target user being queried is a valid relationship, and so on.

[0096] In one alternative implementation, the first session information of the first session established by the target user can be collected from any applicable network element (which contains the first session information of the first session) that the first session has been traversed by the target user.

[0097] For example, relevant session signaling of the first session at the interface of network elements such as AMF, MME, and SMF can be collected, and the first session information of the first session can be collected based on the collected relevant session signaling; or, the first session information of the first session stored by network elements such as AMF, MME, and SMF can be collected, and so on.

[0098] For example, since the current user session adopts a dynamic policy, regardless of whether it is within or outside the province, during the session establishment process, the SMF must send a PDU (Protocol Data Unit)-CAN (Controller Area Network) session establishment procedure to the policy control function network element, reporting relevant user information, including relevant cell information. Therefore, the first session signaling of the first session at the interface of the policy control function network element can be collected, and the first session information of the first session already established by the target user can be collected based on the first session signaling; or, the first session information of the first session stored by the policy control function network element can be collected, and so on. This method utilizes the characteristics of the policy control function network element to solve the problem of incomplete and inaccurate information collection by network elements such as AMF, MME, and SMF, and can query location information nationwide, solving the roaming problem.

[0099] Among them, the policy control function network element can be PCF in 5G network and PCRF in 4G network.

[0100] Specifically, for the interfaces on policy control function network elements, in NR networks, the PCF establishes a session with the SMF through the N7 interface, while in EUTRAN networks, it establishes a session with the PCEF (Policy and Charging Enforcement Function) and PCRF through the GX interface. Therefore, the interfaces on policy control function network elements can include, but are not limited to, the N7 interface, the GX interface, and so on.

[0101] The first session signaling of the first session may include, but is not limited to: the first cell information where the target user is located, the quality of service parameters of the first session, the session type of the first session, etc. Collecting relevant information from the first session signaling yields the first session information. The first session information may include, but is not limited to: the first cell information where the target user is located, the quality of service parameters of the first session, the session type of the first session, etc. The first cell information may include, but is not limited to: TAC, ECI, NCI, etc.

[0102] It is understandable that the target user may have established multiple first sessions. Therefore, the first session information of each first session can be collected for each first session established by the target user.

[0103] Step 102: Based on the first session information, determine whether the first session meets the mandatory update requirement. If the first session meets the mandatory update requirement, forcibly release the first session.

[0104] In this embodiment, not all first sessions are forcibly released. Instead, the system determines whether the first session meets the mandatory update requirement based on the first session information. If the first session meets the mandatory update requirement, the first session is forcibly released. If the first session does not meet the mandatory update requirement, the process of forcibly releasing the first session is not executed.

[0105] In one optional implementation, to ensure uninterrupted continuous service sessions for the target user and avoid impacting user experience, forced updates can be performed on non-continuous service sessions while continuous service sessions are not, thereby maintaining the continuity of critical services. Here, a continuous service session refers to a session corresponding to a service that needs to be performed continuously, such as a call service session. Therefore, the process of determining whether the first session meets the forced update requirement based on the first session information can include: determining whether the first session is a continuous service session based on the first session information; if the first session is a continuous service session, determining that the first session does not meet the forced update requirement; if the first session is not a continuous service session, determining that the first session meets the forced update requirement.

[0106] For example, considering that the service quality parameters of a session can characterize the service type of the session, the process of determining whether the first session is a continuous service session based on the first session information may include: collecting the service quality parameters of the first session from the first session information; determining that the first session is a continuous service session when the service quality parameters are values ​​representing continuous service sessions; and determining that the first session is not a continuous service session when the service quality parameters are not values ​​representing continuous service sessions.

[0107] For example, in a 5G network, the quality of service parameter is 5QI. A 5QI value of 1 indicates voice service, a 5QI value of 2 indicates video session service, and a 5QI value of 3 indicates real-time sensitive service. Therefore, it can be considered that a 5QI value of 1, 2, or 3 represents a continuous service session, while other 5QI values ​​do not represent a continuous service session.

[0108] For example, the first session can be forcibly released in the SMF, or the user can register in the AMF or MME to forcibly release the first session, or related operations can be performed in other network elements to cause the user to re-create the session, re-register, or establish a new session.

[0109] For example, the process of forcibly releasing the first session may include: the control policy control function network element issuing a release instruction for the first session to the target user, so that the target user releases the first session upon receiving the release instruction. Since releasing the first session via the SMF, AMF, or MME network elements requires the target user to be under that network element, while the policy control function network element does not need to meet this requirement, the method of forcibly releasing the first session via the policy control function network element is more universal. It is understood that during the process of the policy control function network element issuing the release instruction for the first session to the target user, related network elements passing through (such as SMF, AMF, etc.) will also release their respective sessions according to the release instruction for the first session.

[0110] It is understood that there can be multiple first sessions established by the target user. Therefore, for each first session established by the target user, it can be determined whether the first session meets the mandatory update requirement based on the first session information. When the first session meets the mandatory update requirement, the first session is forcibly released.

[0111] Step 103: Collect the second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released, and collect the second cell information where the target user is located from the second session information.

[0112] In this embodiment of the invention, after receiving the release instruction, the target user will release the first session and then re-initiate a session establishment request to re-establish the second session. The user positioning device can collect the second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after releasing the first session.

[0113] For example, relevant session signaling of the second session at the interface of network elements such as AMF, MME, and SMF can be collected, and second session information of the second session can be collected based on the collected relevant session signaling; or, second session information of the second session stored by network elements such as AMF, MME, and SMF can be collected, and so on.

[0114] For example, the second session signaling of the second session at the interface of the policy control function network element can be collected, and the second session information of the second session re-established by the target user can be collected based on the second session signaling; or, the second session information of the second session stored by the policy control function network element can be collected, and so on. This method utilizes the characteristics of the policy control function network element to solve the problem of incomplete and inaccurate information collection by network elements such as AMF, MME, and SMF.

[0115] The second session signaling of the second session may include, but is not limited to: information about the second cell where the target user is located, quality of service parameters for the second session, session type of the second session, etc. Collecting relevant information from the second session signaling yields the second session information. The second session information may include, but is not limited to: information about the second cell where the target user is located, quality of service parameters for the second session, session type of the second session, etc. Second cell information may include, but is not limited to: TAC, ECI, NCI, etc.

[0116] Reference Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a session establishment process according to an embodiment of this application.

[0117] like Figure 2 As shown, the following procedure is executed during session establishment:

[0118] 1. The UE (User Equipment) initiates a PDU Session Establishment Request to the AMF through the RAN (Radio Access Network);

[0119] 2. The AMF executes the SMF selection process;

[0120] 3. The AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request to the SMF (to create a session management context);

[0121] 4. SMF interacts with UDM (Unified Data Management) and DN (Data Network) to execute the Registration / Subscription retrieval / Subscription for updates process;

[0122] 5. The SMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response (session management context creation response) to the AMF;

[0123] 6. All network elements collaboratively execute the PDU Session authentication / authorization process;

[0124] 7a. SMF executes the PCF selection process;

[0125] 7b. The SMF interacts with the PCF to initiate either an SM Policy Association Establishment or an SMF-initiated SM Policy Association Modification.

[0126] 8. The SMF executes the UPF selection process. Subsequent processes then continue, which will not be discussed in detail in this embodiment.

[0127] In this embodiment of the application, the signaling in 7b above can be used as the second session signaling, and the second session information of the second session re-established by the target user can be collected according to the second session signaling.

[0128] In one optional implementation, after the target user forcibly releases the first session, due to differences in user device performance and other reasons, the time required for different user devices to re-establish the session varies. Therefore, in order to ensure that the second session information can be successfully collected, the second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after releasing the first session can be collected after a preset delay.

[0129] The preset duration of the delay can be set based on actual experience and needs. For example, it can be set according to the duration required for most user devices to establish a session, so as to ensure that the second session has been established when collecting the second session information.

[0130] It is understandable that the target user can re-establish multiple second sessions, so the second session information of each second session can be collected for each second session re-established by the target user.

[0131] Step 104: When the information of the second cell is successfully collected, determine the location information of the target user based on the information of the second cell.

[0132] In one optional implementation, the process of determining the location information of the target user based on the second cell information may include: searching for first location information corresponding to the second cell information from the network parameter table of the non-roaming area corresponding to the target user; when the first location information is found, determining the first location information as the location information of the target user; when the first location information is not found, searching for second location information corresponding to the second cell information from the network parameter table of the roaming area corresponding to the target user; when the second location information is found, determining the second location information as the location information of the target user; when the second location information is not found, the second cell information may be fed back.

[0133] The non-roaming area corresponding to the target user can refer to the province or city to which the target user belongs. The roaming area corresponding to the target user can refer to other provinces or cities besides the province or city to which the target user belongs.

[0134] The network parameter table is a pre-created and stored data table. The network parameter table may include the correspondence between cell information and location information; therefore, based on this correspondence, the location information corresponding to the cell information can be searched. The location information may include the base station name, the base station's latitude and longitude, and the location further corresponding to the base station's latitude and longitude, etc.

[0135] It is understandable that there may be multiple second sessions. Therefore, the location information of the target user can be obtained based on the second session information of multiple second sessions. In general, the location information obtained based on multiple second session information is similar or the same.

[0136] In one optional implementation, after collecting the first session information of the first session already established by the target user in step 101, the first cell information where the target user is located can also be collected from the first session information and recorded. Therefore, when the second cell information collection fails, the location information of the target user is determined based on the first cell information.

[0137] For example, the process of determining the location information of the target user based on the first cell information may include: searching for third location information corresponding to the first cell information from the network parameter table of the non-roaming area corresponding to the target user; when the third location information is found, determining the third location information as the location information of the target user; when the third location information is not found, searching for fourth location information corresponding to the first cell information from the network parameter table of the roaming area corresponding to the target user; when the fourth location information is found, determining the fourth location information as the location information of the target user; when the fourth location information is not found, the first cell information may be returned.

[0138] It is understandable that there may be multiple first sessions. Therefore, the location information of the target user can be obtained based on the first session information of multiple first sessions. In general, the location information obtained based on multiple first session information is similar or the same.

[0139] In this embodiment, when locating a target user, if it is determined that the first session information of the first session already established by the target user meets the forced update requirement, the first session is forcibly released. After releasing the first session, the target user will re-establish a second session. Based on the second session information, the second cell information where the target user is currently located can be collected. Then, based on the second cell information, the target user's location information is determined. Therefore, the obtained location information is the latest location information of the target user, which can solve the problem of inaccurate positioning caused by the target user not reporting cell information in a timely manner when switching cells within the same tracking area, thus improving the accuracy of user positioning. Furthermore, positioning based on the target user's session information is not affected by the user equipment used by the target user, enabling continuous user positioning and improving the universality of user positioning.

[0140] Reference Figure 3 The diagram shows a flowchart of a user location process according to an embodiment of this application.

[0141] like Figure 3 As shown, the user location process may include:

[0142] Perform the verification process (equivalent to the process of verifying the location request after receiving the location request for the target user as described above), and determine whether the verification is successful.

[0143] If not (verification fails), then the process ends.

[0144] If the verification is successful, the first collection process (equivalent to the process of collecting the first session information of the first session already established by the target user) is executed to determine whether the collection was successful.

[0145] If not (data collection successful), then the process ends.

[0146] If (collection fails), then a forced update process is executed (equivalent to the process described above of determining whether the first session meets the forced update requirement based on the first session information, and forcibly releasing the first session when the first session meets the forced update requirement).

[0147] Execute the second collection process (equivalent to the process of collecting the second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released), and determine whether the collection was successful.

[0148] If not (successful data collection), then obtain the information collected before the forced update (i.e., the first session information) and execute the mapping process (equivalent to the process described above of determining the location information of the target user based on the first cell information).

[0149] If the acquisition fails, a mapping process is executed (equivalent to the process described above for determining the location information of the target user based on the second cell information).

[0150] During the verification process, the name, user number, ID card number of the user initiating the query, and the relationship between the user number and the user number being queried can be recorded. A copy of the official query application is also retained. After successful verification, the process proceeds to the next step.

[0151] Reference Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of a data acquisition process according to an embodiment of this application. Both the first and second data acquisition processes described above can be executed according to this process.

[0152] like Figure 4 As shown, the data acquisition process may include:

[0153] Enter the target user's user number (e.g., MSISDN, IMSI, etc.);

[0154] Let n = the number of PCFs, and i = 0; where there may be multiple PCFs in the network, so we iterate through the PCFs;

[0155] Determine if i is satisfied <n;

[0156] If not (not satisfied), then end;

[0157] If so, then collect the session signaling exchanged at the PCF interface (such as the first session signaling and the second session signaling mentioned above);

[0158] Determine if there is a session signaling corresponding to the user's number in the target user's account;

[0159] If not (does not exist), then set i = i + 1, and return to the step of determining whether i < n;

[0160] If so (exists), then obtain the cell information, quality of service parameters, and network element information (including PCF information) in the session signaling.

[0161] Refer to Figure 5 , which shows a flowchart of a forced update process according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0162] As Figure 5 shown, the forced update process may include:

[0163] Input the user number (such as MSISDN, IMSI, etc.), network element information (including PCF information), and network element interface information (N7 interface, GX interface);

[0164] Set n = the number of interface signaling messages, and i = 0; where there may be multiple session signaling messages at the network element interface (such as the above first session signaling message and second session signaling message), so the session signaling messages at the interface are traversed;

[0165] Determine whether i < n is satisfied; [[ID=2....]]

[0166] If not (not satisfied), then end;

[0167] If so (satisfied), then determine whether the quality of service parameters in the session signaling represent continuous services;

[0168] If so (represent continuous services), then set i = i + 1, and return to the step of determining whether i < n;

[0169] If not (do not represent continuous services), then forcibly release the session, set i = i + 1, and return to the step of determining whether i < n.

[0170] In the embodiment of the present application, the location information collection point is changed. Instead of collecting at AMF, SMF, and MME, it is changed to collect at PCF, which solves the problems of the user's roaming location and the user's current network, and solves the problems of heavy investment and difficult maintenance of the positioning platform; a forced update process is added. For the target user to be queried, the session is forcibly updated to let the user report the latest location information, which solves the problem of inaccurate positioning by traditional means.

[0171] Refer to Figure 6 , which shows a structural block diagram of a user positioning device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0172] As Figure 6 shown, the user positioning device may include the following modules:

[0173] The first acquisition module 601 is used to acquire the first session information of the first session that the target user has established;

[0174] The update module 602 is used to determine whether the first session meets the forced update requirement based on the first session information, and to forcibly release the first session when the first session meets the forced update requirement;

[0175] The second acquisition module 603 is used to acquire second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released, and to acquire the second cell information where the target user is located from the second session information;

[0176] The mapping module 604 is used to determine the location information of the target user based on the second cell information when the second cell information is successfully collected.

[0177] Optionally, the first acquisition module 601 is further configured to acquire the first cell information where the target user is located from the first session information, and record the first cell information;

[0178] The mapping module 604 is further configured to determine the location information of the target user based on the information of the first cell when the information collection of the second cell fails.

[0179] Optionally, the update module 602 includes:

[0180] The judgment unit is used to determine whether the first session is a continuous service session based on the first session information.

[0181] The determining unit is configured to determine that the first session does not meet the mandatory update requirement when the first session is a continuous service session, and to determine that the first session meets the mandatory update requirement when the first session is not a continuous service session.

[0182] Optionally, the determining unit is specifically used to collect the service quality parameters of the first session from the first session information; when the service quality parameters are values ​​representing continuous service sessions, the first session is determined to be a continuous service session.

[0183] Optionally, the update module 602 includes: a control unit, configured to control the policy control function network element to issue a release instruction to the target user for the first session, so that the target user releases the first session after receiving the release instruction.

[0184] Optionally, the first acquisition module 601 is specifically used to acquire the first session signaling of the first session at the interface of the policy control function network element, and to acquire the first session information of the first session based on the first session signaling;

[0185] The second acquisition module 603 is specifically used to acquire the second session signaling of the second session at the interface on the policy control function network element, and to acquire the second session information of the second session based on the second session signaling.

[0186] Optionally, the second acquisition module 603 is specifically used to acquire second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released, after a preset delay.

[0187] Optionally, the mapping module 604 includes:

[0188] The first search unit is used to search for the first location information corresponding to the second cell information from the network parameter table of the non-roaming area corresponding to the target user;

[0189] The first determining unit is configured to determine the first location information as the location information of the target user when the first location information is found.

[0190] The second search unit is used to search for the second location information corresponding to the second cell information from the network parameter table of the roaming area corresponding to the target user when the first location information is not found.

[0191] The second determining unit is used to determine the second location information as the location information of the target user when the second location information is found.

[0192] Optionally, the device further includes: a verification module, configured to verify the location request after receiving a location request for the target user;

[0193] The first acquisition module 601 is specifically used to acquire the first session information of the first session that the target user has established after the verification is passed.

[0194] In this embodiment, when locating a target user, if it is determined that the first session information of the first session already established by the target user meets the forced update requirement, the first session is forcibly released. After releasing the first session, the target user will re-establish a second session. Based on the second session information, the second cell information where the target user is currently located can be collected. Then, based on the second cell information, the target user's location information is determined. Therefore, the obtained location information is the latest location information of the target user, which can solve the problem of inaccurate positioning caused by the target user not reporting cell information in a timely manner when switching cells within the same tracking area, thus improving the accuracy of user positioning. Furthermore, positioning based on the target user's session information is not affected by the user equipment used by the target user, enabling continuous user positioning and improving the universality of user positioning.

[0195] As the device embodiment is basically similar to the method embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and relevant parts can be found in the description of the method embodiment.

[0196] In embodiments of this application, an electronic device is also provided. This electronic device may include a processor and a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program; when the computer program is executed by the processor, it causes the processor to perform the user location method of any of the above embodiments.

[0197] Reference Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a structural block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device 70 includes a processor 701 and a computer-readable storage medium 702, on which a computer program 7021 is stored.

[0198] The processor 701 is used to execute the computer program 7021 stored on the computer-readable storage medium 702. When the processor 701 executes the computer program 7021, it implements the user positioning method of any of the above embodiments and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0199] The processor 701 mentioned above may include, but is not limited to: a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc.

[0200] The computer-readable storage medium 702 mentioned above may include, but is not limited to: read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), hard disk, floppy disk, flash memory, etc.

[0201] In embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, on which a computer program is stored, which can be executed by a processor of an electronic device, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the processor performs the user location method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0202] Reference Figure 8 This diagram illustrates a structural block diagram of a computer-readable storage medium according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 As shown, a computer-readable storage medium 80 stores a computer program 801. When the computer program 801 is executed by a processor, it causes the processor to perform the user location method as described in any of the above embodiments, and achieves the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0203] The various embodiments in this specification are related to each other and are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0204] It should be noted that all actions involving the acquisition of signals, information, or data in this application are carried out in compliance with the relevant data protection laws and policies of the country where the application is located, and with the authorization granted by the owner of the relevant device.

[0205] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes said element.

[0206] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0207] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

[0208] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0209] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0210] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0211] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0212] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0213] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A user positioning method, characterized by, The method comprises: collecting first session information of a first session established by a target user; judging whether the first session meets a forced update requirement based on the first session information, and releasing the first session forcibly when the first session meets the forced update requirement; collecting second session information of a second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released, and collecting second cell information in which the target user is located from the second session information; determining location information of the target user based on the second cell information when the second cell information is collected successfully.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, after the first session information of the first session established by the target user is collected, first cell information in which the target user is located is collected from the first session information, and the first cell information is recorded; after the second cell information in which the target user is located is collected from the second session information, location information of the target user is determined based on the first cell information when the second cell information is not collected successfully.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The judgment of whether the first session meets the forced update requirement based on the first session information comprises: judging whether the first session is a continuous service session based on the first session information; when the first session is the continuous service session, it is determined that the first session does not meet the forced update requirement; when the first session is not the continuous service session, it is determined that the first session meets the forced update requirement.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The judgment of whether the first session is the continuous service session based on the first session information comprises: collecting a quality of service parameter of the first session from the first session information; when the quality of service parameter is a value representing the continuous service session, it is determined that the first session is the continuous service session.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The forced release of the first session comprises: controlling a policy control function network element to send a release instruction for the first session to the target user, so that the target user releases the first session after receiving the release instruction.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, the collection of the first session information of the first session established by the target user comprises: collecting first session signaling of the first session at an interface of a policy control function network element, and collecting the first session information of the first session according to the first session signaling; the collection of the second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released comprises: collecting second session signaling of the second session at the interface of the policy control function network element, and collecting the second session information of the second session according to the second session signaling.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The collection of the second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released comprises: after a delay of a preset time length, the second session information of the second session re-established by the target user after the first session is released is collected.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The determining the location information of the target user based on the second cell information comprises: searching first location information corresponding to the second cell information from a network parameter table of a non-roaming area corresponding to the target user; when the first location information is searched, determining the first location information as the location information of the target user; when the first location information is not searched, searching second location information corresponding to the second cell information from a network parameter table of a roaming area corresponding to the target user; when the second location information is searched, determining the second location information as the location information of the target user.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, before the collecting the first session information of the first session established by the target user, the method further comprises: after receiving a positioning request of the target user, verifying the positioning request; and the collecting the first session information of the first session established by the target user comprises: after the verification is passed, collecting the first session information of the first session established by the target user. The apparatus comprises:

10. A user positioning device, characterized by a first collecting module configured to collect first session information of a first session established by a target user; an updating module configured to determine whether the first session meets a forced updating requirement based on the first session information, and to force release the first session when the first session meets the forced updating requirement; a second collecting module configured to collect second session information of a second session re-established by the target user after the release of the first session, and to collect second cell information in which the target user is located from the second session information; a mapping module configured to determine location information of the target user based on the second cell information when the second cell information is successfully collected. The electronic device comprises a processor and a computer readable storage medium, and the computer readable storage medium stores a computer program; 11. An electronic device, comprising: when the computer program is executed by the processor, the processor executes the user positioning method of any one of claims 1 to 9. The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the processor executes the user positioning method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, ​

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