On-demand positioning reference signal request method and device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an on-demand positioning reference signal request method and apparatus, and a storage medium, the on-demand positioning reference signal request method comprising: receiving an on-demand positioning reference signal PRS request message sent by a terminal, the on-demand PRS request message being used for requesting to obtain first PRS configuration information; and in response to determining that the first PRS configuration information cannot be provided for the terminal, sending a response message to the terminal. According to the invention, under the condition that the LMF equipment cannot provide the requested first PRS configuration information for the terminal, a corresponding solution is provided, and the availability is high.

Description

DIVISIONAL APPLICATION DECLARATION

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese Invention Patent Application No. 202180002168.4, filed on July 21, 2021, and entitled "On-demand Positioning Reference Signal Request Method and Device, Storage Medium". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to an on-demand positioning reference signal request method and device, storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0003] 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) NR (New Radio) introduces multiple positioning technologies, which can achieve positioning of terminals. For some of the positioning technologies, network side devices need to provide positioning assistance information to terminals. In a possible implementation, an LMF (Location Management Function) device can actively provide positioning assistance information to a terminal, wherein a base station is used to transparently transmit the positioning assistance information sent by the LMF device to the terminal. In another possible implementation, the LMF device can send positioning assistance information to a terminal according to a request of the terminal.

[0004] The above positioning assistance information contains configuration information of downlink PRS (Positioning Reference Signal).

[0005] In the discussion of on-demand PRS, it is determined that a network side device can send pre-defined PRS configuration information to a terminal, which is used for the terminal to send an on-demand PRS request message, the terminal can select a PRS configuration information from the pre-defined PRS configuration information and send a request to the network, and the network can provide the terminal with the required PRS configuration information according to the request of the terminal.

[0006] However, after the LMF device receives the on-demand PRS request message sent by the terminal, in the case that the LMF device cannot provide the terminal with the PRS configuration information requested by the terminal, there is currently no corresponding solution. SUMMARY

[0007] To overcome the problems in the related art, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an on-demand positioning reference signal request method and device, storage medium.

[0008] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for requesting a positioning reference signal (PRS) on demand is provided, the method is performed by a location management function (LMF) device, and includes: receiving a PRS on demand request message sent by a terminal, the PRS on demand request message being used to request obtaining first PRS configuration information; in response to determining that the first PRS configuration information cannot be provided for the terminal, sending a response message to the terminal.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the PRS on demand request message and the response message are LTE positioning protocol (LPP) messages. In some optional embodiments, the PRS on demand request message is an LPP request assistance data message, and the response message is an LPP provide assistance data message.

[0010] Optionally, the response message includes second PRS configuration information and first indication information. In some optional embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal to perform PRS measurement using the second PRS configuration information, and the second PRS configuration information is different from the first PRS configuration information requested by the terminal.

[0011] Optionally, the response message includes second indication information. In some optional embodiments, the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal to perform PRS measurement using third PRS configuration information, and the third PRS configuration information is PRS configuration information that has been obtained by the terminal before sending the PRS on demand request message.

[0012] Optionally, the response message includes at least one of third indication information and / or fourth indication information. In some optional embodiments, the third indication information is used to indicate rejection of the PRS on demand request sent by the terminal, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate a reason for rejection of the PRS on demand request sent by the terminal.

[0013] Optionally, in the case where only the third indication information and / or the fourth indication information is included in the response message, the third indication information and / or the fourth indication information is further used to instruct the terminal to perform PRS measurement using third PRS configuration information, and the third PRS configuration information is PRS configuration information that has been obtained by the terminal before sending the PRS on demand request message.

[0014] Optionally, the response message includes at least one of a target time length and / or a target cell identifier. The target duration is used to indicate the shortest interval between when the terminal resends the on-demand PRS request, and the target cell identifier is the identifier of the target cell that always rejects the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

[0015] Optionally, when the response message includes second PRS configuration information, the second PRS configuration information is carried in the target information element of the response message; The target information element is an information element used to indicate the set of on-demand PRS configuration information.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an on-demand positioning reference signal request method is provided, the method being executed by a terminal, comprising: Send an On-Demand Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) Request message to the Positioning Management Function (LMF) device, wherein the On-Demand PRS Request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information; In response to receiving a response message from the LMF device, based on the response message, it is determined that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0017] Optionally, the on-demand PRS request message and the response message are LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages; The on-demand PRS request message is an LPP request auxiliary data message, and the response message is an LPP provide auxiliary data message.

[0018] Optionally, the response message includes: second PRS configuration information, and first indication information; The first indication information is used to instruct the terminal to use the second PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement, and the second PRS configuration information is different from the first PRS configuration information requested by the terminal.

[0019] Optionally, it also includes: Based on the first indication information, PRS measurement is performed using the second PRS configuration information.

[0020] Optionally, the response message includes: second indication information; The second indication information is used to instruct the terminal to use the third PRS configuration information, which is the PRS configuration information that the terminal has obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message.

[0021] Optionally, it also includes: Based on the second indication information, PRS measurement is performed using the third PRS configuration information.

[0022] Optionally, the response message includes at least one of the following: a third indication message, and / or a fourth indication message; The third indication information is used to indicate the rejection of the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

[0023] Optionally, if the response message includes only the third indication information and / or the fourth indication information, the third indication information and / or the fourth indication information may also be used to instruct the terminal to perform PRS measurement using the third PRS configuration information, which is the PRS configuration information that the terminal has obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message.

[0024] Optionally, it also includes: Based on at least one of the third indication information and the fourth indication message, PRS measurement is performed using the third PRS configuration information.

[0025] Optionally, the response message may further include at least one of the following: target duration, and / or, target cell identifier; The target duration is used to indicate the shortest interval between when the terminal resends the on-demand PRS request, and the target cell identifier is the identifier of the target cell that always rejects the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

[0026] Optionally, it may also include at least one of the following: After receiving the response message, at least after the target time interval, send another on-demand PRS request message to the LMF device; and / or, In response to the determination that it is located within the target cell, the on-demand PRS request message is no longer sent.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an on-demand positioning reference signal request apparatus is provided, the apparatus being used for a positioning management function (LMF) device, comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive a Position Reference Signal (PRS) request message sent by the terminal, wherein the PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information. The first sending module is configured to send a response message to the terminal in response to determining that it is unable to provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an on-demand positioning reference signal request device is provided, the device being used for a terminal, comprising: The second sending module is configured to send an On-Demand Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) request message to the Positioning Management Function (LMF) device, wherein the On-Demand PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information. The determination module is configured to, in response to receiving a response message sent by the LMF device, determine, based on the response message, that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing a computer program for executing the on-demand positioning reference signal request method described in any of the above-described LMF device side methods.

[0030] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing a computer program for executing the on-demand positioning reference signal request method described in any of the above-described terminal-side embodiments.

[0031] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, an on-demand positioning reference signal request device is provided, comprising: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute the on-demand positioning reference signal request method described in any of the above-described LMF device-side methods.

[0032] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, an on-demand positioning reference signal request device is provided, comprising: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute the on-demand positioning reference signal request method described in any of the above-described terminal-side methods.

[0033] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: In this embodiment, the LMF device, upon receiving an on-demand PRS request message from a terminal, can send a response message to the terminal if it determines that it cannot provide the requested first PRS configuration information. Based on this response message, the terminal determines that the LMF device cannot provide the requested first PRS configuration information. This disclosure provides a solution with high availability in cases where the LMF device cannot provide the requested first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0034] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0036] Figures 1A-1B This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for an LMF device to provide positioning assistance information to a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an on-demand positioning reference signal request device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of another on-demand positioning reference signal request device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an on-demand positioning reference signal request device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another on-demand positioning reference signal request device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0049] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of at least one associated listed item.

[0050] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0051] Currently, network-side devices provide location assistance information to terminals in the following ways: The first method involves the LMF device proactively providing positioning assistance information to the terminal.

[0052] Reference Figure 1A As shown, LMF devices can provide positioning assistance information to terminals via LPP (LTE Positioning Protocol) messages. Specifically, the LPP message providing positioning assistance information can be an LPP Provide Assistance Data message.

[0053] The second method involves the LMF device providing location assistance information based on a terminal request.

[0054] Reference Figure 1BAs shown, the terminal can initiate a request to the LMF device via an LPP message. The LPP message requesting location assistance information can be an LPP Request Assistance Data message. Furthermore, based on this request message, the LMF device provides location assistance information to the terminal via an LPP message. The LPP message providing location assistance information can be an LPP Provide Assistance Data message.

[0055] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Base stations are not shown in the diagram. The role of base stations is only to transmit LPP messages between LMF devices and terminals during the above process.

[0056] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the aforementioned positioning assistance information includes downlink PRS configuration information, wherein the PRS configuration information includes, but is not limited to, the time-frequency resource location information where the PRS is located, and the period information of the PRS, etc.

[0057] To further improve network efficiency and positioning accuracy, on-demand PRS is proposed. The network can send its supported on-demand PRS configurations to the terminal. The terminal can select a PRS configuration from the on-demand PRS configuration information provided by the network and send an on-demand PRS request message to the LMF device. The LMF device then provides the terminal with the required PRS configuration information based on the on-demand PRS request message. In this embodiment, the LMF device can send predefined PRS configuration information to the terminal via LPP (LPPProvide Assistance Data) messages or positioning system messages. The positioning system messages are sent from the LMF to the base station and broadcast to the terminal by the base station.

[0058] However, after the LMF device receives the on-demand PRS request message from the terminal, in addition to the LMF device being able to provide the terminal with the requested PRS configuration information, the following situations may also occur: The LMF device cannot provide the requested PRS configuration to the terminal. For example, the LMF device receives multiple on-demand PRS request messages from terminals, and the PRS configuration information requested by different terminals is different. How should the LMF device handle this situation?

[0059] Furthermore, how an LMF device rejects an on-demand PRS request message sent by a terminal may require limiting the terminal's behavior of resending an on-demand PRS request message, or instructing the terminal to continue using the already acquired PRS configuration information.

[0060] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides an on-demand positioning reference signal request scheme. The method provided in this disclosure will first be introduced from the perspective of the LMF (Light Filter Function) device.

[0061] This disclosure provides an on-demand positioning reference signal request method, referring to... Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an embodiment, which can be used in an LMF device. The method may include the following steps: In step 201, an on-demand positioning reference signal (PRS) request message sent by the terminal is received. The on-demand PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information.

[0062] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the on-demand PRS request message can be an LPP message. In one possible implementation, the on-demand PRS request message can be an LPP request auxiliary data message.

[0063] In step 202, in response to determining that the first PRS configuration information cannot be provided to the terminal, a response message is sent to the terminal.

[0064] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the response message can be used to indicate that the LMF device is unable to provide the terminal with the requested first PRS configuration information. The response message can also be an LPP message. In one possible implementation, the response message can provide auxiliary data messages for the LPP.

[0065] In the above embodiments, a corresponding solution is provided when the LMF device is unable to provide the requested first PRS configuration information to the terminal, and the availability is high.

[0066] In some alternative embodiments, the response message may include the following information: In step 201, in response to determining that the first PRS configuration information cannot be provided to the terminal, a response message is sent to the terminal, the response message including: second PRS configuration information and first indication information.

[0067] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal to use the second PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement, and the second PRS configuration information is different from the first PRS configuration information requested by the terminal.

[0068] In other words, if the LMF device is unable to provide the terminal with the first PRS configuration information it requests, it can provide the terminal with second PRS configuration information that is different from the first PRS configuration information, and instruct the terminal to use the second PRS configuration information that is different from the first PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement through the first indication information.

[0069] For example, a terminal sends an on-demand PRS request message to an LMF device. This message requests first PRS configuration information, identified as 1. Upon receiving this message, the LMF device, having received multiple such requests from different terminals requesting different PRS configuration information, can only fulfill the requests of some terminals. If the LMF device cannot provide the terminal with the first PRS configuration information (identified as 1), it provides the terminal with second PRS configuration information (identified as 2). The LMF device provides the second PRS configuration information to the terminal via a response message, which also includes a first indication. This first indication explicitly instructs the terminal to use the second PRS configuration information for PRS measurement, and that the second PRS configuration information differs from the first PRS configuration information requested by the terminal, thus preventing the terminal from believing that the LMF device has sent incorrect PRS configuration information.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the LMF device can send the second PRS configuration information and the first indication information to the terminal through the response message, instructing the terminal to use the second PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement, avoiding the terminal from thinking that the LMF device sent an error, and thus ensuring high availability.

[0071] In step 201, in response to determining that the first PRS configuration information cannot be provided to the terminal, a response message is sent to the terminal, and the response message includes: second indication information.

[0072] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal to perform PRS measurement using third PRS configuration information, which is PRS configuration information acquired by the terminal before sending the on-demand PRS request message. Accordingly, in order to save signaling resources, the response message does not need to include the third PRS configuration information.

[0073] For example, a terminal sends an on-demand PRS request message to an LMF device. This on-demand PRS request message is used to request first PRS configuration information, which is identified by a value of 1. After receiving the on-demand PRS request message, if the LMF device determines that it cannot provide the terminal with the first PRS configuration information identified by 1, it instructs the terminal to continue using third PRS configuration information through second indication information. The third PRS configuration information is PRS configuration information that the terminal obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message. For example, the third PRS configuration information is PRS configuration information that the terminal obtained from the positioning assistance information provided by the network-side device before sending the on-demand PRS request message.

[0074] In this embodiment of the disclosure, since the terminal has already obtained the third PRS configuration information before sending the on-demand PRS request message, the LMF device does not need to carry the third PRS configuration information in the response message. Since the PRS configuration information has not changed, signaling overhead is saved.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the terminal can be directly instructed to use the third PRS configuration information obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message to perform PRS measurement through the second indication information, and the response message does not need to carry the third PRS configuration information, which is simple to implement, highly available, and saves signaling overhead.

[0076] In step 201, in response to determining that the first PRS configuration information cannot be provided to the terminal, a response message is sent to the terminal. The response message includes at least one of the following: third indication information, and / or fourth indication information.

[0077] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the third indication information is used to indicate the rejection of the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

[0078] In this case, the third indication information and / or the fourth indication information are also used to instruct the terminal to use the third PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement, wherein the third PRS configuration information is the PRS configuration information that the terminal has obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the terminal can be implicitly instructed to use the third PRS configuration information acquired before sending the on-demand PRS request message to perform PRS measurement through the third indication information and / or the fourth indication information. This is simple to implement and highly available.

[0080] In step 201, in response to determining that the first PRS configuration information cannot be provided to the terminal, a response message is sent to the terminal. The response message includes: second PRS configuration information, first indication information, and third indication information. Alternatively, the response message includes: second PRS configuration information, first indication information, and fourth indication information. Or, the response message includes: second PRS configuration information, first indication information, third indication information, and fourth indication information.

[0081] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal to perform PRS measurement using the second PRS configuration information, and the second PRS configuration information is different from the first PRS configuration information requested by the terminal. The third indication information is used to indicate rejection of the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

[0082] After receiving the response message, the terminal can determine that the LMF device rejected the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal based on the third indication information, and determine the reason why the LMF device rejected the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal based on the fourth indication information.

[0083] In this case, the terminal can perform PRS measurement using the second PRS configuration information based on the first indication information.

[0084] In step 201, in response to determining that the first PRS configuration information cannot be provided to the terminal, a response message is sent to the terminal. The response message includes: second indication information and third indication information. Alternatively, the response message includes: second indication information and fourth indication information. Or, the response message includes: second indication information, third indication information, and fourth indication information.

[0085] The second indication information is used to instruct the terminal to perform PRS measurement using the third PRS configuration information, which is PRS configuration information acquired by the terminal before sending the on-demand PRS request message. The third indication information is used to indicate rejection of the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

[0086] After receiving the response message, the terminal can determine that the LMF device rejected the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal based on the third indication information, and determine the reason why the LMF device rejected the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal based on the fourth indication information.

[0087] In this case, the terminal can perform PRS measurement based on the second indication information and the acquired third PRS configuration information.

[0088] In the above embodiments, when the LMF device is unable to provide the terminal with the requested first PRS configuration information, the LMF device instructs the terminal to perform PRS measurement based on different PRS configuration information through different contents of the response message, resulting in high availability.

[0089] In some alternative embodiments, in addition to the information from the different situations described above, the response message may also include at least one of the following: target duration, and / or target cell identifier.

[0090] The target duration is used to indicate the shortest interval between when the terminal resends the on-demand PRS request, and the target cell identifier is the identifier of the target cell that always rejects the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the response message sent by the LMF to the terminal includes a target duration. The terminal can then initiate an on-demand PRS request message to the LMF device again after at least the target duration. During the time period corresponding to the target duration, the LMF will reject the on-demand PRS request messages sent by the terminal.

[0092] In another possible implementation, if the LMF device determines, based on the capability information of the base station or TRP (Transmission Receiving Point), that the base station or TRP does not support changes to the PRS configuration information, then the response message may include a target cell identifier, indicating the identifier of the target cell that consistently rejects the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal. The base station may include one or more TRPs, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0093] In another possible implementation, the response message sent by the LMF device to the terminal may include both the target duration and the target cell identifier.

[0094] The following are further examples illustrating the information content included in the response message.

[0095] For example, after receiving an on-demand PRS request message from a terminal, the LMF device determines, based on the base station or TRP's capability information, that the base station or TRP does not support changing the PRS configuration information. In this case, the response message sent by the LMF device to the terminal includes third indication information and a target cell identifier. The third indication information instructs the LMF device to reject the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal. The target cell identifier allows the terminal to avoid sending an on-demand PRS request message to the LMF device when it is in the target cell.

[0096] For example, after receiving an on-demand PRS request message from a terminal, if other terminals are using the requested first PRS configuration information for location purposes, the LMF device will send a response message to the terminal including a third indication, a fourth indication, and a target duration. The third indication instructs the LMF device to reject the on-demand PRS request, and the fourth indication instructs the LMF device to reject the request because other terminals are using the first PRS configuration information for location purposes. The target duration can be determined by the LMF device based on the time it takes for other terminals to complete location tasks. After receiving this response message, the terminal will send another on-demand PRS request message to the LMF device after at least the target duration.

[0097] The above is merely an illustrative example, and all information contained in the response message should fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the LMF device can include the target duration and / or target cell identifier in the response message to avoid the waste of terminal resources caused by the terminal frequently sending on-demand PRS request messages to the LMF device, thus ensuring high availability.

[0099] In some optional embodiments, when the response message sent by the LMF device includes second PRS configuration information, the second PRS configuration information can be carried in the target IE (Information Element) of the response message. The target IE is an IE used to indicate the set of on-demand PRS configuration information.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the response message is an LPP (Local Power Provider) auxiliary data message, and the target IE (Interceptor Entity) is the IE within the LPP auxiliary data message used to indicate the set of on-demand PRS (Personal Support for Responsible Statistical) configuration information. This IE is already included in the LPP auxiliary data message according to the protocol, thus eliminating the need to add a new IE to the LPP auxiliary data message to carry the second PRS configuration information. This saves signaling resources.

[0101] In the above embodiments, when the response message includes second PRS configuration information, the second PRS configuration information is carried in the target information element of the response message. The target information element is an information element used to indicate the set of on-demand PRS configuration information. This avoids the resource waste caused by carrying the second PRS configuration information through newly added information elements.

[0102] Next, we will introduce the on-demand positioning reference signal request method provided in this disclosure from the perspective of the terminal side.

[0103] This disclosure provides an on-demand positioning reference signal request method, referring to...Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an embodiment, which can be used in a terminal. The method may include the following steps: In step 301, an On-Demand Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) request message is sent to the Positioning Management Function (LMF) device. The On-Demand PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information.

[0104] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal can determine a PRS configuration information based on the on-demand PRS configuration information provided by the network-side device, and send an on-demand PRS request message to the LMF device to request the acquisition of the first PRS configuration information.

[0105] In step 302, in response to receiving a response message from the LMF device, based on the response message, it is determined that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0106] In the above embodiments, a corresponding solution is provided when the LMF device is unable to provide the requested first PRS configuration information to the terminal, and the availability is high.

[0107] In some optional embodiments, the on-demand PRS request message and the response message are LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages. Optionally, the on-demand PRS request message is an LPP request for auxiliary data message, and the response message is an LPP provide auxiliary data message.

[0108] In some alternative embodiments, the response message may include the following information: In step 402, in response to receiving a response message from the LMF device, it is determined based on the response message that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal; the response message includes: second PRS configuration information and first indication information.

[0109] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal to use the second PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement, and the second PRS configuration information is different from the first PRS configuration information requested by the terminal.

[0110] In other words, if the LMF device is unable to provide the terminal with the first PRS configuration information it requests, it can provide the terminal with second PRS configuration information that is different from the first PRS configuration information, and instruct the terminal to use the second PRS configuration information that is different from the first PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement through the first indication information.

[0111] Accordingly, refer to Figure 4 As shown,Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an embodiment, which can be used in a terminal. The method may include the following steps: In step 401, an On-Demand Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) request message is sent to the Positioning Management Function (LMF) device. The On-Demand PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information.

[0112] In step 402, in response to receiving a response message from the LMF device, based on the response message, it is determined that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0113] The response message includes: second PRS configuration information and first indication information; the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal to use the second PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement, and the second PRS configuration information is different from the first PRS configuration information requested by the terminal.

[0114] In step 403, PRS measurement is performed using the second PRS configuration information based on the first indication information.

[0115] In the above embodiments, after receiving the response message, the terminal can perform PRS measurement based on the first indication information therein and the second PRS configuration information included in the response message. In the case that the LMF device cannot provide the terminal with the requested first PRS configuration information, the terminal can perform PRS measurement based on the first indication information in the response message and the second PRS configuration information in the response message that is different from the first PRS configuration information, which is highly available.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned second PRS configuration information is carried in the target information element of the response message; wherein, the target information element is an information element used to indicate the set of on-demand PRS configuration information.

[0117] In step 502, in response to receiving a response message sent by the LMF device, it is determined based on the response message that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal; the response message includes: second indication information.

[0118] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal to perform PRS measurement using third PRS configuration information, which is PRS configuration information acquired by the terminal before sending the on-demand PRS request message. Accordingly, in order to save signaling resources, the response message does not need to include the third PRS configuration information.

[0119] Accordingly, refer toFigure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an embodiment, which can be used in a terminal. The method may include the following steps: In step 501, an On-Demand Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) request message is sent to the Positioning Management Function (LMF) device. The On-Demand PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information.

[0120] In step 502, in response to receiving a response message from the LMF device, based on the response message, it is determined that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0121] The response message includes: second indication information; the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal to use third PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement, the third PRS configuration information being the PRS configuration information that the terminal obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message.

[0122] In step 503, PRS measurement is performed using the third PRS configuration information based on the second indication information.

[0123] In the above embodiments, after receiving the response message, the terminal can perform PRS measurement based on the second indication information therein and the third PRS configuration information obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message. In the case that the LMF device cannot provide the terminal with the requested first PRS configuration information, the terminal can perform PRS measurement based on the second indication information in the response message and the third PRS configuration information obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message, which has high availability.

[0124] In step 602, in response to receiving a response message sent by the LMF device, it is determined based on the response message that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal; the response message includes only one of the following: third indication information, and / or, fourth indication information.

[0125] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the third indication information is used to indicate the rejection of the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

[0126] Furthermore, the third indication information and / or the fourth indication information are also used to instruct the terminal to perform PRS measurement using the third PRS configuration information, which is the PRS configuration information that the terminal has obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message.

[0127] Accordingly, refer to Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an embodiment, which can be used in a terminal. The method may include the following steps: In step 601, an On-Demand Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) request message is sent to the Positioning Management Function (LMF) device. The On-Demand PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information.

[0128] In step 602, in response to receiving a response message from the LMF device, based on the response message, it is determined that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0129] The response message includes a third indication message and / or a fourth indication message. The third indication message indicates that the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal is rejected, and the fourth indication message indicates the reason for rejecting the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal. Furthermore, the third and / or fourth indication messages also instruct the terminal to use third PRS configuration information for PRS measurement, whereby the third PRS configuration information is PRS configuration information acquired by the terminal before sending the on-demand PRS request message.

[0130] In step 603, PRS measurement is performed using the third PRS configuration information based on the third indication information and / or the fourth indication information.

[0131] In the above embodiments, after receiving the response message, the terminal can perform PRS measurement based on the third indication information and / or the fourth indication information therein, using the third PRS configuration information obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message, resulting in high availability.

[0132] Specifically, in response to receiving a response message from the LMF device, based on the response message, it is determined that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal. The response message includes: second PRS configuration information, first indication information, and third indication information. Alternatively, the response message includes: second PRS configuration information, first indication information, and fourth indication information. Or, the response message includes: second PRS configuration information, first indication information, third indication information, and fourth indication information.

[0133] and Figure 4 The process is similar to that shown; the terminal can perform PRS measurement based on the first instruction information and using the second PRS configuration information.

[0134] In response to receiving a response message from the LMF device, and based on the response message, determining that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal, the response message includes: second indication information and third indication information. Alternatively, the response message includes: second indication information and fourth indication information. Or, the response message includes: second indication information, third indication information, and fourth indication information.

[0135] and Figure 5 Similarly, the terminal can perform PRS measurement based on the second instruction information and the acquired third PRS configuration information.

[0136] In the above embodiments, when the LMF device is unable to provide the terminal with the requested first PRS configuration information, the terminal can perform corresponding actions based on different information contents in the response message, resulting in high availability.

[0137] In some alternative embodiments, the response message may further include at least one of the following: target duration, and / or, target cell identifier; The target duration is used to indicate the shortest interval between when the terminal resends the on-demand PRS request, and the target cell identifier is the identifier of the target cell that always rejects the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

[0138] Accordingly, refer to Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an embodiment, which can be used in a terminal. The method may include the following steps: In step 701, an On-Demand Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) request message is sent to the Positioning Management Function (LMF) device. The On-Demand PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information.

[0139] In step 702, in response to receiving a response message from the LMF device, based on the response message, it is determined that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0140] In addition to the aforementioned indication information, the response message may also include the target duration and / or the target cell identifier.

[0141] In step 703, after receiving the response message for at least the target duration, an on-demand PRS request message is sent to the LMF device again; and / or, in response to determining that it is located within the target cell, the on-demand PRS request message is no longer sent.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the terminal performs duration detection and, after at least the target duration, sends an on-demand PRS request message to the LMF device again.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the terminal performs cell detection. If the terminal determines that it is located within the target cell, it will no longer send on-demand PRS request messages to the LMF device.

[0144] In another possible implementation, the terminal performs duration detection and cell detection simultaneously.

[0145] For example, after at least the target time interval and after determining that it is not in the target cell, the terminal sends the on-demand PRS request message to the LMF device again.

[0146] For example, if the terminal moves into the target cell after a target time interval, it will not send on-demand PRS request messages to the LMF device during its time in the target cell.

[0147] For example, if the terminal has not reached the target duration from receiving the response message to leaving the target cell, it can wait until the target duration expires and then send an on-demand PRS request message to the LMF device again.

[0148] The above is merely an illustrative example; any scheme in which the terminal performs corresponding actions based on the response message should fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0149] In the above embodiments, the LMF device can include the target duration and / or target cell identifier in the response message. Based on the indication of the response message, the terminal avoids the waste of terminal resources caused by frequently sending on-demand PRS request messages to the LMF device, thus achieving high availability.

[0150] In some alternative embodiments, refer to Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to an embodiment, which may include the following steps: In step 801, the terminal sends an On-Demand Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) request message to the LMF device. The On-Demand PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information.

[0151] In step 802, the LMF device, in response to determining that it cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal, sends a response message to the terminal.

[0152] In step 803, based on the response message, the terminal determines that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0153] Of course, the terminal can perform different actions when the response message includes different information content. The specific process is the same as that in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0154] In the above embodiments, after receiving an on-demand PRS request message from a terminal, if the LMF device determines that it cannot provide the requested first PRS configuration information, it can send a response message to the terminal. Based on this response message, the terminal determines that the LMF device cannot provide the requested first PRS configuration information. This disclosure provides a corresponding solution with high availability when the LMF device cannot provide the requested first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0155] Corresponding to the aforementioned embodiments of the application function implementation method, this disclosure also provides embodiments of the application function implementation apparatus.

[0156] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a block diagram of an on-demand positioning reference signal request device according to an exemplary embodiment. The device is for a positioning management function (LMF) device and includes: The receiving module 901 is configured to receive an on-demand positioning reference signal (PRS) request message sent by the terminal, wherein the on-demand PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information. The first sending module 902 is configured to send a response message to the terminal in response to determining that it is unable to provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0157] Reference Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a block diagram of an on-demand positioning reference signal request device according to an exemplary embodiment. The device is for a terminal and includes: The second sending module 1001 is configured to send an on-demand positioning reference signal (PRS) request message to the positioning management function (LMF) device, wherein the on-demand PRS request message is used to request to obtain the first PRS configuration information. The determination module 1002 is configured to, in response to receiving a response message sent by the LMF device, determine, based on the response message, that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal.

[0158] For the device embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to in the description of the method embodiments. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this disclosure according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0159] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for performing any of the methods described above for the LMF device side.

[0160] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for performing any of the methods described above for use on a terminal side.

[0161] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides an on-demand positioning reference signal request device, comprising: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute any of the methods described above on the LMF device side.

[0162] like Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an on-demand positioning reference signal request device 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Device 1100 can be provided as an LMF device. (Refer to...) Figure 11 The device 1100 includes a processing component 1122, a wireless transmitting / receiving component 1124, an antenna component 1126, and a signal processing section specific to the wireless interface. The processing component 1122 may further include at least one processor.

[0163] One of the processors in processing component 1122 can be configured to perform any of the on-demand positioning reference signal request methods described above.

[0164] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides an on-demand positioning reference signal request device, comprising: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute any of the on-demand positioning reference signal request methods described above on the terminal side.

[0165] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating an on-demand positioning reference signal request device 1200 according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, device 1200 may be a terminal such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, e-book reader, multimedia playback device, wearable device, in-vehicle user equipment, iPad, smart TV, or autonomous driving device.

[0166] Reference Figure 12 The device 1200 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 1202, a memory 1204, a power supply component 1206, a multimedia component 1208, an audio component 1210, an input / output (I / O) interface 1212, a sensor component 1216, and a communication component 1218.

[0167] Processing component 1202 typically controls the overall operation of device 1200, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, random data access, camera operation, and recording operations. Processing component 1202 may include one or more processors 1220 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the channel monitoring method described above. Furthermore, processing component 1202 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between processing component 1202 and other components. For example, processing component 1202 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 1208 and processing component 1202. Alternatively, processing component 1202 may read executable instructions from memory to implement the steps of a channel monitoring method provided in the above embodiments.

[0168] Memory 1204 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of device 1200. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on device 1200, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 1204 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0169] Power supply component 1206 provides power to various components of device 1200. Power supply component 1206 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to device 1200.

[0170] The multimedia component 1208 includes a display screen that provides an output interface between the device 1200 and the user. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 1208 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When the device 1200 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or the rear-facing camera can receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0171] Audio component 1210 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 1210 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when device 1200 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 1204 or transmitted via communication component 1218. In some embodiments, audio component 1210 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0172] I / O interface 1212 provides an interface between processing component 1202 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0173] Sensor assembly 1216 includes one or more sensors for providing status assessments of various aspects of device 1200. For example, sensor assembly 1216 may detect the on / off state of device 1200, the relative positioning of components such as the display and keypad of device 1200, changes in the position of device 1200 or a component of device 1200, the presence or absence of user contact with device 1200, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of device 1200, and temperature changes of device 1200. Sensor assembly 1216 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 1216 may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 1216 may also include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0174] Communication component 1218 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between device 1200 and other devices. Device 1200 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 1218 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 1218 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0175] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 1200 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform any of the channel monitoring methods described above on the terminal side.

[0176] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 1204 including instructions, which can be executed by a processor 1220 of the device 1200 to complete the on-demand positioning reference signal request method described above. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0177] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0178] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for requesting on-demand positioning reference signals, characterized in that, The method is performed by a Location Management Function (LMF) device and includes: Receive an on-demand positioning reference signal (PRS) request message sent by the terminal, wherein the on-demand PRS request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information; In response to determining that the first PRS configuration information cannot be provided to the terminal, a response message is sent to the terminal; wherein the response message includes fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the reason for rejecting the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The on-demand PRS request message and the response message are LTE Location Protocol (LPP) messages. The on-demand PRS request message is an LPP request auxiliary data message, and the response message is an LPP provide auxiliary data message.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the response message includes only the fourth indication information, the fourth indication information is also used to instruct the terminal to use the third PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement. The third PRS configuration information is the PRS configuration information that the terminal has obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message.

4. A method for on-demand positioning reference signals, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal and includes: Send an On-Demand Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) Request message to the Positioning Management Function (LMF) device, wherein the On-Demand PRS Request message is used to request the acquisition of first PRS configuration information; In response to receiving a response message from the LMF device, based on the response message, it is determined that the LMF device cannot provide the first PRS configuration information to the terminal; wherein, the response message includes fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the reason for rejecting the on-demand PRS request sent by the terminal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The on-demand PRS request message and the response message are LTE Location Protocol (LPP) messages. The on-demand PRS request message is an LPP request auxiliary data message, and the response message is an LPP provide auxiliary data message.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, If the response message includes only the fourth indication information, the fourth indication information is also used to instruct the terminal to use the third PRS configuration information to perform PRS measurement. The third PRS configuration information is the PRS configuration information that the terminal has obtained before sending the on-demand PRS request message.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to any one of claims 1-3 or 4-6.

8. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes a terminal and a core network device, wherein the core network device is configured to implement the on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to any one of claims 1-3; and the terminal is configured to implement the on-demand positioning reference signal request method according to any one of claims 4-6.

9. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the on-demand positioning reference signal request method as described in any one of claims 1-3 or 4-6.

10. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the steps of the method described in claims 1-3 or 4-6.

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