Positioning communication method and device

Abstract

A positioning communication method and device can be applied to the technical field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: an LMF sends first information, and correspondingly, UE receives the first information. And the UE sends second information, and correspondingly, the LMF receives the second information. As one example, the first information may be used to indicate a change time of the RS configuration. As another example, the second information may be used to indicate a time window following a change time configured for the RS. The UE may update the RS configuration based on the change time or time window. The method effectively reduces the power consumption of the UE.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a positioning communication method and device. Background Art

[0002] An important technology of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) R18 is low power high accuracy positioning (LPHAP). The main scenario is inactive positioning, and the goal is to achieve low power and high accuracy positioning.

[0003] At the same time, the terminal device can support an on-demand positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission procedure. Exemplarily, the terminal device can request the transmission of PRS or request a change in PRS transmission characteristics through an on-demand PRS request. For example, when the terminal device has a need, it can request an update of the PRS configuration through an on-demand PRS request. For example, when different terminal devices have needs, they can also request an update of the PRS configuration through on-demand PRS requests.

[0004] However, frequently requesting an update of the PRS configuration by the terminal device may increase the power consumption of the terminal device. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a positioning communication method and apparatus, which can effectively reduce the power consumption of terminal equipment.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a positioning communication method, which is applied to a first communication device, which may refer to a terminal device itself, or a processor, module, chip, or chip system that implements the method in the terminal device, or the method includes:

[0007] Receive first information, where the first information is used to indicate a change time of a reference signal RS configuration; send second information, where the second information is used to request a change in the RS configuration of the RS; and update the RS configuration of the RS based on the change time.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present application, the second communication device can indicate the change time of the RS configuration to the first communication device, so that the first communication device can clearly know the change time of the RS configuration, thereby avoiding the situation where the first communication device continuously requests updates of the RS configuration and causes increased power consumption, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the first communication device.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is used to indicate a periodic change time of the RS configuration.

[0010] In the embodiment of the present application, by indicating a periodic change time, not only the power consumption of the first communication device can be effectively reduced, but also the signaling overhead of the first information can be saved.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the first information includes the change time and period information of the change time.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, the period of the change time is N times of the default paging period, or the period of the change time is M times of the system message change period, where M and N are both positive integers.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is carried by at least one of the following: providing auxiliary data, auxiliary information control, and system information.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, updating the RS configuration of the RS based on the change time includes: acquiring a positioning system message based on the change time, and acquiring an updated RS configuration from the positioning system message.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the receiving the first information includes: receiving the first information before the change time.

[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a positioning communication method, which is applied to a second communication device, which may refer to a network device itself, or a processor, module, chip, or chip system that implements the method in the network device, and the method includes:

[0017] Send first information, where the first information is used to indicate a change time of a reference signal RS configuration; receive second information, where the second information is used to request a change of the RS configuration of the RS.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending an RS configuration request to a network device based on the first information and the second information, the RS configuration request being used to request the network device to update the RS configuration at the change time; and receiving an RS configuration response in response to the RS configuration request.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is used to indicate a periodic change time of the RS configuration.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, the first information includes the change time and period information of the change time.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the period of the change time is N times of the paging period, or the period of the change time is M times of the system message change period, where M and N are both positive integers.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is carried by at least one of the following: providing auxiliary data, auxiliary information control, and system information.

[0023] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a positioning communication method, which is applied to a first communication device, where the first communication device may refer to the terminal device itself, or to a processor, module, chip, or chip system that implements the method in the terminal device, or the method includes:

[0024] Receive first information, where the first information is used to indicate a time window; send second information within the time window, where the second information is used to request a change in RS configuration of the RS; and update the RS configuration of the RS after the time window.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present application, the second communication device indicates the time window to the first communication device, so that the first communication device can clearly know that the change time of the RS configuration is after the time window, thereby avoiding the situation where the first communication device continuously requests updates of the RS configuration and causes increased power consumption, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the first communication device.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner, one or more terminal devices send the second information within the time window.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the first information includes at least one of the following: a start time of the time window, a duration of the time window, and an end time of the time window.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, the first information further includes period information of the time window.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner, updating the RS configuration of the RS after the time window includes: obtaining a positioning system message after the time window, and obtaining an updated RS configuration from the positioning system message.

[0030] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a positioning communication method, which is applied to a second communication device, which may refer to a network device itself, or a processor, module, chip, or chip system that implements the method in the network device, and the method includes:

[0031] Sending first information, where the first information is used to indicate a time window; and receiving second information within the time window, where the second information is used to request a change in RS configuration of the RS.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending an RS configuration request to a network device based on the first information and the second information, the RS configuration request being used to request the network device to update the RS configuration within the change time; and receiving an RS configuration response in response to the RS configuration request.

[0033] In a possible implementation manner, the second information is received from one or more terminal devices within the time window.

[0034] In a possible implementation manner, the first information includes at least one of the following: a start time of the time window, a duration of the time window, and an end time of the time window.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the first information further includes period information of the time window.

[0036] In combination with the first to fourth aspects, in a possible implementation manner, the RS configuration includes a positioning reference signal PRS configuration.

[0037] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first communication device, configured to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The first communication device includes a unit having the function of executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0038] Exemplarily, the first communication device may be a terminal device or a chip or a functional module, and the chip or the functional module may be applied to a terminal device, etc.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second communication device, configured to execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The second communication device includes a unit having the function of executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0040] Exemplarily, the second communication device may be an LMF device or chip or a functional module, and the chip or functional module may be applied to LMF.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first communication device, the first communication device comprising a processor, configured to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. Alternatively, the processor is configured to execute a program stored in a memory, and when the program is executed, the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect is executed.

[0042] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located outside the first communication device.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located in the first communication device.

[0044] In the embodiment of the present application, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together. Exemplarily, the first communication device may be a chip.

[0045] In a possible implementation manner, the first communication device further includes a transceiver, where the transceiver is used to receive a signal or send a signal.

[0046] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second communication device, the second communication device comprising a processor, configured to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. Alternatively, the processor is configured to execute a program stored in a memory, and when the program is executed, the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect is executed.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located outside the second communication device.

[0048] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located in the second communication device.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present application, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together. Exemplarily, the second communication device may be a chip.

[0050] In a possible implementation manner, the second communication device further includes a transceiver, where the transceiver is used to receive a signal or send a signal.

[0051] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, and the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to input and / or output information, and the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation method.

[0052] Exemplarily, the interface being used to input information may include: the interface being used to input first information. The interface being used to output information may include: the interface being used to output second information, etc. Exemplarily, the logic circuit is used to update RS configuration, etc.

[0053] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, and the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to input and / or output information, and the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation method.

[0054] Exemplarily, the interface is used to input information, including: the interface is used to input second information, etc. The interface is used to output information, including: the interface is used to output first information, etc. Exemplarily, the logic circuit is used to determine the first information or parse the second information, etc.

[0055] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store a computer program. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the method shown in any one of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementation method is executed.

[0056] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or a computer code. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method shown in any aspect of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementation method is executed.

[0057] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the method shown in any one of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementation is executed.

[0058] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to execute the method shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the second communication device is used to execute the method shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect; or, the first communication device is used to execute the method shown in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the second communication device is used to execute the method shown in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning architecture based on a 5G core network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 2 It is a flowchart of a downlink positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of an on-demand PRS transmission procedure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 4 It is a flowchart of a positioning communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of first information provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the change time provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of another positioning communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a time window provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Fig. 9 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Fig.10 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Fig.11 It is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of the present application, the present application will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0071] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are only used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0072] The "embodiment" mentioned in this article means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It can be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0073] In the present application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. "Or" means that two relationships may exist, such as only A exists, only B exists; when A and B are not mutually exclusive, it can also mean that there are three relationships, such as only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0074] The embodiments of the present application provide a positioning communication method and apparatus, which can effectively reduce the power consumption of terminal equipment.

[0075] The following introduces the communication system provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0076] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a positioning architecture based on a 5G core network provided in an embodiment of the present application. The positioning architecture may include: a radio access network (RAN) (such as Figure 1 The next generation RAN (NG-RAN) shown in the figure, terminal equipment and core network. Exemplarily, the core network part may include location management function (LMF), access and mobility management function (AMF), service location protocol (SLP), evolved serving mobile location centre (E-SMLC), etc. Figure 1The core network part shown is only an example. In a specific implementation, the core network part may also include other components or functional entities, etc., which are not listed one by one here.

[0077] The following introduction Figure 1 All network elements involved.

[0078] LMF: A device, component or functional entity deployed in the core network to provide positioning functions for terminal devices. Exemplarily, LMF can be responsible for supporting different types of location services related to terminal devices, including positioning of terminal devices and delivering auxiliary data to terminal devices. For example, LMF and access network equipment can interact through new radio (NR) positioning protocol annex (NRPPa) messages to obtain positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration, sounding reference signal (SRS) configuration, cell timing, cell location, etc. For another example, LMF and terminal equipment can use long term evolution (LTE) positioning protocol (LTE positioning protocol, LPP) messages to transmit UE capability information, auxiliary information, measurement information, etc. The NRPPa messages and LPP messages listed here are only examples. With the advancement of standards, other types of messages may appear in the future, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. The LMF shown in the embodiment of the present application is only an example. Other devices, components or functional entities for providing positioning functions for terminal devices may appear in the future. Therefore, the LMF shown in the embodiment of the present application should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiment of the present application.

[0079] AMF: An access and mobility management function for terminal devices deployed in the core network, which performs registration, connection, reachability, mobility management, etc. AMF can provide a session management message transmission channel for terminal devices and session management function (SMF), and provide authentication and authorization functions for user access. AMF can be an access point for terminal devices and the wireless core network control plane. Location service requests related to the target terminal device can be received from the fifth-generation core network location services (5GC LCS) entity; or, the AMF itself can also start some location services on behalf of the target terminal device and send the location service request to the LMF. And after the AMF obtains the location information of the terminal device, it returns the location information of the terminal device to the 5GC LCS entity.

[0080] The RAN part may include access network equipment, such as the next generation evolved node B (ng-eNB) (also referred to as eNB) and the next generation node B (gNB). ng-eNB: A device deployed in a wireless access network that meets the 4G standard and provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices. gNB: A device deployed in a wireless access network that meets the 5G standard and provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The access network equipment shown in the embodiments of the present application may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, access points, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted devices, etc.

[0081] As an example, the access network device may be an access node, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, etc. in a wireless local area network (wireless-fidelity, Wi-Fi) system. As another example, the access network device may be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (cloud radio access network, CRAN) scenario. As another example, the access network device may be a wearable device or a vehicle-mounted device or an Internet of Things device that can provide wireless communication services. As another example, the access network device may also be a small station, a transmission receiving node (transmission reception point, TRP) (or may also be called a transmission point), a transmission measurement function (transmission measurement function, TMF), etc. In systems with different wireless access technologies, the names of communication devices with access network device functions may be different, and the embodiments of the present application will not list them one by one.

[0082] The ng-eNB and gNB listed above are only examples. For example, the access network device can also be a device with base station functions in 6G. In some deployments of access network devices, the access network device may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The access network device including CU and DU can be understood as splitting the protocol stack, placing the functions of some protocol layers under centralized control of the CU, and distributing the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. In other deployments of access network devices, the CU can also be divided into CU-control plane (CP) and CU-user plane (UP). In some other deployments of access network devices, the access network device can also be an open radio access network (ORAN) architecture. When the access network device is an ORAN architecture, the access network device can be an access network device in ORAN, or a functional module in ORAN, etc. In the ORAN system, CU can also be called open (open, O)-CU, DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, etc. The deployment methods of the access network equipment listed here are only examples. With the evolution of standard technologies, access network equipment may have other deployment forms, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For ease of description, the following description takes gNB as an example, but the gNB shown below should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0083] The terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver function. The terminal device may include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication functions. The terminal device may also be a mobile station (MS), a subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a tablet computer, a wireless modem, a handheld device (handset), a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, etc. The terminal device may also be called user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a terminal, a subscriber unit, a user station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a user agent or a user device, etc. In a possible implementation, the terminal device may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted, or may also be deployed on the water, including ships, etc. In another possible implementation, the terminal device may be a handheld device with wireless communication function, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a sensor, a terminal in the Internet of Things, a terminal in the Internet of Vehicles, a drone, a 5G network or any form of terminal device in a future network, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For ease of description, the following description is made by taking UE as an example, but the UE shown below should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0084] As standards evolve, the positioning architecture may change and should not be Figure 1 The positioning architecture shown is understood to be a limitation of the embodiments of the present application.

[0085] The following introduces the positioning communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0086] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a downlink positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, the downlink positioning method includes:

[0087] 201. LMF obtains UE capabilities through the LPP capability transfer process.

[0088] The UE capability may include the UE's processing capability for downlink (DL) reference signals (RS). RS may include PRS, SRS, etc. For ease of description, the following description is based on an example in which RS includes PRS.

[0089] 202. The LMF sends a transmission-reception point (TRP) information request to multiple NG-RAN nodes, and correspondingly, the NG-RAN node receives the TRP information request.

[0090] The TRP information request may be used to request TRP information of a TRP. Exemplarily, the TRP information may include at least one of the following: cell information, coordinates, TRP ID of NG-RAN TRP, PRS configuration, etc. The PRS configuration may include the time domain resource configuration of the PRS, the frequency domain resource configuration of the PRS, etc. Exemplarily, the time domain resource configuration of the PRS includes the period of the PRS, the slot offset, etc., which are not listed here one by one. The frequency domain resource configuration of the PRS may include the frequency point, comb size, etc., which are not listed here one by one.

[0091] 203. The NG-RAN node sends a TRP information response (TRP informationresponse) to the LMF, and correspondingly, the LMF receives the TRP information response.

[0092] The TRP Information Response may be used to respond to a TRP Information Request. The TRP Information Response may carry the information requested by the LMF.

[0093] 204. LMF provides assistance data transfer (assistance data transfer) to the UE.

[0094] The auxiliary data transfer may include at least one of the following: cell information, PRS configuration, and other information for UE to measure PRS (for example, RSTD measurement may include expected RSTD value). The auxiliary data transfer may be used to provide cell information, PRS configuration, etc. of multiple TPRs.

[0095] 205. LMF sends request location information (requestlocationinformation) to UE, and UE receives the request location information.

[0096] The requested location information may be used to request the UE to measure the PRS. For example, the requested location information may be used to request the UE to measure: downlink reference signal arrival time difference (DL RSTD) and downlink reference signal received power (DL RSRP).

[0097] 206. The UE measures the PRS and obtains a measurement result.

[0098] Illustratively, the UE may obtain DL RSTD or DL ​​RSRP, etc. by measuring the PRS, which are not listed one by one here.

[0099] 207. The UE sends provide location information (providelocationinformation) to the LMF, and correspondingly, the LMF receives the provide location information.

[0100] The provided location information can be used to carry the measurement result. After receiving the measurement result, the LMF can calculate the location of the UE based on the TRP information and the measurement result.

[0101] Figure 2 The downlink positioning method shown may be a basic process of downlink positioning. Figure 2 The method shown is also applicable to the various embodiments shown below.

[0102] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an on-demand PRS transmission procedure provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the process may include:

[0103] 300. LMF obtains the on-demand PRS configuration through the NRPPaTRP information exchange process.

[0104] For example, LMF does not necessarily obtain the PRS configuration through interaction with TRP before each positioning. Alternatively, the PRS configuration interacted between LMF and TRP can be used for positioning of multiple UEs. Figure 3 Step 300 in the figure is optional, so it is represented by a dotted line in the figure, and the description of the dotted line in the figure is applicable below.

[0105] The on-demand PRS process initiated by the UE may include steps 301 and 302:

[0106] 301. LMF provides a pre-defined PRS configuration to the UE.

[0107] As an example, the LMF may send the predefined PRS configuration via an LPP message such as a provide assistance data message.

[0108] As another example, the LMF may send a predefined PRS configuration to the access network device through an NRPPa message, and then the access network device sends the predefined PRS configuration through a positioning system information block (posSIB).

[0109] In the embodiment of the present application, each PRS configuration may be associated with a PRS configuration ID.

[0110] 302. The UE sends an LPP request assistance data message to the LMF. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the LPP request assistance data message.

[0111] Exemplarily, the LPP request assistance data message may be used to send an on-demand PRS request, which may request an identifier (ID) of a predefined PRS configuration, or the on-demand PRS request may be used to request specific parameters of the PRS configuration. Exemplarily, the on-demand PRS request may be a request for PRS transmission, or it may be a request for a change in PRS transmission characteristics. The change in PRS transmission characteristics shown here may also be referred to as a change in PRS configuration or a change in PRS configuration. Requesting PRS transmission may also mean requesting a change in PRS configuration or a change in PRS configuration.

[0112] The on-demand PRS process initiated by the LMF may include step 303:

[0113] 303. LMF initiates an on-demand PRS procedure through the LPP procedure.

[0114] Exemplarily, for the on-demand PRS initiated by the LMF, the LMF may exchange LPP messages with the UE, such as obtaining the measurement results of the UE or the downlink PRS positioning capability of the UE.

[0115] In addition to the above steps 301 to 303, the on-demand PRS transmission process may further include the following steps:

[0116] 304. The LMF determines whether PRS transmission is required or changes to PRS transmission characteristics.

[0117] Exemplarily, the LMF may perform the above step 304 based on the positioning accuracy. The embodiment of the present application does not limit how the LMF determines whether PRS transmission is required or whether PRS transmission characteristics are changed.

[0118] 305. LMF requests the serving gNBs / TRPs / non-serving gNBs / TRPs to transmit a new PRS or change the PRS configuration of the PRS being transmitted through NRPPa PRS configuration request.

[0119] 306. The gNBs / TRPs provide the successfully configured or updated PRS configuration via an NRPPa PRS configuration response.

[0120] 307. LMF provides PRS configuration or error cause to UE through LPP provide assistance data.

[0121] Exemplarily, if the LMF changes the PRS configuration, the PRS configuration may be sent to the UE. If the LMF determines not to respond to the on-demand PRS request, or the base station rejects the PRS configuration request of the LMF, the LMF may send an error cause to the UE.

[0122] Figure 3 The on-demand PRS request process shown is only an example. Figure 3 For related instructions, please refer to the standard description, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0123] Combination Figure 2 The positioning process shown and Figure 3 As shown in the on-demand PRS request process: As an example, after the LMF obtains the measurement result or position estimation result of the UE, if the measurement result or position estimation result obtained based on the current PRS cannot meet the current positioning accuracy requirement, the LMF can initiate the on-demand PRS request process. As another example, if the current PRS cannot meet the current UE's positioning or measurement requirements, the UE can initiate the on-demand PRS request process. Figure 2 and Figure 3The embodiments of the present application will not list them one by one.

[0124] Low power high accuracy positioning (LPHAP) is an important positioning technology discussed in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) Rel-18 standard. It is mainly used for inactive positioning. Figure 3 It can be seen from the on-demand PRS request process that if the UE frequently requests an update of the PRS configuration or when a large number of UEs request an update of the PRS configuration, the network side may need to frequently provide the UE with an updated PRS configuration, and the change of the PRS configuration will also affect other UEs being located. Alternatively, if the UE frequently requests an update of the PRS configuration or when a large number of UEs request an update of the PRS configuration, the network side may not be able to respond to the requests of some UEs in a timely manner.

[0125] Generally speaking, there are two ways for UE to read PRS configuration:

[0126] (1) The UE obtains the PRS configuration by providing assistance data via the LPP message sent by the LMF.

[0127] (2) The UE obtains the PRS configuration through the positioning system message (PosSIB) sent by the base station.

[0128] For UEs in an inactive state, receiving LPP messages may require paging the UE to a connected state, which is not conducive to UE power consumption. Therefore, inactive UEs can receive PRS configurations through positioning system messages. However, if changes in PRS configurations cause positioning system messages to be frequently updated, the UE needs to frequently read positioning system messages to obtain updated PRS configurations, which is still not conducive to power consumption.

[0129] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a positioning communication method, which can be shown as follows:

[0130] Figure 4 : is a flow chart of a positioning communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application, the method comprising:

[0131] 401. LMF sends first information, and correspondingly, UE receives the first information, where the first information is used to indicate a change time of a reference signal RS configuration.

[0132] RS configuration may include at least one of the following: RS time domain resource configuration, RS frequency domain resource configuration, etc. RS time domain resource configuration may include RS period, which indicates the time when the access network device sends RS, or indicates when the access network device sends RS. RS configuration may include PRS configuration. For details about PRS configuration, please refer to the above Figure 2 Or related standards, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0133] The change time of RS configuration indicates the time when the access network device may update the RS configuration. The RS configuration change may include a change in at least one of the following information: a change in the time domain resources of the RS, a change in the frequency domain resources of the RS. The change in the time domain resources of the RS may include a change in the period of the RS, etc. The change in the frequency domain resources of the RS may include a change in the bandwidth of the RS, etc. In the embodiment of the present application, the change time of RS configuration may also be referred to as the update time of RS configuration or the change time of RS configuration, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific name of the change time.

[0134] Exemplarily, when the RS configuration does not change, the access network device may send the RS according to the first RS configuration. When the RS configuration changes, the access network device needs to send the RS according to the changed second RS configuration.

[0135] In the embodiment of the present application, the LMF may determine the change time, such as the LMF may determine the change time according to the positioning cycle of the current positioning service. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific method or reason for the LMF to determine the change time.

[0136] By sending the first information to the UE, the LMF indicates the change time of the RS configuration through the first information, so that the UE can effectively know the time when the RS configuration may be updated, avoid frequent reading of system information, which is not conducive to the power consumption of the UE, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption.

[0137] The first information shown in the embodiment of the present application can also be used to indicate the time of RS configuration. For example, LMF indicates the time of PRS configuration to UE through the first information, and the UE can obtain PRS configuration at the time of PRS configuration or after the time of PRS configuration. Therefore, the above-mentioned change time should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiment of the present application. The time of RS configuration can also be periodic. In the case where the first information is used to indicate the time of RS configuration, the second information shown below can also be used to request RS (such as PRS, etc.).

[0138] The reference signal shown in the embodiment of the present application may include PRS or SRS, etc. The specific type of the reference signal is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. For ease of description, the following description will take PRS as an example when referring to specific examples.

[0139] The specific content of the first information shown in the embodiment of the present application is introduced below.

[0140] As a possible implementation method 1, the first information may include indication information of the change time. Exemplarily, the measurement unit of the change time may be at least one of the following: system frame number (SFN), slot index, symbol index, or coordinated universal time (UTC). The specific form of the time is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0141] As another possible implementation method 2, the first information can be used to indicate the periodic change time of the RS configuration. Exemplarily, the change time of the PRS configuration is periodic. After receiving the first information, the UE can effectively know when the PRS configuration will change (such as at the change time), which not only effectively avoids the increase in power consumption caused by the UE frequently requesting the PRS configuration, reduces power consumption, but also effectively saves the overhead of the first information by indicating the periodic PRS configuration.

[0142] Exemplarily, the first information may include periodic information of the change time and the change time. Exemplarily, the change time shown here may be the first change time in the periodic change time, or the second change time in the periodic change time, or the change time after the first information in the periodic change time, or the last change time in the periodic change time, etc., which are not listed here one by one. After the UE receives the first information, it can know when the PRS configuration starts to change and what the change period is based on the change time and periodic information in the first information. For example, the first information may include the change time after the sending time of the first information in the periodic change time, and the periodic information. Therefore, after the UE receives the first information, it can know where the next change time of the PRS configuration is based on the change time in the first information, so that when the UE needs to change the PRS configuration, it can request to change the PRS configuration before the change time.

[0143] As another possible implementation manner 3, the first information may be used to indicate a periodic change time of the PS configuration. Exemplarily, the first information may include the change time. For implementation manner 3, the period of the change time may be defined by a protocol, or broadcast by an access network device, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0144] For implementation method 2 and implementation method 3, the period of the change time can be N1 times the default paging cycle, or the period of the change time is M1 times the system message change period, and M1 and N1 are both positive integers. By setting the period of the change time to an integer multiple of the default paging cycle, the alignment of DRX and PRS can be guaranteed as much as possible. For implementation method 2 and implementation method 3, the first information can also be called PRS configuration period (PRS modification period) information, and the specific name of the first information is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Generally speaking, the length of the system message change period (or called period) is an integer multiple of the default paging message. The default paging message is the cell-level discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle / paging cycle carried in the system message, and the UE in the cell will consider the value of the period when receiving paging. The change period of the system message is the change period of the ordinary system message (the system message shown here does not include the positioning system message).

[0145] As an example, Figure 5 As shown, the first information can be carried in an LPP message, such as the first information can be carried in a provide assistance data message. Exemplarily, for an on-demand PRS process initiated by a UE, the LMF can send the first information. The on-demand PRS process initiated by the UE shown here is only an example. In a specific implementation, the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to the on-demand PRS process initiated by the LMF.

[0146] As another example, Figure 5 As shown, the first information is carried in an assistance information control message and / or a system message. For example, the first information can be exchanged between the LMF and the gNB through an NRPPa message, and the first information can be exchanged between the gNB and the UE through a system message. For this example, the gNB can broadcast the first information periodically, or the gNB can continuously broadcast the first information, or the gNB can broadcast the first information within a certain time period, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the sending time of the first information. The system message shown here may include a positioning system message.

[0147] Exemplarily, the LMF may send the first information before the change time, and correspondingly, the UE may receive the first information before the change time. Thus, after receiving the first information, the UE may obtain the changed PRS configuration in a timely manner at or after the change time.

[0148] As an example, the LMF may send the first information to a UE that has a low power high accuracy positioning (LPHAP) requirement. As another example, the LMF may send the first information to a UE that supports an on-demand PRS request. As yet another example, the LMF may send the first information to a UE that has an LPHAP requirement and supports an on-demand PRS request. Exemplarily, the LMF may send the first information to a UE that has an LPHAP requirement and supports an on-demand PRS request. Figure 2 The LPP capability transfer process shown obtains UE capabilities, thereby knowing which UEs have LPHAP requirements and which UEs have on-demand PRS requests.

[0149] 402. The UE sends second information, and correspondingly, the LMF receives the second information. The second information is used to request to change the RS configuration of the RS.

[0150] Exemplarily, the second information may be an on-demand PRS request, such as the UE may send the second information to the LMF by requesting assistance data. For example, the on-demand PRS request may be used to request a change in the PRS configuration, or the on-demand PRS request may be used to request transmission of the PRS, or the on-demand PRS request may be used to request a change in the PRS transmission characteristics.

[0151] Figure 6 The example of LMF sending the first information to the UE with an on-demand PRS request is shown. Figure 6 The rectangle in the middle represents the positioning time, and the upward arrow represents the time when the UE receives DRX. Figure 6 The change time of two PRS configurations is exemplarily shown in FIG. Exemplarily, the time period before the first change time may be referred to as time period 1 (or cycle 1), and the time period between the first change time and the second change time may be referred to as time period 2 (or cycle 2).

[0152] DRX and PRS are not aligned in time period 1. Generally speaking, DRX is mainly used to reduce UE power consumption. For inactive UE / idle UE, the UE can periodically monitor the PDCCH channel and receive paging messages at fixed time-frequency domain locations (such as paging occasions). The UE's paging occasion and UE ID are related to the DRX cycle. Therefore, the paging occasions of different UEs may be different. Therefore, when different UEs request different PRS configurations in time period 1, the network side needs to frequently update the PRS configuration, which increases the UE's power consumption.

[0153] The UE initiates an on-demand PRS request in time period 1. At this time, the network side can change the PRS configuration according to the change period (such as Figure 6The on-demand PRS request is also used to request alignment of the DRX configuration and the PRS configuration. The alignment shown here may indicate that the reception time of the DRX and the reception time of the PRS are in the same or adjacent time unit, and the time unit may be a time slot or a symbol, etc. After the LMF receives the on-demand PRS request, the LMF may request the network device to update the PRS configuration after the change time.

[0154] In time period 2, the PRS configuration is updated, and the UE's DRX configuration is aligned with the PRS configuration. By requesting DRX and PRS alignment, the UE can complete the reception of DRX and PRS in a relatively concentrated time, increase the chance of the UE entering deep sleep, and thus help reduce the UE's power consumption. Figure 6 In the time period 2 shown, the UE may also send an on-demand PRS request again to request a change in the PRS configuration again through the on-demand PRS request. Figure 6 In the time period 1 or time period 2 shown, other UEs may also send on-demand PRS requests to change the PRS configuration through the on-demand PRS requests.

[0155] In an embodiment of the present application, the LMF can send the first information to multiple UEs, so that the multiple UEs can all learn the change time of the PRS configuration, and the multiple UEs may request the LMF to align the PRS and DRX. The method can unify the change time of the PRS configuration. On the one hand, the UE does not need to frequently read the information of posSIB (for example, read the information of posSIB before each positioning) to check whether the stored PRS configuration is valid and update the PRS configuration; on the other hand, the LMF uniformly considers and coordinates the requests of multiple UEs in each cycle, avoiding the need for the network side to frequently respond to the UE's PRS request, resulting in frequent changes of PRS.

[0156] Steps 401 and 402 shown above do not mean Figure 4 The methods shown have a sequential relationship.

[0157] In one possible implementation, Figure 4 The method shown may further include step 403 and step 404 .

[0158] 403. LMF sends RS configuration request (such as Figure 4 The RS configuration request is used to request to update the RS configuration at the change time.

[0159] 404. The access network device sends an RS configuration response (eg Figure 4Correspondingly, the LMF receives the PRS configuration response.

[0160] Exemplarily, the RS configuration request may include a PRS configuration request, and the RS configuration response may include a PRS configuration response.

[0161] After receiving the second information, the LMF may learn that the UE has a need to change the PRS configuration, so the LMF may change the PRS configuration at the PRS change time after the second information or after the change time. After receiving the second information, the LMF may send a PRS configuration request to the access network device based on the first information and the second information, and the PRS configuration request is used to request the access network device to update the PRS configuration at the change time or after the change time.

[0162] 405. The UE updates the RS configuration of the RS based on the change time.

[0163] As an example, the LMF may send a provide auxiliary data message to the UE, and the provide auxiliary data message may carry the changed PRS configuration. As another example, the LMF may send an auxiliary information control message to the gNB, and the auxiliary information control message may carry the changed PRS configuration, and the gNB may send a system message (including a positioning system message) to the UE, and the system message may carry the changed PRS configuration.

[0164] Exemplarily, the UE may obtain a positioning system message (posSIB) at or after the change time, and obtain a new RS configuration from the positioning system message. Figure 6 For example, the UE can read the positioning system message in time period 2, and then obtain the changed PRS configuration. Exemplarily, the UE can also measure the PRS based on the changed PRS configuration and obtain the measurement result. And the UE can send provide location information to the LMF, and correspondingly, the LMF receives the provide location information. Thus, the LMF can obtain the location of the UE based on the measurement result in the provide location information.

[0165] In an embodiment of the present application, LMF indicates the change time of RS configuration to the UE, so that the UE can clearly know the change time of RS configuration, avoiding the situation where the UE frequently requests updates of RS configuration or frequently updates positioning system messages due to frequent changes of RS, resulting in increased power consumption, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the UE.

[0166] Above Figure 4In the method shown, the UE may send an on-demand PRS request before the change time indicated by the first information, and then the UE may obtain the changed PRS configuration at the change time or after the change time after it sends the on-demand PRS request. Figure 7 In the method shown, the UE may send an on-demand PRS request within the time window indicated by the first information, and then obtain the changed PRS configuration after the time window. Figure 7 The time window is used as an example, but from the perspective of a time period, the time window may also be referred to as a time period or a time for sending an on-demand PRS request, or a time for one or more UEs to send an on-demand PRS request. The specific description of the time window is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0167] Figure 7 : is a flow chart of another positioning communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, the method comprising:

[0168] 701. LMF sends first information, and correspondingly, UE receives the first information, where the first information is used to indicate a time window.

[0169] Exemplarily, one or more UEs may send the second information within the time window. For example, a UE with LPHAP requirements may send a PRS configuration change to the LMF within the time window (such as the second information shown below). For another example, a UE with an on-demand PRS request may send an on-demand PRS request to the LMF within the time window (such as the second information shown below). For another example, a UE with an LPHAP requirement and an on-demand PRS request may send an on-demand PRS request within the time window.

[0170] like Figure 8 As shown, in the first time window, no UE sends an on-demand PRS request in the time window. At this time, it means that no UE needs to change the PRS configuration. In the second time window, there are two UEs sending on-demand PRS requests. Figure 8 The two UEs shown are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present application. Figure 8 The dashed arrows shown indicate that the UE sends an on-demand PRS request, and the solid arrows indicate the transmission time of the PRS.

[0171] LMF can comprehensively consider the on-demand PRS requests of all UEs and uniformly adjust the PRS configuration after the time window ends. The UE clearly knows the time window in which it can request to change the PRS configuration through the first information. The time window limits the time when the UE sends the on-demand PRS request. At the same time, the network side can adjust the PRS configuration after the time window ends, so that the UE can accurately know the change time of the PRS configuration.

[0172] The specific content of the first information is introduced below.

[0173] As a possible implementation manner 1, the first information includes at least one of the following: a start time of the time window, a duration of the time window, and an end time of the time window.

[0174] As an example, the first information may include the start time or end time of the time window. At this time, the duration of the time window may be defined by a protocol, or broadcast by an access network device, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. This example can effectively save the overhead of the first information.

[0175] As another example, the first information may include: the start time of the time window and the end time of the time window; or, the start time of the time window and the duration of the time window; or, the duration of the time window and the end time of the time window. This example can flexibly indicate the time window, which is more flexible.

[0176] As another possible implementation method 2, the first information may be used to indicate a periodic time window. The time window may be periodic. After receiving the first information, the UE may effectively learn that the PRS configuration will change at a time after the time window (e.g., later than the time after the time window), which not only effectively avoids the increase in power consumption caused by the UE frequently requesting the PRS configuration, but also reduces power consumption, and by indicating the periodic PRS configuration, it also effectively saves the overhead of the first information.

[0177] Exemplarily, the first information may include periodic information of the time window, and the first information may also include at least one of the following: the start time of the change time, the duration of the change time, and the end time of the change time. Exemplarily, the first information may include periodic information of the time window, and the first information may also include at least one of the following: the start time of the time window, the duration of the time window, and the end time of the time window. Exemplarily, the start time shown here may be the start time of the first time window in the periodic time window, or the start time of the second time window in the periodic time window, or the start time of the time window after the first information in the periodic time window, or the start time of the last time window in the periodic time window, etc., which are not listed here one by one. Exemplarily, the end time shown here may be the end time of the first time window in the periodic time window, or the end time of the second time window in the periodic time window, or the end time of the time window after the first information in the periodic time window, or the end time of the last time window in the periodic time window, etc., which are not listed here one by one. For example, the first information includes the start time and end time of the first period in the periodic time window, as well as the period information. After receiving the first information, the UE can know when the UE can initiate an on-demand PRS request based on the first information. Therefore, when the UE needs to change the PRS configuration, it can request to change the PRS configuration within the time window. When the time window is a periodic time, the duration of the time window can be the same regardless of the period.

[0178] As another possible implementation manner 3, the first information may be used for a periodic time window. Exemplarily, the first information may include the start time of the time window, the duration of the time window, and the end time of the time window. For implementation manner 3, the period of the time window may be defined by a protocol, or broadcast by an access network device, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0179] Exemplarily, for implementation mode 2 and implementation mode 3, the period of the time window may be N2 times of a default-paging cycle, or the period of the time window may be M2 times of a system message change cycle, where M2 and N2 are both positive integers.

[0180] As an example, Figure 5 As shown, the first information may be carried in an LPP message, such as the first information may be carried in a provide assistance data message. As another example, Figure 5 As shown, the first information is carried in an assistance information control message and / or a system message (including a positioning system message). Exemplarily, the LMF may send the first information before the time window, and correspondingly, the UE may receive the first information before the time window. Thus, after the UE receives the first information, it may request to change the PRS configuration in a timely manner within the time window.

[0181] As an example, the LMF may send the first information to a UE with a low power high accuracy positioning (LPHAP) requirement. As another example, the LMF may send the first information to a UE with an on-demand PRS request. As yet another example, the LMF may send the first information to a UE with an LPHAP requirement and an on-demand PRS request.

[0182] For the relevant description of step 701, please refer to the above step 401, which will not be described in detail here.

[0183] 702. The UE sends second information within the time window, and correspondingly, the LMF receives the second information. The second information is used to request to change the RS configuration of the RS.

[0184] Exemplarily, the terminal device sends the second information within the time window. For example, all UEs that have LPHAP requirements or support on-demand PRS requirements can initiate on-demand PRS requests within the time window.

[0185] Figure 4 The UE may send the second information before the change time, and Figure 7 The UE sends the second information within the time window. For the relevant description of the second information, please refer to Figure 4 , which will not be described in detail here. Figure 6 The instructions for aligning DRX configurations with PRS configurations in the same way apply to Figure 7 .

[0186] In the embodiment of the present application, the LMF can uniformly adjust the sending of PRS according to the on-demand PRS requests sent by all UEs within the time window (such as steps 703 and 704 below).

[0187] In one possible implementation, Figure 4 The method shown may further include step 703 and step 704 .

[0188] 703. LMF sends RS configuration request (such as Figure 7The RS configuration request is used to request to update the RS configuration at the change time.

[0189] 704. The access network device sends an RS configuration response (eg Figure 7 Correspondingly, the LMF receives the PRS configuration response.

[0190] Exemplarily, the RS configuration request may include a PRS configuration request, and the RS configuration response may include a PRS configuration response. For example, the PRS configuration request is used to request the access network device to update the PRS configuration after the time window.

[0191] 705. The UE updates the RS configuration of the RS after the time window.

[0192] As an example, the LMF may send a provide auxiliary data message to the UE, and the provide auxiliary data message may carry the changed PRS configuration. As another example, the LMF may send an auxiliary information control message to the gNB, and the auxiliary information control message may carry the changed PRS configuration, and the gNB may send a system message (including a positioning system message) to the UE, and the system message may carry the changed PRS configuration.

[0193] Exemplarily, the UE may obtain a positioning system message after the time window, and obtain the updated RS configuration from the positioning system message. For the relevant description of step 705, reference may be made to step 405, which will not be described in detail here.

[0194] In an embodiment of the present application, LMF indicates the time window to the UE, so that the UE can clearly know that the change time of the RS configuration is after the time window, avoiding the situation where the UE continuously requests updates of the RS configuration and causes increased power consumption, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the UE.

[0195] Generally speaking, since the UE cannot know the change time of the PRS configuration, the UE needs to continuously read the broadcast message after initiating the on-demand PRS request to check whether the network side has responded to the UE's request to change the PRS configuration, which leads to an increase in the UE's power consumption. However, in an embodiment of the present application, the UE can effectively know the change time of the PRS configuration, or the time window in which the UE initiates the on-demand PRS request (the change time of the PRS configuration is after the time window) by obtaining the first information, thereby effectively avoiding the situation where the UE needs to continuously read the broadcast message, and effectively reducing the power consumption of the UE.

[0196] Generally speaking, since the paging timing of each UE is different, when the number of UEs is large, the on-demand PRS requests initiated by different UEs will have a greater impact on other UEs being located. However, in the embodiment of the present application, the on-demand PRS requests initiated by different UEs have less impact on other UEs being located, such as the UE does not need to read the broadcast message too frequently to prevent the broadcast message from being changed due to the on-demand request initiated by other UEs. Thus, it is beneficial to the power consumption of the UE.

[0197] In the various examples shown above, where one example is not described in detail, reference may be made to other examples. An example may also be combined with other examples to form a new example, and the embodiments of the present application will not list the specific examples of the combination one by one.

[0198] The following is an introduction to the communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0199] The present application divides the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiment. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. Figures 6 to 8 The communication device according to the embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0200] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Fig. 9 As shown, the communication device includes a processing module 901 and a transceiver module 902. The transceiver module 902 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 901 is used for data processing. For example, the transceiver module 902 can also be called an interface, a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0201] In some embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to execute the actions performed by the terminal device (or UE) in the above method embodiments. In this case, the communication device can be a terminal device or a component that can be configured in the terminal device (such as a chip or a system or a functional module, etc.), and the transceiver module 902 is used to execute the transceiver-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 901 is used to execute the terminal device processing-related operations in the above method embodiments.

[0202] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 902 is used to receive or input first information; and send or output second information.

[0203] Exemplarily, the processing module 901 is configured to update the RS configuration of the RS based on the change time.

[0204] Reuse Fig. 9 In some other embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to execute the actions performed by the LMF in the above method embodiment. In this case, the communication device can be the LMF or a component that can be configured in the LMF (such as a chip or a system or a functional module), and the transceiver module 902 is used to execute the operations related to the transceiver of the LMF in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 901 is used to execute the operations related to the LMF processing in the above method embodiment.

[0205] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 902 is used to send or output first information, and receive or input second information.

[0206] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to send or output a PRS configuration request, and receive or input a PRS configuration response.

[0207] Optionally, in each of the above embodiments, the communication device may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing module 901 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device implements the above method embodiments.

[0208] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the description of the first information, the second information, the change time, the time window, the PRS configuration, etc. can refer to the introduction in the above method embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0209] It can be understood that the specific descriptions of the transceiver unit and the processing unit shown in the above embodiments are only examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver unit and the processing unit, reference can be made to the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0210] The above describes the communication device of the embodiment of the present application, and the following describes possible product forms of the communication device. Fig. 9 Any form of product with the functions of the communication device described above falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. It should also be understood that the following description is only an example and does not limit the product form of the communication device of the embodiments of the present application to this.

[0211] In one possible implementation, Fig. 9In the communication device shown, the processing module 901 may be one or more processors, the transceiver module 902 may be a transceiver, or the transceiver module 902 may also be a sending unit and a receiving unit, the sending unit may be a transmitter, the receiving unit may be a receiver, and the sending unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiment of the present application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the connection mode of the processor and the transceiver. In the process of executing the above method, the process of sending information in the above method can be understood as the process of outputting the above information by the processor. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that it is transmitted by the transceiver. After the above information is output by the processor, it may also need to be processed in other ways before it reaches the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor receiving the input information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to be processed in other ways before it is input into the processor.

[0212] like Fig.10 As shown, the communication device 100 includes one or more processors 1020 and a transceiver 1010 .

[0213] Exemplarily, the transceiver 1010 is configured to perform the following steps: Fig. 9 The functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 902 shown in FIG. 1 are as follows: Fig. 9 The functions or steps implemented by the processing module 901 shown in FIG. 100 can be referred to for details about the processor 1020 and the transceiver 1010. Fig. 9 Or the method embodiments shown above will not be described in detail here.

[0214] exist Fig.10 In various implementations of the communication device shown, the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, wherein the receiver is used to perform a receiving function (or operation) and the transmitter is used to perform a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is used to communicate with other devices / devices through a transmission medium.

[0215] Optionally, the communication device 100 may further include one or more memories 1030 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1030 is coupled to the processor 1020. The coupling in the embodiment of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules. The processor 1020 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1030. The processor 1020 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 1030. Optionally, at least one of the one or more memories may be included in the processor.

[0216] The specific connection medium between the transceiver 1010, the processor 1020 and the memory 1030 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.10 In the embodiment, the memory 1030, the processor 1020 and the transceiver 1010 are connected via a bus 1040. Fig.10 The connections between the other components are shown in bold lines, which are only for illustration and are not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Fig.10 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0217] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc., and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor, etc.

[0218] In the embodiment of the present application, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a read-only memory (ROM) or a portable read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. The memory is any storage medium that can be used to carry or store program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be read and / or written by a computer (such as a communication device shown in the present application), but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiment of the present application can also be a circuit or any other device that can realize a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0219] The processor 1020 is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and to control the entire communication device, execute the software program, and process the data of the software program. The memory 1030 is mainly used to store the software program and data. The transceiver 1010 may include a control circuit and an antenna. The control circuit is mainly used to convert the baseband signal and the radio frequency signal and process the radio frequency signal. The antenna is mainly used to send and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input and output devices, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., are mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user.

[0220] When the communication device is turned on, the processor 1020 can read the software program in the memory 1030, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 1020 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, and outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. The RF circuit performs RF processing on the baseband signal and then sends the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1020. The processor 1020 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0221] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be arranged independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be arranged remotely from the communication device.

[0222] It is understandable that the communication device shown in the embodiment of the present application may also have Fig.10The embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of components and the like. The methods executed by the processor and the transceiver shown above are only examples, and the specific steps executed by the processor and the transceiver can refer to the methods described above.

[0223] In another possible implementation, Fig. 9 In the communication device shown, the processing module 901 may be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver module 902 may be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver module 902 may also be a sending unit and a receiving unit, the sending unit may be an output interface, the receiving unit may be an input interface, and the sending unit and the receiving unit may be integrated into one unit, such as an input / output interface. Fig.11 As shown, Fig.11 The communication device shown includes a logic circuit 1101 and an interface 1102. That is, the processing module 901 can be implemented by the logic circuit 1101, and the transceiver module 902 can be implemented by the interface 1102. The logic circuit 1101 can be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit or a system on chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1102 can be a communication interface, an input / output interface, a pin, etc. For example, Fig.11 The above communication device is used as an example of a chip, and the chip includes a logic circuit 1101 and an interface 1102 .

[0224] In the embodiment of the present application, the logic circuit and the interface may also be coupled to each other. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific connection method between the logic circuit and the interface. For example, the logic circuit 1101 may be used to perform the following Fig. 9 The functions or steps implemented by the processing module 901 shown in FIG. 1102 can be used to perform the following steps: Fig. 9 The functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 902 are shown in FIG. 1 . For a detailed description of the logic circuit 1101 and the interface 1102, please refer to FIG. Fig. 9 Or the method embodiments shown above will not be described in detail here.

[0225] For example, Fig.11 The chip shown may also include a memory, which can be used to store periodic information of change time or periodic information of time window, etc.

[0226] It can be understood that the communication device shown in the embodiment of the present application can implement the method provided in the embodiment of the present application in the form of hardware, or can implement the method provided in the embodiment of the present application in the form of software, etc., and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0227] for Fig.11The specific implementation methods of the various embodiments shown can also refer to the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0228] An embodiment of the present application also provides a wireless communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device and the second communication device can be used to execute the method in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0229] In addition, the present application also provides a computer program, which is used to implement the operations and / or processing performed by the first communication device in the method provided by the present application.

[0230] The present application also provides a computer program, which is used to implement the operations and / or processing performed by the second communication device in the method provided by the present application.

[0231] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer codes are stored. When the computer codes are executed on a computer, the computer executes the operations and / or processes performed by the first communication device in the method provided by the present application.

[0232] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer codes are stored. When the computer codes are executed on a computer, the computer executes the operations and / or processes performed by the second communication device in the method provided by the present application.

[0233] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer code or a computer program. When the computer code or the computer program runs on a computer, the operations and / or processing performed by the first communication device in the method provided by the present application are executed.

[0234] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer code or a computer program. When the computer code or the computer program runs on a computer, the operations and / or processing performed by the second communication device in the method provided by the present application are executed.

[0235] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, or it can be an electrical, mechanical or other form of connection.

[0236] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0237] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0238] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or partly contributed to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium, including a number of instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code.

[0239] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A positioning communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving first information, where the first information is used to indicate a change time of a reference signal RS configuration; sending second information, where the second information is used to request to change the RS configuration of the RS; The RS configuration of the RS is updated based on the change time.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate a periodic change time of the RS configuration.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first information includes the change time and period information of the change time.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The period of the change time is N times of the default paging period, or the period of the change time is M times of the system message change period, where M and N are both positive integers.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first information is carried in at least one of the following: providing auxiliary data, auxiliary information control, and system information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The updating of the RS configuration of the RS based on the change time includes: A positioning system message is obtained based on the change time, and an updated RS configuration is obtained from the positioning system message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The receiving first information comprises: The first information is received before the change time.

8. A positioning communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending first information, where the first information is used to indicate a change time of a reference signal RS configuration; Second information is received, where the second information is used to request a change in RS configuration of the RS.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending an RS configuration request to a network device based on the first information and the second information, wherein the RS configuration request is used to request the network device to update the RS configuration at the change time; An RS configuration response is received in response to the RS configuration request.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The first information is used to indicate a periodic change time of the RS configuration.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The first information includes the change time and period information of the change time.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The period of the change time is N times of the paging period, or the period of the change time is M times of the system message change period, where M and N are both positive integers.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that: The first information is carried in at least one of the following: providing auxiliary data, auxiliary information control, and system information.

14. A positioning communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving first information, where the first information is used to indicate a time window; Sending second information within the time window, where the second information is used to request to change the RS configuration of the RS; The RS configuration of the RS is updated after the time window.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that One or more terminal devices send the second information within the time window.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the time window, the duration of the time window, and the end time of the time window.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The first information also includes period information of the time window.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that: Updating the RS configuration of the RS after the time window includes: A positioning system message is obtained after the time window, and an updated RS configuration is obtained from the positioning system message.

19. A positioning communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending first information, where the first information is used to indicate a time window; Second information is received within the time window, where the second information is used to request a change in RS configuration of the RS.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending an RS configuration request to a network device based on the first information and the second information, wherein the RS configuration request is used to request the network device to update the RS configuration within the change time; An RS configuration response is received in response to the RS configuration request.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The second information is received from one or more terminal devices within the time window.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that: The first information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the time window, the duration of the time window, and the end time of the time window.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The first information also includes period information of the time window.

24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that The RS configuration includes a positioning reference signal PRS configuration.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1-24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a logic circuit and an interface, wherein the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; The interface is used to input and / or output information, and the logic circuit is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-24.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 24 is executed.

29. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes a terminal device and a positioning management function LMF, the terminal device is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1-7 and 24, and the LMF is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 8-13 and 24; or, the terminal device is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 14-18 and 24, and the LMF is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 19-24.

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