Positioning management method, LMF network element, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a positioning management method, an LMF network element, a communication system and a storage medium. The positioning management method comprises the following steps: after receiving a positioning request which is sent by an AMF network element and is used for positioning target equipment, sending a subscription request for subscribing a positioning model to an NWDAF network element with an MLTF network element; positioning the target equipment according to a positioning model provided by the MLTF network element; and sending the positioning result to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element sends the positioning result to a positioning service user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a positioning management method, an LMF (Location Management Function) network element, a communication system and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] With the development of mobile communication technology, especially the rise of 5G and future 6G networks, the demand for accurate positioning of UE (User Equipment) is growing. This is not only crucial for providing location-based services, but also a key factor in network performance optimization and security monitoring.

[0003] Direct positioning technology based on AI (Artificial Intelligence) / ML (Machine Learning) can provide more accurate positioning results in NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) and complex LOS (Line-of-Sight) environments, especially when traditional methods cannot achieve the expected accuracy. It can improve the accuracy and reliability of positioning by directly outputting the location of user equipment using AI / ML models, or by assisting traditional methods to output measurements or optimize existing measurements.

[0004] NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) is a standardized network element newly introduced by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) in the 5G R15 version. As the big data engine of the core network, it is responsible for data collection, model training, reasoning judgment and intelligent prediction, and outputs analysis results for network, network management and application execution policy decisions. By enhancing the collaboration between LMF network elements and NWADF network elements, direct positioning based on AI / ML can be achieved. Summary of the invention

[0005] The inventors note that the current 3GPP standard has not yet standardized the AI / ML-based direct positioning process.

[0006] Based on this, the present disclosure provides a positioning management method, which can locate the target device through the interaction of LMF network elements and NWDAF network elements, and at the same time realize the life cycle management of the positioning model, which helps to maintain the accuracy and timeliness of the model.

[0007] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a positioning management method is provided, which is executed by a target location management function LMF network element, comprising: after receiving a positioning request for positioning a target device sent by an access and mobility management function AMF network element, sending a subscription request for subscribing to a positioning model to a network data analysis function NWDAF network element with a model training logic function MLTF network element; positioning the target device according to the positioning model provided by the MLTF network element; and sending the positioning result to the AMF network element so that the AMF network element sends the positioning result to a positioning service user.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sending of a subscription request for subscribing to a positioning model to a NWDAF network element having an MLTF network element includes: after receiving the positioning request, determining whether to use the positioning model to locate the target device; if it is determined that the positioning model is to be used to locate the target device, detecting whether there is a positioning model that can be used; and if there is no positioning model that can be used, sending the subscription request to the NWDAF network element.

[0009] In some embodiments, sending the subscription request to the NWDAF network element includes: using a network storage function NRF network element to discover the NWDAF network element that supports the training model; and sending the subscription request to the NWDAF network element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the subscription request includes filtering information of the positioning model and positioning model interoperability information of the LMF network element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the positioning model interoperability information of the LMF network element includes a vendor identifier of the LMF network element, and at least one of a format and an operating environment of a positioning model supported by the LMF network element.

[0012] In some embodiments, a registration request for registering the positioning model is sent to the MLTF network element so that the MTLF network element subscribes to the positioning result feedback information fed back by the positioning service user provided by the LMF network element.

[0013] In some embodiments, upon receiving the positioning result feedback information sent by the AMF network element from the positioning service user, the positioning result feedback information is sent to the MLTF network element so that the MLTF network element can monitor the performance of the positioning model; and the model accuracy report sent by the MLTF network element is received.

[0014] In some embodiments, a retrained positioning model sent by the MLTF network element is received.

[0015] In some embodiments, a registration request is sent to a network storage function NRF network element, wherein the registration request includes a support identifier for positioning based on a positioning model, a positioning model monitoring support identifier, and positioning model interoperability information, wherein the positioning model interoperability information includes the manufacturer identifier of the LMF network element, and at least one of the format and operating environment of the positioning model supported by the LMF network element.

[0016] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a LMF network element is provided, comprising: a memory; a processor, coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute a method as described in any of the above embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0017] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: an LMF network element as described in any of the above embodiments; an AMF network element, configured to send a positioning request sent by a positioning service user for positioning a target device to the LMF network element, and send the positioning result sent by the LMF network element to the positioning service user; an NWDAF network element having an MLTF network element, wherein the MLTF network element trains a model to obtain a positioning model according to a subscription request sent by the LMF network element for subscribing to the positioning model, and sends the positioning model to the LMF network element.

[0018] In some embodiments, the MLTF network element is configured to collect first data associated with the training model after receiving the subscription request, and train the model using the first data.

[0019] In some embodiments, the MLTF network element is configured to collect the first data through a data collection coordination function DCCF network element.

[0020] In some embodiments, the MLTF network element is configured to subscribe to the positioning result feedback information fed back by the positioning service user provided by the LMF network element according to a registration request sent by the LMF network element for registering the positioning model.

[0021] In some embodiments, the MLTF network element is configured to perform performance monitoring on the positioning model based on the positioning result feedback information sent by the LMF network element to generate a model accuracy report, and send the model accuracy report to the LMF network element.

[0022] In some embodiments, the MLTF network element is configured to monitor second data associated with the positioning model, and perform performance monitoring on the positioning model based on the second data.

[0023] In some embodiments, the MLTF network element is configured to determine whether the positioning model needs to be retrained based on the model accuracy report, and if it is determined that the positioning model needs to be retrained, retrain the positioning model and send the retrained positioning model to the LMF network element.

[0024] In some embodiments, the AMF network element is configured to select the LMF network element associated with the target device after receiving the positioning request, and send the positioning request to the LMF network element.

[0025] In some embodiments, the NWDAF network element is configured to send a registration request to the NRF network element, wherein the registration request includes a model training capability identifier, a positioning model performance monitoring capability identifier, positioning model filtering information, and positioning model interoperability information, wherein the positioning model interoperability information includes the manufacturer identifier of the NWDAF network element, and at least one of the format and operating environment of the positioning model supported by the NWDAF network element.

[0026] In some embodiments, the positioning service user includes a user equipment or an application function network element.

[0027] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0028] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0031] Figure 1 A flowchart of a positioning management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an LMF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 The figure is a flowchart of a positioning management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is by no means intended to limit the present disclosure and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0036] Unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0038] Technologies, methods, and apparatus known to ordinary technicians in the relevant field may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of the authorization specification.

[0039] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0040] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0041] Figure 1 The flowchart of the positioning management method of one embodiment of the present disclosure is as follows. In some embodiments, the following positioning management method is executed by the LMF network element, including steps 11-13.

[0042] In step 11, after receiving the positioning request sent by the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network element for positioning the target device, a subscription request for subscribing to the positioning model is sent to the NWDAF network element having the MLTF (Model Training Logical Function) network element, so that the MLTF network element provides the positioning model.

[0043] It should be noted here that NWDAF network elements may include MLTF network elements and AnLF (Analytics Logical Function) network elements. AnLF network elements are responsible for reasoning analysis, and MTLF network elements are responsible for model training. For example, NWDAF network elements with MTLF network elements are mainly responsible for model training and model performance monitoring, and LMF network elements are mainly responsible for collecting positioning measurement data and reasoning calculations of the final positioning results. LMF network elements can be combined with AnLF network elements responsible for model reasoning, or embedded with modules responsible for reasoning calculations to support positioning result reasoning based on AI / ML.

[0044] For example, the AMF network element sends a positioning request for locating the target device to the LMF network element through Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation_request.

[0045] In some embodiments, after receiving the positioning request, the LMF network element determines whether to use the positioning model to locate the target device. If it is determined that the positioning model is used to locate the target device, it further detects whether there is a positioning model that can be used. If there is no positioning model that can be used, a subscription request is sent to the NWDAF network element.

[0046] For example, the LMF network element uses the NRF (Network Repository Function) network element to discover the NWDAF network element that supports the training model and sends a subscription request to the NWDAF network element.

[0047] For example, the LMF network element sends a subscription request to the NWDAF network element through the Nnwdaf_MLModelProvision_Subscribe service.

[0048] In some embodiments, the subscription request includes filtering information of the positioning model and positioning model interoperability information of the LMF network element.

[0049] For example, the positioning model interoperability information of the LMF network element includes at least one of the manufacturer identifier of the LMF network element, the format of the positioning model supported by the LMF network element, and the operating environment.

[0050] It should be noted here that when an NWDAF network element with an MTLF network element registers with an NRF network element, it sends a registration request to the NRF network element, wherein the registration request includes a model training capability identifier, a positioning model performance monitoring capability identifier, positioning model filtering information, and positioning model interoperability information, wherein the positioning model interoperability information includes the manufacturer identifier of the NWDAF network element, and at least one of the format and operating environment of the positioning model supported by the NWDAF network element.

[0051] When registering with an NRF network element, the LMF network element sends a registration request to the NRF network element, wherein the registration request includes a support identifier for positioning based on a positioning model, a positioning model monitoring support identifier, and positioning model interoperability information, wherein the positioning model interoperability information includes the manufacturer identifier of the LMF network element, and at least one of the format and operating environment of the positioning model supported by the LMF network element.

[0052] In step 12, the target device is located according to the positioning model provided by the MLTF network element.

[0053] In some embodiments, the LMF network element collects data for positioning result inference in order to calculate the positioning result of the target device.

[0054] In step 13, the positioning result is sent to the AMF network element so that the AMF network element sends the positioning result to the positioning service user.

[0055] For example, the LMF network element returns the positioning result to the AMF network element through the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response, so that the AMF network element sends the positioning result to the positioning service user.

[0056] For example, the positioning service user includes a user device or an AF (Application Function) network element.

[0057] In some embodiments, after the LMF network element sends the positioning result to the AMF network element, a registration request for registering the positioning model is sent to the MLTF network element so that the MTLF network element can subscribe to the positioning result feedback information fed back by the positioning service user provided by the LMF network element.

[0058] In some embodiments, when the LMF network element receives the positioning result feedback information from the positioning service user sent by the AMF network element, the LMF network element sends the positioning result feedback information to the MLTF network element so that the MLTF network element can monitor the performance of the positioning model and receive the model accuracy report sent by the MLTF network element.

[0059] In some embodiments, the LMF network element receives a retrained positioning model sent by the MLTF network element.

[0060] It should be noted here that the MLTF network element determines whether the positioning model needs to be retrained based on the model accuracy report. If it is determined that the positioning model needs to be retrained, the positioning model is retrained and the retrained positioning model is sent to the LMF network element.

[0061] In the positioning management method provided in the above embodiment of the present disclosure, the LMF network element can locate the target device by interacting with the NWDAF network element having the MTLF network element, while realizing the life cycle management of the positioning model, which helps to maintain the accuracy and timeliness of the model.

[0062] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an LMF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the LMF network element 20 may be in the form of a general purpose computing device and includes a memory 21, a processor 22 and a bus 23 for connecting different system components.

[0064] The memory 21 may include, for example, a system memory, a non-volatile storage medium, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, an application program, a boot loader, and other programs. The system memory may include a volatile storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a cache memory. The non-volatile storage medium may store, for example, instructions of a corresponding embodiment of at least one positioning management method being executed. The non-volatile storage medium includes, but is not limited to, a disk memory, an optical memory, a flash memory, etc.

[0065] The processor 22 may be implemented by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistors, and other discrete hardware components. Accordingly, each module such as an acquisition module, a calculation module, and an adjustment module may be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) running instructions in a memory that execute corresponding steps, or may be implemented by a dedicated circuit that executes corresponding steps.

[0066] For example, the processor 22 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the following Figure 1 The method of any one of the embodiments.

[0067] The bus 23 may use any of a variety of bus structures, including, but not limited to, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0068] The interfaces 24, 25, 26 of the LMF network element 20, the memory 21 and the processor 22 can be connected via a bus 23. The input / output interface 24 can provide a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, a mouse, and a keyboard. The network interface 25 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 26 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as a floppy disk, a USB flash drive, and an SD card.

[0069] Here, various aspects of the present disclosure are described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices, and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each frame of the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of frames can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0070] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable device to produce a machine, so that the processor executes the instructions to produce means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0071] These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which cause the computer to work in a specific manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0072] The present disclosure can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0073] The present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the following is implemented: Figure 1 The method of any one of the embodiments.

[0074] The present disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the following is achieved: Figure 1 The method of any one of the embodiments.

[0075] Figure 3 The present invention is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the communication system includes an AMF network element 31, an LMF network element 32 and an NWDAF network element 33, wherein the NWDAF network element 33 includes an MLTF network element 34. The LMF network element 32 is Figure 2 The LMF network element involved in any embodiment.

[0077] The AMF network element 31 is configured to send a positioning request sent by a positioning service user for positioning a target device to the LMF network element 32, and send a positioning result sent by the LMF network element 32 to the positioning service user.

[0078] In some embodiments, the AMF network element 31 is configured to select an LMF network element associated with the target device after receiving the positioning request and send the positioning request to the LMF network element.

[0079] For example, the positioning service user includes a user equipment or an AF network element.

[0080] The MLTF network element 34 trains the model to obtain a positioning model according to the subscription request for subscribing to the positioning model sent by the LMF network element 32, and sends the positioning model to the LMF network element 32.

[0081] In some embodiments, the MLTF network element 34 is configured to collect first data associated with the training model after receiving the subscription request, and train the model using the first data.

[0082] For example, the MLTF network element 34 is configured to collect the first data through a DCCF (Data Collection Coordination Function) network element.

[0083] In some embodiments, the MLTF network element 34 is configured to subscribe to the positioning result feedback information fed back by the positioning service user provided by the LMF network element 32 according to the registration request sent by the LMF network element 32 for registering the positioning model.

[0084] In some embodiments, the MLTF network element 34 is configured to monitor the performance of the positioning model based on the positioning result feedback information sent by the LMF network element 32 to generate a model accuracy report, and send the model accuracy report to the LMF network element.

[0085] For example, the MLTF network element 34 is configured to monitor second data associated with the positioning model, and perform performance monitoring on the positioning model according to the second data.

[0086] In some embodiments, the MLTF network element 34 is configured to determine whether the positioning model needs to be retrained based on the model accuracy report, and if it is determined that the positioning model needs to be retrained, retrain the positioning model and send the retrained positioning model to the LMF network element 32.

[0087] In some embodiments, the NWDAF network element 33 is configured to send a registration request to the NRF network element, wherein the registration request includes a model training capability identifier, a positioning model performance monitoring capability identifier, positioning model filtering information, and positioning model interoperability information, wherein the positioning model interoperability information includes the manufacturer identifier of the NWDAF network element, and at least one of the format and operating environment of the positioning model supported by the NWDAF network element.

[0088] Figure 4 The figure is a flowchart of a positioning management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] In step 40, the NWDF network element and the LMF network element having the MLTF network element register with the NRF network element respectively.

[0090] For example, when a NWDAF network element with a MTLF network element registers with an NRF network element, it sends a registration request to the NRF network element, wherein the registration request includes a model training capability identifier, a positioning model performance monitoring capability identifier, positioning model filtering information, and positioning model interoperability information, wherein the positioning model interoperability information includes the manufacturer identifier of the NWDAF network element, and at least one of the format and operating environment of the positioning model supported by the NWDAF network element.

[0091] When registering with an NRF network element, the LMF network element sends a registration request to the NRF network element, wherein the registration request includes a support identifier for positioning based on a positioning model, a positioning model monitoring support identifier, and positioning model interoperability information, wherein the positioning model interoperability information includes the manufacturer identifier of the LMF network element, and at least one of the format and operating environment of the positioning model supported by the LMF network element.

[0092] In step 41a, the AF network element sends a positioning request for locating the target device to the GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Center) through the NEF (Network Exposure Function) network element, and the GMLC then sends the positioning request to the AMF network element through the Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo service.

[0093] In step 41b, the UE sends a positioning request for positioning the target device to the AMF network element through the RAN (Radio Access Network) using the UL NASTRANSPORT message.

[0094] In step 42, upon receiving a positioning request sent by at least one of the UE and the AF network element, the AMF network element selects an LMF network element associated with the target device.

[0095] In step 43, the AMF network element sends a positioning request to the LMF network element via Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation_request.

[0096] In step 44, after receiving the positioning request, the LMF network element determines whether to use the positioning model to locate the target device. If it is determined that the positioning model is used to locate the target device, it further detects whether there is a positioning model that can be used. If there is no positioning model that can be used, a subscription request is sent to the NWDAF network element with the MTLF network element.

[0097] For example, the LMF network element uses the NRF network element to discover the NWDAF network element that supports the training model and sends a subscription request to the NWDAF network element.

[0098] For example, the LMF network element sends a subscription request to the NWDAF network element through the Nnwdaf_MLModelProvision_Subscribe service.

[0099] In some embodiments, the subscription request includes filtering information of the positioning model and positioning model interoperability information of the LMF network element.

[0100] For example, the positioning model interoperability information of the LMF network element includes at least one of the manufacturer identifier of the LMF network element, the format of the positioning model supported by the LMF network element, and the operating environment.

[0101] In step 45, after receiving the subscription request, the MTLF network element collects first data associated with the training model, and trains the model using the first data to obtain a positioning model.

[0102] For example, the MLTF network element collects first data from the RAN, the target device, and the LMF through the DCCF network element.

[0103] In step 46, the MTLF network element provides the positioning model to the LMF network element.

[0104] For example, the MTLF network element provides the positioning model to the LMF network element through the Nnwdaf_MLModelProvision_Notify service.

[0105] In step 47, the LMF network element locates the target device according to the positioning model provided by the MLTF network element.

[0106] In some embodiments, the LMF network element collects data for positioning result inference in order to calculate the positioning result of the target device.

[0107] In step 48, the LMF network element sends the positioning result to the AMF network element.

[0108] For example, the LMF network element sends the positioning result to the AMF network element through the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response.

[0109] In step 49a, when the AF network element sends a positioning request, the AMF network element sends the positioning result to the AF network element through the GMLC and NEF network element.

[0110] In step 49b, when the UE sends a positioning request, the AMF network element sends the positioning result to the UE via the RAN.

[0111] In step 410, the LMF network element sends a registration request for registering the positioning model to the MLTF network element so that the MTLF network element can track the usage and performance of the model.

[0112] In step 411, the MTLF network element sends a subscription request to the LMF network element, so as to subscribe to the positioning result feedback information fed back by the positioning service user provided by the LMF network element.

[0113] In step 412a, after receiving the positioning result, the AF network element sends the positioning result feedback information to the AMF network element through the NEF network element and GMLC.

[0114] In step 412b, after receiving the positioning result, the UE sends the positioning result feedback information to the AMF network element.

[0115] In step 413, the AMF network element sends the received positioning result feedback information to the LMF network element, and the LMF network element sends the positioning result feedback information to the MLTF network element.

[0116] In step 414, the MLTF network element monitors the performance of the positioning model based on the positioning result feedback information to generate a model accuracy report.

[0117] For example, the MLTF network element monitors the second data associated with the positioning model, and performs performance monitoring on the positioning model according to the second data. These data may come from RAN, target device, LMF, etc.

[0118] In step 415, the MLTF network element sends a model accuracy report to the LMF network element.

[0119] In step 416, the MLTF network element determines whether the positioning model needs to be retrained based on the model accuracy report, and retrains the positioning model if it is determined that the positioning model needs to be retrained.

[0120] In step 417, the MLTF network element sends the retrained positioning model to the LMF network element.

[0121] By implementing the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure, the following beneficial effects can be obtained.

[0122] 1) This disclosure proposes a direct positioning method based on AI / ML, which can effectively improve the accuracy and reliability of positioning;

[0123] 2) This disclosure adds a new positioning model performance monitoring process based on MTLF to implement AI / ML-based positioning model performance monitoring, and improves intelligent positioning performance through monitoring and feedback;

[0124] 3) NWDAF adds relevant parameters during registration: positioning model training capability identification, ML model filtering information, ML model interoperability information, including its own vendor ID and the format and operating environment of the ML models it supports, to ensure smooth collaboration and model subscription sharing between network elements;

[0125] 4) LMF adds relevant parameters during registration: support identification for positioning based on the positioning model, support identification for positioning model monitoring and interoperability information of the positioning model. The interoperability information of the positioning model includes its own manufacturer identification, the format and operating environment of the positioning model it supports, to ensure the smooth implementation of intelligent positioning and positioning model performance monitoring.

[0126] The present disclosure may have the following application scenarios: The AI / ML direct positioning and MTLF-based model performance monitoring method proposed in the present disclosure can ensure that the positioning model maintains optimal performance and accuracy in actual applications through this continuous monitoring and feedback mechanism, and timely adapts to environmental changes and the evolution of data characteristics, thereby providing more accurate and reliable intelligent location services.

[0127] In some embodiments, the functional unit described above may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), 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, or any appropriate combination thereof, for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0128] A person skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps to implement the above embodiments may be accomplished by hardware or by instructing related hardware through a program, and the program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the above-mentioned storage medium may be a read-only memory, a disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0129] The description of the present disclosure is given for the purpose of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments are selected and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure, and to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present disclosure and thereby design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific uses.

Claims

1. A positioning management method, executed by a target location management function LMF network element, comprising: After receiving the positioning request for positioning the target device sent by the access and mobility management function AMF network element, a subscription request for subscribing to the positioning model is sent to the network data analysis function NWDAF network element with the model training logic function MLTF network element; Positioning the target device according to the positioning model provided by the MLTF network element; The positioning result is sent to the AMF network element so that the AMF network element sends the positioning result to the positioning service user.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The sending of a subscription request for subscribing to a positioning model to a NWDAF network element having an MLTF network element includes: After receiving the positioning request, determining whether to use the positioning model to locate the target device; If it is determined that the target device is to be positioned using a positioning model, detecting whether there is a positioning model that can be used; In the case that there is no available positioning model, the subscription request is sent to the NWDAF network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The sending the subscription request to the NWDAF network element includes: Using the network storage function NRF network element to discover the NWDAF network element that supports the training model; Send the subscription request to the NWDAF network element.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The subscription request includes filtering information of the positioning model and positioning model interoperability information of the LMF network element.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The positioning model interoperability information of the LMF network element includes the manufacturer identifier of the LMF network element, and at least one of the format and operating environment of the positioning model supported by the LMF network element.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A registration request for registering the positioning model is sent to the MLTF network element so that the MTLF network element subscribes to the positioning result feedback information fed back by the positioning service user provided by the LMF network element.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Upon receiving the positioning result feedback information fed back by the positioning service user sent by the AMF network element, sending the positioning result feedback information to the MLTF network element so that the MLTF network element performs performance monitoring on the positioning model; Receive the model accuracy report sent by the MLTF network element.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Receive the retrained positioning model sent by the MLTF network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: A registration request is sent to a network storage function NRF network element, wherein the registration request includes a support identifier for positioning based on a positioning model, a positioning model monitoring support identifier, and positioning model interoperability information, wherein the positioning model interoperability information includes the manufacturer identifier of the LMF network element, and at least one of the format and operating environment of the positioning model supported by the LMF network element.

10. A LMF network element, comprising: Memory; A processor is coupled to the memory, and the processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 based on instructions stored in the memory.

11. A communication system comprising: The LMF network element as claimed in claim 10; The AMF network element is configured to send a positioning request for locating a target device sent by a positioning service user to the LMF network element, and send a positioning result sent by the LMF network element to the positioning service user; A NWDAF network element having an MLTF network element, wherein the MLTF network element trains the model to obtain a positioning model according to a subscription request for subscribing to the positioning model sent by the LMF network element, and sends the positioning model to the LMF network element.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The MLTF network element is configured to collect first data associated with the training model after receiving the subscription request, and train the model using the first data.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The MLTF network element is configured to collect the first data through a data collection coordination function DCCF network element.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The MLTF network element is configured to subscribe to the positioning result feedback information fed back by the positioning service user provided by the LMF network element according to the registration request sent by the LMF network element for registering the positioning model.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The MLTF network element is configured to perform performance monitoring on the positioning model according to the positioning result feedback information sent by the LMF network element to generate a model accuracy report, and send the model accuracy report to the LMF network element.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: The MLTF network element is configured to monitor second data associated with the positioning model, and perform performance monitoring on the positioning model according to the second data.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein: The MLTF network element is configured to determine whether the positioning model needs to be retrained based on the model accuracy report, and if it is determined that the positioning model needs to be retrained, retrain the positioning model and send the retrained positioning model to the LMF network element.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein: The AMF network element is configured to select the LMF network element associated with the target device after receiving the positioning request, and send the positioning request to the LMF network element.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein: The NWDAF network element is configured to send a registration request to the NRF network element, wherein the registration request includes a model training capability identifier, a positioning model performance monitoring capability identifier, positioning model filtering information and positioning model interoperability information, wherein the positioning model interoperability information includes the manufacturer identifier of the NWDAF network element, and at least one of the format and operating environment of the positioning model supported by the NWDAF network element.

20. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein: The positioning service user includes a user equipment or an application function network element.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is implemented.

22. A computer program product, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is implemented.

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