Positioning method and device and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a positioning method, which is applied to a position management function network element, and comprises the following steps: receiving a positioning request; according to the positioning request, a position measurement process is initiated to a base station, and the position measurement process is based on a new air interface NR positioning protocol; receiving a measurement report from the base station; and sending the position information of the user equipment to at least one of a positioning service client and an application function network element.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the communication technology, and particularly, to a positioning method and apparatus, and a computer readable storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Location Based Services (LBS) is a technology for obtaining the location information of a mobile terminal user.

[0003] With the rapid development of communication technology, the Internet of Things and intelligent applications have put forward higher requirements for LBS. High-precision, low-latency positioning services have become a key requirement for many industries, such as intelligent transportation, unmanned aerial vehicle control, logistics tracking, security monitoring, etc. SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, applied to a location management function network element, comprising: receiving a positioning request; initiating a location measurement process to a base station according to the positioning request, wherein the location measurement process is based on a New Radio (NR) positioning protocol; receiving a measurement report from the base station; and sending location information of the user equipment to at least one of a positioning service client and an application function network element.

[0005] In some embodiments, the measurement report includes location measurement information of the user equipment, and the positioning method further comprises: determining the location information of the user equipment according to the location measurement information.

[0006] In some embodiments, the positioning request includes a request type, and the request type is a periodic location reporting type or a single location reporting type.

[0007] In some embodiments, the positioning method further comprises: determining whether to initiate the location measurement process to the base station according to the positioning request, capability information and / or configuration information of the user equipment.

[0008] In some embodiments, the determining whether to initiate the location measurement process to the base station according to the positioning request, capability information and / or configuration information of the user equipment comprises: in response to the request type in the positioning request being the periodic location reporting type and the user equipment not supporting the periodic location reporting, determining to initiate the location measurement process to the base station.

[0009] In some embodiments, the initiating, according to the positioning request, a location measurement procedure to a base station, comprises: in response to a request type in the positioning request being a periodic location reporting type, sending a periodic measurement initialization request to a radio access network, wherein the periodic measurement initialization request comprises at least one of a time interval for the radio access network to periodically send a measurement report, a number of times for the radio access network to periodically send the measurement report, and a duration for the radio access network to periodically send the measurement report.

[0010] In some embodiments, the initiating, according to the positioning request, a location measurement procedure to a base station, comprises: initiating, according to the positioning request, the location measurement procedure to a base station currently accessed by the user equipment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: subscribing, to an access and mobility management function network element, to a change of a radio access network; obtaining information of a new base station to which the user equipment switches; and initiating a location measurement procedure to the new base station.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sending, to at least one of a location service client and an application function network element, the location information of the user equipment, comprises: sending, by a gateway mobile location center, the location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and the application function network element.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, applied to an access and mobility management function network element, comprising: receiving a positioning request from at least one of a location service client and an application function network element; selecting a location management function network element according to the positioning request; and sending the positioning request to the location management function network element, for the location management function network element to initiate a location measurement procedure to a base station according to the positioning request, receive a measurement report from the base station, and send location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and the application function network element, wherein the location measurement procedure is based on a new radio (NR) positioning protocol.

[0014] In some embodiments, the selecting, according to the positioning request, a location management function network element, performs the positioning method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, comprising: in a case where a request type in the positioning request is a periodic location reporting type, selecting a location management function network element supporting periodic location reporting.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, applied to a base station, comprising: in response to a location management function network element initiating a location measurement procedure, sending a measurement report to the location management function network element, wherein the measurement procedure is based on a new radio (NR) positioning protocol, and the location measurement procedure is initiated by the location management function network element according to a received positioning request.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a location management function network element is provided, comprising: a request receiving module configured to receive a positioning request; a procedure initiating module configured to initiate, according to the positioning request, a location measurement procedure to a base station, wherein the location measurement procedure is based on a New Radio, NR, positioning protocol; a measurement report receiving module configured to receive a measurement report from the base station; and a location information sending module configured to send location information of the user equipment to at least one of a location service client and an application function network element.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an access and mobility management function network element is provided, comprising: a receiving module configured to receive a positioning request from at least one of a location service client and an application function network element; a selecting module configured to select, according to the positioning request, a location management function network element according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure; and a sending module configured to send the positioning request to the location management function network element, for the location management function network element to initiate a location measurement procedure to a base station according to the positioning request, to receive a measurement report from the base station, and to send location information of the user equipment to at least one of a location service client and an application function network element, wherein the location measurement procedure is based on a New Radio, NR, positioning protocol.

[0018] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a base station is provided, comprising a sending module configured to send a measurement report to a location management function network element in response to the location management function network element initiating a location measurement procedure, wherein the location measurement procedure is based on a New Radio, NR, positioning protocol, and the location measurement procedure is initiated by the location management function network element according to a received positioning request.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a positioning apparatus is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute a positioning method according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0020] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium is provided, having computer program instructions stored thereon, the instructions being executed by a processor to implement a positioning method according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer program instructions, the instructions being executed by a processor to implement a positioning method according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

[0023] The present disclosure can be more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4 a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 a flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 6 a block diagram of a location management function network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 7 a block diagram of an access and mobility management function network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 8 a block diagram of a base station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 9 a block diagram of a positioning apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 10 a block diagram of a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 11 a block diagram of a positioning system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of the components and steps set forth in the embodiments, numerical expressions, and numerical values are not limiting to the scope of the present disclosure unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0036] It should also be understood that the size of the various portions shown in the drawings is not necessarily to scale.

[0037] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way limiting to the scope of the disclosure and its applications or uses.

[0038] Techniques, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art can not be discussed in detail herein. However, where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices can be considered part of the present disclosure.

[0039] In all of the compositions and methods shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary, and not as a limitation. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments can have different values.

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

[0041] In the related art, in order to meet the demand of location services, it is necessary to perform location measurement by a terminal (for example, a positioning scheme of delaying a 5GC mobile terminal location request), support of terminal capability is required, and the control capability of an operator on a corresponding location service is weak.

[0042] The present disclosure provides a positioning method and device and a computer readable storage medium, increases the selection of a location service scheme by an operator network, and can enhance the control of an operator on a corresponding location service.

[0043] The following are the abbreviations of the terms involved in the present disclosure:

[0044] Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF

[0045] Location Management Function, LMF

[0046] Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF

[0047] Location Services, LCS

[0048] User Equipment, UE

[0049] Gateway Mobile Location Centre, GMLC

[0050] Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN

[0051] Application Function, AF.

[0052] Figure 1 A flow chart of a positioning method according to some embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1 The positioning method is performed by a location management function network element, comprising: receiving a positioning request, S11; initiating a location measurement procedure to a base station according to the positioning request, S13, wherein the location measurement procedure is based on a new radio positioning protocol; receiving a measurement report from the base station, S15; and sending location information of the user equipment to at least one of a location service client and an application function network element, S17.

[0054] The new radio positioning protocol is, for example, a new radio positioning protocol A (NRPPa).

[0055] The location service client and the application function network element are location information demanders, and the location information is used for, for example, location services of the location service client and the application function network element.

[0056] The disclosure implements location measurement from the network side by initiating the location measurement procedure to the base station, increases the selection of the operator network for the positioning service scheme, and is no longer subject to the support of the terminal capability, is easier to land for the operator, and can enhance the control of the operator on the positioning service.

[0057] Meanwhile, because the control of the operator on the corresponding positioning service is enhanced, the disclosure can be applied to specific services with positioning requirements (for example, services used in limited areas, etc.).

[0058] Figure 2 A flow chart of a positioning method according to some other embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0059] The measurement report comprises location measurement information of the user equipment. As shown in Figure 2 The positioning method further comprises: determining the location information of the user equipment according to the location measurement information, S16.

[0060] For example, the base station measures the location of the UE and feeds back the corresponding information to the LMF through the measurement report. The location information of the UE is calculated or estimated by the LMF according to the information.

[0061] The positioning request comprises, for example, a request type, which can be a periodic location report type or a single location report type.

[0062] In some embodiments, the positioning method further includes: determining whether to initiate a location measurement procedure to the base station based on the positioning request, the capability information of the user equipment, and / or configuration information.

[0063] If the request type in the location request is a periodic location report type, and the user equipment does not support periodic location reports, then the LMF determines to initiate a location measurement procedure to the base station.

[0064] For example, upon receiving a periodic location report request and corresponding parameter information, if the UE's capability information does not include support for periodic location reporting, the LMF determines that the UE does not support periodic location reporting and that periodic location measurement needs to be performed by the network side. The LMF then decides to perform NRPPa-based periodic measurement and initiates a location measurement procedure to the base station.

[0065] The LMF initiates a location measurement procedure to the base station, for example, by sending a periodic measurement initialization request to the base station. When the request type in the location request is a periodic location report type, the LMF sends a periodic measurement initialization request to the radio access network, wherein the periodic measurement initialization request includes at least one of the following: an instruction for the radio access network to periodically send measurement reports, the number of times to periodically send measurement reports, and the duration of periodic measurement report sending.

[0066] For example, the location request may specify the time interval, the number of times the radio access network periodically sends measurement reports, and the duration of the periodic transmission of measurement reports. Based on the location request, the LMF determines the periodic measurement initialization request.

[0067] Duration indicates the period during which LMF expects to receive information periodically, such as the time period used by a service that requires location services.

[0068] Based on the above parameter settings, the LMF periodically receives measurement reports from the NG-RAN.

[0069] In some embodiments, initiating a location measurement procedure to a base station based on a location request includes: initiating a location measurement procedure to the base station currently accessed by the user equipment based on the location request. For example, for a periodic location report type, sending a periodic measurement initialization request to the base station currently accessed by the user equipment.

[0070] In some embodiments, the positioning method further includes: subscribing to changes in the radio access network from the access and mobility management function network element; obtaining information about the new base station to which the user equipment has switched; and initiating a location measurement procedure to the new base station.

[0071] For example, the LMF subscribes to NG-RAN change messages from the AMF, and the AMF notifies the LMF when a base station handover occurs as the UE moves.

[0072] For periodic location reporting, the LMF first sends a periodic measurement initialization request to the base station currently connected to the UE. Furthermore, the LMF subscribes to changes in the NG-RAN. During periodic location measurement, base station handover may occur as the UE moves; in this case, the LMF sends a periodic measurement initialization request to the new base station, thus enabling periodic location reporting even when the UE switches base stations.

[0073] In some embodiments, sending the location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and the application function network element includes: sending the location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and the application function network element through a gateway mobile positioning center.

[0074] For example, upon receiving a measurement report, the LMF sends the location information to the GMLC network element. The GMLC network element then notifies the LCS client or AF of the location information, which is then used for the corresponding location-required services.

[0075] Location requests are sent, for example, by the LCS server or a third-party application (AF). Upon receiving a location request, the network selects the appropriate LMF (Local Location Provider). Different LMFs have different capabilities, so the network needs to select an LMF based on the location request. The LMF determines whether to perform NRPPa location measurement based on terminal capability information and configuration information, and subscribes to NG-RAN change messages from the AMF (Application Manager Function). The LMF estimates the terminal's location using information obtained from the RAN side and reports it to the corresponding LCS server or third-party application through the GMLC network element. The LCS server or third-party application applies the location information to the corresponding service, thereby increasing the operator's network's choice of periodic location service schemes. Furthermore, the base station's location protocol enhances the operator's control over the location service, allowing the operator to provide location services with varying levels of accuracy according to different service requirements.

[0076] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0077] like Figure 3As shown, the positioning method is executed by an access and mobility management function network element, including: step S21, receiving a positioning request from at least one of a location service client and an application function network element; step S23, selecting a location management function network element according to the positioning request, and executing the positioning method according to any of the embodiments of this disclosure; step S25, sending the positioning request to the location management function network element, for the location management function network element to initiate a location measurement process to a base station according to the positioning request, receive a measurement report from the base station, and send the location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and the application function network element, wherein the location measurement process is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol.

[0078] In some embodiments, when the location request type is a periodic location report type, a location management function network element that supports periodic location reporting is selected.

[0079] For example, the AF or LCS server subscribes to periodic location report requests from the GMLC network element. The GMLC interacts with the AMF and sends periodic location-related information to the AMF based on the location-related information received (e.g., request type is periodic location report, requested location report period, duration, etc.).

[0080] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a positioning method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, the positioning method is executed by the base station and includes: Step S31: In response to the location management function network element initiating a location measurement process, a measurement report is sent to the location management function network element, wherein the measurement process is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol, and the location measurement process is initiated by the location management function network element according to the received positioning request.

[0082] Figure 5 An interactive diagram illustrating a positioning method according to other embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, the location method includes events 101-105.

[0084] In Event 101, the AF or LCS server subscribes to the network element for periodic location report requests. The GMLC interacts with the AMF, and the AMF selects the appropriate LMF based on the received periodic location-related information.

[0085] In event 102, the LMF decides to perform NRPPa periodic measurements based on UE capability information and configuration information, and the LMF subscribes to NG-RAN change messages from the AMF.

[0086] In event 103, the LMF performs NRPPa periodic measurement initialization, which includes the time interval for continuous location reporting and the total number of reports expected to be received. The LMF periodically receives measurement reports from the NG-RAN.

[0087] In Event 104, after receiving the location report information, the LMF sends the location information to the GMLC network element.

[0088] In Event 105, the GMLC network element notifies the LCS client or AF of the location information, which is then used for the corresponding location-required services.

[0089] Figure 6 A block diagram of a location management function network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, the location management function network element 6 includes a request receiving module 61, a process initiation module 62, a measurement report receiving module 63, and a location information sending module 64.

[0091] Request receiving module 61 is configured to receive location requests, for example, by executing... Figure 1 Step S11 is shown.

[0092] The process initiation module 62 is configured to initiate a location measurement process to the base station based on a location request. This location measurement process is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol, for example, by executing... Figure 1 Step S13 is shown.

[0093] Measurement report receiving module 63 is configured to receive measurement reports from the base station, for example, by performing actions such as... Figure 1 Step S15 is shown.

[0094] Location information sending module 64 is configured to send the user equipment's location information to at least one of the location service client and application function network elements, for example, performing actions such as... Figure 1 Step S17 is shown.

[0095] In some embodiments, the measurement report includes location measurement information of the user equipment, and the location management function network element 6 further includes: a location determination module, configured to determine the location information of the user equipment based on the location measurement information.

[0096] In some embodiments, the location request includes a request type, which is either a periodic location report type or a single location report type.

[0097] In some embodiments, the process initiation module 62 is further configured to determine whether to initiate a location measurement process to the base station based on the location request, the user equipment capability information and / or configuration information.

[0098] In some embodiments, the process initiation module 62 is further configured to: determine to initiate a location measurement process to the base station in response to the request type in the location request being a periodic location report type and the user equipment not supporting periodic location reports.

[0099] In some embodiments, the process initiation module 62 is further configured to: in response to the location request being of type periodic location report, send a periodic measurement initialization request to the radio access network, wherein the periodic measurement initialization request includes at least one of an indication that the radio access network periodically sends measurement reports, the number of times it periodically sends measurement reports, and the duration of periodically sending measurement reports.

[0100] In some embodiments, the process initiation module 62 is further configured to: initiate a location measurement process to the base station currently accessed by the user equipment based on the location request.

[0101] In some embodiments, the process initiation module 62 is further configured to: subscribe to changes in the radio access network from the access and mobility management function network element; obtain information about the new base station to which the user equipment has switched; and initiate a location measurement process to the new base station.

[0102] In some embodiments, the location information sending module 64 is further configured to send the location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and the application function network element via the gateway mobile positioning center.

[0103] Figure 7 A block diagram of an access and mobility management function network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0104] like Figure 7 As shown, the access and mobility management function network element 7 includes a receiving module 71, a selection module 72, and a transmitting module 73.

[0105] The receiving module 71 is configured to receive a location request from at least one of the location service client and the application function network element, for example, to perform a location request. Figure 3 Step S21 is shown.

[0106] Selection module 72 is configured to select a location management function network element according to some embodiments, such as executing a location request. Figure 3 Step S23 is shown.

[0107] The sending module 73 is configured to send a positioning request to the location management function network element. The location management function network element initiates a location measurement procedure to the base station based on the positioning request, receives a measurement report from the base station, and sends the location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and application function network elements. The location measurement procedure is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol, for example, by executing... Figure 3 Step S25 is shown.

[0108] In some embodiments, the selection module 72 is further configured to select a location management function network element that supports periodic location reporting when the request type of the location request is a periodic location report type.

[0109] Figure 8 A block diagram of a base station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, base station 8 includes a transmitting module 81, configured to send a measurement report to the location management function network element in response to the network element initiating a location measurement procedure. The location measurement procedure is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol and is initiated by the location management function network element based on a received positioning request, for example, by executing... Figure 4 Step S31 is shown.

[0111] Figure 9 A block diagram of a positioning device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0112] like Figure 9 As shown, the positioning device 9 includes a memory 91 and a processor 92 coupled to the memory 91, the memory 91 being used to store instructions for performing a positioning method. The processor 92 is configured to perform the positioning method of any of the embodiments of this disclosure based on the instructions stored in the memory 91.

[0113] Figure 10 A block diagram of a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0114] like Figure 10 As shown, the computer system 100 can be represented in the form of a general computing device. The computer system 100 includes a memory 1010, a processor 1020, and a bus 1000 connecting different system components.

[0115] The memory 1010 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 positioning methods 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.

[0116] The processor 1020 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 executing instructions in the central processing unit (CPU) memory to perform the corresponding steps, or by implementing dedicated circuits that perform the corresponding steps.

[0117] Bus 1000 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.

[0118] The computer system 100 may also include an input / output interface 1030, a network interface 1040, and a storage interface 1050. These interfaces 1030, 1040, and 1050, along with the memory 1010 and the processor 1020, can be connected via a bus 1000. The input / output interface 1030 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The network interface 1040 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 1050 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as floppy disks, USB flash drives, and SD cards.

[0119] Various aspects of this disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of positioning 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] Figure 11 A block diagram is shown for implementing a positioning system for some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0123] like Figure 11 As shown, the positioning system 11 includes: a location management function network element 6, an access and mobility management function network element 7, and a base station 8.

[0124] This disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0125] The positioning method and apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium described in the above embodiments enhance the operator's control over the positioning service.

[0126] The positioning method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium according to this disclosure have been described in detail above. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

Claims

1. A positioning method, applied to a location management function network element, comprising: Receive location request; Based on the positioning request, a location measurement procedure is initiated to the base station, wherein the location measurement procedure is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol; Receive measurement reports from the base station; The location information of the user equipment is sent to at least one of the location service client and the application function network element.

2. The positioning method according to claim 1, wherein, The measurement report includes the location measurement information of the user equipment, and the positioning method further includes: The location information of the user equipment is determined based on the location measurement information.

3. The positioning method according to claim 1, wherein, The location request includes a request type, which can be either a periodic location report type or a single location report type.

4. The positioning method according to claim 3 further includes: Based on the location request, the user equipment's capability information, and / or configuration information, determine whether to initiate a location measurement procedure to the base station.

5. The positioning method according to claim 4, wherein, The step of determining whether to initiate a location measurement procedure to the base station based on the location request, the user equipment's capability information, and / or configuration information includes: In response to the fact that the request type in the location request is a periodic location report type, and the user equipment does not support periodic location reports, a location measurement procedure is initiated to the base station.

6. The positioning method according to claim 3, wherein, The step of initiating a location measurement process to the base station based on the location request includes: In response to the location request being of type periodic location report, a periodic measurement initialization request is sent to the radio access network, wherein the periodic measurement initialization request includes at least one of the following: an instruction for the radio access network to periodically send measurement reports, the number of times to periodically send measurement reports, and the duration of periodic sending of measurement reports.

7. The positioning method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of initiating a location measurement process to the base station based on the location request includes: Based on the location request, a location measurement process is initiated with the base station currently connected to the user equipment.

8. The positioning method according to claim 7 further includes: Subscribing to changes in the radio access network to access and mobility management function network elements; Obtain information about the new base station to which the user equipment has switched; Initiate a location measurement procedure to the new base station.

9. The positioning method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, Sending the location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and application function network elements includes: The location information of the user equipment is sent to at least one of the location service client and the application function network element through the gateway mobile positioning center.

10. A positioning method applied to an access and mobility management function network element, comprising: Receive a location request from at least one of the location service client and the application function network element; Select the location management function network element according to the location request; The location request is sent to the location management function network element, which is used to initiate a location measurement process to the base station based on the location request, receive a measurement report from the base station, and send the location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and application function network element, wherein the location measurement process is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol.

11. The positioning method according to claim 10, wherein, The step of selecting a location management function network element based on the location request includes: If the location request type is a periodic location report type, select the location management function network element that supports periodic location reports.

12. A positioning method applied to a base station, comprising: In response to the location management function network element initiating a location measurement process, a measurement report is sent to the location management function network element. The measurement process is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol, and the location measurement process is initiated by the location management function network element based on the received positioning request.

13. A location management function network element, comprising: The request receiving module is configured to receive location requests; The process initiation module is configured to initiate a location measurement process to the base station based on the location request, wherein the location measurement process is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol. The measurement report receiving module is configured to receive a measurement report from the base station; The location information sending module is configured to send the location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and the application function network element.

14. A network element for access and mobility management functions, comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive a location request from at least one of the location service client and the application function network element; The selection module is configured to select a location management function network element based on the location request; The sending module is configured to send a positioning request to the location management function network element, which is used to initiate a location measurement process to the base station based on the positioning request, receive a measurement report from the base station, and send the location information of the user equipment to at least one of the location service client and the application function network element, wherein the location measurement process is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol.

15. A base station, comprising: The sending module is configured to send a measurement report to the location management function network element in response to the network element initiating a location measurement process. The location measurement process is based on the New Radio (NR) positioning protocol and is initiated by the location management function network element based on a received positioning request.

16. A positioning device, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the positioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 based on instructions stored in the memory.

17. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the positioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

18. A computer program product comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the positioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

19. A positioning system, comprising: The location management function network element according to claim 13; The network element for access and mobility management functions according to claim 14; The base station according to claim 15.

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