Method for determining position information and communication equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a position information determination method and communication equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication, and the position information determination method comprises the steps that second equipment receives first information sent by first equipment, and the first information comprises position related information of environment-enabled Internet of Things AIoT equipment; and the second equipment determines second information according to the first information, and the second information is used for indicating the position information of the AIoT equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, specifically relating to a method for determining location information and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] Ambient power-enabled Internet of Things (AIoT) is a new IoT technology developed under the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). AIoT devices feature ultra-low complexity and power consumption, can be powered through energy harvesting, and communicate with other devices, such as User Equipment (UE). For example, an AIoT device (similar to a Radio Frequency Identification tag) can send data to a UE (similar to an RFID reader) or receive data sent by a UE to the AIoT device.

[0003] In some scenarios, it is often necessary to determine the location information of AIoT devices in order to perform corresponding operations based on their location. For example, the location information of AIoT devices can be used to improve AIoT operations and better execute AIoT services. However, in practical applications, the communication scenarios of AIoT devices are usually quite complex, and related technologies cannot yet accurately obtain the location information of AIoT devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method for determining location information and a communication device, which can solve the problem of how to determine the location information of AIoT devices.

[0005] Firstly, a method for determining location information is provided, executed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0006] The second device receives first information sent by the first device, the first information including location-related information of an environment-enabled AIoT device;

[0007] The second device determines second information based on the first information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0008] Secondly, a method for determining location information is provided, executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0009] The first device sends the first information to the second device;

[0010] The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0011] Thirdly, a method for determining location information is provided, executed by a base station, the method comprising:

[0012] The base station sends the first information to the core network equipment;

[0013] The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0014] Fourthly, a method for determining location information is provided, executed by the UE, the method including:

[0015] The UE sends first information to the core network equipment. The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device. The first information is used to determine second information. The second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0016] The UE sends part or all of the first information to the base station.

[0017] Fifthly, a method for determining location information is provided, executed by an AIoT device, the method comprising:

[0018] An AIoT device performs a first operation, the first operation being used to determine second information, the second information being used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device, the first operation including at least one of the following:

[0019] Communicate with the first device;

[0020] Determine its proximity to the first device;

[0021] Send device proximity information to the first device or core network device, the device proximity information including relevant information of the first device that is adjacent to the AIoT device.

[0022] Sixthly, a device for determining location information is provided, comprising:

[0023] A receiving module is used to receive first information sent by a first device, the first information including location-related information of an environment-enabled AIoT device.

[0024] The processing module is configured to determine second information based on the first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0025] In a seventh aspect, a device for determining location information is provided, comprising:

[0026] The sending module is used to send the first information to the second device;

[0027] The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0028] Eighthly, a device for determining location information is provided, comprising:

[0029] The sending module is used to send the first information to the core network equipment;

[0030] The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0031] Ninthly, a device for determining location information is provided, comprising:

[0032] The sending module is used for at least one of the following:

[0033] Send first information to the core network equipment, the first information including location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information being used to determine second information, the second information being used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device;

[0034] Send part or all of the first information to the base station.

[0035] In a tenth aspect, a device for determining location information is provided, comprising:

[0036] The processing module is configured to perform a first operation, wherein the first operation is configured to determine second information, wherein the second information is configured to indicate the location information of the AIoT device, and the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0037] Communicate with the first device;

[0038] Determine its proximity to the first device;

[0039] Send device proximity information to the first device or core network device, the device proximity information including relevant information of the first device that is adjacent to the AIoT device.

[0040] Eleventhly, a location information determining device is provided, the device being configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the method described in the second aspect, or the method described in the third aspect, or the method described in the fourth aspect, or the method described in the fifth aspect.

[0041] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0042] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive first information sent by a first device, the first information including location-related information of an environment-enabled Internet of Things (AIoT) device, and the processor is configured to determine second information based on the first information, the second information being used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device; or, the communication interface is configured to send the first information to a second device; wherein the first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0043] In a fourteenth aspect, a base station is provided, the base station including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the third aspect.

[0044] In a fifteenth aspect, a base station is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send first information to a core network device; wherein the first information includes location-related information of an AIoT device, the first information is used to determine second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0045] In a sixteenth aspect, a UE is provided, the UE including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0046] In a seventeenth aspect, a UE is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used for at least one of the following:

[0047] Send first information to the core network equipment, the first information including location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information being used to determine second information, the second information being used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device;

[0048] Send part or all of the first information to the base station.

[0049] In an eighteenth aspect, an AIoT device is provided, the AIoT device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the fifth aspect.

[0050] Nineteenth aspect, an AIoT device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to perform a first operation, the first operation being configured to determine second information, the second information being configured to indicate location information of the AIoT device, the first operation including at least one of the following:

[0051] Communicate with the first device;

[0052] Determine its proximity to the first device;

[0053] Send device proximity information to the first device or core network device, the device proximity information including relevant information of the first device that is adjacent to the AIoT device.

[0054] In a twentieth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect, or the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect, or the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect.

[0055] In a twentieth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, comprising a first device, a second device, and an AIoT device, wherein the second device is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, the first device is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or the method described in the third aspect, or the method described in the fourth aspect, and the AIoT device is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect.

[0056] In a twenty-second aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run programs or instructions to implement the method as described in the first aspect, or the method as described in the second aspect, or the method as described in the third aspect, or the method as described in the fourth aspect, or the method as described in the fifth aspect.

[0057] In a twenty-third aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, the computer program / program product being stored in a storage medium, the computer program / program product being executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method as described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method as described in the third aspect, or the steps of the method as described in the fourth aspect, or the steps of the method as described in the fifth aspect.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first device can send first information to the second device. The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, and the second device can determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the first information. Thus, when determining the location information of the AIoT device, the first device can first determine and report the location-related information of the AIoT device, and then the second device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the first device. This adapts to different communication scenarios of the AIoT device, thereby enabling accurate acquisition of the AIoT device's location information under different communication scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario of an AIoT device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario of an AIoT device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario of an AIoT device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario of an AIoT device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 7This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 13 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a location information determination device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a location information determination device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a location information determination device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a location information determination device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a location information determination device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network-side device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0081] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, not limited in number; for example, the first object can be one or more. Furthermore, "or" in this application indicates at least one of the connected objects. For example, the scope of protection for "A or B" covers at least three scenarios: Scenario 1: including A but not B; Scenario 2: including B but not A; Scenario 3: including both A and B. In addition, the terms "A and / or B," "at least one of A and B," and "at least one of A or B" also cover at least the above three scenarios. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0082] The term "instruction" in this application can be either a direct instruction (or explicit instruction) or an indirect instruction (or implicit instruction). A direct instruction can be understood as one in which the sender explicitly informs the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc., in the instruction sent. An indirect instruction can be understood as one in which the receiver determines the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or makes a judgment and determines the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc., based on the judgment result.

[0083] It is worth noting that the technologies described in this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), or other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in this application are often used interchangeably, and the described technologies can be used with the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as with other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and the term NR is used in most of the following description; however, these technologies can also be applied to systems other than NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) radio systems. th Generation 6G communication system.

[0084] Figure 1This diagram illustrates a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. The terminal 11 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld computer, netbook, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), mobile internet device (MID), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) device, robot, wearable device, flight vehicle, vehicle user equipment (VUE), shipboard equipment, pedestrian user equipment (PUE), smart home devices (home appliances with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, or furniture), game consoles, personal computers (PCs), ATMs, or self-service machines, etc. Wearable devices include: smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart chains, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among these, in-vehicle devices can also be referred to as in-vehicle terminals, in-vehicle controllers, in-vehicle modules, in-vehicle components, in-vehicle chips, or in-vehicle units, etc. It should be noted that the specific type of terminal 11 is not limited in this application embodiment. Network-side equipment 12 may include access network equipment or core network equipment, wherein access network equipment may also be referred to as Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment, radio access network function, or radio access network unit. Access network equipment may include base stations, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access points (AS), or Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) nodes, etc.The term "base station" can be referred to as Node B (NB), Evolved Node B (eNB), Next Generation Node B (gNB), New Radio Node B (NR Node B), Access Point, Relay Base Station (RBS), Serving Base Station (SBS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), Radio Base Station, Radio Transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), Home Node B (HNB), Home Evolved Node B, Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), or any other suitable term in the relevant field, as long as the same technical effect is achieved. The term "base station" is not limited to any specific technical terminology. It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses a base station in an NR system as an example for description and does not limit the specific type of base station.

[0085] Core network equipment, also known as core network nodes, core network functions, or core network elements, includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Centralized network configuration (CNC), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Local NEF (or L-NEF), and Binding Support Function. Support Functions (BSF), Application Functions (AF), Location Management Functions (LMF), Gateway Mobile Location Centres (GMLC), and Network Data Analytics Functions (NWDAF), etc. It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses core network equipment in the NR system as an example and does not limit the specific type of core network equipment. If the name of the core network equipment mentioned in this application embodiment changes in subsequent protocol versions (e.g., 6G), it will still be within the scope of protection of this application.

[0086] Optionally, the core network equipment can be implemented by one or more functional modules in a single device, or by multiple devices working together; this application does not specifically limit this. It is understood that the aforementioned functional modules can be network elements in hardware devices, software functional modules running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functional modules instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0087] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a communication scenario to which embodiments of this application can be applied.

[0088] Figure 2 The communication scenario shown includes a base station (which can be represented as a BS or AIoT BS) 21 and an AIoT device 22. The base station 21 and the small base station coexist at the same location. During communication, the base station 21 can send an R2D (Reader to Device) message to the AIoT device 22, and the AIoT device 22 performs a backscatter, i.e., transmits a D2R (Device to Reader) message to the base station 21.

[0089] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a communication scenario to which embodiments of this application can be applied is shown.

[0090] Figure 3 The communication scenario shown includes a base station (which can be represented as a BS or AIoT BS) 21, an intermediate node 31, and an AIoT device 22. The base station 21 and the large base station coexist on the same site, and the indoor UE can act as an intermediate node. During communication, the base station 21 can control the UE through air interface signaling. The UE sends an R2D message to the AIoT device 22, and the AIoT device 22 performs backscattering, that is, performs D2R message transmission to the UE. Then, the UE forwards the response of the AIoT device 22 to the base station 21 through the air interface.

[0091] The method for determining location information and the communication device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, this application embodiment provides a method 400 for determining location information. This method for determining location information can be executed by a second device. In other words, this method for determining location information can be executed by software or hardware installed on the second device. The method for determining location information includes the following steps.

[0093] S402: The second device receives first information sent by the first device, the first information including location-related information of the environment-enabled Internet of Things (AIoT) device.

[0094] When it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the first device can send first information to the second device, and the second device can receive the first information sent by the first device. The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device. This location-related information can be information related to the relative location of the AIoT device or information related to the absolute location of the AIoT device; no specific limitation is made here. Optionally, the first device can be represented as a reader or reader-writer, and correspondingly, the AIoT device can be represented as a tag.

[0095] S404: The second device determines the second information based on the first information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0096] After receiving the first information, the second device can determine the second information based on the first information. The second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device. For example, the first information can be analyzed, and the second information can be determined based on the analysis results. Alternatively, if the second device receives multiple pieces of first information from multiple first devices, it can statistically analyze the multiple pieces of first information and determine the second information based on the statistical results. The location information of the AIoT device indicated by the second information can be either the absolute location information or the relative location information of the AIoT device; no specific limitation is made here.

[0097] In this way, when determining the location information of an AIoT device, other devices (i.e., the first device) can first determine and report the location-related information of the AIoT device, and then the second device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the other devices. This can adapt to different communication scenarios of AIoT devices, and thus accurately obtain the location information of AIoT devices under different communication scenarios.

[0098] In some implementations, the location-related information of the AIoT device may include at least one of the following (a1) to (a5):

[0099] (a1) Identification of the first device.

[0100] The identifier for the first device can be represented as a Reader identifier, which can be used to identify the first device that is adjacent to the AIoT device.

[0101] Optionally, if the first device is a UE, then the identifier of the first device is the identifier of the UE, and the UE is adjacent to the AIoT device. If the first device is a base station, then the identifier of the first device may include at least one of the identifier of the UE and the identifier of the base station, and the UE and the base station are adjacent to the AIoT device.

[0102] (a2) Location information of the first device.

[0103] The location information of the first device can be either its absolute location information or its relative location information.

[0104] Optionally, if the first device is a UE, then the location information of the first device is the location information of the UE, and the UE is adjacent to the AIoT device. If the first device is a base station, then the location information of the first device may include at least one of the location information of the UE and the location information of the base station, and the UE and the base station are adjacent to the AIoT device. Optionally, the location information of the base station may be represented by a cell identifier.

[0105] (a3) Indication of proximity of the first device to the AIoT device.

[0106] Optionally, in some implementations, the proximity indicator may be used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0107] Proximity / distance to AIoT devices;

[0108] Likelihood or confidence in the proximity / distance of AIoT devices.

[0109] The indication of the probability or confidence level of being near / far from an AIoT device may include at least one of the following:

[0110] Hard value: Indicates 'far' or 'near' using '0' or '1', where '0' represents 'far' and '1' represents 'near', or '1' represents 'far' and '0' represents 'near';

[0111] Soft value: A value in the range of 0 to 1 (e.g., 0, 0.1, 0.2, ... 0.9, 1) represents 'far / near'. The larger the value, the higher the probability. '0' represents 'far' and '1' represents 'near', or '1' represents 'far' and '0' represents 'near'.

[0112] (a4) Indication of the association of the first device with an AIoT device.

[0113] For example, instructions for the deployment of the first device in association with AIoT devices.

[0114] (a5) Measurement results of the first device on the AIoT device.

[0115] The measurement result here can be the measurement result of the first device on the received signal from the AIoT device when the first device communicates with the AIoT device. Optionally, in some embodiments, the measurement result may include at least one of the following (b1) and (b5):

[0116] (b1) Signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device.

[0117] The signal strength here is the unadjusted signal strength detected by the first device.

[0118] (b2) The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device after adjustment.

[0119] The signal strength here is the adjusted signal strength detected in (b1). This adjusted signal strength could be, for example, the strength after removing the AIoT device return loss or amplification gain.

[0120] (b3) Road loss between the first device and the AIoT device.

[0121] The path loss here can be the path loss of D2R, or the path loss of R2D, or the path loss of both D2R and R2D. For example, the path loss is the transmit power of the first device minus the received signal strength of the AIoT device, or the path loss after removing the return loss or amplification gain of the AIoT device.

[0122] Since the road loss parameter is comparable, the greater the road loss, the farther the distance between the first device and the AIoT device. Therefore, by reporting the road loss to the second device, the second device can determine the distance between the first device and the AIoT device, so as to accurately obtain the location information of the AIoT.

[0123] (b4) Distance between the first device and the AIoT device.

[0124] The unit of distance here can be meters. For example, the distance between the first device and the AIoT device is x meters, where x is a positive number.

[0125] (b5) First time difference, which includes the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device.

[0126] Here, the first time difference can be expressed as the difference between the receiving time Rx time and the transmitting time Tx time of the first device (Rx-Tx time difference). Wherein, the first device's Rx time is the time it receives the D2R signal from the AIoT device, and the first device's Tx time is the time it transmits the R2D signal. The signal transmitted by the first device is the signal sent by the first device to the AIoT device. The signal received by the first device is the signal sent by the AIoT device to the first device. The signal transmitted by the AIoT device can be a response signal to the signal sent by the first device to the AIoT device.

[0127] Optionally, the first time difference can also be the result of subtracting the Rx-Tx time difference of the AIoT device from the Rx-Tx time difference of the first device. Here, the Rx time of the first device is the time it takes for the first device to receive the D2R signal from the AIoT device, and the Tx time of the first device is the time it takes for the first device to send the R2D signal. Similarly, the Rx time of the AIoT device is the time it takes for the AIoT device to receive the R2D signal from the first device, and the Tx time of the AIoT device is the time it takes for the AIoT device to send the D2R signal. Optionally, the Rx-Tx time difference of the AIoT device can be pre-configured or defined, for example, by a control command indicating a fixed time.

[0128] In this embodiment, the first information received by the second device can be first information sent by one first device, or multiple first information sent by multiple first devices. That is, the second device receiving the first information sent by the first device can include: the second device receiving multiple first information sent by multiple first devices. Correspondingly, when determining the second information, the second device can determine the second information based on the first information sent by one first device, or based on the multiple first information sent by multiple first devices. In some embodiments, the second information determined by the second device can include at least one of the following (c1) to (c4):

[0129] (c1) Device identifier, used to indicate one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device.

[0130] The device identifier may be represented as a Reader identifier. In some implementations, one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device include at least one of the following:

[0131] One or more first devices (the latest reader or the latestreaders) that are most recently adjacent to the AIoT device; in this case, the device identifier can be one device identifier or multiple device identifiers, used to indicate one device that is most recently adjacent to the AIoT device or multiple devices that are simultaneously adjacent to the AIoT device;

[0132] The one or more nearest first devices to the AIoT device (the nearest Reader);

[0133] One or more first devices that are adjacent to the AIoT device within a specified time period; if there are multiple first devices, the multiple first devices may be adjacent to the AIoT device simultaneously or sequentially; optionally, for multiple first devices that are adjacent to the AIoT device sequentially, the multiple first devices can be ordered in chronological order, which can help determine the historical location of the AIoT device; for multiple first devices that are adjacent to the AIoT device simultaneously, it can help indicate the existence of intermediate nodes (such as UEreader) or multiple devices in a transmit / receive separation scenario;

[0134] One or more first devices associated with an AIoT device; wherein the AIoT device and the associated one or more first devices are in proximity; for example, the AIoT device and the first devices may be deployed together, either fixed or moving together, but maintaining a proximity relationship.

[0135] It should be noted that using a device identifier to indicate the location information of the AIoT device can be a relative location relative to the first device; that is, the location of the AIoT device using the device identifier is relative. This method is relatively simple for network deployments where the first device is fixed. Alternatively, the AIoT device can be associated with the first device. In this case, even if both the first device and the AIoT device are moving, it is still suitable to use the associated first device to represent the location information of the AIoT device.

[0136] (c2) First location information, used to indicate the geographic location information (or absolute location information) of the AIoT device.

[0137] In some implementations, the first location information may include at least one of the following:

[0138] Location information of one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device; the one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device can be referred to in the relevant description in (c1) above, and will not be repeated here;

[0139] The location information is determined based on the location information of one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device. For example, the center position of multiple first devices adjacent to the AIoT device can be used as the location information of the AIoT device. Taking the AIoT device being adjacent to two first devices as an example, the location information of the AIoT device can be the midpoint of the positions of the two first devices.

[0140] It should be noted that the first location information used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device is absolute location information, meaning that the positioning of the AIoT device using the first location information is absolute positioning. This absolute positioning is obtained based on the position of the first device. This method can accurately obtain the location information of the AIoT device even when the first device is moving and the AIoT device is stationary, or when both the first device and the AIoT device are stationary.

[0141] (c3) Device movement information, used to indicate that one or more first devices that are near or associated with the AIoT device are stationary, moving, indoors or outdoors.

[0142] For example, if the first device is stationary or indoors, the AIoT device can be relatively positioned based on its location. If the first device is mobile, the location information of the AIoT device can be represented based on its current absolute location, such as its geographic location.

[0143] (c4) Valid Time: Used to indicate the valid time of location information of AIoT devices.

[0144] The valid time period can be x seconds, x minutes, x hours, or x days, etc., without specific limitations. Within the valid time period, the location information of the AIoT device is valid; after the valid time period, the location information of the AIoT device becomes invalid. For example, considering the movement of the first device and the AIoT device, the location information of the AIoT device needs a valid time period. From the moment the location information of the AIoT device is acquired, it is valid within the valid time period; after the valid time period, the location information of the AIoT device becomes invalid.

[0145] In some implementations, the second device can receive multiple first messages sent by multiple first devices. In this case, the second device determines the location information of the AIoT device based on the first messages, which may include:

[0146] The second device determines the target device from among the multiple first devices based on multiple first messages sent by the multiple first devices;

[0147] The second device determines the second information based on the target device.

[0148] The target device can be one of a plurality of first devices. In some embodiments, the target device can satisfy at least one of the following:

[0149] Shortest distance to AIoT devices;

[0150] Minimizes path loss with AIoT devices;

[0151] The target device has the smallest first time difference;

[0152] The detected AIoT device had the strongest signal strength;

[0153] The signal strength of the detected AIoT device is the highest after adjustment.

[0154] The distance, path loss, first time difference, signal strength, and adjusted signal strength mentioned here can be found in the relevant descriptions of the measurement results of the first device above, and will not be repeated here. If the target device satisfies at least one of the above conditions, the target device is the device closest to the AIoT device among multiple first devices. The second information determined by the second device based on the target device may include at least one of the following: the target device's identifier, the target device's geographical location information, the target device's movement information, and the effective time.

[0155] In this way, when the second device receives first information from multiple first devices, that is, when the AIoT device is close to multiple first devices, the second device can select the target device closest to the AIoT device from the multiple first devices and determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the target device. Therefore, the location information of the AIoT device can be determined more accurately.

[0156] In some implementations, the second device may perform the following operations:

[0157] The second device sends a first request message to the first device, which requests the first device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0158] Specifically, when it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the second device can send a first request message to the first device to request the first device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device. After receiving the first request message, the first device can communicate with the AIoT device based on the first request message and generate the location-related information of the AIoT device, i.e., the first information, and then send the location-related information of the AIoT device to the second device.

[0159] In this way, since the first device will only report the location-related information of the AIoT device, i.e., the first information, when the second device sends the first request information to the first device, that is, when the first device is configured to report the location-related information of the AIoT device, it is convenient to save signaling overhead.

[0160] In some implementations, the first request information described above may include at least one of the following:

[0161] The instruction to report first information is used to instruct the reporting of first information. The first information can be found in the above explanation of the first information, and will not be described again here.

[0162] Configuration information is used by the first device to identify AIoT devices that are near the first device.

[0163] Optionally, the configuration information may include at least one of the following (d1) to (d5):

[0164] (d1) First signal strength threshold: when the signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device or the signal strength of the AIoT device after adjustment is greater than or equal to the first signal strength threshold, it indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device.

[0165] For the first device, if the signal strength transmitted by the detected AIoT device exceeds a first signal strength threshold, it can determine or report that it is near an AIoT device. Alternatively, if the adjusted AIoT signal strength exceeds the first signal strength threshold, it can report either the AIoT signal strength or the adjusted AIoT signal strength.

[0166] It's important to note that the AIoT signal strength detected by the first device differs from the adjusted AIoT signal strength. The detected AIoT signal strength is the actual signal strength measured by the first device from the AIoT device it transmits. Considering that different first devices may have different transmission powers, the AIoT signal strengths detected by different first devices are not comparable and cannot accurately determine distance. The adjusted AIoT signal strength, however, is based on the detected AIoT signal strength and is adjusted accordingly. The adjusted AIoT signal strength facilitates comparison of reported values ​​from different first devices by network-side devices, thereby comparing the distance between different first devices and the AIoT devices.

[0167] (d2) First path loss threshold: when the path loss of the AIoT device detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first path loss threshold, it indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device.

[0168] For the first device, if the path loss detected by the first device from the AIoT device is lower than the first path loss threshold, the first device determines or reports that it is near the AIoT device.

[0169] (d3) AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters, used by the first device to adjust the detected AIoT signal strength.

[0170] The AIoT signal strength adjustment parameter is used to adjust the AIoT signal strength detected by the first device before reporting it, thereby making the AIoT signal strength reported by different devices for the same AIoT device comparable. For example, the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameter indicates the reference transmit power of the first device. The transmit power of the first device may differ from the reference transmit power, so the AIoT signal strength measured by the first device needs to be adjusted according to the reference transmit power before reporting, thus making the AIoT signal strength reported by different devices comparable.

[0171] (d4) First distance threshold: when the distance of the AIoT device detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first distance threshold, it indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device.

[0172] For the first device, if the first device detects that the distance to the AIoT device does not exceed a first distance threshold, it determines that it is close to the AIoT device.

[0173] (d5) First time difference threshold: when the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device is less than or equal to the first time difference threshold, it indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device.

[0174] For the first device, if the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device does not exceed the first time difference threshold, then the first device is considered to be close to the AIoT device.

[0175] In some implementations, the second device may perform the following operations:

[0176] The second device receives device proximity information sent by the AIoT device, which includes relevant information about the first device that is near the AIoT device.

[0177] The second device determines the location information of the AIoT device based on the device proximity information and the first information.

[0178] Specifically, when an AIoT device communicates with other devices, it can determine whether it is near other devices based on the communication results. If it is determined to be near a first device, the AIoT device can report its proximity information to a second device. After receiving the proximity information, the second device can jointly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the proximity information and the first information sent by the first device. Specifically, when reporting proximity information, if the AIoT device can communicate directly with the second device, it can send the proximity information directly to the second device. If the AIoT device cannot communicate directly with the second device, it can first send the proximity information to other devices, which will then forward it to the second device.

[0179] In this way, since the second device can determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the device proximity information reported by the AIoT device, the AIoT device can be accurately located.

[0180] Optionally, the device proximity information reported by the AIoT device may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first device, the location information of the first device, an indication that the first device is near the AIoT device, an indication that the first device is associated with the AIoT device, and the measurement results of the AIoT device on the first device. The measurement results of the AIoT device on the first device may include at least one of the following:

[0181] The signal strength of the first device detected by the AIoT device;

[0182] The signal strength of the first device detected by the AIoT device is adjusted;

[0183] Road loss between AIoT devices and the first device;

[0184] The distance between the AIoT device and the first device;

[0185] The difference between the sending time and the receiving time of an AIoT device.

[0186] For explanations of the above measurement results, please refer to the explanation of the measurement results of the first device for AIoT, which will not be described in detail here.

[0187] In some implementations, the AIoT device can also report based on instructions from the second device. For example, upon receiving a first request message from the second device, the AIoT device can report device proximity information to the second device, thereby saving signaling overhead. The first request message can be found in the explanation above and will not be repeated here.

[0188] In some implementations, the AIoT device in the above embodiments can be a single AIoT device, which can be represented using an AIoT device identifier. It is understood that the location information of the AIoT devices determined by the second device can be indicated separately for each AIoT device.

[0189] In other embodiments, the AIoT devices in the above embodiments can also be a group or a class of AIoT devices, which can be represented using AIoT device grouping numbers or filtering information. It is understood that the location information of the AIoT devices determined by the second device can be indicated for each group or class of AIoT devices. For example, if a group of AIoT devices is deployed in a specific area, and this group of AIoT devices is adjacent to a certain Reader, then the proximity of the Reader to the group of AIoT devices can be used to represent the location information of that group of AIoT devices. Thus, by maintaining the location information of a group of AIoT devices or a class of AIoT devices, compared to maintaining the location information of a single AIoT device, it helps to save the storage space required for location information.

[0190] In the above embodiments, the first device includes a device adjacent to the AIoT device, and the second device includes a network-side device. In some embodiments, the first device may be a base station, and correspondingly, the second device may be a core network device; or, the first device may be a UE, and the second device may be a core network device; or, the first device may be a UE, and the second device may be a base station. In some embodiments:

[0191] Core network equipment may include AMF or AF;

[0192] Base stations include base stations responsible for receiving and transmitting (i.e., the base station that receives D2R signals sent by AIoT devices and the base station that sends R2D signals to AIoT devices are the same base station), or base stations responsible for receiving (such as the base station responsible for receiving D2R signals sent by AIoT devices in a split architecture), or base stations responsible for transmitting (such as the base station responsible for sending R2D signals to AIoT devices in a split architecture).

[0193] UEs include UEs responsible for receiving and transmitting (i.e., the UE that receives D2R signals sent by AIoT devices and the UE that sends R2D signals to AIoT devices are the same UE), or UEs responsible for receiving (such as the UE responsible for receiving D2R signals sent by AIoT devices in a split architecture), or UEs responsible for transmitting (such as the UE responsible for sending R2D signals to AIoT devices in a split architecture).

[0194] by Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The communication scenario shown is an example.

[0195] exist Figure 2 In the communication scenario shown, the Reader adjacent to the AIoT device is the base station, and the first device can be the base station, which is responsible for receiving and transmitting.

[0196] exist Figure 3 In the communication scenario shown, the Reader adjacent to the AIoT device is at least one of a base station and an intermediate node (such as a UE). The first device can be a base station, which is responsible for receiving and transmitting, or the first device can be an intermediate node, which is responsible for receiving and transmitting.

[0197] exist Figure 5 In the communication scenario shown, the Reader adjacent to the AIoT device is at least one of R1 and R2, and the first device can be at least one of R1 and R2. R1 is the Reader that transmits R2D signals, and R2 is the Reader that receives D2R signals.

[0198] exist Figure 6 In the communication scenario shown, R1 is a UE Reader that transmits R2D signals, and R2 is a UE Reader that receives D2R signals. R1 and R2 communicate with the BS. The Reader near the AIoT device can be at least one of the BS, R1, and R2. The first device can be at least one of the BS, R1, and R2.

[0199] In the case where the first device is R1, and the UE Reader that is about to transmit the R2D signal acts as a Reader adjacent to the AIoT device, due to... Figure 6 In the communication scenario shown, in order to ensure that the signal strength of the CW2D or R2D signal reaching the AIoT device is strong enough, the distance between the AIoT device and the UE Reader that transmits the R2D signal should be as small as possible. Therefore, using the UE Reader that transmits the R2D signal as a neighboring Reader can help select a suitable Reader responsible for transmitting the R2D signal.

[0200] When the first device is R2, and the UE Reader that receives the D2R signal is used as the Reader that is close to the AIoT device, it is convenient for the UE Reader that receives the D2R signal to receive the signal of the AIoT device to determine the distance, thereby determining whether the UE Reader is close to the AIoT device.

[0201] In the case where the first device includes R1 and R2, and the UE Reader that transmits the R2D signal and the UE Reader that receives the D2R signal are both Readers that are close to the AIoT device, the AIoT device’s close-range Reader includes multiple Readers that communicate with the AIoT device. This can help to continue communicating with multiple Readers that are close to the AIoT device in the future.

[0202] In the case where the first device includes at least one of R1 and R2 and BS, and at least one of the UEReader that transmits R2D signals and the UEReader that receives D2R signals and BS is a Reader that is near the AIoT device, the near Reader of the AIoT device includes multiple Readers that communicate with the AIoT device, which can help to continue to communicate with multiple Readers near the AIoT device in the future.

[0203] In some implementations, where the second device includes a base station and the first device includes a UE, the following steps may also be included:

[0204] The second device sends third information to the core network device. The third information may include at least one of the following:

[0205] The identification of the second device;

[0206] Location information of the second device;

[0207] First information.

[0208] In other words, when the second device includes a base station and the first device includes a UE, the second device can report at least one of the first information, the identifier of the second device, and the location information of the second device to a core network device so that the core network device can determine the location information of the AIoT device based on this information.

[0209] In some implementations, where the second device includes a base station and the first device includes a UE, the following steps may also be included:

[0210] The second device receives a second request message sent by the core network device. The second request message is used to request the second device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0211] The second request information includes some or all of the content of the first request information mentioned above. Upon receiving the second request information from the core network device, the second device can send third information to the core network device. Thus, since the second device only reports the location-related information of the AIoT device (i.e., the third information) after the core network device has sent the second request information to it (i.e., when the second device is configured to report the location-related information of the AIoT device), signaling overhead can be saved.

[0212] In this embodiment, the second device can receive first information sent by the first device. The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device. The second device determines the location information of the AIoT device based on the first information. Thus, when determining the location information of the AIoT device, other devices can first determine and report the location-related information of the AIoT device, and then the second device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the other devices. This adapts to different communication scenarios of the AIoT device, thereby enabling accurate acquisition of the AIoT device's location information under different communication scenarios.

[0213] like Figure 7 As shown, this application embodiment provides a method 700 for determining location information. This method for determining location information can be executed by a first device. In other words, this method for determining location information can be executed by software or hardware installed on the first device. The method for determining location information includes the following steps.

[0214] S702: The first device sends first information to the second device, wherein the first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0215] When it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the first device can send first information to the second device. The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, which can be information related to the relative or absolute location of the AIoT device; no specific limitation is made here. The first information can be used to determine second information, which indicates the location information of the AIoT device. Specifically, the second information can be used by the second device to determine the location information of the AIoT device, which can be relative or absolute location information of the AIoT device; no specific limitation is made here either. Optionally, the first device can be represented as a reader, and correspondingly, the AIoT device can be represented as a tag.

[0216] In this way, when determining the location information of an AIoT device, the first device can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the second device, and then the second device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the first device. Therefore, it can adapt to different communication scenarios of AIoT devices, and thus accurately obtain the location information of AIoT devices under different communication scenarios.

[0217] In some implementations, the location-related information mentioned above may include at least one of the following:

[0218] The identification of the first device;

[0219] Location information of the first device;

[0220] An indication of the proximity of the first device to an AIoT device;

[0221] Indication of the association between the first device and the AIoT device;

[0222] The first device's measurement results of the AIoT device;

[0223] The measurement results of the first device on the AIoT device may include at least one of the following:

[0224] The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device;

[0225] The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device after adjustment;

[0226] The path loss between the first device and the AIoT device;

[0227] The distance between the first device and the AIoT device;

[0228] The first time difference includes the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device.

[0229] For explanations of the above information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The explanation of location-related information in the illustrated embodiments will not be described in detail here.

[0230] Optionally, in some implementations, the following steps may also be included:

[0231] The first device receives a first request message sent by the second device. The first request message is used to request the first device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0232] Specifically, when it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the second device can send a first request message to the first device to request the first device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device. After receiving the first request message, the first device can communicate with the AIoT device based on the first request message and generate the location-related information of the AIoT device, i.e., the first information, and then send the location-related information of the AIoT device to the second device.

[0233] In this way, since the first device will only report the location-related information of the AIoT device, i.e., the first information, when the second device sends the first request information to the first device, that is, when the first device is configured to report the location-related information of the AIoT device, it is convenient to save signaling overhead.

[0234] In some implementations, the first request information described above may include at least one of the following:

[0235] The instruction to report first information is used to instruct the reporting of first information. The first information can be found in the above explanation of the first information, and will not be described again here.

[0236] Configuration information is used by the first device to identify AIoT devices that are near the first device.

[0237] Optionally, the configuration information may include at least one of the following:

[0238] The first signal strength threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device or the signal strength after adjustment of the signal strength is greater than or equal to the first signal strength threshold.

[0239] The first path loss threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device if the path loss of the AIoT device detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first path loss threshold.

[0240] AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters are used to adjust the AIoT signal strength detected by the first device;

[0241] The first distance threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device if the distance detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first distance threshold.

[0242] The first time difference threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device if the difference between the receiving time and the transmitting time of the first device is less than or equal to the first time difference threshold.

[0243] For explanations of the above configuration information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4The explanation of the configuration information in the illustrated embodiments will not be described in detail here.

[0244] In the above embodiments, the first device includes a device adjacent to the AIoT device, and the second device includes a network-side device.

[0245] In some implementations, the first device may be a base station, and correspondingly, the second device may be a core network device; or, the first device may be a UE and the second device may be a core network device; or, the first device may be a UE and the second device may be a base station.

[0246] In some implementation methods:

[0247] Core network equipment may include AMF or AF;

[0248] Base stations include base stations responsible for receiving and transmitting (i.e., the base station that receives D2R signals sent by AIoT devices and the base station that sends R2D signals to AIoT devices are the same base station), or base stations responsible for receiving (such as the base station responsible for receiving D2R signals sent by AIoT devices in a split architecture), or base stations responsible for transmitting (such as the base station responsible for sending R2D signals to AIoT devices in a split architecture).

[0249] UEs include UEs responsible for receiving and transmitting (i.e., the UE that receives D2R signals sent by AIoT devices and the UE that sends R2D signals to AIoT devices are the same UE), or UEs responsible for receiving (such as the UE responsible for receiving D2R signals sent by AIoT devices in a split architecture), or UEs responsible for transmitting (such as the UE responsible for sending R2D signals to AIoT devices in a split architecture).

[0250] In some implementations, where the second device includes core network equipment and the first device includes a base station, the following steps may also be included:

[0251] The first device receives the fourth information sent by the UE, which includes relevant information about the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device;

[0252] The first piece of information also includes the fourth piece of information.

[0253] Specifically, when the UE determines that it is near an AIoT device, it can send relevant proximity information, i.e., fourth information, to the first device. After receiving the fourth information, the first device can send it to the second device along with the first information. In this way, the second device can determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the relevant proximity information between the UE and the AIoT device, thereby accurately locating the AIoT device.

[0254] In some implementations, the proximity information between the UE and the AIoT device may include at least one of the following:

[0255] UE identifier;

[0256] UE location information;

[0257] Indication of proximity between the UE and AIoT devices;

[0258] Indicator of UE association with AIoT devices;

[0259] UE's measurement results of AIoT devices;

[0260] The measurement results of the UE on the AIoT device may include at least one of the following:

[0261] Signal strength of AIoT devices detected by the UE;

[0262] The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the UE after adjustment;

[0263] Path loss between UE and AIoT devices;

[0264] The distance between the UE and the AIoT device;

[0265] The difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time.

[0266] The explanations of the above-mentioned information regarding the proximity of the UE and AIoT devices can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The explanation of the location-related information of the AIoT device in the illustrated embodiment (replacing the first device in each piece of location-related information with UE) will not be repeated here.

[0267] In some implementations, where the second device includes core network equipment and the first device includes a base station, the following steps may also be included:

[0268] The first device sends a third request message to the UE, which is used to request the UE to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0269] Specifically, when it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the first device can send a third request message to the UE to request the UE to report the location-related information of the AIoT device. After receiving the third request message, the UE can communicate with the AIoT device based on the third request message and generate the location-related information of the AIoT device, i.e., the fourth information, and then send the fourth information to the first device.

[0270] In this way, since the UE will only report the location-related information of the AIoT device (i.e., the fourth information) when the first device sends the third request information to the UE, that is, when the UE is configured to report the location-related information of the AIoT device, it is convenient to save signaling overhead.

[0271] In some implementations, the third request information may include part or all of the content of the first request information. For details, please refer to the explanation of the first request information above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0272] In some implementations, where the second device includes core network equipment and the first device includes a base station, the first device may include the following when receiving the fourth information sent by the UE:

[0273] The first device receives multiple fourth messages sent by multiple UEs.

[0274] In this case, it may also include:

[0275] The first device determines the target UE from multiple UEs based on multiple fourth pieces of information;

[0276] The first device determines the fifth information based on the target UE. The fifth information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0277] The first piece of information includes the fifth piece of information.

[0278] In other words, when the first device receives multiple fourth pieces of information from multiple UEs, it can identify the target UE from among the multiple UEs, and then determine the fifth pieces of information to indicate the location information of the AIoT device based on the target UE. This fifth piece of information is then carried along with the first pieces of information and sent to the core network device. In this way, the core network device can accurately obtain the location information of the AIoT device based on the fifth pieces of information.

[0279] In some implementations, the target UE may satisfy at least one of the following:

[0280] Shortest distance to AIoT devices;

[0281] Minimizes path loss with AIoT devices;

[0282] The difference between the target UE's reception time and transmission time is minimized;

[0283] The detected AIoT device had the strongest signal strength;

[0284] The signal strength of the detected AIoT device is the highest after adjustment.

[0285] In some implementations, where the second device includes core network equipment and the first device includes a UE, or where the second device includes a base station and the first device includes a UE, the following steps may also be included:

[0286] The first device executes AIoT services based on the first request information;

[0287] The first device determines whether it is near an AIoT device;

[0288] The first device generates first information upon determining its proximity to an AIoT device.

[0289] The first request information is sent by the second device to the first device, requesting the first device to report location-related information of the AIoT device. Upon receiving the first request information, the first device can perform AIoT services based on it. In some embodiments, the first device performing AIoT services based on the first request information may include at least one of the following:

[0290] The first device communicates with the AIoT device;

[0291] The first device measures the signal sent by the AIoT device to obtain the signal strength of the AIoT device;

[0292] The first device measures the signal sent by the AIoT device to obtain the distance to the AIoT device;

[0293] The first device receives measurement assistance information sent by the AIoT device, which may include at least one of the gain of the transmitting antenna of the AIoT device and the gain of the receiving antenna of the AIoT device.

[0294] The first device adjusts the signal strength of the detected AIoT device based on the first request information;

[0295] The first device obtains the distance between itself and the AIoT device based on the first request information.

[0296] After executing an AIoT service, the first device can determine whether it is near an AIoT device based on the service execution result, and if it is determined to be near an AIoT device, it generates first information. The determination of proximity by the first device to an AIoT device may include at least one of the following:

[0297] The first device receives an indication message sent by the AIoT device, which indicates that the AIoT device is close to the first device. The AIoT device may communicate with different first devices one after another. The AIoT device can indicate to the first device that it is close to the first device, so that the first device can determine that it is close to the AIoT device. This can help the AIoT device and the first device to have a consistent understanding of their proximity relationship, and help the network select the appropriate first device to communicate with the AIoT device in order to schedule subsequent tasks.

[0298] The first equipment inventory included AIoT devices;

[0299] The first device paged the AIoT device and received a response from the AIoT device;

[0300] The first device receives an access request from an AIoT device;

[0301] The first device performed read and write operations on the AIoT device;

[0302] The first device detects a signal sent by the AIoT device, such as a D2R preamble or a PDRCH.

[0303] The first device receives or successfully receives a D2R signal (such as a D2R preamble or PDRCH) and identifies the AIoT device; for example, the first device can identify the AIoT device based on the D2R signal or the context of the communication.

[0304] The first device receives or successfully receives at least one D2R signal (such as a preamble); it is understood that the at least one D2R signal here is sent by the AIoT device, and the D2R signal is a response to the signal sent by the first device to the AIoT device, thereby enabling the first device to confirm its proximity to the AIoT device.

[0305] The first device successfully received the payload sent by the AIoT device;

[0306] The first device detects that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeds the first signal strength threshold. The first signal strength threshold can be configured by the core network device and sent to the UE through the first request information, or the first signal strength threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network device).

[0307] The first device detects that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeds the first signal strength threshold after adjusting the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters.

[0308] The distance between the first device and the AIoT device does not exceed a first distance threshold; the first distance threshold can be configured by the core network device and sent to the UE through the first request information, or the first distance threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network device);

[0309] The path loss between the first device and the AIoT device does not exceed the first path loss threshold. The first path loss threshold can be configured by the core network device and sent to the UE through the first request information. Alternatively, the first path loss threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network device).

[0310] The difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device does not exceed a first time difference threshold; the first time difference threshold can be configured by the core network device and provided to the UE through the first request information, or the first time difference threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network device).

[0311] In this embodiment, when determining the location information of an AIoT device, the first device can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the second device, and then the second device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the first device. Therefore, it can adapt to different communication scenarios of AIoT devices, and thus accurately obtain the location information of AIoT devices under different communication scenarios.

[0312] like Figure 8 As shown, this application embodiment provides a location information determination method 800. This location information determination method can be executed by a base station. In other words, this location information determination method can be executed by software or hardware installed in the base station. The location information determination method includes the following steps.

[0313] S802: The base station sends first information to the core network equipment. The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device. The first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0314] The base station here can be a base station responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a base station responsible for receiving, or a base station responsible for transmitting. When it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the base station can send first information to the core network equipment. The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, which can be information related to the relative position of the AIoT device or information related to the absolute position of the AIoT device; no specific limitation is made here. The first information can be used to determine second information, specifically, it can be used by the core network equipment to determine the second information. The second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device, which can be the relative position information of the AIoT device or the absolute position information of the AIoT device; no specific limitation is made here either. Optionally, the base station can be represented as a Reader, and correspondingly, the AIoT device can be represented as a tag.

[0315] In this way, when determining the location information of an AIoT device, the base station can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the core network device, and then the core network device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the base station. Therefore, it can adapt to different communication scenarios of AIoT devices, and thus accurately obtain the location information of AIoT devices under different communication scenarios.

[0316] In some implementations, the location-related information mentioned above may include at least one of the following:

[0317] Information related to the proximity of the UE to AIoT devices;

[0318] Base station identification;

[0319] The location information of the base station can optionally be represented by a cell identifier.

[0320] When the first information includes information about the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device, using the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device to represent the location of the AIoT device makes the location description more accurate. Here, the UE can be either the UE responsible for receiving and transmitting, or the UE responsible for receiving, or the UE responsible for transmitting.

[0321] Base station identifiers can indicate the proximity of a base station to an AIoT device. Since the location of a base station is generally fixed, using base station identifiers to represent the location information of an AIoT device—that is, using the proximity of the AIoT device to the base station to represent the location of the AIoT device—makes the location description more accurate.

[0322] Base station location information can represent the geographic location or absolute location information of AIoT devices. Since the location of base stations is generally fixed, using base station location information to represent the location information of AIoT devices can make the description of AIoT device location information more accurate.

[0323] In some implementations, the UE can determine and send relevant information about its proximity to AIoT devices to the base station. The base station can then perform the following operations:

[0324] The base station receives information from the UE regarding the proximity of the UE to AIoT devices.

[0325] Specifically, the UE can communicate with the AIoT device, determine and generate relevant information about the proximity of the UE and the AIoT device based on the communication results, and then send this information to the base station. The base station can receive the relevant information about the proximity of the UE and the AIoT device sent by the UE, and then report at least one of the following (i.e., the first information): the relevant information about the proximity of the UE and the AIoT device, the base station's identifier, and the base station's location information, to the core network equipment, so that the core network equipment can determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the information reported by the base station.

[0326] In some implementations, the aforementioned information regarding the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device may be at least one of the following (e1) to (e5):

[0327] (e1)UE identifier.

[0328] (e2) UE location information.

[0329] (e3) Indication of the proximity of the UE to AIoT devices.

[0330] In some implementations, the indication of the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device can be used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0331] Proximity / distance to AIoT devices;

[0332] Likelihood or confidence in the proximity / distance of AIoT devices.

[0333] The indication of the probability or confidence level of being near / far from an AIoT device may include at least one of the following:

[0334] Hard value: Indicates 'far' or 'near' using '0' or '1', where '0' represents 'far' and '1' represents 'near', or '1' represents 'far' and '0' represents 'near';

[0335] Soft value: A value in the range of 0 to 1 (e.g., 0, 0.1, 0.2, ... 0.9, 1) represents 'far / near'. The larger the value, the higher the probability. '0' represents 'far' and '1' represents 'near', or '1' represents 'far' and '0' represents 'near'.

[0336] (e4) Indication of UE association with AIoT devices.

[0337] For example, instructions for the deployment of UEs associated with AIoT devices.

[0338] (e5) UE's measurement results for AIoT devices.

[0339] The measurement results here can be the UE's measurement results of the received AIoT device signals when communicating with the AIoT device. Optionally, in some embodiments, the UE's measurement results of the AIoT device may include at least one of the following (f1) to (f5):

[0340] (f1) Signal strength of AIoT devices detected by the UE.

[0341] The signal strength here is the unadjusted signal strength actually detected by the UE.

[0342] (f2) Signal strength of AIoT devices detected by UE after adjustment.

[0343] The signal strength here is the adjusted signal strength detected in (f1). This adjusted signal strength could be, for example, the strength after removing the AIoT device return loss or amplification gain.

[0344] (f3) Path loss between UE and AIoT devices.

[0345] The path loss here can be the path loss of D2R, or the path loss of R2D, or the path loss of both D2R and R2D. For example, the path loss is the UE's transmit power minus the received AIoT device signal strength, or the path loss after removing the AIoT device return loss or amplification gain.

[0346] Since path loss parameters are comparable, the greater the path loss, the farther the distance between the UE and the AIoT device. Therefore, by reporting the path loss to the core network equipment through the base station, the core network equipment can determine the distance between the UE and the AIoT device in order to accurately obtain the location information of the AIoT.

[0347] (f4) Distance between UE and AIoT device.

[0348] The distance unit here can be meters. For example, the distance between the UE and the AIoT device is x meters, where x is a positive number.

[0349] (f5) The difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time.

[0350] The difference here can be expressed as the difference between the UE's reception time (Rx time) and transmission time (Tx time), where the UE's Rx time is the time it takes for the UE to receive the D2R signal from the AIoT device, and the UE's Tx time is the time it takes for the UE to send the R2D signal. The signal sent by the UE is the signal sent by the UE to the AIoT device. The signal received by the UE is the signal sent by the AIoT device to the UE. The signal sent by the AIoT device can be a response signal to the signal sent by the UE to the AIoT device.

[0351] Optionally, the measurement results of the UE on the AIoT device may also include the result of subtracting the Rx-Tx time difference of the AIoT device from the UE's Rx-Tx time difference. Here, the UE's Rx time is the time it takes for the UE to receive the D2R signal from the AIoT device, and the UE's Tx time is the time it takes for the UE to send the R2D signal. The AIoT device's Rx time is the time it takes for the AIoT device to receive the UE's R2D signal, and the AIoT device's Tx time is the time it takes for the AIoT device to send the D2R signal. Optionally, the Rx-Tx time difference of the AIoT device can be pre-configured or defined, for example, indicated by a control command to a fixed time.

[0352] It should be noted that the base station can receive proximity-related information from one UE (User Equipment) or multiple UEs (User Equipments) indicating their proximity to an AIoT device. When sending the first information to the core network equipment, the base station can transmit the received proximity-related information from one or more UEs to the core network equipment, enabling the core network equipment to accurately obtain the location information of the AIoT device.

[0353] Optionally, in some implementations, if the base station receives information related to the proximity of AIoT devices sent by multiple UEs, the base station may perform the following operations:

[0354] The target UE is determined from multiple UEs based on the proximity information of the AIoT device sent by multiple UEs;

[0355] The base station determines the location information of the AIoT device based on the target UE.

[0356] The target UE can be one of multiple UEs. In some implementations, the target UE can satisfy at least one of the following:

[0357] Shortest distance to AIoT devices;

[0358] Minimizes path loss with AIoT devices;

[0359] The difference between the target UE's reception time and transmission time is minimized;

[0360] The detected AIoT device had the strongest signal strength;

[0361] The signal strength of the detected AIoT device is the highest after adjustment.

[0362] The distance, path loss, difference between reception and transmission time, signal strength, and adjusted signal strength mentioned above can be found in the relevant descriptions of the UE measurement results, and will not be repeated here. If the target UE meets at least one of the above conditions, the target UE is the UE closest to the AIoT device among multiple UEs. The location information of the AIoT device determined by the base station based on the target UE may include at least one of the following: the target UE's identifier, the target UE's geographic location information, the target UE's movement information, and the effective time.

[0363] After determining the location information of the AIoT device based on the target UE, the base station can include this location information in the first set of information and send it to the core network equipment. In this case, the information regarding the proximity of the UE and the AIoT device included in the first set of information can be the same as the proximity of the target UE and the AIoT device. Thus, when the AIoT device is near multiple UEs, the base station can select the target UE closest to the AIoT device from among the multiple UEs, determine the location information of the AIoT device based on that target UE, and then report it to the core network equipment. Therefore, this allows the core network equipment to more accurately determine the location information of the AIoT device.

[0364] In some implementations, the base station may perform the following operations:

[0365] The base station receives a first request information sent by the core network equipment. The first request information is used to request the base station to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0366] The base station sends part or all of the first request information to the UE.

[0367] Specifically, when it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the core network device can send a first request message to the base station to request the base station to report the location-related information of the AIoT device. After receiving the first request message, the base station can send some or all of the information in the first request message to the UE to request the UE to report the location-related information of the AIoT device. After receiving the request message from the base station, the UE can communicate with the AIoT device based on the request message and generate location-related information of the AIoT device, i.e., information about the UE's proximity to the AIoT device, and then send this proximity information to the base station. After receiving the proximity information of the AIoT device sent by the UE, the base station can send at least one of the proximity information of the UE and the AIoT device, the base station's identifier, and the base station's location information to the core network device.

[0368] In this way, since the UE will only report the location information of the AIoT device, i.e. the information about the proximity of the UE and the AIoT device, when the base station sends a request to the UE, that is, when the UE is configured to report the location information of the AIoT device, it is convenient to save signaling overhead.

[0369] In some implementations, the first request information described above may include at least one of the following:

[0370] The instruction to report first information is used to instruct the reporting of first information. The first information can be found in the above explanation of the first information, and will not be described again here.

[0371] Configuration information is used by the UE to identify AIoT devices near the UE.

[0372] Optionally, the configuration information in the first request information may include at least one of the following (g1) to (g5):

[0373] (g1) First signal strength threshold.

[0374] For the UE, if the signal strength transmitted by the detected AIoT device exceeds a first signal strength threshold, it can determine or report that it is near an AIoT device. Alternatively, if the adjusted AIoT signal strength exceeds the first signal strength threshold, it can report either the AIoT signal strength or the adjusted AIoT signal strength.

[0375] It's important to note that the AIoT signal strength detected by the UE differs from the adjusted AIoT signal strength. The detected AIoT signal strength is the actual signal strength measured by the UE from the AIoT device. Considering that different UEs may have different transmission powers, the AIoT signal strengths detected by different UEs are not comparable and cannot accurately determine distance. The adjusted AIoT signal strength, however, is based on the detected AIoT signal strength and is adjusted accordingly. This adjusted AIoT signal strength facilitates comparison of reported values ​​from different UEs by network-side devices, thereby comparing the distance between different UEs and AIoT devices.

[0376] (g2) First path loss threshold.

[0377] For the UE, if the path loss detected by the UE of the AIoT device is lower than the first path loss threshold, the UE determines or reports that it is close to the AIoT device.

[0378] (g3) AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters.

[0379] The AIoT signal strength adjustment parameter is used to adjust the AIoT signal strength detected by the UE before reporting it, thus making the AIoT signal strength reported by different UEs for the same AIoT device comparable. For example, the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameter indicates the UE's reference transmit power. The UE's transmit power may differ from the reference transmit power, so the AIoT signal strength measured by the UE needs to be adjusted according to the reference transmit power before reporting, thereby making the AIoT signal strength reported by different UEs comparable.

[0380] (g4) First distance threshold.

[0381] For the UE, if the UE detects that the distance to the AIoT device does not exceed the first distance threshold, it determines that it is close to the AIoT device.

[0382] (g5) First time difference threshold.

[0383] For a UE, if the difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time does not exceed the first time difference threshold, the UE is considered to be close to the AIoT device.

[0384] In this embodiment, when determining the location information of an AIoT device, the base station can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the core network device, and then the core network device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the base station. Therefore, it can adapt to different communication scenarios of AIoT devices, and thus accurately obtain the location information of AIoT devices under different communication scenarios.

[0385] like Figure 9 As shown, this application embodiment provides a method 900 for determining location information. This method can be executed by a UE, in other words, it can be executed by software or hardware installed on the UE. The method for determining location information includes the following steps.

[0386] S902: The UE sends first information to the core network equipment. The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device. The first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0387] S904: The UE sends part or all of the first information to the base station.

[0388] When it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the UE can perform at least one of S902 and S904 described above. Here, UE can be referred to as a UE Reader, specifically a UE responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a UE responsible for receiving, or a UE responsible for transmitting; no specific limitation is made here.

[0389] In S902, the UE can send first information to the core network equipment. This first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device. This location-related information can be information related to the relative or absolute location of the AIoT device; no specific limitation is made here. The first information can be used by the core network equipment to determine second information. This second information indicates the location information of the AIoT device. This location information can be the relative or absolute location information of the AIoT device; no specific limitation is made here either.

[0390] In this way, when determining the location information of an AIoT device, the UE can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the core network device, and then the core network device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the UE or the base station. Therefore, it can adapt to different communication scenarios of AIoT devices, and thus accurately obtain the location information of AIoT devices under different communication scenarios.

[0391] In some implementations, the first information sent by the UE to the core network equipment may include at least one of the following (h1) to (h5):

[0392] (h1) The identifier of the UE.

[0393] (h2) UE location information.

[0394] (h3) Indication of proximity between UE and AIoT devices.

[0395] In some implementations, the indication of the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device can be used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0396] Proximity / distance to AIoT devices;

[0397] Likelihood or confidence in the proximity / distance of AIoT devices.

[0398] The indication of the probability or confidence level of being near / far from an AIoT device may include at least one of the following:

[0399] Hard value: Indicates 'far' or 'near' using '0' or '1', where '0' represents 'far' and '1' represents 'near', or '1' represents 'far' and '0' represents 'near';

[0400] Soft value: A value in the range of 0 to 1 (e.g., 0, 0.1, 0.2, ... 0.9, 1) represents 'far / near'. The larger the value, the higher the probability. '0' represents 'far' and '1' represents 'near', or '1' represents 'far' and '0' represents 'near'.

[0401] (h4) Indication of UE association with AIoT devices.

[0402] (h5) UE's measurement results for AIoT devices.

[0403] The measurement results here can be the UE's measurement results of the received AIoT device signals when communicating with the AIoT device. Optionally, in some embodiments, the UE's measurement results of the AIoT device may include at least one of the following (i1) to (i5):

[0404] (i1) Signal strength of AIoT devices detected by the UE.

[0405] The signal strength here is the unadjusted signal strength actually detected by the UE.

[0406] (i2) The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the UE after adjustment.

[0407] The signal strength here is the adjusted signal strength detected in (i1). This adjusted signal strength could be, for example, the strength after removing the AIoT device return loss or amplification gain.

[0408] (i3) Path loss between UE and AIoT devices.

[0409] The path loss here can be the path loss of D2R, or the path loss of R2D, or the path loss of both D2R and R2D. For example, the path loss is the UE's transmit power minus the received AIoT device signal strength, or the path loss after removing the AIoT device return loss or amplification gain.

[0410] Since path loss parameters are comparable, the greater the path loss, the farther the distance between the UE and the AIoT device. Therefore, by reporting the path loss to the core network equipment, the core network equipment can determine the distance between the UE and the AIoT device, so as to accurately obtain the location information of the AIoT.

[0411] (i4) Distance between UE and AIoT devices.

[0412] The distance unit here can be meters. For example, the distance between the UE and the AIoT device is x meters, where x is a positive number.

[0413] (i5) The difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time.

[0414] The difference here can be expressed as the difference between the UE's reception time (Rx time) and transmission time (Tx time), where the UE's Rx time is the time it takes for the UE to receive the D2R signal from the AIoT device, and the UE's Tx time is the time it takes for the UE to send the R2D signal. The signal sent by the UE is the signal sent by the UE to the AIoT device. The signal received by the UE is the signal sent by the AIoT device to the UE. The signal sent by the AIoT device can be a response signal to the signal sent by the UE to the AIoT device.

[0415] Optionally, the UE's measurement results of the AIoT device may further include the time measurement result of the UE's Rx-Tx time difference minus the AIoT device's Rx-Tx time difference. Here, the UE's Rx time is the time when the UE receives the AIoT device's D2R signal, and the UE's Tx time is the time when the UE sends the R2D signal. The AIoT device's Rx time is the time when the AIoT device receives the UE's R2D signal, and the AIoT device's Tx time is the time when the AIoT device sends the D2R signal. Optionally, the AIoT device's Rx-Tx time difference can be pre-configured or defined, for example, indicated by a control command to a fixed time.

[0416] In some implementations, the UE can report the first information according to the instructions of the core network equipment. Specifically, the UE can perform the following operations:

[0417] The UE receives a first request information sent by the core network device. The first request information is used to request the UE to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0418] The UE executes AIoT services based on the first request information;

[0419] The UE determines whether it is near an AIoT device;

[0420] When the UE determines that it is near an AIoT device, it generates the first information.

[0421] Specifically, when it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the core network device can send a first request message to the UE to request the UE to report the location-related information of the AIoT device. After receiving the first request message, the UE can communicate with the AIoT device based on the first request message and generate the location-related information of the AIoT device (i.e., the first information). For example, the UE may execute an AIoT service based on the first request message, determine whether it is near an AIoT device, and generate the first information if it is determined to be near an AIoT device. After generating the first information, the UE can send it to the core network device, which will then determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the first information.

[0422] In this way, since the UE will only report the location-related information of the AIoT device, i.e. the first information, when the core network device sends the first request information to the UE, that is, when the UE is configured to report the location-related information of the AIoT device, it is convenient to save signaling overhead.

[0423] In some implementations, the first request information described above may include at least one of the following:

[0424] The first information reporting instruction is used to instruct the reporting of the first information. The first information can be found in the above explanation of the first information sent by the UE to the core network equipment, and will not be described again here.

[0425] Configuration information is used by the UE to identify AIoT devices near the UE.

[0426] Optionally, the configuration information may include at least one of the following (j1) to (j5):

[0427] (j1) First signal strength threshold.

[0428] For the UE, if the signal strength transmitted by the detected AIoT device exceeds a first signal strength threshold, it can determine or report that it is near an AIoT device. Alternatively, if the adjusted AIoT signal strength exceeds the first signal strength threshold, it can report either the AIoT signal strength or the adjusted AIoT signal strength.

[0429] It's important to note that the AIoT signal strength detected by the UE differs from the adjusted AIoT signal strength. The detected AIoT signal strength is the actual signal strength measured by the UE from the AIoT device. Considering that different UEs may have different transmission powers, the AIoT signal strengths detected by different UEs are not comparable and cannot accurately determine distance. The adjusted AIoT signal strength, however, is based on the detected AIoT signal strength and is adjusted accordingly. This adjusted AIoT signal strength facilitates comparison of reported values ​​from different UEs by network-side devices, thereby comparing the distance between different UEs and AIoT devices.

[0430] (j2) First path loss threshold.

[0431] For the UE, if the path loss detected by the UE of the AIoT device is lower than the first path loss threshold, the UE determines or reports that it is close to the AIoT device.

[0432] (j3) AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters.

[0433] The AIoT signal strength adjustment parameter is used to adjust the AIoT signal strength detected by the UE before reporting it, thus making the AIoT signal strength reported by different UEs for the same AIoT device comparable. For example, the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameter indicates the UE's reference transmit power. The UE's transmit power may differ from the reference transmit power, so the AIoT signal strength measured by the UE needs to be adjusted according to the reference transmit power before reporting, thereby making the AIoT signal strength reported by different UEs comparable.

[0434] (j4) First distance threshold.

[0435] For the UE, if the UE detects that the distance to the AIoT device does not exceed the first distance threshold, it determines that it is close to the AIoT device.

[0436] (j5) First time difference threshold.

[0437] For a UE, if the difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time does not exceed the first time difference threshold, the UE is considered to be close to the AIoT device.

[0438] After receiving the first request information, the UE can execute AIoT services according to the first request information. In some implementations, the UE executing AIoT services according to the first request information may include at least one of the following:

[0439] UE communicates with AIoT devices;

[0440] The UE measures the signals transmitted by AIoT devices to obtain the signal strength of AIoT devices;

[0441] The UE measures the signals sent by the AIoT device to obtain the distance to the AIoT device;

[0442] The UE receives measurement assistance information sent by the AIoT device; the measurement assistance information may include at least one of the gain of the AIoT device's transmitting antenna and the gain of the AIoT device's receiving antenna.

[0443] The UE adjusts the signal strength of the detected AIoT device according to the first request information; for example, it adjusts the signal strength of the detected AIoT device according to the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters in the first request information.

[0444] The UE obtains the distance between itself and the AIoT device based on the first request information.

[0445] After executing the AIoT service based on the first request information, the UE can determine whether it is near an AIoT device based on the execution result of the AIoT service. If it is determined to be near an AIoT device, the UE generates first information and reports the first information to the core network device. In this way, since the UE only reports the first information to the core network device when it determines that it is near an AIoT device, signaling overhead can be saved.

[0446] In some implementations, determining the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device may include at least one of the following:

[0447] The UE receives the indication information sent by the AIoT device, which is used to indicate that the AIoT device is close to the UE. The AIoT device may communicate with different UEs one after another. The AIoT device can indicate to the UE that it is close to the UE, so that the UE can determine that it is close to the AIoT device. This can help the AIoT device and the UE to have a consistent understanding of their proximity relationship, and help the network select the appropriate UE to communicate with the AIoT device in order to schedule subsequent tasks.

[0448] The UE inventory has been completed for AIoT devices;

[0449] The UE paged the AIoT device and received a response from the AIoT device;

[0450] The UE receives an access request from an AIoT device;

[0451] The UE performed read and write operations on the AIoT device;

[0452] (The above five methods for UE to determine proximity to AIoT devices are based on communication between the UE and the AIoT device. They can help the core network device to determine the UE that is close to the AIoT device. The methods are simple and help the core network device to select a suitable UE Reader to communicate with the AIoT device.)

[0453] The UE detects a signal sent by an AIoT device, which may be, for example, a D2R preamble or a PDRCH.

[0454] The UE receives or successfully receives D2R signals (such as D2R preamble or PDRCH) and identifies AIoT devices; for example, the UE can identify AIoT devices based on D2R signals or the context of communication.

[0455] The UE receives or successfully receives at least one D2R signal (such as a preamble); it is understood that the at least one D2R signal here is sent by the AIoT device, and the D2R signal is a response to the signal sent by the UE to the AIoT device, thereby enabling the UE to confirm its proximity to the AIoT device.

[0456] The UE successfully received the payload sent by the AIoT device;

[0457] The UE detects that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeds a first signal strength threshold; the first signal strength threshold can be configured by the core network device and sent to the UE through a first request message, or the first signal strength threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network device);

[0458] The UE detects that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeds the first signal strength threshold after being adjusted according to the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters.

[0459] The distance between the UE and the AIoT device does not exceed a first distance threshold; this first distance threshold can be configured by the core network device and sent to the UE through a first request information, or the first distance threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network device);

[0460] The path loss between the UE and the AIoT device does not exceed the first path loss threshold; the first path loss threshold can be configured by the core network equipment and sent to the UE through the first request information, or the first path loss threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network equipment);

[0461] The difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time does not exceed a first time difference threshold; the first time difference threshold can be configured by the core network equipment and provided to the UE through the first request information, or the first time difference threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network equipment).

[0462] In S904 above, the UE can send part or all of the first information to the base station. That is, the UE can send location-related information of the AIoT device to the base station. This location-related information can be information related to the relative location of the AIoT device or information related to the absolute location of the AIoT device; no specific limitation is made here. After receiving the information sent by the first UE, the base station can report at least one of the information, the base station's identifier, and the base station's location information to the core network equipment. The core network equipment then determines the location information of the AIoT device. The location information determined by the core network equipment can be the relative location information or the absolute location information of the AIoT device; no specific limitation is made here.

[0463] In this way, when determining the location information of an AIoT device, the UE can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the base station, which then reports it to the core network device. The core network device then indirectly determines the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the base station. Therefore, it can adapt to different communication scenarios of AIoT devices, and thus accurately obtain the location information of AIoT devices under different communication scenarios.

[0464] In some implementations, the information sent by the UE to the base station may include at least one of the following:

[0465] UE identifier;

[0466] UE location information;

[0467] Indication of proximity between the UE and AIoT devices;

[0468] Indicator of UE association with AIoT devices;

[0469] UE's measurement results for AIoT devices.

[0470] For an explanation of each of the above information items, please refer to the explanation of the first information sent by the UE to the core network equipment above, which will not be repeated here.

[0471] In some implementations, the UE can report part or all of the content in the first information according to the instructions of the base station. Specifically, the UE can perform the following operations:

[0472] The UE receives a request message sent by the base station, which includes part or all of the aforementioned first request message;

[0473] The UE executes AIoT services based on the request information;

[0474] The UE determines whether it is near an AIoT device;

[0475] When the UE determines that it is near an AIoT device, it generates the first information.

[0476] Specifically, when it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the core network device can send a first request message to the base station to request the base station to report the location-related information of the AIoT device. After receiving the first request message, the base station can send part or all of its content to the UE to request the UE to report the location-related information of the AIoT device. After receiving the request message, the UE can communicate with the AIoT device based on the request message and generate the location-related information of the AIoT device (i.e., the first information). After generating the first information, the UE can send part or all of its content to the base station. The base station can report at least one of the information sent by the UE, the base station's identifier, and the base station's location information to the core network device, which then determines the location information of the AIoT device.

[0477] In this way, since the UE will only report the location information of the AIoT device when the base station sends a request to the UE, that is, when the UE is configured to report the location information of the AIoT device, that is, report part or all of the content in the first information, it is convenient to save signaling overhead.

[0478] In some implementations, the UE performs AIoT services based on request information sent by the base station, which may include at least one of the following:

[0479] UE communicates with AIoT devices;

[0480] The UE measures the signals transmitted by AIoT devices to obtain the signal strength of AIoT devices;

[0481] The UE measures the signals sent by the AIoT device to obtain the distance to the AIoT device;

[0482] The UE receives measurement assistance information sent by the AIoT device; the measurement assistance information may include at least one of the gain of the AIoT device's transmitting antenna and the gain of the AIoT device's receiving antenna.

[0483] The UE adjusts the signal strength of the detected AIoT devices based on the request information; for example, it adjusts the signal strength of the detected AIoT devices based on the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters in the request information.

[0484] The UE obtains the distance between itself and the AIoT device based on the requested information.

[0485] After executing AIoT services based on the request information, the UE can determine whether it is near an AIoT device based on the execution result. If it is determined to be near an AIoT device, it generates first information and reports part or all of the content of the first information to the base station. In this way, since the UE only reports information to the base station when it determines that it is near an AIoT device, it can save signaling overhead.

[0486] In some implementations, determining the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device may include at least one of the following:

[0487] The UE receives the indication information sent by the AIoT device, which is used to indicate that the AIoT device is close to the UE. The AIoT device may communicate with different UEs one after another. The AIoT device can indicate to the UE that it is close to the UE, so that the UE can determine that it is close to the AIoT device. This can help the AIoT device and the UE to have a consistent understanding of their proximity relationship, and help the network select the appropriate UE to communicate with the AIoT device in order to schedule subsequent tasks.

[0488] The UE inventory has been completed for AIoT devices;

[0489] The UE paged the AIoT device and received a response from the AIoT device;

[0490] The UE receives an access request from an AIoT device;

[0491] The UE performed read and write operations on the AIoT device;

[0492] (The above five methods for UE to determine proximity to AIoT devices are based on communication between the UE and the AIoT device. They can help the core network device to determine the UE that is close to the AIoT device. The methods are simple and help the core network device to select a suitable UE Reader to communicate with the AIoT device.)

[0493] The UE detects a signal sent by an AIoT device, which may be, for example, a D2R preamble or a PDRCH.

[0494] The UE receives or successfully receives D2R signals (such as D2R preamble or PDRCH) and identifies AIoT devices; for example, the UE can identify AIoT devices based on D2R signals or the context of communication.

[0495] The UE receives or successfully receives at least one D2R signal (such as a preamble); it is understood that the at least one D2R signal here is sent by the AIoT device, and the D2R signal is a response to the signal sent by the UE to the AIoT device, thereby enabling the UE to confirm its proximity to the AIoT device.

[0496] The UE successfully received the payload sent by the AIoT device;

[0497] The UE detects that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeds a first signal strength threshold; the first signal strength threshold can be configured by the core network device and sent to the UE through a first request message, or the first signal strength threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network device);

[0498] The UE detects that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeds the first signal strength threshold after being adjusted according to the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters.

[0499] The distance between the UE and the AIoT device does not exceed a first distance threshold; this first distance threshold can be configured by the core network device and sent to the UE through a first request information, or the first distance threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network device);

[0500] The path loss between the UE and the AIoT device does not exceed the first path loss threshold; the first path loss threshold can be configured by the core network equipment and sent to the UE through the first request information, or the first path loss threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network equipment);

[0501] The difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time does not exceed a first time difference threshold; the first time difference threshold can be configured by the core network equipment and provided to the UE through the first request information, or the first time difference threshold can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the UE (optionally, the UE can report the threshold to the core network equipment).

[0502] In this embodiment, when determining the location information of an AIoT device, the UE can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the core network device, and then the core network device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the UE or the base station. Alternatively, the UE can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the base station, and then the base station can report it to the core network device, and then the core network device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the base station. Therefore, it can adapt to different communication scenarios of AIoT devices, and thus accurately obtain the location information of AIoT devices under different communication scenarios.

[0503] like Figure 10 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a method 1000 for determining location information. This method for determining location information can be executed by an AIoT device. In other words, this method for determining location information can be executed by software or hardware installed on the AIoT device. The method for determining location information includes the following steps.

[0504] S1002: The AIoT device performs a first operation, the first operation being used to determine second information, the second information being used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device, the first operation including at least one of the following:

[0505] Communicate with the first device;

[0506] Determine its proximity to the first device;

[0507] Send device proximity information to the first device or core network device. The device proximity information includes relevant information about the first device that is near the AIoT device.

[0508] When it is necessary to determine the location information of an AIoT device, the AIoT device can perform the first operation described above. This facilitates the core network equipment in determining the location information of the AIoT device.

[0509] In some implementations, the determination of proximity of the AIoT device to the first device may include at least one of the following:

[0510] The AIoT device receives an indication message sent by the first device. The indication message is used to indicate the proximity of the AIoT device to the first device. For example, there may be multiple first devices (readers) deployed around the AIoT device. Considering that the AIoT device has weak capabilities and cannot identify the nearest first device, the first device can indicate its proximity to the AIoT device.

[0511] The AIoT device received a paging or inventory request sent by the first device;

[0512] AIoT devices were inventoried by the first device.

[0513] The AIoT device was paged by the first device and sent a response to the first device;

[0514] The AIoT device successfully completed the access process to the first device;

[0515] The AIoT device was read and written by the first device;

[0516] The AIoT device detected the signal sent by the first device.

[0517] In some implementations, the device proximity information may include at least one of the following: an identifier of the first device, location information of the first device, an indication that the first device is near an AIoT device, an indication that the first device is associated with an AIoT device, and measurement results of the AIoT device on the first device. The measurement results of the AIoT device on the first device may include at least one of the following:

[0518] The signal strength of the first device detected by the AIoT device;

[0519] The signal strength of the first device detected by the AIoT device is adjusted;

[0520] Road loss between AIoT devices and the first device;

[0521] The distance between the AIoT device and the first device;

[0522] The time difference between the receiving time and the sending time of an AIoT device.

[0523] Because AIoT devices can report their proximity information to the first device, the first device can easily determine its proximity to the AIoT device. Furthermore, since AIoT devices can report their proximity information to the core network device, which then determines the AIoT device's location based on this information, the AIoT device can be accurately located.

[0524] In some implementations, AIoT devices can also report device proximity information according to instructions from the core network device. For example, upon receiving a first request message from the core network device, the AIoT device can report device proximity information to either the first device or the core network device, thereby saving signaling overhead. The first request message can be found in the explanation above and will not be repeated here.

[0525] In the above embodiments, the first device includes a device adjacent to the AIoT device, and the second device includes a network-side device. In some embodiments, the first device may be a base station, and correspondingly, the second device may be a core network device; or, the first device may be a UE, and the second device may be a core network device; or, the first device may be a UE, and the second device may be a base station. In some embodiments:

[0526] Core network equipment may include AMF or AF;

[0527] Base stations include base stations responsible for receiving and transmitting (i.e., the base station that receives D2R signals sent by AIoT devices and the base station that sends R2D signals to AIoT devices are the same base station), or base stations responsible for receiving (such as the base station responsible for receiving D2R signals sent by AIoT devices in a split architecture), or base stations responsible for transmitting (such as the base station responsible for sending R2D signals to AIoT devices in a split architecture).

[0528] UEs include UEs responsible for receiving and transmitting (i.e., the UE that receives D2R signals sent by AIoT devices and the UE that sends R2D signals to AIoT devices are the same UE), or UEs responsible for receiving (such as the UE responsible for receiving D2R signals sent by AIoT devices in a split architecture), or UEs responsible for transmitting (such as the UE responsible for sending R2D signals to AIoT devices in a split architecture).

[0529] In this embodiment of the application, when determining the location information of an AIoT device, since the AIoT device can communicate with other devices to determine whether it is near other devices and report the device proximity information to other devices or the core network device, the core network device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the device proximity information determined by the AIoT device. Thus, it can adapt to different communication scenarios of the AIoT device, and accurately obtain the location information of the AIoT device under different communication scenarios.

[0530] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 The location determination method shown is applicable to scenarios where the AIoT device is adjacent to multiple Readers (including base stations, UEs, or intermediate nodes). In this scenario, the network-side device can determine the nearest Reader and determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the nearest Reader.

[0531] Figure 11 The method for determining the location shown includes the following steps.

[0532] Step 1: The Reader receives the first request information sent by the network device.

[0533] The Reader can be a base station, and the network device can be a core network device. Alternatively, the Reader can be a UE reader, and the network device can be a base station or a core network device. The first request information is used to instruct the Reader to perform AIoT services, such as inventory or commanding or instructing the Reader to report the location information of AIoT devices. For an explanation of the first request information, please refer to the above. Figure 4 The corresponding content in the illustrated embodiments will not be described again here.

[0534] Step 2: The Reader performs AIoT paging, random access, or data transmission and reception processes.

[0535] During AIoT paging, random access, or data transmission and reception, the Reader can generate first information. For an explanation of the first information, please refer to the above. Figure 4 The corresponding content in the illustrated embodiments will not be described again here.

[0536] Optionally, during the execution of AIoT paging, random access, or data transmission and reception, the Reader may perform at least one of the following operations:

[0537] The reader measures the signals sent by AIoT devices and obtains the signal strength of the AIoT devices.

[0538] Obtain the distance between the AIoT device and the Reader;

[0539] The Reader receives at least one of the following auxiliary information from AIoT devices:

[0540] Gain of the transmitting antenna of an AIoT device; Gain of the receiving antenna of an AIoT device;

[0541] Based on the first request information, adjust the signal strength of the detected AIoT devices;

[0542] Based on the first request information, obtain the distance between the AIoT device and the Reader.

[0543] Step 3: The Reader sends the first message to the network device.

[0544] Step 4: The network device determines the location information of the AIoT device, such as the proximity relationship between the AIoT device and the Reader.

[0545] Specifically, taking network devices as core network devices as an example, core network devices can store the location information of AIoT devices, such as one or more Reader identifiers to represent Readers that are close to AIoT devices.

[0546] Optionally, when the core network device receives location-related information (such as first information) of the AIoT device from multiple Readers, the core network device can determine a target Reader that is adjacent to the AIoT device. The target Reader can satisfy at least one of the following:

[0547] The target reader is located at the shortest distance from the AIoT device;

[0548] Minimize path loss between the target Reader and the AIoT device;

[0549] The target Reader detected the strongest signal from the AIoT device.

[0550] The target Reader detects the maximum signal strength value of the AIoT device after adjustment.

[0551] In this way, when an AIoT device is close to multiple Readers, the core network device selects the Reader closest to the AIoT device and determines the location information of the AIoT device based on the nearest Reader, which can more accurately determine the location of the AIoT device.

[0552] Figure 11 The main idea of ​​the illustrated embodiment is that the Reader measures the signal of the AIoT device, reports the measurement results of the AIoT device to the network-side device, and the network-side device determines the Reader that is close to the AIoT device, thereby determining the location information of the AIoT device.

[0553] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 The location determination method shown is applicable to scenarios where the AIoT device and the UE Reader are close to each other. In this scenario, the UE Reader can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the core network device.

[0554] Figure 12 The method for determining the location information shown corresponds to Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment depicts a scenario where the first device is a UE Reader and the second device is a core network device. Figure 12 The method for determining the location information shown includes the following steps.

[0555] Step 1: The UEreader receives the first request information sent by the core network.

[0556] The first request information is the same as above. Figure 11 The first request information in step 1 of the illustrated embodiment.

[0557] Step 2: The UE Reader performs AIoT paging, random access, or data transmission and reception processes.

[0558] Among them, UEreader determines the first information.

[0559] For details on how to implement step 2, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 11 The specific implementation method of step 2 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0560] Step 3: The UEreader reports the first information to the core network equipment.

[0561] The first information may include a Reader identifier, which may include at least one of the following:

[0562] Base station identification; that is, the proximity of the AIoT device to the base station. Considering that the UE Reader may move, the proximity of the AIoT device to the base station is used to represent the location of the AIoT device, making the location description more accurate;

[0563] The identifier of the UE Reader responsible for receiving and transmitting; that is, the proximity of the AIoT device to the UE Reader responsible for receiving and transmitting. For example, there may be multiple UE Readers in a cell. The UE Reader can be fixed, or the AIoT device can be associated with the UE Reader. Therefore, the proximity of the AIoT device to the UE Reader is used to represent the location of the AIoT device, making the location description more accurate.

[0564] Identifiers for the UE Reader transmitting R2D signals and / or the UE Reader receiving D2R signals; in the case of one UE Reader transmitting an R2D signal or one UE Reader receiving a D2R signal, the Reader adjacent to the AIoT device is either the UE Reader transmitting the R2D signal, or the UE Reader receiving the D2R signal, or both of these UE Readers. Figure 6 R1 and R2 are shown.

[0565] It is understandable that if the first information includes the identifier of the base station and the identifier of the UE reader, it will be easier for the core network equipment to locate AIoT devices.

[0566] Step 4: The core network equipment determines the location information of the AIoT device, such as the proximity relationship between the AIoT device and the base station and / or UEReader.

[0567] Optionally, when the core network device receives the first information sent by multiple UE Readers, it can determine the target Reader that is adjacent to the AIoT device from among the multiple UE Readers.

[0568] Optionally, the target Reader is at least one of the following.

[0569] Base station;

[0570] UE Reader responsible for receiving and transmitting;

[0571] The UE Reader responsible for transmitting R2D signals;

[0572] The UE Reader is responsible for receiving D2R signals.

[0573] A target reader that is near an AIoT device can satisfy at least one of the following:

[0574] The target reader is located at the shortest distance from the AIoT device;

[0575] Minimize path loss between the target Reader and the AIoT device;

[0576] The target Reader detected the strongest AIoT signal.

[0577] The target Reader detects the maximum AIoT signal strength value after adjustment.

[0578] In this way, in scenarios where intermediate nodes such as UEreader are deployed, the core network device can determine the Reader that is close to the AIoT device based on the first information reported by the UEreader. Therefore, the location of the AIoT device can be determined in scenarios where intermediate nodes such as UEreader are deployed.

[0579] Figure 13 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining location information according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 The location determination method shown is applicable to scenarios where the AIoT device and the UE Reader are close to each other. In this scenario, the UE Reader can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the core network device through the base station.

[0580] Figure 13 The method for determining the location information shown corresponds to Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment shows a scenario where the first device is a UE Reader and the second device is a base station. Figure 13 The method for determining the location information shown includes the following steps.

[0581] Step 1: The base station receives the second request information sent by the core network equipment.

[0582] The second request information may include the above. Figure 11 Part or all of the first request information in the illustrated embodiment.

[0583] Step 2: The UE Reader receives the first request information sent by the base station.

[0584] The first request information is the same as above. Figure 11 The first request information in the illustrated embodiment. After receiving the first request information, the UE Reader can determine the proximity relationship between the UE Reader and the AIoT device based on the first request information.

[0585] Step 3: The UE Reader performs AIoT paging, random access, or data transmission and reception processes.

[0586] Among them, UEreader determines the first information.

[0587] For details on how to implement step 3, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 11 The specific implementation method of step 2 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0588] Step 4: The UEreader reports the first information to the base station.

[0589] Step 5: The base station determines the UE reader that is near the AIoT device, or uses the base station identifier to indicate the reader that is near the AIoT device.

[0590] The base station can determine the third information based on the first information. The third information includes at least one of the first information, the base station identifier, and the base station's location information.

[0591] Step 6: The base station reports third information to the core network equipment.

[0592] Step 7: The core network equipment determines the location information of the AIoT device, such as the proximity relationship between the AIoT device and the base station and / or UEReader. For details on the implementation, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 Step 4 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0593] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The main idea of ​​the illustrated embodiment is that when an AIoT device is near a UEreader, it reports the identifier of the UEreader or base station, or the absolute location of the UEreader, or the association relationship of the UEreader, thereby solving the problem of... Figure 3 or Figure 6 The scenario shown addresses the question of how to report the location or proximity of AIoT devices.

[0594] In a split architecture scenario, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the scenario shown, two Readers, R1 and R2, communicate with the AIoT device. R1 is the Reader that transmits R2D signals, and R2 is the Reader that receives D2R signals. In the information reported by the UE or base station to the core network equipment, or in the location information of the AIoT device determined by the core network, the Reader adjacent to the AIoT device corresponds to at least one of the following:

[0595] R1 is the Reader that transmits the R2D signal;

[0596] R2 is the Reader that receives the D2R signal.

[0597] With neighboring Readers including R1 and R2, it will be helpful to communicate with AIoT devices through these two Readers in the future.

[0598] The solution provided in this application can address the problem of determining the location information of AIoT devices in various deployment scenarios. Specifically, it includes:

[0599] When multiple Readers can communicate with AIoT devices, or when multiple Readers are in close proximity to AIoT devices, the nearest Reader can be determined;

[0600] exist Figure 3 or Figure 6 In the scenario shown, using the identifiers of UEreader and / or BS to represent the Reader that is near the AIoT device can more accurately describe the location information of the AIoT device;

[0601] When an AIoT device communicates with a separate Reader, using the Reader responsible for transmitting and / or receiving to represent the Reader that is near the AIoT device can more accurately describe the location information of the AIoT device.

[0602] The design incorporates a location information adapter for AIoT devices, adapting to both stationary and moving AIoT devices. This accurately represents the location of AIoT devices, facilitating subsequent communication between them.

[0603] The location information determination method provided in this application can be executed by a location information determination device. This application uses an example of a location information determination device executing the location information determination method to illustrate the location information determination device provided in this application.

[0604] This application provides a location information determination device. As an example, the location information determination device may be a communication device or a component within a communication device, such as a chip. The communication device may be an AIoT device, a terminal (UE), a network-side device, or a server, etc. Exemplarily, the terminal may include, but is not limited to, the type of terminal 11 listed above, and the network-side device may include, but is not limited to, the type of network-side device 12 listed above. This application does not impose specific limitations.

[0605] The location information determination device includes a receiving module, a transmitting module, and a processing module. These modules can be implemented in software or hardware. When implemented in hardware, the processing module can be implemented by a processor. For example, the processor can include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), microprocessor, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Artificial Intelligence (AI) processor, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Network Processor (NP), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, gate circuits, transistors, discrete hardware components, etc. The receiving and transmitting modules can be implemented by a communication interface, which can include one or more of the following: transceiver, pins, circuits, bus, radio frequency unit, etc.

[0606] For details, see Figure 14 When the location information determining device is a second device or a component of the second device, the location information determining device 1400 includes a receiving module 1401 and a processing module 1402, wherein:

[0607] The receiving module 1401 is used to receive first information sent by the first device, the first information including location-related information of the environment-enabled Internet of Things (AIoT) device;

[0608] The processing module 1402 is used to determine second information based on the first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0609] Optionally, in some implementations, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0610] The identifier of the first device;

[0611] Location information of the first device;

[0612] An indication that the first device is near the AIoT device;

[0613] An indication of the association between the first device and the AIoT device;

[0614] The measurement results of the first device on the AIoT device;

[0615] The measurement results include at least one of the following:

[0616] The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device;

[0617] The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device after adjustment;

[0618] The path loss between the first device and the AIoT device;

[0619] The distance between the first device and the AIoT device;

[0620] The first time difference includes the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device.

[0621] Optionally, in some implementations, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0622] Device identifier, used to indicate one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device;

[0623] The first location information is used to indicate the geographical location information of the AIoT device;

[0624] The device's movement information is used to indicate whether one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device are stationary, moving, indoors, or outdoors;

[0625] Valid time is used to indicate the validity period of the location information of the AIoT device.

[0626] Optionally, in some implementations, the one or more first devices adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device include at least one of the following:

[0627] One or more first devices that are closest to the AIoT device;

[0628] One or more first devices that are closest to the AIoT device;

[0629] One or more first devices that are adjacent to the AIoT device within a specified time period;

[0630] One or more first devices associated with the AIoT device, wherein the AIoT device and the associated one or more first devices are kept in proximity.

[0631] Optionally, in some implementations, the first location information includes at least one of the following:

[0632] Location information of one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device;

[0633] Location information determined based on the location information of one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device.

[0634] Optionally, in some embodiments, the receiving module 1401 is configured to receive multiple first messages sent by multiple first devices;

[0635] The processing module 1402 is configured to determine a target device from the plurality of first devices based on the plurality of first information; and to determine the second information based on the target device.

[0636] Optionally, in some implementations, the target device satisfies at least one of the following:

[0637] The shortest distance to the AIoT device;

[0638] Minimizes path loss with the AIoT device;

[0639] The target device has the smallest first time difference;

[0640] The detected AIoT device had the strongest signal strength;

[0641] The signal strength of the detected AIoT device is the maximum after adjustment.

[0642] Optionally, in some embodiments, the device 1400 further includes a transmitting module for:

[0643] Send a first request message to the first device, the first request message being used to request the first device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0644] Optionally, in some implementations, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0645] The reporting instruction for the first information;

[0646] Configuration information is used by the first device to identify AIoT devices that are near the first device.

[0647] Optionally, in some implementations, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0648] A first signal strength threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device or the signal strength after adjustment is greater than or equal to the first signal strength threshold.

[0649] A first path loss threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the path loss of the AIoT device detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first path loss threshold.

[0650] AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters are used by the first device to adjust the detected AIoT signal strength;

[0651] A first distance threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the distance detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first distance threshold.

[0652] A first time difference threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device is less than or equal to the first time difference threshold.

[0653] Optionally, in some embodiments, the receiving module 1401 is further configured to receive device proximity information sent by the AIoT device, the device proximity information including relevant information of the first device that is adjacent to the AIoT device;

[0654] The processing module 1402 is further configured to determine the second information based on the device proximity information and the first information.

[0655] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second device includes core network equipment, and the first device includes a base station; or;

[0656] The second device includes the core network device, and the first device includes a user equipment (UE); or,

[0657] The second device includes the base station, and the first device includes the UE.

[0658] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second device includes the base station and the first device includes the UE, the transmitting module is further configured to:

[0659] Send third information to the core network device, the third information including at least one of the following:

[0660] The identifier of the second device;

[0661] Location information of the second device;

[0662] The first piece of information.

[0663] Optionally, in some embodiments, the receiving module 1401 is further configured to:

[0664] The second request information sent by the core network device is used to request the second device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0665] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station includes a base station responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a base station responsible for receiving, or a base station responsible for transmitting;

[0666] The UE includes a UE responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a UE responsible for receiving, or a UE responsible for transmitting.

[0667] Optionally, in some implementations, the AIoT device is a single AIoT device, a group of AIoT devices, or a class of AIoT devices.

[0668] See Figure 15 When the location information determining device is a first device or a component of the first device, the location information determining device 1500 includes a sending module 1501 for sending first information to a second device;

[0669] The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0670] Optionally, in some implementations, the location-related information includes at least one of the following:

[0671] The identifier of the first device;

[0672] Location information of the first device;

[0673] An indication that the first device is near the AIoT device;

[0674] An indication of the association between the first device and the AIoT device;

[0675] The measurement results of the first device on the AIoT device;

[0676] The measurement results include at least one of the following:

[0677] The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device;

[0678] The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device after adjustment;

[0679] The path loss between the first device and the AIoT device;

[0680] The distance between the first device and the AIoT device;

[0681] The first time difference includes the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device.

[0682] Optionally, in some embodiments, the device 1500 further includes a receiving module, the receiving module being configured to:

[0683] The system receives a first request message sent by the second device, the first request message being used to request the first device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0684] Optionally, in some implementations, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0685] The reporting instruction for the first information;

[0686] Configuration information is used by the first device to identify AIoT devices that are near the first device.

[0687] Optionally, in some implementations, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0688] A first signal strength threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device or the signal strength after adjustment is greater than or equal to the first signal strength threshold.

[0689] A first path loss threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the path loss of the AIoT device detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first path loss threshold.

[0690] AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters are used to adjust the AIoT signal strength detected by the first device;

[0691] A first distance threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the distance detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first distance threshold.

[0692] A first time difference threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device is less than or equal to the first time difference threshold.

[0693] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second device includes core network equipment, and the first device includes a base station; or;

[0694] The second device includes the core network device, and the first device includes a user equipment (UE); or,

[0695] The second device includes the base station, and the first device includes the UE.

[0696] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second device includes the core network device and the first device includes the base station, the receiving module is further configured to:

[0697] The system receives fourth information sent by the UE, the fourth information including relevant information about the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device;

[0698] The first information also includes the fourth information.

[0699] Optionally, in some implementations, the relevant information regarding the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device includes at least one of the following:

[0700] The identifier of the UE;

[0701] The location information of the UE;

[0702] The indication that the UE is near the AIoT device;

[0703] The indication of the association between the UE and the AIoT device;

[0704] The measurement results of the UE on the AIoT device;

[0705] The measurement results include at least one of the following:

[0706] The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the UE;

[0707] The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the UE is the adjusted signal strength;

[0708] The path loss between the UE and the AIoT device;

[0709] The distance between the UE and the AIoT device;

[0710] The difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time.

[0711] Optionally, in some embodiments, the sending module 1501 is further configured to:

[0712] A third request message is sent to the UE, the third request message being used to request the UE to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0713] Optionally, in some embodiments, the device 1500 further includes a processing module;

[0714] The receiving module is configured to receive multiple pieces of fourth information sent by multiple UEs;

[0715] The processing module is configured to determine a target UE from a plurality of UEs based on a plurality of fourth information; and to determine fifth information based on the target UE, wherein the fifth information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0716] The first information includes the fifth information.

[0717] Optionally, in some implementations, the target UE satisfies at least one of the following:

[0718] The shortest distance to the AIoT device;

[0719] Minimizes path loss with the AIoT device;

[0720] The difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the target UE is minimized;

[0721] The detected AIoT device had the strongest signal strength;

[0722] The signal strength of the detected AIoT device is the maximum after adjustment.

[0723] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second device includes the core network device and the first device includes the UE, or when the second device includes the base station and the first device includes the UE, the processing module is further configured to:

[0724] Execute AIoT services based on the first request information;

[0725] Determine whether it is near the AIoT device;

[0726] The first information is generated when it is determined that the device is in proximity to the AIoT device.

[0727] Optionally, in some embodiments, the processing module is used for at least one of the following:

[0728] Communicate with the AIoT device;

[0729] Measure the signal sent by the AIoT device to obtain the signal strength of the AIoT device;

[0730] Measure the signal sent by the AIoT device to obtain the distance between yourself and the AIoT device;

[0731] Receive measurement assistance information sent by the AIoT device;

[0732] Adjust the signal strength of the detected AIoT device based on the first request information;

[0733] Based on the first request information, obtain the distance between the device and the AIoT device.

[0734] Optionally, in some implementations, the first device determines its proximity to the AIoT device by at least one of the following:

[0735] The first device received an indication message sent by the AIoT device, the indication message being used to indicate that the AIoT device is near the first device;

[0736] The first device has inventoried the AIoT device;

[0737] The first device paged the AIoT device and received a response from the AIoT device;

[0738] The first device receives the access request from the AIoT device;

[0739] The first device performed read and write operations on the AIoT device;

[0740] The first device detects the signal sent by the AIoT device;

[0741] The first device receives or successfully receives the D2R signal and identifies the AIoT device;

[0742] The first device receives or successfully receives at least one D2R signal;

[0743] The first device successfully received the payload sent by the AIoT device.

[0744] The first device detected that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeded a first signal strength threshold;

[0745] The first device detects that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeds a first signal strength threshold after being adjusted according to the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters.

[0746] The distance between the first device and the AIoT device does not exceed a first distance threshold;

[0747] The path loss between the first device and the AIoT device does not exceed a first path loss threshold;

[0748] The difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device does not exceed the first time difference threshold.

[0749] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station includes a base station responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a base station responsible for receiving, or a base station responsible for transmitting;

[0750] The UE includes a UE responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a UE responsible for receiving, or a UE responsible for transmitting.

[0751] See Figure 16 When the location information determining device is a base station or a component in a base station, the location information determining device 1600 includes a sending module 1601 for sending first information to the core network equipment;

[0752] The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

[0753] Optionally, in some embodiments, the device 1600 further includes a receiving module;

[0754] The receiving module is used to receive a first request information sent by the core network device, wherein the first request information is used to request the base station to report the location-related information of the AIoT device;

[0755] The sending module 1601 is used to send part or all of the first request information to the UE.

[0756] Optionally, in some implementations, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0757] The reporting instruction for the first information;

[0758] Configuration information is used by the UE to determine AIoT devices that are near the UE.

[0759] See Figure 17 When the location information determining device is a terminal or a component within a terminal, the location information determining device 1700 includes a transmitting module 1701, used for at least one of the following:

[0760] Send first information to the core network equipment, the first information including location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information being used to determine second information, the second information being used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device;

[0761] Send part or all of the first information to the base station.

[0762] Optionally, in some embodiments, the device 1700 further includes a processing module for at least one of the following:

[0763] The UE receives a first request message sent by the core network device, the first request message being used to request the UE to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

[0764] Execute AIoT services based on the first request information;

[0765] Determine whether it is near the AIoT device;

[0766] The first information is generated when it is determined that the device is in proximity to the AIoT device.

[0767] Optionally, in some implementations, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0768] The reporting instruction for the first information;

[0769] Configuration information is used by the UE to determine AIoT devices that are near the UE.

[0770] Optionally, in some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0771] Communicate with the AIoT device;

[0772] Measure the signal sent by the AIoT device to obtain the signal strength of the AIoT device;

[0773] Measure the signal sent by the AIoT device to obtain the distance between yourself and the AIoT device;

[0774] Receive measurement assistance information sent by the AIoT device;

[0775] Adjust the signal strength of the detected AIoT device based on the first request information;

[0776] Based on the first request information, obtain the distance between the device and the AIoT device.

[0777] Optionally, in some implementations, determining proximity to the AIoT device includes at least one of the following:

[0778] The system received an indication message sent by the AIoT device, which indicated that the AIoT device was near the UE.

[0779] The AIoT devices were inventoried;

[0780] The AIoT device was paged, and a response was received from the AIoT device.

[0781] Received the access request from the AIoT device;

[0782] Read and write operations were performed on the AIoT device;

[0783] The signal sent by the AIoT device was detected;

[0784] Receive or successfully receive the D2R signal and identify the AIoT device;

[0785] Receive or successfully receive at least one D2R signal;

[0786] The payload sent by the AIoT device was successfully received.

[0787] The signal strength transmitted by the AIoT device was detected to exceed a first signal strength threshold;

[0788] The signal strength transmitted by the AIoT device is detected to exceed the first signal strength threshold after being adjusted according to the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters.

[0789] The distance to the AIoT device does not exceed a first distance threshold;

[0790] The path loss to the AIoT device does not exceed the first path loss threshold;

[0791] The difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time does not exceed a first time difference threshold.

[0792] See Figure 18 When the location information determining device is an AIoT device or a component within an AIoT device, the location information determining device 1800 includes a processing module 1801 for performing a first operation. The first operation is used to determine second information, which is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device. The first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0793] Communicate with the first device;

[0794] Determine its proximity to the first device;

[0795] Send device proximity information to the first device or core network device, the device proximity information including relevant information of the first device that is adjacent to the AIoT device.

[0796] Optionally, in some implementations, determining proximity to the first device includes at least one of the following:

[0797] The AIoT device received an indication message sent by the first device, the indication message being used to indicate that the AIoT device is near the first device;

[0798] The AIoT device received a paging or inventory request sent by the first device;

[0799] The AIoT devices are inventoried by the first device;

[0800] The AIoT device was paged by the first device and sent a response to the first device;

[0801] The AIoT device successfully completed the access process to the first device;

[0802] The AIoT device was read and written by the first device;

[0803] The AIoT device detected the signal sent by the first device.

[0804] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first device includes at least one of the following:

[0805] The base station includes a base station responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a base station responsible for receiving, or a base station responsible for transmitting;

[0806] UE, which includes a UE responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a UE responsible for receiving, or a UE responsible for transmitting.

[0807] In this embodiment, the first device can send first information to the second device. The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, and the second device can determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the first information. Thus, when determining the location information of the AIoT device, the first device can first determine and report the location-related information of the AIoT device, and then the second device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by other devices. This adapts to different communication scenarios of the AIoT device, thereby enabling accurate acquisition of the AIoT device's location information under different communication scenarios.

[0808] The location information determination device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figure 4 , Figures 7 to 10 The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0809] like Figure 19 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 1900, including a processor 1901 and a memory 1902. The memory 1902 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 1901. For example, when the communication device 1900 is a second device, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1901 implement the above-mentioned... Figure 4 The various steps of the method embodiment for determining location information shown are identical and can achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1900 is the first device, the program or instruction executed by the processor 1901 implements the above-described... Figure 7 The various steps of the method embodiment for determining location information shown are identical and can achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1900 is a base station, the above-described procedure or instruction is executed by the processor 1901. Figure 8 The various steps of the location information determination device and method embodiment shown are identical to those in the embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect; therefore, to avoid repetition, they will not be described again here. When the communication device 1900 is a terminal, the program or instruction executed by the processor 1901 implements the above-described... Figure 9 The various steps of the method embodiment for determining location information shown are identical and can achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1900 is an AIoT device, the above-described procedure or instruction is implemented when executed by the processor 1901. Figure 10 The various steps of the location information determination device method embodiment shown are the same and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0810] This application embodiment also provides a terminal, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement, for example... Figure 9 The steps in the method embodiment shown are illustrated. This terminal embodiment corresponds to the UE-side method embodiment described above. All implementation processes and methods of the UE-side method embodiment described above can be applied to this terminal embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. The terminal can be... Figure 17 The device for determining the location information shown. Specifically, Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal to implement an embodiment of this application.

[0811] The terminal 2000 includes, but is not limited to, at least some of the following components: radio frequency unit 2001, network module 2002, audio output unit 2003, input unit 2004, sensor 2005, display unit 2006, user input unit 2007, interface unit 2008, memory 2009, and processor 2010.

[0812] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terminal 2000 may also include a power supply (such as a battery) for supplying power to various components. The power supply may be logically connected to the processor 2010 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as managing charging, discharging, and power consumption through the power management system. Figure 20 The terminal structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the terminal. The terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0813] It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the input unit 2004 may include a graphics processor 20041 and a microphone 20042. The graphics processor 20041 processes image data of still images or videos obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in video capture mode or image capture mode. The display unit 2006 may include a display panel 20061, which may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, or the like. The user input unit 2007 includes at least one of a touch panel 20071 and other input devices 20072. The touch panel 20071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 20071 may include a touch detection device and a touch controller. Other input devices 20072 may include, but are not limited to, physical keyboards, function keys (such as volume control buttons, power buttons, etc.), trackballs, mice, and joysticks, which will not be described in detail here.

[0814] In this embodiment, after receiving downlink data from the network-side device, the radio frequency unit 2001 can transmit it to the processor 2010 for processing; in addition, the radio frequency unit 2001 can send uplink data to the network-side device. Typically, the radio frequency unit 2001 includes, but is not limited to, antennas, amplifiers, transceivers, couplers, low-noise amplifiers, duplexers, etc.

[0815] The memory 2009 can be used to store software programs or instructions, as well as various data. The memory 2009 may primarily include a first storage area for storing programs or instructions and a second storage area for storing data. The first storage area may store the operating system, application programs or instructions required for at least one function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.). Furthermore, the memory 2009 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 2009 in the embodiments of this application includes, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0816] Processor 2010 may include one or more processing units; optionally, processor 2010 integrates an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly handles operations involving the operating system, user interface, and applications, and the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor. It is understood that the aforementioned modem processor may also not be integrated into processor 2010.

[0817] The radio frequency unit 2001 is used for at least one of the following:

[0818] Send first information to the core network equipment, the first information including location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information being used to determine second information, the second information being used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device;

[0819] Send part or all of the first information to the base station.

[0820] When determining the location information of an AIoT device, the UE can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the core network device, and then the core network device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the UE or the base station. Alternatively, the UE can report the location-related information of the AIoT device to the base station, and then the base station can report it to the core network device, and then the core network device can indirectly determine the location information of the AIoT device based on the location-related information reported by the base station. Therefore, it can adapt to different communication scenarios of AIoT devices, and thus accurately obtain the location information of AIoT devices under different communication scenarios.

[0821] It is understood that the implementation process of each implementation method mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the relevant description of method embodiment 900 and achieve the same or corresponding technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0822] This application embodiment also provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement, for example... Figure 4 , Figure 7 or Figure 8 The illustrated method embodiments include some or all of the steps. This network-side device embodiment corresponds to the first device-side method embodiment, the second device-side method embodiment, or the base station-side method embodiment described above. All implementation processes and methods of the first device-side method embodiment, the second device-side method embodiment, or the base station-side method embodiment described above can be applied to this network-side device embodiment and achieve the same technical effects.

[0823] Specifically, embodiments of this application also provide a network-side device. For example... Figure 21 As shown, the network-side device 2100 includes: a processor 2101, a network interface 2102, and a memory 2103. This network-side device can be... Figure 14 , Figure 15 or Figure 16 The device for determining location information is shown. The network interface 2102 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0824] Specifically, the network-side device 2100 in this application embodiment further includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 2103 and executable on processor 2101, wherein processor 2101 calls the instructions or programs in memory 2103 to execute. Figure 14 , Figure 15 or Figure 16 The methods executed by each module shown achieve the same technical effect, and to avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail here.

[0825] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described method for determining location information and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0826] The processor mentioned above is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transient readable storage medium.

[0827] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described location information determination method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0828] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0829] This application also provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-described location information determination method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0830] This application embodiment also provides a location information determination system, including a first device, a second device, and an AIoT device, wherein the second device can be used to perform the above-described actions. Figure 4 The first device can be used to perform the steps of the method for determining location information as described above. Figure 7 The steps of the method for determining location information, or the steps described above, may be performed as follows. Figure 8 The steps of the method for determining location information, or the steps described above, may be performed as follows. Figure 9 The steps of the method for determining location information, as described above, can be performed by the AIoT device. Figure 10 The steps of the method for determining location information are described above.

[0831] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0832] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of computer software products plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, they can also be implemented by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and includes several instructions to cause the terminal or network-side device to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0833] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other implementations under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these implementations are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for determining location information, characterized in that, include: The second device receives first information sent by the first device, the first information including location-related information of the environment-enabled Internet of Things (AIoT) device. The second device determines second information based on the first information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The location-related information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the first device; Location information of the first device; An indication that the first device is near the AIoT device; An indication of the association between the first device and the AIoT device; The measurement results of the first device on the AIoT device; The measurement results include at least one of the following: The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device; The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device after adjustment; The path loss between the first device and the AIoT device; The distance between the first device and the AIoT device; The first time difference includes the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: Device identifier, used to indicate one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device; The first location information is used to indicate the geographical location information of the AIoT device; The device's movement information is used to indicate whether one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device are stationary, moving, indoors, or outdoors; Valid time is used to indicate the validity period of the location information of the AIoT device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device include at least one of the following: One or more first devices that are closest to the AIoT device; One or more first devices that are closest to the AIoT device; One or more first devices that are adjacent to the AIoT device within a specified time period; One or more first devices associated with the AIoT device, wherein the AIoT device and the associated one or more first devices are kept in proximity.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first location information includes at least one of the following: Location information of one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device; Location information determined based on the location information of one or more first devices that are adjacent to or associated with the AIoT device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second device receives first information sent by the first device, including: The second device receives multiple instances of the first information sent by the first device; The second device determines the second information based on the first information, including: The second device determines the target device from the plurality of first information devices based on the plurality of first information devices; The second device determines the second information based on the target device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The target device satisfies at least one of the following: The shortest distance to the AIoT device; Minimizes path loss with the AIoT device; The target device has the smallest first time difference; The detected AIoT device had the strongest signal strength; The signal strength of the detected AIoT device is the maximum after adjustment.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second device sends a first request message to the first device, the first request message being used to request the first device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first request information includes at least one of the following: The reporting instruction for the first information; Configuration information is used by the first device to identify AIoT devices that are near the first device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The configuration information includes at least one of the following: A first signal strength threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device or the signal strength after adjustment is greater than or equal to the first signal strength threshold. A first path loss threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the path loss of the AIoT device detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first path loss threshold. AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters are used by the first device to adjust the detected AIoT signal strength; A first distance threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the distance detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first distance threshold. A first time difference threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device is less than or equal to the first time difference threshold.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second device receives device proximity information sent by the AIoT device, the device proximity information including relevant information of the first device that is adjacent to the AIoT device; The second device determines the second information based on the device proximity information and the first information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The second device includes core network equipment, and the first device includes a base station; or; The second device includes the core network device, and the first device includes a user equipment (UE); or, The second device includes the base station, and the first device includes the UE.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the second device includes the base station and the first device includes the UE, the method further includes: The second device sends third information to the core network device, the third information including at least one of the following: The identifier of the second device; Location information of the second device; The first piece of information.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second device receives a second request message sent by the core network device, the second request message being used to request the second device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The base station includes a base station responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a base station responsible for receiving, or a base station responsible for transmitting; The UE includes a UE responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a UE responsible for receiving, or a UE responsible for transmitting.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The AIoT device can be a single AIoT device, a group of AIoT devices, or a class of AIoT devices.

17. A method for determining location information, characterized in that, include: The first device sends the first information to the second device; The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The location-related information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the first device; Location information of the first device; An indication that the first device is near the AIoT device; An indication of the association between the first device and the AIoT device; The measurement results of the first device on the AIoT device; The measurement results include at least one of the following: The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device; The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device after adjustment; The path loss between the first device and the AIoT device; The distance between the first device and the AIoT device; The first time difference includes the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first device receives a first request message sent by the second device, the first request message being used to request the first device to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first request information includes at least one of the following: The reporting instruction for the first information; Configuration information is used by the first device to identify AIoT devices that are near the first device.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The configuration information includes at least one of the following: A first signal strength threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the first device or the signal strength after adjustment is greater than or equal to the first signal strength threshold. A first path loss threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the path loss of the AIoT device detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first path loss threshold. AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters are used to adjust the AIoT signal strength detected by the first device; A first distance threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the distance detected by the first device is less than or equal to the first distance threshold. A first time difference threshold indicates that the first device is close to the AIoT device when the difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device is less than or equal to the first time difference threshold.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that, The second device includes core network equipment, and the first device includes a base station; or; The second device includes the core network device, and the first device includes a user equipment (UE); or, The second device includes the base station, and the first device includes the UE.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, When the second device includes the core network device and the first device includes the base station, the method further includes: The first device receives fourth information sent by the UE, the fourth information including relevant information about the proximity of the UE and the AIoT device; The first information also includes the fourth information.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The relevant information regarding the proximity of the UE to the AIoT device includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the UE; The location information of the UE; The indication that the UE is near the AIoT device; The indication of the association between the UE and the AIoT device; The measurement results of the UE on the AIoT device; The measurement results include at least one of the following: The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the UE; The signal strength of the AIoT device detected by the UE is the adjusted signal strength; The path loss between the UE and the AIoT device; The distance between the UE and the AIoT device; The difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first device sends a third request message to the UE, the third request message being used to request the UE to report the location-related information of the AIoT device.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, The first device receives the fourth information sent by the UE, including: The first device receives multiple fourth messages sent by multiple UEs; The first device determines the target UE from the multiple UEs based on the multiple pieces of the fourth information; The first device determines fifth information based on the target UE, the fifth information being used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device; The first information includes the fifth information.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The target UE satisfies at least one of the following: The shortest distance to the AIoT device; Minimizes path loss with the AIoT device; The difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the target UE is minimized; The detected AIoT device had the strongest signal strength; The signal strength of the detected AIoT device is the maximum after adjustment.

28. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, When the second device includes the core network device and the first device includes the UE, or when the second device includes the base station and the first device includes the UE, the method further includes: The first device executes AIoT services based on the first request information; The first device determines whether it is near the AIoT device; The first device generates the first information when it determines that it is near the AIoT device.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The first device performs AIoT services based on the first request information, including at least one of the following: The first device communicates with the AIoT device; The first device measures the signal sent by the AIoT device to obtain the signal strength of the AIoT device; The first device measures the signal sent by the AIoT device to obtain the distance between itself and the AIoT device; The first device receives measurement assistance information sent by the AIoT device; The first device adjusts the signal strength of the detected AIoT device based on the first request information; The first device obtains the distance between itself and the AIoT device based on the first request information.

30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that, The first device determines its proximity to the AIoT device by at least one of the following: The first device received an indication message sent by the AIoT device, the indication message being used to indicate that the AIoT device is near the first device; The first device has inventoried the AIoT device; The first device paged the AIoT device and received a response from the AIoT device; The first device receives the access request from the AIoT device; The first device performed read and write operations on the AIoT device; The first device detects the signal sent by the AIoT device; The first device receives or successfully receives the D2R signal and identifies the AIoT device; The first device receives or successfully receives at least one D2R signal; The first device successfully received the payload sent by the AIoT device. The first device detected that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeded a first signal strength threshold; The first device detects that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeds a first signal strength threshold after being adjusted according to the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters. The distance between the first device and the AIoT device does not exceed a first distance threshold; The path loss between the first device and the AIoT device does not exceed a first path loss threshold; The difference between the receiving time and the sending time of the first device does not exceed the first time difference threshold.

31. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 30, characterized in that, The base station includes a base station responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a base station responsible for receiving, or a base station responsible for transmitting; The UE includes a UE responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a UE responsible for receiving, or a UE responsible for transmitting.

32. A method for determining location information, characterized in that, include: The base station sends the first information to the core network equipment; The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The method further includes: The base station receives a first request information sent by the core network device, the first request information being used to request the base station to report the location-related information of the AIoT device; The base station sends part or all of the first request information to the UE.

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, The first request information includes at least one of the following: The reporting instruction for the first information; Configuration information is used by the UE to determine AIoT devices that are near the UE.

35. A method for determining location information, characterized in that, Includes at least one of the following: The UE sends first information to the core network equipment. The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device. The first information is used to determine second information. The second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device. The UE sends part or all of the first information to the base station.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that, The method further includes: The UE receives a first request information sent by the core network device, the first request information being used to request the UE to report the location-related information of the AIoT device; The UE executes AIoT services according to the first request information; The UE determines whether it is near the AIoT device; The UE generates the first information when it determines that it is near the AIoT device.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that, The UE performs AIoT services based on the first request information, including at least one of the following: The UE communicates with the AIoT device; The UE measures the signal sent by the AIoT device and obtains the signal strength of the AIoT device. The UE measures the signal sent by the AIoT device to obtain the distance between itself and the AIoT device; The UE receives measurement assistance information sent by the AIoT device; The UE adjusts the signal strength of the detected AIoT device according to the first request information; The UE obtains the distance between itself and the AIoT device based on the first request information.

38. The method according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that, The UE is determined to be near the AIoT device, including at least one of the following: The UE received an indication message sent by the AIoT device, the indication message being used to indicate that the AIoT device is near the UE; The UE has accessed the AIoT device; The UE paged the AIoT device and received a response from the AIoT device; The UE receives the access request from the AIoT device; The UE performed read and write operations on the AIoT device; The UE detects the signal sent by the AIoT device; The UE receives or successfully receives the D2R signal and identifies the AIoT device; The UE receives or successfully receives at least one D2R signal; The UE successfully received the payload sent by the AIoT device. The UE detects that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeds a first signal strength threshold; The UE detects that the signal strength sent by the AIoT device exceeds the first signal strength threshold after being adjusted according to the AIoT signal strength adjustment parameters. The distance between the UE and the AIoT device does not exceed a first distance threshold; The path loss between the UE and the AIoT device does not exceed the first path loss threshold; The difference between the UE's receiving time and sending time does not exceed a first time difference threshold.

39. A method for determining location information, characterized in that, include: An AIoT device performs a first operation, the first operation being used to determine second information, the second information being used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device, the first operation including at least one of the following: Communicate with the first device; Determine its proximity to the first device; Send device proximity information to the first device or core network device, the device proximity information including relevant information of the first device that is adjacent to the AIoT device.

40. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that, The determination of proximity to the first device includes at least one of the following: The AIoT device received an indication message sent by the first device, the indication message being used to indicate that the AIoT device is near the first device; The AIoT device received a paging or inventory request sent by the first device; The AIoT devices are inventoried by the first device; The AIoT device was paged by the first device and sent a response to the first device; The AIoT device successfully completed the access process to the first device; The AIoT device was read and written by the first device; The AIoT device detected the signal sent by the first device.

41. The method according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that, The first device includes at least one of the following: The base station includes a base station responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a base station responsible for receiving, or a base station responsible for transmitting; UE, which includes a UE responsible for receiving and transmitting, or a UE responsible for receiving, or a UE responsible for transmitting.

42. A device for determining location information, characterized in that, include: A receiving module is used to receive first information sent by a first device, the first information including location-related information of an environment-enabled AIoT device. The processing module is configured to determine second information based on the first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

43. A device for determining location information, characterized in that, include: The sending module is used to send the first information to the second device; The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

44. A device for determining location information, characterized in that, include: The sending module is used to send the first information to the core network equipment; The first information includes location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information is used to determine the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device.

45. A device for determining location information, characterized in that, include: The sending module is used for at least one of the following: Send first information to the core network equipment, the first information including location-related information of the AIoT device, the first information being used to determine second information, the second information being used to indicate the location information of the AIoT device; Send part or all of the first information to the base station.

46. ​​A device for determining location information, characterized in that, include: The processing module is configured to perform a first operation, wherein the first operation is configured to determine second information, wherein the second information is configured to indicate the location information of the AIoT device, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: Communicate with the first device; Determine its proximity to the first device; Send device proximity information to the first device or core network device, the device proximity information including relevant information of the first device that is adjacent to the AIoT device.

47. A communication device, characterized in that, The method includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 31, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 38, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 41.

48. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 31, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 38, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 41.

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