Auxiliary data broadcasting method, positioning management function network element and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to an auxiliary data broadcasting method, a positioning management function network element and electronic equipment, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method for broadcasting the auxiliary data comprises the following steps of: sending subscription of the number of user equipment needing the auxiliary data to an access and mobility management function network element; and receiving updating information of the number of the user equipment needing the auxiliary data, which is sent by the access and mobility management function network element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method for broadcasting auxiliary data, a network element for positioning management functions, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] The network side sends location-related network assistance data to the user equipment (UE) to assist the UE in positioning and improve positioning accuracy and reliability.

[0003] In related technologies, the Location Management Function (LMF) frequently updates location-related network auxiliary information to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the Radio Access Network Node (RAN Node), and the UE. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for broadcasting auxiliary data is provided, applied to a location management function network element, comprising: sending a subscription to the number of user equipments requiring auxiliary data to an access and mobility management function network element; and receiving update information on the number of user equipments requiring auxiliary data sent by the access and mobility management function network element.

[0005] In some embodiments, the update information includes the number of new user equipments requiring auxiliary data compared to the last time the access and mobility management function network element sent update information, and the method for broadcasting auxiliary data further includes: determining the current number of user equipments requiring auxiliary data based on the number of new user equipments.

[0006] In some embodiments, the update information includes the current number of user devices that require auxiliary data.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method for broadcasting auxiliary data further includes: determining whether to broadcast the auxiliary data based on the update information.

[0008] In some embodiments, determining whether to broadcast the auxiliary data based on the update information includes: determining whether to broadcast the auxiliary data based on the current number of user devices that require the auxiliary data.

[0009] In some embodiments, the current number of user devices requiring auxiliary data includes at least one of the following: the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data, the number of user devices with first priority, the number of user devices with second priority, and the number of user devices with third priority among the user devices requiring auxiliary data, wherein the first priority is higher than the second priority, and the second priority is higher than the third priority. Determining whether to broadcast the auxiliary data based on the current number of user devices requiring auxiliary data includes at least one of the following: determining to broadcast the auxiliary data when the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data exceeds a first threshold; determining to broadcast the auxiliary data when the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data exceeds a second threshold and the proportion of user devices with first priority requiring auxiliary data exceeds a first proportion threshold; and determining to broadcast the auxiliary data when the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data exceeds a third threshold and the proportion of user devices with second priority requiring auxiliary data exceeds a second proportion threshold.

[0010] In some embodiments, the current number of user devices requiring auxiliary data includes at least one of the following: the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data, the number of user devices with first priority, the number of user devices with second priority, and the number of user devices with third priority among the user devices requiring auxiliary data, wherein the first priority is higher than the second priority, and the second priority is higher than the third priority. Determining whether to broadcast the auxiliary data based on the number of user devices requiring auxiliary data includes at least one of the following: determining not to broadcast the auxiliary data if the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data does not exceed a first threshold; determining not to broadcast the auxiliary data if the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data does not exceed a second threshold and the proportion of user devices with first priority requiring auxiliary data does not exceed a first proportion threshold; determining not to broadcast the auxiliary data if the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data does not exceed a third threshold and the proportion of user devices with second priority requiring auxiliary data does not exceed a second proportion threshold; and determining not to broadcast the auxiliary data if the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data does not exceed a fourth threshold and the proportion of user devices with third priority requiring auxiliary data exceeds a third proportion threshold.

[0011] In some embodiments, determining whether to broadcast the auxiliary data based on the update information includes: determining whether to broadcast the auxiliary data based on at least one of information related to the auxiliary data obtained from the application function network element, information related to the auxiliary data obtained from the network management system, and the update information.

[0012] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for broadcasting auxiliary data is provided, applied to an access and mobility management function network element, comprising: receiving a subscription for the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data sent by a location management function network element; and, when the change in the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data reaches a specified condition, sending update information on the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data to the location management function network element.

[0013] In some embodiments, updated information on the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data is used by the location management function network element to determine whether to broadcast the auxiliary data.

[0014] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, applied to a user equipment, comprising: receiving auxiliary data broadcast by a broadcasting method for auxiliary data according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a location management function network element is provided, comprising: a transmitting module configured to transmit a subscription for the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data to an access and mobility management function network element; and a receiving module configured to receive update information on the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data transmitted by the access and mobility management function network element.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, an access and mobility management function network element is provided, comprising: a receiving module configured to receive a subscription for the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data sent by a location management function network element; and a sending module configured to send update information on the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data to the location management function network element when the change in the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data reaches a specified condition.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a user equipment is provided, including: a receiving module configured to receive auxiliary data, wherein whether the auxiliary data is broadcast is determined by a positioning management function network element according to some embodiments of this disclosure based on update information.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a memory; and

[0019] A processor coupled to the memory is configured to execute, based on instructions stored in the memory, a method for broadcasting auxiliary data according to some embodiments of the present disclosure or a method for communicating according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] According to an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement a method for broadcasting auxiliary data according to some embodiments of this disclosure or a communication method according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] According to a ninth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement a method for broadcasting auxiliary data according to some embodiments of this disclosure or a communication method according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0023] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for broadcasting auxiliary data according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for broadcasting auxiliary data according to other embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 3 Communication methods according to other embodiments of this disclosure are shown;

[0027] Figure 4 An interactive diagram illustrating a method for broadcasting auxiliary data according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 A block diagram of a location management function network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 6 A block diagram of an access and mobility management function network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 7 A block diagram of a user equipment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 8 Block diagrams of electronic devices according to other embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0032] Figure 9 A block diagram of a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0035] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0036] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0037] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0038] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0039] In related technologies, the Location Management Function (LMF) frequently updates location-related network auxiliary information to the AMF, RAN Node, and multiple UEs. However, maintaining such high-frequency updates consumes significant signaling and network transmission resources. Especially in the initial deployment phase, when the number of UEs is small, the efficiency of high-frequency broadcasts is very low.

[0040] To this end, this application provides a method for broadcasting auxiliary data, a network element for positioning management functions, and an electronic device, which can improve the efficiency of broadcasting.

[0041] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for broadcasting auxiliary data according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the method for broadcasting auxiliary data includes steps S11-S13. In some embodiments, the method for broadcasting auxiliary data is performed by the positioning management function network.

[0043] In step S11, a subscription for the number of user equipments requiring auxiliary data is sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0044] "Auxiliary data" refers to network auxiliary data, also known as location auxiliary data.

[0045] "User equipment that requires auxiliary data" refers to user equipment that needs to use auxiliary data.

[0046] In some embodiments, the current number of user devices requiring auxiliary data includes at least one of the following: the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data, the number of user devices with first priority among the user devices requiring auxiliary data, the number of user devices with second priority among the user devices requiring auxiliary data, and the number of user devices with third priority among the user devices requiring auxiliary data, wherein the first priority is higher than the second priority, and the second priority is higher than the third priority.

[0047] For example, "the number of user devices requiring auxiliary data" can include the total number of all priority user devices, or it can include the number of user devices with one or several priorities; this disclosure does not limit this. The first priority is, for example, high priority, the second priority is, for example, medium priority, and the third priority is, for example, low priority. Low-priority devices are, for example, IoT devices.

[0048] LMF can subscribe to multiple AMFs, each managing the number of user devices that require auxiliary data.

[0049] In some embodiments, the subscription for the number of user devices requiring auxiliary data includes notification conditions. These conditions may include, for example, that the number of user devices using auxiliary data managed by an AMF exceeds five, or that an AMF adds one new user device using auxiliary data. When the specified conditions are met, the AMF reports the corresponding event (number of user devices) to the LMF.

[0050] In step S12, the system receives updated information from the access and mobility management function network element regarding the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data.

[0051] For example, the AMF has a function to cache the counting and quantity information of user equipment related to auxiliary data. After the LMF subscribes to the user equipment quantity information from the AMF, the AMF monitors the number of user equipment. When the number of user equipment changes, the AMF reports the change in the number of user equipment to the LMF.

[0052] If default conditions are set, or if the subscription for the number of user devices requiring auxiliary data includes notification conditions, then the AMF will report the change in the number of user devices to the LMF when the change in the number of user devices meets the conditions. For example, if an AMF manages more than 5 user devices that need to use auxiliary data, the LMF will decide to broadcast the auxiliary data. Or, if an AMF adds one new user device that needs to use auxiliary data, the LMF will decide to broadcast the auxiliary data.

[0053] In some embodiments, it is determined whether to broadcast auxiliary data based on the updated information.

[0054] For example, for each AMF, the LMF determines whether to send auxiliary data to that AMF based on the updated information of that AMF, so that the user equipment managed by that AMF can receive the auxiliary data.

[0055] In some embodiments, the update information includes the number of new user equipments related to the auxiliary data compared to when the access and mobility management function network element last sent the update information, and the method for broadcasting auxiliary data further includes: determining the current number of user equipments that need auxiliary data based on the number of new user equipments.

[0056] For example, the AMF notifies the LMF of at least one of the following: the number of new user equipment units (MAUs) requiring auxiliary data; the number of new MAUs requiring auxiliary data with first priority; the number of new MAUs requiring auxiliary data with second priority; and the number of new MAUs requiring auxiliary data with third priority. "Number of new MAUs" refers to the number of new MAUs compared to the last time the AMF notified the LMF.

[0057] LMF determines whether to broadcast auxiliary data based on the current number of user equipment (UEs) requiring auxiliary data. For example, LMF has added a counting function and a function to cache quantity information, accumulating calculations based on the quantity changes in previous AMF notifications. LMF determines the number of UEs currently requiring auxiliary data based on the quantity calculated since the last AMF notification and the newly added quantity.

[0058] In some embodiments, the update information includes the current number of user devices that require auxiliary data.

[0059] For example, the AMF notifies the LMF of at least one of the following: the total number of user equipment that requires auxiliary data; the number of user equipment that requires auxiliary data with the first priority; the number of user equipment that requires auxiliary data with the second priority; and the number of user equipment that requires auxiliary data with the third priority.

[0060] The LMF determines whether to broadcast auxiliary data based on the current number of user equipment required for the auxiliary data. For example, the LMF can determine whether to broadcast auxiliary data directly based on the number notified by the AMF, without needing to perform calculations.

[0061] In some embodiments, determining whether to broadcast auxiliary data based on the current number of user devices requiring auxiliary data includes at least one of the following: determining to broadcast auxiliary data when the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data exceeds a first threshold; determining to broadcast auxiliary data when the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data exceeds a second threshold and the proportion of user devices requiring auxiliary data with the first priority exceeds a first proportion threshold; and determining to broadcast auxiliary data when the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data exceeds a third threshold and the proportion of user devices requiring auxiliary data with the second priority exceeds a second proportion threshold.

[0062] For example, if the total number of user devices exceeds a first threshold, auxiliary data is broadcast. The first threshold could be 5, 10, 100, etc. Alternatively, auxiliary data can be broadcast only when the total number of user devices exceeds a certain value and the proportion of high-priority and / or medium-priority users is high.

[0063] In some embodiments, determining whether to broadcast auxiliary data based on the current number of user devices requiring auxiliary data includes at least one of the following: determining not to broadcast auxiliary data if the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data does not exceed a first threshold; determining not to broadcast auxiliary data if the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data does not exceed a second threshold and / or the proportion of user devices requiring auxiliary data with the first priority does not exceed a first proportion threshold; determining not to broadcast auxiliary data if the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data does not exceed a third threshold and / or the proportion of user devices requiring auxiliary data with the second priority does not exceed a second proportion threshold; and determining not to broadcast auxiliary data if the total number of user devices requiring auxiliary data does not exceed a fourth threshold and the proportion of user devices requiring auxiliary data with the third priority exceeds a third proportion threshold. The second and third thresholds are, for example, greater than the first threshold.

[0064] For example, if the total number of user devices is small, it is determined not to broadcast auxiliary data. LMF can also consider user device priorities; for example, if high-priority user devices account for a small percentage and the total number of user devices is not large enough, it is determined not to broadcast auxiliary data. If low-priority user devices account for a large percentage and the total number of user devices is not large enough, it is determined not to broadcast auxiliary data.

[0065] By considering the priority of user devices, it determines whether to broadcast auxiliary data. This enables more timely and accurate positioning support for high / medium priority user devices. Furthermore, it reduces excessive resource consumption when there are fewer high / medium priority user devices.

[0066] The above lists various conditions for broadcasting auxiliary data and not broadcasting auxiliary data. The priority of these conditions can be preset. For example, if both the conditions for broadcasting auxiliary data and not broadcasting auxiliary data are met, and the condition for not broadcasting auxiliary data has a higher priority, then auxiliary data will not be broadcast.

[0067] LMF can also directly determine whether to enable broadcast auxiliary data based on the number of high / medium priority user devices. For example, if the number of high-priority user devices using auxiliary data simultaneously is greater than p, broadcast auxiliary data is enabled; otherwise, it is disabled. Alternatively, if the total number of user devices using auxiliary data simultaneously is greater than s, and the number of high-priority user devices using auxiliary data simultaneously is greater than t, broadcast auxiliary data is enabled; otherwise, it is disabled.

[0068] In some embodiments, determining whether to broadcast auxiliary data based on update information includes: determining whether to broadcast auxiliary data based on at least one of auxiliary data-related information obtained from an application function network element, auxiliary data-related information obtained from a network management system, and update information.

[0069] Network management systems include, for example, operation, administration, and maintenance (OA&M) network elements.

[0070] In addition to considering the number of user devices, information from OA&M (e.g., OA&M may stipulate that broadcasts must be made at least once a day) and AF (e.g., AF may stipulate that broadcasts must be made for certain contracted services) are also taken into account to make a comprehensive judgment, thereby more accurately controlling the timing of broadcasts.

[0071] Configuration information can be added to the LMF. Based on this configuration information, the LMF determines whether to execute steps S11-S12. For example, if the configuration information indicates that the number of broadcasts needs to be controlled, the LMF sends a subscription to the AMF and executes steps S11-S12. If the configuration information indicates that the number of broadcasts does not need to be controlled, the LMF does not execute steps S11-S12.

[0072] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for broadcasting auxiliary data according to other embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the method for broadcasting auxiliary data includes steps S21-S22. In some embodiments, the method for broadcasting auxiliary data is performed by the access and mobility management function network element.

[0074] In step S21, the system receives a subscription request from the location management function network element for the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data. This subscription may include, for example, a request for a specific number of such equipment.

[0075] In step S22, when the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data changes to a specified condition, the update information on the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data is sent to the positioning management function network element.

[0076] For example, the AMF determines whether a user equipment (UE) needs to use auxiliary data based on its request, and counts the UEs that need to use auxiliary data. The AMF can send update information to the positioning management function network element whenever the number of UEs changes, or it can send update information only when the change in number meets certain conditions.

[0077] In some embodiments, update information is used by the location management function network element to determine whether to broadcast auxiliary data.

[0078] Figure 3 Communication methods according to other embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated. In some embodiments, the communication methods are performed by a user equipment.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, the communication method includes: step S31, receiving auxiliary data broadcast by the auxiliary data broadcasting method according to any of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0080] For example, the user equipment sends a request to the AMF and receives the auxiliary data after the LMF determines the broadcast auxiliary data.

[0081] Figure 4 An interactive diagram illustrating a method for broadcasting auxiliary data according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the broadcasting methods for auxiliary data include events 101-108.

[0083] Event 101: The LMF sends a subscription to the AMF for information about user equipment that requires network auxiliary data, such as the total number of user equipment and the number of high-priority user equipment.

[0084] Event 102: When the triggering conditions are met, the AMF sends a subscription notification to the LMF. Triggering conditions may include, for example, the total number of user devices reaching a certain value, or the number of high-priority user devices reaching a certain value.

[0085] Event 103: The LMF determines whether to broadcast network auxiliary data based on information about user equipment obtained from the AMF.

[0086] Event 104: The LMF invokes the Namf_Communication_NonUeN2MessageTransfer service operation to the AMF to request network assistance. For example, if an AMF manages fewer than 5 / 10 / 100 user equipment devices using assistance data, the LMF will not send assistance data to that AMF. This service operation includes a network assistance data message and the target NG-RAN node identifier. The network assistance data message contains optional encrypted assistance data. The LMF can send one or more sets of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) assistance data to the target NG-RAN node.

[0087] In Event 105, the AMF forwards the Network Auxiliary Data Message to the target NG-RAN node indicated in Event 104 within the N2 transport message. The AMF includes a routing identifier in the N2 transport message to identify the LMF.

[0088] Event 106: NG-RAN nodes include auxiliary data in their broadcast network auxiliary data messages.

[0089] In event 107, the target NG-RAN node can return feedback on the broadcast of auxiliary information to the AMF in the Network Auxiliary Feedback Message, while including the routing identifier in event 105 in the N2 Transmission Message.

[0090] In event 108, the AMF invoked the Namf_Communication_NonUeN2InfoNotify service operation to the LMF. This service operation included the network auxiliary data feedback message received in event 107.

[0091] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the LMF subscribes to and receives quantity information related to user equipment from the AMF. Based on the quantity information, the LMF determines whether to broadcast auxiliary data, thereby controlling the number of broadcasts, improving broadcast efficiency, and reducing resource consumption.

[0092] Figure 5 A block diagram of a location management function network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0093] like Figure 5 As shown, the positioning management function network element 5 includes a transmitting module 51 and a receiving module 52.

[0094] The sending module 51 is configured to send a subscription for the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data to the access and mobility management function network element, for example, performing actions such as... Figure 1 Step S11 is shown.

[0095] The receiving module 52 is configured to receive update information on the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data sent by the access and mobility management function network element, for example, performing actions such as... Figure 2 Step S12 is shown.

[0096] In some embodiments, the positioning management function network element 5 further includes a determination module 53, configured to determine whether to broadcast auxiliary data based on the update information.

[0097] Figure 6 A block diagram of an access and mobility management function network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0098] like Figure 6 As shown, the access and mobility management function network element includes: a receiving module 61 and a transmitting module 62.

[0099] Receiver module 61 is configured to receive subscriptions from the location management function network element for the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data, for example, performing actions such as... Figure 2 Step S21 is shown.

[0100] The sending module 62 is configured to send updated information about the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data to the positioning management function network element when the change in the number of user equipment requiring auxiliary data reaches a specified condition, for example, by performing actions such as... Figure 2 Step S22 is shown.

[0101] The updated information is used by the location management function network element to determine whether to broadcast auxiliary data.

[0102] Figure 7 A block diagram of a user device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0103] like Figure 7 As shown, the user equipment includes a receiving module 71.

[0104] The receiving module 71 is configured to receive auxiliary data, wherein whether the auxiliary data is broadcast is determined by the positioning management function network element according to any of the embodiments of this disclosure based on update information, for example, by performing... Figure 3 Step S31 is shown.

[0105] Figure 8 Block diagrams of electronic devices according to other embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0106] like Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device 8 includes a memory 81 and a processor 82 coupled to the memory 81, the memory 81 being used to store a method for broadcasting auxiliary data. The processor 82 is configured to execute the method for broadcasting auxiliary data in any of the embodiments of this disclosure based on instructions stored in the memory 81.

[0107] Figure 9 A block diagram of a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0108] like Figure 9 As shown, the computer system 90 can be represented in the form of a general computing device. The computer system 90 includes a memory 910, a processor 920, and a bus 900 connecting different system components.

[0109] The memory 910 may include, for example, system memory, non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs. The system memory may include volatile storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The non-volatile storage media may store, for example, instructions for executing the broadcasting method of auxiliary data in any of the embodiments of this disclosure. Non-volatile storage media include, but are not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, flash memory, etc.

[0110] The processor 920 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete hardware components such as discrete gates or transistors. Accordingly, each module, such as the decision module and the determination module, can be implemented by the central processing unit (CPU) running instructions in memory to execute the corresponding steps, or by dedicated circuitry to execute the corresponding steps.

[0111] Bus 900 can use any of the various bus architectures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0112] The computer system 90 may also include an input / output interface 930, a network interface 940, and a storage interface 950. These interfaces 930, 940, and 950, as well as the memory 910 and processor 920, can be connected via a bus 900. The input / output interface 930 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The network interface 940 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 950 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as floppy disks, USB flash drives, and SD cards.

[0113] Various aspects of this disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0114] These computer-readable program instructions are provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable device to produce a machine, such that execution of the instructions by the processor produces means for implementing the functions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0115] These computer-readable program instructions are also readablely stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These instructions cause a computer to work in a particular manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions that implement the functions specified in one or more boxes in a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0116] This disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0117] The broadcasting efficiency is improved by using the auxiliary data broadcasting method, positioning management function network element, and electronic equipment in the above embodiments.

[0118] The broadcasting method for auxiliary data, the positioning management function network element, and the electronic device according to this disclosure have been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art will fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

Claims

1. A method for broadcasting assistance data, applied to a location management function network element, comprising: sending, to an access and mobility management function network element, a subscription for a number of user equipments requiring assistance data; receiving, from the access and mobility management function network element, updated information for the number of user equipments requiring assistance data.

2. The broadcasting method of ancillary data according to claim 1, wherein, The updated information comprises an increased number of user equipments requiring assistance data compared to the last time the access and mobility management function network element sent updated information, and the method further comprises: determining a current number of user equipments requiring assistance data based on the increased number of user equipments.

3. The broadcasting method of ancillary data according to claim 1, wherein, The updated information comprises the current number of user equipments requiring assistance data. 4.The method of claim 2 or 3, further comprising: determining whether to broadcast the assistance data based on the updated information.

5. The broadcasting method of ancillary data according to claim 4, wherein, Determining whether to broadcast the assistance data based on the updated information comprises: determining whether to broadcast the assistance data based on the current number of user equipments requiring assistance data.

6. The broadcasting method of ancillary data according to claim 5, wherein, The current number of user equipments requiring assistance data comprises at least one of a total number of user equipments requiring assistance data, a number of user equipments of a first priority level among the user equipments requiring assistance data, a number of user equipments of a second priority level, and a number of user equipments of a third priority level, wherein the first priority level is higher than the second priority level, and the second priority level is higher than the third priority level, and determining whether to broadcast the assistance data based on the current number of user equipments requiring assistance data comprises at least one of: determining to broadcast the assistance data when the total number of user equipments requiring assistance data exceeds a first threshold value; determining to broadcast the assistance data when the total number of user equipments requiring assistance data exceeds a second threshold value, and a proportion of user equipments of the first priority level among the user equipments requiring assistance data exceeds a first proportion threshold value; determining to broadcast the assistance data when the total number of user equipments requiring assistance data exceeds a third threshold value, and a proportion of user equipments of the second priority level among the user equipments requiring assistance data exceeds a second proportion threshold value.

7. The broadcasting method of assistance data according to claim 5, wherein the current number of user equipments in need of assistance data comprises at least one of a total number of user equipments in need of assistance data, a number of user equipments of a first priority among user equipments in need of assistance data, a number of user equipments of a second priority, a number of user equipments of a third priority, wherein, The first priority level is higher than the second priority level, and the second priority level is higher than the third priority level, and determining whether to broadcast the assistance data based on the number of user equipments requiring assistance data comprises at least one of: determining not to broadcast the assistance data when the total number of user equipments requiring assistance data does not exceed the first threshold value; determining not to broadcast the assistance data when the total number of user equipments requiring assistance data does not exceed the second threshold value, and the proportion of user equipments of the first priority level among the user equipments requiring assistance data does not exceed the first proportion threshold value; determining not to broadcast the assistance data when the total number of user equipments requiring assistance data does not exceed the third threshold value, and the proportion of user equipments of the second priority level among the user equipments requiring assistance data does not exceed the second proportion threshold value; determining not to broadcast the assistance data when the total number of user equipments requiring assistance data does not exceed a fourth threshold value, and a proportion of user equipments of the third priority level among the user equipments requiring assistance data exceeds a third proportion threshold value.

8. The broadcasting method of ancillary data according to claim 4, wherein, The determining whether to broadcast the assistance data according to the update information comprises: determining whether to broadcast the assistance data according to at least one of information related to the assistance data obtained from an application function network element, information related to the assistance data obtained from a network management system, and the update information. 9.A method for broadcasting assistance data, applied to an access and mobility management function network element, comprising: receiving a subscription of a number of user equipments requiring assistance data from a location management function network element; sending update information of the number of user equipments requiring assistance data to the location management function network element in a case where a change of the number of user equipments requiring assistance data reaches a specified condition.

10. The broadcast method of ancillary data according to claim 9, wherein, The update information of the number of user equipments requiring assistance data is used by the location management function network element to determine whether to broadcast the assistance data. 11.A method for communication, applied to a user equipment, comprising: receiving assistance data broadcasted by the method for broadcasting assistance data according to any one of claims 1-10. 12.A location management function network element, comprising: a sending module configured to send a subscription of a number of user equipments requiring assistance data to an access and mobility management function network element; a receiving module configured to receive update information of the number of user equipments requiring assistance data sent by the access and mobility management function network element. 13.An access and mobility management function network element, comprising: a receiving module configured to receive a subscription of a number of user equipments requiring assistance data sent by a location management function network element; a sending module configured to send update information of the number of user equipments requiring assistance data to the location management function network element in a case where a change of the number of user equipments requiring assistance data reaches a specified condition. 14.A user equipment, comprising: a receiving module configured to receive assistance data, wherein whether the assistance data is broadcasted is determined by a location management function network element according to update information. 15.An electronic device, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to execute a method for broadcasting assistance data according to any one of claims 1-10 or a method for communication according to claim 11 based on instructions stored in the memory. 16.A computer readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, the instructions being executed by a processor to implement a method for broadcasting assistance data according to any one of claims 1-10 or a method for communication according to claim 11. 17.A computer program product comprising computer program instructions, the computer program instructions being executed by a processor to implement a method for broadcasting assistance data according to any one of claims 1-10 or a method for communication according to claim 11.

Images