Techniques for performing location services in wireless communications

Abstract

Techniques for providing or receiving location information for a communication device are described. An example wireless communication device includes a first network device receiving a first message from a second network device, the first message triggering the first network device to provide location information of the communication device, where the second network device is configured to manage a mobility context of the communication device, and where the second network device is configured to provide location information of the communication device. The mobility context at least describes a registration area of the communication device; and in response to receiving the first message, the first network device transmitting a second message including location information of the communication device to a third network device configured not to manage a mobility context of the communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to digital wireless communications. Background Art

[0002] Mobile communication technology is moving the world towards an increasingly interconnected networked society. Compared with existing wireless networks, next-generation systems and wireless communication technologies need to support a wider range of use case features and provide more complex and advanced access requirements and flexibility.

[0003] Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a wireless communication standard for mobile devices and data terminals developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). LTE-A is a wireless communication standard that enhances the LTE standard. The fifth-generation wireless system, known as 5G, advances the LTE and LTE-A wireless standards and is committed to supporting higher data rates, large connections, ultra-low latency, high reliability, and other emerging business needs. Summary of the invention

[0004] Techniques for providing or receiving location information of a communication device are disclosed.

[0005] A first example wireless communication method includes: a first network device receives a first message from a second network device, the first message triggers the first network device to provide location information of a communication device, wherein the second network device is configured to manage a mobility context of the communication device, and wherein the mobility context describes at least a registration area of ​​the communication device; and in response to receiving the first message, the first network device transmits a second message including the location information of the communication device to a third network device, wherein the third network device is configured not to manage the mobility context of the communication device.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first network device selects a third network device based on a routing identifier of a location management function (LMF) requesting location information of the communication device. In some embodiments, in response to the second message being a New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) transmission message associated with a Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) uplink (UL) user equipment (UE): the first network device includes in the NRPPa transmission message associated with the NGAP uplink UE: an Access And Mobility Management Function (AMF) NGAP UE Identifier (ID) AMF NGAP UE ID; and a Radio Access Network (RAN) NGAP UE Identifier (RAN NGAP UE ID), wherein the first network device sets the values ​​of the AMF NGAP UE ID and the RAN NGAP UE ID to be the same as the values ​​of the AMF NGAP UE ID and the RAN NGAP UE ID received from the second network device. In some embodiments, the first network device includes a base station (BS), the second network device includes a service AMF, and the third network device includes a local AMF.

[0007] A second example wireless communication method includes: a first network device receives a first message from a second network device, the first message triggers the first network device to request a third network device for location information of a communication device, wherein the first message includes a first identifier of a third network device configured to communicate with the communication device and a second identifier of the communication device; in response to receiving the first message, a second message is transmitted to the third network device, wherein the second message triggers the third network device to provide the location information of the communication device.

[0008] A third example wireless communication method includes: a second network device receives a first identifier of a third network device configured to communicate with the communication device and a second identifier of the communication device; the second network device transmits a first message to the first network device, the first message triggers the first network device to request the third network device for location information of the communication device, wherein the first message includes the first identifier of the third network device and the second identifier of the communication device; and in response to transmitting the first message, receiving the location information of the communication device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second identifier includes a radio access network RAN ​​next generation application protocol NGAP user equipment UE identifier ID or a temporary mobile user identity code (Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity, TMSI). In some embodiments, the first message includes a routing identifier of a location management function LMF that requests location information of the communication device. In some embodiments, in response to the second identifier of the communication device being a radio access network RAN ​​next generation application protocol NGAP user equipment UE identifier ID, the second message is a NGAP downlink (Downlink, DL) UE associated new air interface positioning protocol A NRPPa transmission message. In some embodiments, in response to the second identifier of the communication device not being a radio access network RAN ​​next generation application protocol NGAP user equipment UE identifier ID, the second message is a NGAP downlink non-UE associated new air interface positioning protocol ANRPPa transmission message. In some embodiments, the first network device includes a local access and mobility management function AMF, the second network device includes an LMF, and the third network device includes a base station.

[0010] A fourth example wireless communication method includes: a first network device receives a first message, the first message triggers the first network device to initiate a process of obtaining location information of a communication device; in response to receiving the first message, a second message is transmitted to a second network device, wherein the second message triggers the second network device to provide the location information of the communication device, and wherein the second message includes a first identifier of a third network device configured to communicate with the communication device and a second identifier of the communication device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first network device includes a service access and mobility management function AMF, the second network device includes a location management function LMF, and the third network device includes a base station.

[0012] In another exemplary aspect, the above method is embodied in the form of processor executable code and stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The code contained in the computer readable storage medium, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the method described in this patent document.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, a device configured or operable to perform the above method is disclosed.

[0014] The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in more detail in the drawings, the description and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is the location service (LCS) architecture in the 5G system.

[0016] Figure 2 The mobile terminal location request service process is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 The network-assisted positioning process between the location management function LMF and the radio access network RAN ​​node is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 The process of obtaining non-UE associated network assistance data from a RAN node is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 is a sample schema for determining location services.

[0020] Figure 6 is a first example flow chart showing that the LMF exposes the UE location directly to the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) without passing through the serving AMF.

[0021] Figure 7 is a second example flow chart showing that the LMF requests UE-related information from the RAN via the serving AMF.

[0022] Figure 8 is a third example flow chart illustrating a process of obtaining non-UE associated network assistance data from a RAN node.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a fourth example flow chart showing that the LMF requests UE-related information from the RAN via the local AMF.

[0024] Fig.10 An exemplary block diagram of a hardware platform that may be part of a network device or a communication device is shown.

[0025] Fig.11 An example of wireless communication including a base station BS and a user equipment UE based on some implementations of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0026] Fig.12 An example flow chart for transmitting location information of a communication device is shown.

[0027] Fig.13 An example flow diagram for facilitating transmission of location information of a communication device is shown.

[0028] Fig.14 An example flow chart for receiving location information of a communication device is shown.

[0029] Fig.15 Another example flow diagram for facilitating transmission of location information of a communication device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the location service LCS process, the UE location can be calculated in the location management function LMF deployed in the public network. In some deployments such as enterprises, the UE location data may be sensitive, and the enterprise may not want to expose the UE location to the public network. Solutions that support location services without exposing the UE location to the public network need to be studied. In addition, the delay of the positioning process should be as minimal as possible.

[0031] The example titles of the following sections are used to facilitate understanding of the disclosed subject matter and do not limit the scope of the claimed subject matter in any way. Therefore, one or more features of one example section can be combined with one or more features of another example section. In addition, for the sake of clarity, 5G terminology is used herein, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to 5G technology and can also be used to implement wireless systems of other protocols.

[0032] I. Introduction

[0033] Figure 1 It is the LCS architecture in the 5G system. Figure 1 The architecture shows at least the following features:

[0034] 1) User Equipment UE - The UE can provide UE assistance information to the LMF so that the LMF can calculate the UE location.

[0035] 2) Radio Access Network RAN ​​- RAN may be involved in the processing of various positioning procedures, including positioning of the target UE, providing location-related information not associated with a specific target UE, and transmitting positioning messages between the AMF or LMF and the target UE. The RAN shall support the determination of a position estimate in geographic and / or local coordinates.

[0036] 3) Access and Mobility Management Function AMF - This function can include the following functions: registration management, connection management, reachability management and mobility management. This function can also perform access authentication and access authorization. AMF is a non-access stratum (NAS) security terminal. AMF can relay NAS between UE and LMF, etc. When AMF receives a positioning request from the gateway mobile positioning center GMLC, it also selects the appropriate LMF.

[0037] 4) User Data Management (UDM) - This function can provide UE subscription information to GMLC. This function also maintains the service AMF information currently registered by the UE so that the AMF can be updated when the UE subscription is updated. UDM contains the LCS privacy profile of the LCS subscriber.

[0038] 5) Location Management Function LMF - The LMF may calculate or verify the UE position and any velocity estimate, and may estimate the accuracy achieved. The LMF receives a location request for the target UE from the serving AMF. The LMF interacts with the UE to exchange location information applicable to UE-assisted and UE-based positioning methods, and interacts with the RAN to obtain location information.

[0039] 6) Gateway Mobile Location Center GMLC - GMLC may contain the functions required to support LCS. GMLC is the first node accessed by external LCS clients (Application Function (AF)) in the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). AF and Network Function (NF) may access GMLC directly or via Network Exposure Function (NEF). GMLC may request routing information and / or target UE privacy information from UDM. After performing authorization of the external LCS client or AF and verifying the target UE privacy, GMLC forwards the location request to the serving AMF.

[0040] 7) LCS Client (Application Function) - AF and NF can access LCS services from GMLC.

[0041] Figure 2 The mobile terminal location request service process is shown. The operations mentioned below with corresponding numbers describe the Figure 2 The numbers shown are related to the operations.

[0042] 1. The external location service client sends a request to the GMLC for the location of the target UE identified by the Global Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI) or the Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI).

[0043] 2.GMLC calls Nudm_UECM_Get to the target UE's home UDM

[0044] (Nudm_UEContextManagement_Get, Nudm_UE Context Management_Get) service operation to locate the GPSI or SUPI of the UE.

[0045] 3. UDM returns the network address of the current service AMF.

[0046] 4.GMLC calls the Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo service operation to AMF to request the current location of the UE. The service operation includes the SUPI and client type, and may include the required Quality of Service (QoS) and supported Geographical Assistance Data (GAD) shapes.

[0047] 5. In response to receiving the Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo request in step 4, if the UE is in the Connection Management (CM) IDLE state, the AMF initiates a network-triggered service request process to establish a signaling connection with the UE.

[0048] 6. In response to receiving the Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo request in step 4, the AMF selects the LMF based on the available information or based on the AMF local configuration. The LMF selection takes into account the RAN currently serving the UE. The AMF can also query the Network Repository Function (NRF) to select the LMF. The AMF calls the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation service operation to the LMF to request the current location of the UE. The service operation includes LCS related identification, client type, required QoS, UE positioning capabilities (if available) and supported GAD shapes.

[0049] 7.LMF performs the LMF positioning process to calculate the UE position. The following figure describes this step.

[0050] 8.LMF returns Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response to AMF to return the current location of the UE. The service operation includes LCS related identification, location estimate, timeliness and accuracy of the location estimate, and may include information about the positioning method.

[0051] 9.AMF returns a Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo response to the GMLC to return the current location of the UE. The service operation includes the LCS related identity, the location estimate, the timeliness and accuracy of the location estimate, and may include information about the positioning method.

[0052] 10.GMLC sends a location service response to the external location service client.

[0053] Figure 3 The figure shows the network assisted positioning process between LMF and RAN nodes. LMF can perform this process to request UE related information from RAN, such as cell information, sounding reference signal (SRS) configuration, to support enhanced cell identity (Enhanced Cell ID, E-CID) location information transmission and positioning information transmission. This process is Figure 2 The operations mentioned below with corresponding numbers describe the Figure 3 The numbers shown are related to the operations.

[0054] 1. The LMF invokes the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service operation to the serving AMF to request the transmission of a network location message to the serving RAN node of the UE. The service operation includes a network location message. The network location message can request the location information of the UE from the RAN.

[0055] 2.AMF forwards the network location message to the serving RAN node in the N2 transport message. The AMF includes a routing identifier identifying the LMF (e.g., the global address of the LMF) in the N2 transport message. In the existing process, the N2 transport message is an NGAP downlink UE-associated NRPPa transport because the message is a UE-specific message. The N2 transport message includes the AMF NGAP UE ID and the RAN NGAP UE ID to uniquely identify the UE context in the AMF and RAN, respectively.

[0056] 3. The RAN node uses the RAN NGAP UE ID to identify the UE context and obtain any location information of the requested UE. The serving RAN node returns any location information to the AMF in a network location message included in the N2 transport message. The serving RAN node will also include the routing identifier in the N2 transport message received in step 2. In the existing process, the N2 transport message is an NGAP uplink UE associated NRPPa transport because the message is a UE-specific message. The N2 transport message includes the AMFNGAP UE ID and the RAN NGAP UE ID to uniquely identify the UE context in the AMF and RAN, respectively.

[0057] 4.AMF uses the AMF NGAP UE ID to identify the UE context and calls the Namf_Communication_N2InfoNotify service to the LMF indicated by the routing identifier. The service operation includes the network location message.

[0058] Figure 4 The procedure of obtaining non-UE-associated network assistance data from the RAN node is shown. The LMF can perform this procedure to request non-UE-related information from the RAN to support OTDOA information transmission, assistance information transmission, TRP information transmission and measurement information transmission. This procedure is Figure 2 The operations mentioned below with corresponding numbers describe the Figure 4 The numbers shown are related to the operations.

[0059] 1.LMF invokes the Namf_Communication_NonUEN2MessageTransfer service operation to the serving AMF to request the delivery of a network location message to the serving RAN node. The service operation includes the network location message and the target Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) node identity. The network location message can request location information from the RAN.

[0060] 2.AMF forwards the network location message to the target RAN node in the N2 transport message.AMF includes a routing identifier identifying the LMF (e.g., the global address of the LMF) in the N2 transport message. In the existing process, the N2 transport message is an NGAP downlink non-UE associated NRPPa transport because the message is not a UE-specific message.

[0061] 3. The RAN node obtains any location information of the requested UE. The serving RAN node returns any location information to the AMF in a network location message included in the N2 transport message. The serving RAN node will also include the routing identifier in the N2 transport message received in step 2. In the existing process, the N2 transport message is an NGAP uplink non-UE associated NRPPa transport because the message is not a UE specific message.

[0062] 4.AMF calls the Namf_Communication_N2InfoNotify service to the LMF indicated by the routing identifier. The service operation includes the network location message.

[0063] According to the above process, the UE location is calculated in the LMF. In a certain deployment, the GMLC, RAN and LMF are deployed in an enterprise, and the enterprise may not want to expose the UE location information outside its local area. Another issue is that the enterprise may want to minimize the latency of the location service to meet the service demand.

[0064] II. Example Technology and Architecture

[0065] Figure 5 It is an example architecture for determining location services. In this architecture, RAN / LMF / GMLC is deployed in the local area / edge computing area. LMF calculates the UE location and exposes the UE location to the local AF / LCS client via GMLC. Network functions in the core network should not be involved in the location calculation process. In this architecture, RAN is connected to the local LMF via the local AMF. The transport network between RAN and LMF is the N2 interface. The transport network link (TNL) association between RAN and local AMF can be established based on local configuration.

[0066] The LMF exchanges network positioning messages with the RAN via the local AMF, for example, without passing through the serving AMF in the public network. The serving AMF may store and / or configure the mobility context of the UE, wherein the mobility context is information about the UE subscription (e.g., from the UDM), UE mobility information (UE location information, for example, describing the registration area in which the communication device is configured to operate, Short-Term Mobility Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI), etc.), and UE capability information (from the UE). The mobility context may be created during the UE initial registration process and updated during the UE mobility registration process. In some embodiments, the local AMF may only support a subset of the functions of the serving AMF, for example, the local AMF may only support the N2 interface toward the RAN and the NL1 interface toward the LMF, but the local AMF may not support any other interface. Therefore, the local AMF does not store UE context information.

[0067] The interface between the local AMF and LMF can be NL1. The local AMF does not need to retain state information for network-assisted positioning procedures and non-UE-associated network-assisted data procedures, for example, any response from the RAN can be regarded as a separate non-associated transmission.

[0068] Figure 6 is a first example flow chart showing that the LMF exposes the UE location directly to the GMLC without going through the serving AMF. The operations mentioned below with corresponding numbers describe Figure 6 The numbers shown are related to the operations.

[0069] 1. The external location service client sends a request to the GMLC for the location of the target UE identified by GPSI or SUPI.

[0070] 2. The GMLC calls the Nudm_UECM_Get (Nudm_UEContextManagement_Get) service operation to the home UDM of the target UE to locate the GPSI or SUPI of the UE.

[0071] 3. UDM returns the network address of the current service AMF.

[0072] 4.GMLC calls the Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo service operation to AMF to request the current location of the UE. The service operation includes the SUPI and client type, and may include the required QoS and supported GAD shapes.

[0073] 5. If the UE is in CM IDLE state, the AMF initiates a network-triggered service request procedure to establish a signaling connection with the UE.

[0074] 6.AMF selects LMF based on available information or based on AMF local configuration. LMF selection takes into account the RAN currently serving the UE. AMF may also query the network storage function NRF to select LMF. AMF calls Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation service operation to LMF to request the current location of the UE. The service operation includes LCS related identities, client type, required QoS, UE positioning capabilities (if available) and supported GAD shapes.

[0075] 7.LMF performs the LMF positioning process to calculate the UE position. The following figure describes this step.

[0076] 8.LMF returns a Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response to AMF, which is a response to the AMF that has implemented the UE location service and does not include any UE location.

[0077] 9. LMF invokes a new service operation Nlmf_Location_Notification response to GMLC to return the current location of the UE. The service operation includes the LCS related identity, the location estimate, the timeliness and accuracy of the location estimate, and may include information about the positioning method.

[0078] 10.GMLC sends a location service response to the external location service client.

[0079] Figure 7is a second example flow chart showing that the LMF requests UE-related information from the RAN via the serving AMF, such as cell information, sounding reference signal SRS configuration, to support E-CID location information transmission and positioning information transmission. The RAN responds to the LMF with the UE-related information via the local AMF. The UE-related information is not transmitted via the serving AMF, so the latency of the location service is reduced. The operations mentioned below with corresponding numbers describe Figure 7 The numbers shown are related to the operations.

[0080] 1. The LMF invokes the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service operation to the serving AMF to request the transmission of a network location message to the serving RAN node of the UE. The service operation includes a network location message. The network location message can request the location information of the UE from the RAN.

[0081] 2.AMF forwards the network location message to the serving RAN node in the N2 transport message. The AMF includes a routing identifier identifying the LMF (e.g., the global address of the LMF) in the N2 transport message. The N2 transport message is an NGAP downlink UE-associated NRPPa transport because the message is a UE-specific message. The N2 transport message includes the AMF NGAP UE ID and the RAN NGAP UE ID to uniquely identify the UE context in the AMF and RAN, respectively.

[0082] 3. The RAN node uses the RAN NGAP UE ID to identify the UE context and obtain any location information of the requested UE. The serving RAN node selects a local AMF based on local configuration. The local AMF can be selected based on the routing identifier of the LMF. The serving RAN node returns any location information to the local AMF in a network positioning message included in the N2 transfer message. The serving RAN node will also include the routing identifier in the N2 transfer message received in step 2. In this example, the N2 transfer message can be an NGAP uplink non-UE associated NRPPa transfer, or an NGAP uplink UE associated NRPPa transfer. If the N2 transfer message is an NGAP uplink UE associated NRPPa transfer, the RAN sets the AMF NGAP UE ID and the RAN NGAP UE ID to the IDs used between the RAN and the serving AMF. For example, if the N2 transport message is an NGAP uplink UE associated NRPPa transport, the RAN includes in the NGAP uplink UE associated NRPPa transport an AMF NGAP UE ID and a RAN NGAP UE ID, whose values ​​are the same as those of the AMF NGAP UE ID and the RAN NGAP UE ID received from the serving AMF in step 2.

[0083] 4. The local AMF calls the Namf_Communication_N2InfoNotify service to the LMF indicated by the routing identifier. The service operation includes a network location message.

[0084] Figure 8 is a third example flow chart showing a process of obtaining non-UE associated network assistance data from a RAN node. The LMF may perform this process to request non-UE related information from the RAN to support Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) information transmission, assistance information transmission, Transmission Reference Point (TRP) information transmission, and measurement information transmission. The RAN responds to the non-UE related information to the LMF via the local AMF. The non-UE related information is not transmitted via the serving AMF, thereby reducing the latency of the location service. The operations mentioned below with corresponding numbers describe the operations related to Figure 8 The numbers shown are related to the operations.

[0085] 1.LMF selects the local AMF based on the local configuration and calls the local AMF

[0086] Namf_Communication_NonUEN2MessageTransfer service operation to request the transfer of a network location message to the serving RAN node. The service operation includes the network location message, the target NG-RAN node identity. The network location message can request location information from the RAN.

[0087] 2. The local AMF forwards the network location message to the target RAN node in the N2 transport message. The AMF includes a routing identifier identifying the LMF (e.g., the global address of the LMF) in the N2 transport message. The N2 transport message is an NGAP downlink non-UE-associated NRPPa transport because the message is not a UE-specific message.

[0088] 3. The RAN node obtains any location information of the UE requested. The serving RAN node returns any location information to the local AMF in a Network Location message included in an N2 Transport message. The serving RAN node will also include the route identifier in the N2 Transport message received in step 2. The N2 Transport message is an NGAP uplink non-UE associated NRPPa transport as the message is not a UE specific message.

[0089] 4. The local AMF calls the Namf_Communication_N2InfoNotify service to the LMF indicated by the routing identifier. The service operation includes a network location message.

[0090] Fig. 9 is a fourth example flow chart showing that the LMF requests UE-related information from the RAN via the local AMF, such as cell information, sounding reference signal SRS configuration, to support E-CID location information transmission and positioning information transmission. The RAN responds to the UE-related information to the LMF via the local AMF. The UE-related information is not transmitted via the serving AMF, so the latency of the location service is reduced. In addition, after the UE moves, the AMF should inform the RAN about the current serving RAN node so that the LMF can communicate with the RAN node via the local AMF. The operations mentioned below with corresponding numbers describe the operations related to Fig. 9 The numbers shown are related to the operations.

[0091] 1. The external location service client sends a request to the GMLC for the location of the target UE identified by GPSI or SUPI.

[0092] 2.GMLC calls Nudm_UECM_Get to the target UE's home UDM

[0093] (Nudm_UEContextManagement_Get, Nudm_UE Context Management_Get) service operation to locate the GPSI or SUPI of the UE.

[0094] 3. UDM returns the network address of the current service AMF.

[0095] 4.GMLC calls the Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo service operation to AMF to request the current location of the UE. The service operation includes the SUPI and client type, and may include the required QoS and supported GAD shapes.

[0096] 5. If the UE is in CM IDLE state, the AMF initiates a network-triggered service request procedure to establish a signaling connection with the UE.

[0097] 6.AMF selects the LMF based on available information or based on AMF local configuration. The LMF selection takes into account the RAN currently serving the UE. The AMF may also query the network storage function NRF to select the LMF. The AMF calls the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation service operation to the LMF to request the current location of the UE. The service operation includes the LCS related identity, client type, required QoS, UE positioning capabilities (if available), and supported GAD shapes. The service operation also includes the serving RAN node ID and the UE identity used to identify the UE in the RAN node. An example of this UE identity may be the RAN NGAP UE ID, or the S-TMSI assigned by the AMF for temporarily identifying the UE (in this case, the RAN must know the S-TMSI).

[0098] 7.LMF selects the local AMF based on the local configuration. LMF can call the local AMF

[0099] The service operation includes a network location message. The network location message may request the location information of the UE from the RAN. The service operation also includes the serving RAN node ID and the UE identity received in step 6. The service operation also includes a routing ID identifying the LMF (e.g., a global address of the LMF).

[0100] 8. The local AMF selects a serving RAN node based on the RAN node ID and forwards the network location message to the serving RAN node in an N2 transfer message. The local AMF includes a routing identifier identifying the LMF in the N2 transfer message. If the UE identifier received in step 7 is a RAN NGAP UE ID, the N2 transfer message is an NGAP downlink UE-associated NRPPa transmission. Otherwise, the message is an NGAP downlink non-UE-associated NRPPa transmission. The N2 transfer message includes the UE identifier received in step 7.

[0101] 9.The RAN node uses the UE identity to identify the UE context and obtain any location information of the requested UE. The serving RAN node returns any location information to the local AMF in a network positioning message included in the N2 transfer message. The serving RAN node should also include a routing identity in the N2 transfer message. The N2 transfer message can be a NGAP uplink UE-associated NRPPa transfer, or a NGAP uplink non-UE-associated NRPPa transfer. If the N2 transfer message is a NGAP uplink UE-associated NRPPa transfer, the RAN sets the AMF NGAP UE ID and RAN NGAP UE ID to the IDs used between the RAN and the serving AMF. For example, if the N2 transfer message is a NGAP uplink UE-associated NRPPa transfer, the RAN includes the AMF NGAP UE ID and RAN NGAP UE ID in the NGAP uplink UE-associated NRPPa transfer, and its values ​​are the same as the values ​​of the AMF NGAP UE ID and RAN NGAP UE ID received from the serving AMF.

[0102] 10. The local AMF calls the Namf_Communication_N2InfoNotify service to the LMF indicated by the routing identifier. The service operation includes a network location message.

[0103] 11.LMF returns a Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response to AMF, which is a response to the AMF that has implemented the UE location service and does not include any UE location.

[0104] 12. LMF invokes a new service operation Nlmf_Location_Notification response to GMLC to return the current location of the UE. The service operation includes the LCS related identity, location estimate, timeliness and accuracy of the location estimate, and may include information about the positioning method.

[0105] 13.GMLC sends a location service response to the external location service client.

[0106] 14. If the positioning service is not one-time and the LMF must request new information from the RAN node, the LMF calls the Namf_EventExposure_Subscribe message to subscribe to the event of UE identity change.

[0107] 15.AMF detects a UE identity change, for example, if the UE identity is a RAN NGAP UE ID, then AMF detects this event after UE mobility handover, if the UE identity is an S-TMSI, then AMF detects this event after a new S-TMSI is allocated in AMF (in this case, AMF needs to send a new S-TMSI to the RAN node).

[0108] 16.AMF sends Namf_Location_eventNotify to GMLC to inform LMF of the new UE identity and potential new RAN node ID.

[0109] 17.LMF executes steps 7-13 to request new location information from the RAN node and calculate the UE location and inform the GMLC and location client of the UE location.

[0110] The patent document describes at least the following technologies for the device / function:

[0111] RAN (e.g., as shown in the second example flow chart):

[0112] o may receive a location information request for the UE from the first AMF (serving);

[0113] oLocation information response can be sent via the second AMF (locally).

[0114] ● Local AMF (e.g., as shown in the fourth example flow chart):

[0115] o A location information request message of the UE may be received from the LMF, including the target RAN node ID and the UE ID;

[0116] o A location information request message including the UE ID may be sent to the target RAN node.

[0117] ● Serving AMF (e.g., as shown in the fourth example flow chart):

[0118] oAMF can send UE ID and RAN ID to LMF.

[0119] LMF (e.g., as shown in the first, second, third, and fourth example flow charts):

[0120] o A request for the UE to locate the first AMF (serving) may be received, including the GMLC address;

[0121] o Location information may be received from a second AMF (locally) different from the first AMF;

[0122] oThe GMLC can be informed of the UE location.

[0123] The оLMF can send a location information request to the first AMF or to the second AMF.

[0124] The оLMF may receive the UE ID or RAN ID from the first AMF.

[0125] The оLMF can send the UE ID and RAN ID to the second AMF.

[0126] Fig.10 An exemplary block diagram of a hardware platform 1000 is shown, which may be part of a network device (e.g., a base station BS) or a communication device (e.g., a user equipment UE) or a core network device (e.g., a device including a LMF). The hardware platform 1000 includes at least one processor 1010 and a memory 1005 having instructions stored thereon. The instructions executed by the processor 1010 configure the hardware platform 1000 to execute Figures 1 to 9 and Figures 11 to 15 As well as the operations described in various embodiments described in this patent document. Transmitter 1015 transmits or sends information or data to another device. For example, a network device transmitter can send a message to a user device. Receiver 1020 receives information or data transmitted or sent by another device. For example, a user device can receive a message from a network device.

[0127] The implementation described above will be applicable to wireless communications. Fig.11An example of a wireless communication system (e.g., a 5G or NR cellular network) is shown that includes a base station BS 1120 and one or more user equipment UEs 1111, 1112, and 1113. In some embodiments, the UE uses a communication link to the network (sometimes referred to as an uplink direction, as shown by dashed arrows 1131, 1132, 1133) to access the BS (e.g., the network), which enables subsequent communication from the BS to the UE (e.g., shown in the direction from the network to the UE, sometimes referred to as a downlink direction, as shown by arrows 1141, 1142, 1143). In some embodiments, the BS sends information to the UE (sometimes referred to as a downlink direction, as shown by arrows 1141, 1142, 1143), which enables subsequent communication from the UE to the BS (e.g., shown in the direction from the UE to the BS, sometimes referred to as an uplink direction, as shown by dashed arrows 1131, 1132, 1133). The UE may be, for example, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a mobile computer, a machine to machine (M2M) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.

[0128] Fig.12 An example flow chart for transmitting location information of a communication device is shown. Operation 1202 includes a first network device receiving a first message from a second network device that triggers the first network device to provide location information of the communication device, wherein the second network device is configured to manage a mobility context of the communication device, and wherein the mobility context describes at least a registration area of ​​the communication device. Operation 1204 includes, in response to receiving the first message, transmitting, by the first network device to a third network device, a second message including the location information of the communication device, wherein the third network device is configured not to manage the mobility context of the communication device.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first network device selects the third network device based on the routing identifier of the location management function LMF requesting the location information of the communication device. In some embodiments, in response to the second message being a new air interface positioning protocol ANRPPa transmission message associated with the NGAP uplink UE, the first network device includes in the NGAP uplink UE associated NRPPa transmission message: the access and mobility management function next generation application protocol user equipment identifier AMF NGAP UE ID, and the radio access network next generation application protocol user equipment identifier RAN NGAP UE ID, wherein the first network device sets the values ​​of AMFNGAP UE ID and RAN NGAP UE ID to be the same as the values ​​of AMF NGAP UE ID and RANNGAP UE ID received from the second network device. In some embodiments, the first network device includes a base station, the second network device includes a service access and mobility management function AMF, and the third network device includes a local AMF.

[0130] Fig.13 An example flow chart for facilitating transmission of location information of a communication device is shown. Operation 1302 includes a first network device receiving a first message from a second network device that triggers the first network device to request location information of the communication device from a third network device, wherein the first message includes a first identifier of the third network device configured to communicate with the communication device and a second identifier of the communication device. Operation 1304 includes, in response to receiving the first message, transmitting a second message to the third network device, wherein the second message triggers the third network device to provide the location information of the communication device.

[0131] Fig.14 An example flow chart for receiving location information of a communication device is shown. Operation 1402 includes receiving, by a second network device, a first identifier of a third network device configured to communicate with the communication device and a second identifier of the communication device. Operation 1404 includes the second network device transmitting to the first network device a first message that triggers the first network device to request the location information of the communication device from the third network device, wherein the first message includes the first identifier of the third network device and the second identifier of the communication device. Operation 1406 includes receiving the location information of the communication device in response to transmitting the first message.

[0132] In some embodiments, the second identifier includes a radio access network RAN ​​next generation application protocol NGAP user equipment UE identifier ID or a temporary mobile user identification code. In some embodiments, the first message includes a routing identifier of a location management function LMF requesting location information of the communication device. In some embodiments, in response to the second identifier of the communication device being a radio access network RAN ​​next generation application protocol NGAP user equipment UE identifier ID, the second message is a new air interface positioning protocol ANRPPa transmission message associated with the next generation application protocol NGAP downlink user equipment UE. In some embodiments, in response to the second identifier of the communication device not being a radio access network RAN ​​next generation application protocol NGAP user equipment UE identifier ID, the second message is a new air interface positioning protocol A NRPPa transmission message associated with the next generation application protocol NGAP downlink non-user equipment UE. In some embodiments, the first network device includes a local access and mobility management function AMF, the second network device includes a location management function LMF, and the third network device includes a base station.

[0133] Fig.15 An example flow chart for facilitating transmission of location information of a communication device is shown. Operation 1502 includes receiving, by a first network device, a first message that triggers the first network device to initiate a process of obtaining location information of a communication device. Operation 1504 includes transmitting, in response to receiving the first message, a second message to a second network device, wherein the second message triggers the second network device to provide the location information of the communication device, and wherein the second message includes a first identification of a third network device configured to communicate with the communication device and a second identification of the communication device.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first network device includes a service access and mobility management function AMF, the second network device includes a location management function LMF, and the third network device includes a base station.

[0135] In this document, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "an example of," and does not imply an ideal or preferred embodiment unless otherwise stated.

[0136] Some embodiments described herein are described in the general context of methods or processes, which can be implemented in one embodiment by a computer program product contained in a computer-readable medium, including computer executable instructions executed by a computer in a network environment, such as program code. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), etc. Therefore, computer-readable media may include non-transitory storage media. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer or processor executable instructions, related data structures, and program modules represent examples of program codes for executing the method steps disclosed herein. Such specific sequences of executable instructions or related data structures represent examples of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0137] Some disclosed embodiments can be implemented as devices or modules using hardware circuits, software or a combination thereof. For example, a hardware circuit implementation may include discrete analog and / or digital components, which are, for example, integrated as a part of a printed circuit board. Alternatively or additionally, the disclosed components or modules may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) and / or field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) devices. Some implementations may additionally or alternatively include a digital signal processor (DSP), which is a dedicated microprocessor with an optimized architecture for the operational requirements of digital signal processing associated with the functions disclosed in the present application. Similarly, various components or subcomponents within each module may be implemented with software, hardware or firmware. The connection between the modules and / or the components within the modules may be provided using any connection method and medium known in the art, including but not limited to communicating via the Internet, wired or wireless networks using appropriate protocols.

[0138] Although this document contains many details, these details should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the claimed invention or the scope that may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of specific features of specific embodiments. Certain features described in this document in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although the features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, or even initially claimed, in some cases, one or more features in the claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may be for a sub-combination or a variant of a sub-combination. Similarly, although the drawings describe operations in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequence, or that all the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result.

[0139] Only a few implementations and examples are described, and other implementations, enhancements, and variations may be made based on what is described and illustrated in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: The first network device receives a first message from a second network device triggering the first network device to provide location information of a communication device, wherein the second network device is configured to manage a mobility context of the communication device, and wherein the mobility context describes at least a registration area of ​​the communication device; and In response to receiving the first message, the first network device transmits a second message including the location information of the communication device to a third network device, wherein the third network device is configured not to manage the mobility context of the communication device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first network device selects the third network device based on a routing identifier of a location management function LMF requesting the location information of the communication device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: In response to the second message being a Next Generation Application Protocol NGAP uplink user equipment UE associated New Radio Positioning Protocol A NRPPa transmission message: The first network device includes in the NGAP uplink UE-associated NRPPa transmission message: Access and mobility management function AMF NGAP UE identity AMF NGAP UE ID, and Radio access network RAN ​​NGAP UE identification RAN NGAP UE ID, wherein the first network device sets the values ​​of the AMF NGAP UE ID and the RAN NGAP UE ID to be the same as the values ​​of the AMF NGAP UE ID and the RAN NGAP UE ID received from the second network device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The first network device includes a base station, Wherein, the second network device includes a service AMF, and Wherein, the third network device includes a local AMF.

5. A wireless communication method, comprising: The first network device receives a first message from the second network device that triggers the first network device to request the third network device for location information of the communication device, wherein the first message includes a first identifier of the third network device configured to communicate with the communication device and a second identifier of the communication device; and In response to receiving the first message, a second message is transmitted to the third network device, wherein the second message triggers the third network device to provide the location information of the communication device.

6. A wireless communication method, comprising: The second network device receives a first identifier of a third network device configured to communicate with the communication device and a second identifier of the communication device; The second network device transmits to the first network device a first message that triggers the first network device to request the third network device for location information of the communication device, wherein the first message includes the first identifier of the third network device and the second identifier of the communication device; as well as In response to transmitting the first message, the location information of the communication device is received.

7. The method according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein: The second identifier includes a radio access network RAN ​​next generation application protocol NGAP user equipment UE identifier ID or a temporary mobile user identification code.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein: The first message comprises a routing identifier of a location management function LMF requesting the location information of the communication device.

9. The method according to claim 5, wherein: In response to the second identifier of the communication device being a radio access network RAN ​​next generation application protocol NGAP user equipment UE identifier ID, the second message is a NGAP downlink UE associated new radio positioning protocol A NRPPa transmission message.

10. The method according to claim 5, wherein: In response to the second identifier of the communication device not being a radio access network RAN ​​next generation application protocol NGAP user equipment UE identifier ID, the second message is an NGAP downlink non-UE associated new radio positioning protocol A NRPPa transmission message.

11. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 10, in, The first network device comprises a local access and mobility management function AMF, Wherein, the second network device includes LMF, and Wherein, the third network device includes a base station.

12. A wireless communication method, comprising: A first message received by a first network device triggers the first network device to initiate a process of obtaining location information of a communication device; In response to receiving the first message, transmitting a second message to a second network device, wherein the second message triggers the second network device to provide the location information of the communication device, and wherein the second message includes a first identifier of a third network device configured to communicate with the communication device and a second identifier of the communication device.

13. The method according to claim 12, in, The first network device comprises a service access and mobility management function AMF, Wherein, the second network device comprises a location management function LMF, and Wherein, the third network device includes a base station.

14. A wireless communication device, comprising a processor configured to implement the method of one or more of claims 1 to 13.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable program storage medium having codes stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to implement the method of one or more of claims 1 to 13.

Images