Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a communication method and device, belonging to the field of communication. The method comprises: receiving capability information from a first terminal, the capability information being related to a radio frequency channel map, the radio frequency channel map being used for assisting the first terminal in positioning; and determining a first positioning method according to the capability information, the first positioning method being used for positioning the first terminal. Based on the above scheme, the first network element can reasonably determine the positioning method through the capability information related to the radio frequency channel map reported by the first terminal. For example, the first network element determines that the first terminal can implement the positioning method based on the radio frequency channel map according to the above capability information, and can determine that the first positioning method is the positioning method based on the radio frequency channel map. For another example, the first network element determines that the first terminal cannot implement the positioning method based on the radio frequency channel map according to the above capability information, and can determine that the first positioning method is not the positioning method based on the radio frequency channel map.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless sensing technology, as one of the electromagnetic wave sensing technologies, is an important alternative technology for security inspection, concealed object detection, and environmental reconstruction due to its strong penetration and security. To conserve spectrum, hardware resources, and computing power, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is becoming a trend. Utilizing environmental information obtained from sensing can help communication achieve higher spectral efficiency or result in more robust, resilient, and easily recoverable networks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus. Based on capability information related to channel data of at least one area reported by a terminal, a first network element can reasonably determine a positioning method.

[0004] Firstly, a communication method is provided. The execution subject of the method provided in the first aspect can be a first network element. Unless otherwise specified, the first network element in this application can be the core network device itself, a component within that device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the core network device. For ease of description, the following description uses the first network element as the execution subject.

[0005] The first network element can be a core network element. For example, the first network element can be used for location management. For instance, the first network element can be a localization management function (LMF). However, this application does not limit the specific name of the first network element, and the first network element can also have other names.

[0006] The method includes: receiving capability information from a first terminal, the capability information being related to channel data of at least one region, the channel data of the at least one region being used to assist the first terminal in positioning; and determining a first positioning method based on the capability information, the first positioning method being used to position the first terminal.

[0007] In this system, channel data for at least one region can belong to the radio frequency (RF) channel map. The aforementioned capability information can also be understood as being related to the RF channel map. The RF channel map can be used to assist in the localization of the first terminal. For example, the RF channel map may include generated channel information (or channel data) corresponding to at least one grid (or region). This generated channel information can be used to determine the grid corresponding to the first terminal (denoted as the first grid). The first grid can be associated with location information. Therefore, the generated channel information can also be used to determine the location information corresponding to the first terminal, thereby enabling RF channel map-assisted terminal localization.

[0008] The types of channel information generated above can include the types of information that the first terminal can measure and determine. For example, multipath information (or multipath elements), channel state information (CSI), or channel matrix, etc.

[0009] For example, by matching the generated channel information with the measured channel information obtained by the first terminal, the grid corresponding to the measured channel information (denoted as the first grid) can be determined. The first grid can also be understood as the grid corresponding to the first terminal. The first grid can be associated with location information to determine the location information corresponding to the terminal.

[0010] The first terminal corresponds to the first grid, which can be understood as the first terminal being located within the first grid; or, the first terminal being located within the physical region corresponding to the first grid; or, the first terminal being located near the first grid; or, the first terminal being located near the physical region corresponding to the first grid. Here, "nearby" can be understood as a location whose distance from the first grid is less than a certain threshold. For example, a location whose distance from the center of the first grid is less than a certain threshold can be understood as being near the first grid. Besides the center of the first grid, other reference locations of the first grid can also be used to obtain the aforementioned distances, and this application does not limit this.

[0011] The first grid can be one or more grids, and this application does not limit the number of the first grids.

[0012] In some possible implementations, "matching" can be about determining the degree of correlation. For example, the correlation between the generated channel information corresponding to the first grid and the measured channel information obtained by the terminal meets a preset condition.

[0013] For example, the aforementioned preset conditions may include a preset threshold. Thus, if the correlation between the generated channel information corresponding to the first grid and the measured channel information obtained by the terminal is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, it can be determined that the first grid is the grid corresponding to the measured channel information (or, the terminal). The degree of correlation can be represented by parameters such as a correlation coefficient. For example, the correlation coefficient can be the Pearson correlation coefficient.

[0014] In other possible implementations, "matching" can be about determining the degree of difference. For example, the difference between generated channel information and measured channel information can be used as a cost function. The difference between the measured channel information and the generated channel information corresponding to at least one grid can form a cost function map. This cost function map can include the cost function corresponding to at least one grid. The grid with the smallest cost function value can be determined as the first grid.

[0015] The aforementioned at least one grid can be divided based on location information; or, the aforementioned at least one grid can be associated with location information. For example, location information can be cell information, trackarea (TA) information, geographic location information (e.g., expressed in latitude and longitude or coordinates), or other information that can represent location.

[0016] In some examples, the at least one grid can be obtained by dividing one or more cells. The size of a grid can be less than or equal to the size of a cell, or it can be larger than the size of a cell; this application does not impose any limitation on this. In other examples, the at least one grid can be obtained by dividing one or more regions. The aforementioned "region" can be a cell or other regions.

[0017] In the case where the radio frequency channel map includes generated channel information corresponding to multiple grids, the multiple grids may have the same size (for example, the size may include area, volume or other content) or different sizes. This application does not limit how the grids are divided.

[0018] In this application, the term "grid" may also be replaced with or understood as "cell," "grid," "region," or other terms. For example, a radio frequency channel map may also be understood as generated channel information corresponding to at least one region.

[0019] Based on the above scheme, the first network element can reasonably determine the positioning method by using the capability information related to channel data of at least one region reported by the first terminal. For example, if the first network element determines, based on the capability information, that the first terminal can implement a positioning method based on channel data of at least one region, then the first positioning method can be determined to be a positioning method based on channel data of at least one region. Conversely, if the first network element determines, based on the capability information, that the first terminal cannot implement a positioning method based on channel data of at least one region, then the first positioning method can be determined to be a positioning method not based on channel data of at least one region.

[0020] In some implementations, the capability information is used to indicate at least one of the following: whether the first terminal stores channel data for at least one region; whether the first terminal supports positioning based on channel data for at least one region; the region corresponding to the channel data stored by the first terminal; the type of channel data stored by the first terminal; or, the precision of the channel data stored by the first terminal.

[0021] Based on the above scheme, the capability information reported by the first terminal can include multiple combinations, enabling the first network element to determine the first terminal's capabilities related to channel data of at least one region. This allows for the determination of a more suitable positioning method and whether auxiliary data needs to be transmitted, thereby effectively improving the positioning performance. For example, if the capability information indicates that the first terminal supports positioning based on channel data of at least one region, the first network element can determine that the first positioning method is based on channel data of at least one region, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the first terminal and reducing the overhead of the first terminal reporting measurement information. Another example is if the first network element determines, based on the capability information, that the first terminal does not store relevant data for channel data of at least one region, the first network element can transmit auxiliary data, enabling the first terminal to have data for positioning based on channel data of at least one region. Yet another example is if the capability information indicates that the first terminal has difficulty achieving positioning based on channel data of at least one region, such as if the first terminal does not support positioning based on channel data of at least one region, or if the amount of missing channel data for at least one region is large, resulting in high overhead for transmitting auxiliary data. In this case, the first network element can determine that the first positioning method is another positioning method besides the one based on channel data of at least one region, thereby selecting a suitable positioning method for the first terminal.

[0022] In some implementations, the first positioning method is used to locate the first terminal based on channel data from at least one region.

[0023] In some implementations, the method further includes: sending first information to a second network element, the first information being used to instruct the second network element to provide second information to the first terminal, the second information being used to assist the first terminal in positioning based on channel data of at least one region.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, the first terminal can obtain the second information, thereby assisting in positioning based on channel data of at least one region and further improving the positioning accuracy.

[0025] In some implementations, the second information may include channel data for at least one region, the channel data including at least one of the following: multipath elements; channel state information; or, a channel matrix.

[0026] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The method provided in this application can be executed by a first terminal. Unless otherwise specified, the first terminal in this application can be the terminal device itself, a component within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. For ease of description, the following description will use the example of the first terminal as the executing entity.

[0027] The method includes: determining the capability information of the first terminal; sending the capability information to a first network element, wherein the capability information is related to channel data of at least one region, and the channel data of at least one region is used to assist the first terminal in positioning.

[0028] In some implementations, the capability information is used to indicate at least one of the following: whether the first terminal stores channel data for at least one region; whether the first terminal supports positioning based on channel data for at least one region; the region corresponding to the channel data stored by the first terminal; the type of channel data stored by the first terminal; or, the precision of the channel data stored by the first terminal.

[0029] In some implementations, the method further includes: locating the first terminal based on channel data from at least one region.

[0030] In some implementations, the method further includes receiving second information from a second network element, the second information being used to assist the first terminal in positioning based on a radio frequency channel map.

[0031] In some implementations, the second information includes channel data for at least one region, which includes at least one of the following: multipath elements; channel state information; or channel power.

[0032] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, including processing circuitry (or a processor) and an input / output interface (also referred to as an interface circuit), the input / output interface being used for inputting and / or outputting signals, the processing circuitry being used to perform the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, or the processing circuitry being used to perform the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect.

[0033] In some implementations, the processing circuitry is used to communicate with other devices via an interface circuitry and to perform the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, or to perform the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect.

[0034] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device may include units or modules for performing the functions of the communication device.

[0035] In some implementations, the communication device may include modules, units, or means for performing the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0036] For example, the device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive capability information from a first terminal, which is related to channel data of at least one region, and the channel data of at least one region is used to assist the first terminal in positioning. The processing unit is used to determine a first positioning method based on the capability information, and the first positioning method is used to locate the first terminal.

[0037] In some implementations, the capability information is used to indicate at least one of the following: whether the first terminal stores channel data for at least one region; whether the first terminal supports positioning based on channel data for at least one region; the region corresponding to the channel data stored by the first terminal; the type of channel data stored by the first terminal; or, the precision of the channel data stored by the first terminal.

[0038] In some implementations, the first positioning method is used to locate the first terminal based on channel data from at least one region.

[0039] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to: send first information to a second network element, the first information being used to instruct the second network element to provide second information to the first terminal, the second information being used to assist the first terminal in positioning based on channel data of at least one region.

[0040] In some implementations, the second information may include channel data for at least one region, the channel data including at least one of the following: multipath elements; channel state information; or, a channel matrix.

[0041] In some implementations, the communication device may include modules, units, or means for performing the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0042] For example, the device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit is used to determine the capability information of the first terminal; the transceiver unit is used to send the capability information to a first network element. The capability information is related to channel data of at least one area, and the channel data of at least one area is used to assist the first terminal in positioning.

[0043] In some implementations, the capability information is used to indicate at least one of the following: whether the first terminal stores channel data for at least one region; whether the first terminal supports positioning based on channel data for at least one region; the region corresponding to the channel data stored by the first terminal; the type of channel data stored by the first terminal; or, the precision of the channel data stored by the first terminal.

[0044] In some implementations, the processing unit is also used to: locate the first terminal based on channel data of at least one region.

[0045] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to: receive second information from a second network element, the second information being used to assist the first terminal in positioning based on channel data of at least one region.

[0046] In some implementations, the second information includes channel data for at least one region, which includes at least one of the following: multipath elements; channel state information; or channel power.

[0047] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect to be performed (or implemented), or cause the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect to be performed (or implemented).

[0048] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect to be performed (or implemented), or cause the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect to be performed (or implemented).

[0049] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, including a processor for executing (or implementing) any of the possible methods of the first aspect above, or for executing (or implementing) any of the possible methods of the second aspect above, by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by logic circuitry.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the device also includes a memory. In another possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together. In yet another possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device. The processor can be one or more.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0052] In one implementation, the communication device of the third, fourth, or seventh aspect mentioned above can be a chip or a chip system.

[0053] Eighthly, a chip is provided, including a processor for calling a computer program or computer instructions in memory to cause any of the implementations of the first aspect to be executed (or implemented), or to cause any of the implementations of the second aspect to be executed (or implemented).

[0054] In some implementations, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0055] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a first network element and a first terminal, wherein the first network element is used to execute the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the first terminal is used to execute the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0056] The description of the beneficial effects of any of the second to ninth aspects can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of an ISAC system.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a positioning method.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0064] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0065] In this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0066] I. In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be single or multiple.

[0067] II. In this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., #1, #2, etc.) indicate distinctions made for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they may distinguish different messages, rather than describing a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0068] Third, in this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0069] IV. In this application, "instruction" or "for instruction" can include both direct (or explicit) and indirect (or implicit) instruction. When describing instruction information as indicating A, it can include whether the instruction information directly or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction information carries A. For example, in the case of indirect (or implicit) instruction, the receiving end of the instruction information can obtain A based on the parameters indicated by the instruction information, combined with other rules or parameters, or through deduction.

[0070] V. The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. Moreover, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the sending method, for example.

[0071] VI. In this application, "protocol" can refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as 5G protocols, new radio (NR) protocols, and related protocols applied to future communication systems; this application does not limit this term. "Predefined" can include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device; this application does not limit the implementation method.

[0072] VII. In this application, "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," "data processing," etc. "Transmission" includes "sending" and / or "receiving." For example, transmission can be uplink transmission, such as a terminal device sending a signal to a network device; transmission can also be downlink transmission, such as a network device sending a signal to a terminal device; transmission can also be sidelink transmission, such as a terminal device sending a signal to another terminal device. For example, "transmission" can be air interface level transmission, or it can be signal transmission from a chip input (I) / output (O) port, rather than air interface level transmission.

[0073] 8. In this application, terms such as “message”, “information”, “signal” or “information element (IE)” can be used interchangeably. There are no restrictions on the name of the message or information, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

[0074] 9. "Sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, "sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, "sending" or "receiving" can occur between devices, for example, between network devices and terminal devices via an air interface. "Sending" or "receiving" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0075] 10. In this application, terms such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions to present concepts in a specific manner. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. In the embodiments of this application, the terms "of," "corresponding (relevant)," "corresponding," and "associated" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinctions are emphasized.

[0076] XI. In this application, configuration can be signaling configuration or can be described as configuring signaling. For example, signaling configuration includes configuration using signaling sent by network devices, which can be radio resource control (RRC) messages, downlink control information (DCI) messages, or system information blocks (SIBs). Another example is signaling configuration between network devices. These network devices can include access network devices, core network devices, or management plane devices, etc. Optionally, signaling configuration can also be configured to terminal devices or network devices using pre-configured signaling, or configured to terminal devices or network devices through pre-configuration. Here, pre-configuration refers to defining or configuring the values ​​of corresponding parameters in advance using a protocol, and storing them in the terminal device or network device during communication. Pre-configured messages can be modified or updated when the terminal device or network device is connected to the network.

[0077] 12. This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. Each system may include devices, components, modules, etc., other than those illustrated, and / or may not include all and all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0078] Thirteen, the business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0079] XIV. In the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0080] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, NR systems, and other fifth-generation (5G) communication systems. thThis includes various mobile communication systems such as 5G, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), satellite communication systems, LTE-machine-to-machine (LTE-M) systems, and other systems that evolve after 5G, such as future mobile communication systems.

[0081] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a wireless access network 110 and a core network 120. Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include an Internet 130. The wireless access network 110 may include at least one access network device (such as...). Figure 1 111a and 111b in the above), may also include at least one terminal device (such as Figure 1 (112a-112j in the original text). The terminal device connects to the access network device wirelessly. The access network device connects to the core network 120 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network 120 may include one or more core network devices. The core network device and the access network device may be independent physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the access network device may be integrated on the same physical device, or a single physical device may integrate some of the functions of the core network device and some of the functions of the access network device. Terminal devices and access network devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Terminal devices can communicate wirelessly with each other, with each other, and with each other via air interface resources. For example, air interface resources may include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code resources, and spatial resources. It is understood that... Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram. The communication system 100 may also include other access network equipment, such as wireless repeater equipment and wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 It is not shown in the middle.

[0082] Access network equipment can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities. For example, access network equipment can be a base station used to connect terminal devices to a radio access network (RAN). Access network equipment is sometimes also referred to as an access network element, access network node, RAN node, or RAN. It is understood that the names of devices with access network equipment functionality may differ in systems employing different wireless access technologies. For ease of description, the means of providing wireless communication access functionality to terminal devices can be collectively referred to as a base station or RAN. Exemplarily, access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, various forms of macro base stations (such as...). Figure 1 111a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 Access network equipment can include Evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TRP or TP) or transmission reception point (TRP) in Wi-Fi systems, and next-generation Node B (gNB), next-generation RAN (NG-RAN) node or transmission point (TRP or TP) in 5G systems, one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of base stations in 5G systems, network nodes constituting gNB or transmission point, such as baseband unit (BBU) or distributed unit (DU), and access network equipment, servers or vehicle-mounted equipment in networks evolved after 5G. Access network equipment can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station. For example, it can be a central unit (CU) or a DU.

[0083] In this embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the access network device can be the access network device itself, or it can be an apparatus capable of supporting the access network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the access network device. The chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0084] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each access network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, the access network devices can be CU, DU, CU (control plane, CP), CU (user plane, UP), or radio unit (RU), etc. CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as in a BBU. RU can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), or remote radio head (RRH).

[0085] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the access network equipment.

[0086] Terminal equipment can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. Terminal equipment can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). Terminal equipment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless network equipment, user agent, or user device. In this application embodiment, terminal devices include, but are not limited to: cellular phones, mobile phones, wireless data cards, wireless modems, tablets, laptop computers, notebook computers, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, smartphones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), satellite terminals, terminal devices in the Internet of Things or the Internet of Vehicles, as well as any form of terminal in future networks, relay user equipment, or terminals in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc.Terminal devices can also be virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, smart point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light UE, reduced capability UE (REDCAP UE), machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, terminal devices in industrial control, terminal devices in self-driving, terminal devices in telemedicine, terminal devices in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, terminal devices in smart cities, terminal devices in smart homes, tactile terminal devices, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), smart robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving, or flying devices (e.g., smart robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. The terminal device can also be a vehicle device, such as a complete vehicle device, an in-vehicle module, an in-vehicle chip, an on-board unit (OBU), or a telematics box (T-BOX). The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, it can be a device that functions as a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments in this regard.

[0087] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a chip or chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device. The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components. In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device is the terminal device, which can also be called a terminal.

[0088] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1The helicopter or drone 112i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 112j that access the wireless access network 110 via 112i, terminal 112i is a base station; however, for base station 111a, 112i is a terminal, meaning that 111a and 112i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 111a and 112i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, relative to 111a, 112i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 111a and 111b in the diagram can be referred to as communication devices with base station functionality. Figure 1 The 112a-112j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0089] Access network devices and terminal devices can communicate via wireless links. The transmission link from the access network device to the terminal device can be called a downlink (DL) or downlink channel, used for transmitting downlink signals. The transmission link from the terminal device to the access network device can be called an uplink (UL) or uplink channel, used for transmitting uplink signals. The transmission link from one terminal device to another can be called a sidelink (SL) or sidelink channel, used for transmitting sidelink signals.

[0090] For example, the access network device and the terminal device may each include an RRC signaling interaction module. The RRC signaling interaction module can be used for sending and receiving RRC signaling between the access network device and the terminal device. The access network device and the terminal device may each include a medium access control (MAC) signaling interaction module. This MAC signaling interaction module can be used for sending and receiving MAC signaling between the access network device and the terminal device. For example, the MAC signaling can be a MAC control element (CE). The access network device and the terminal device may each include a physical layer (PHY) and a data interaction module. This module can be used for sending and receiving uplink and downlink control signaling, as well as uplink and downlink data, between the access network device and the terminal device.

[0091] To better understand the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the terms involved in this application will be explained briefly and by example below.

[0092] Radio frequency (RF) channel map: Also known as a radio frequency (RF) map, channel map, or other names. RF channel maps can be generated using methods such as sensing and prediction. For example, the generation process of an RF channel map may include: describing the physical world through environment reconstruction based on sensing data (including but not limited to sensing data acquired by multiple sources such as wireless sensing, cameras, and LiDAR); then dividing the current scene into a grid; and finally solving for the RF channel map under the network node configuration in the current scene using the reconstructed environment or the real physical world. The channel data in the RF channel map may include multipath information (or multipath elements), channel state information (CSI), or a channel matrix, etc. Multipath information, CSI, and the channel matrix can be converted to each other. For example, multipath information can be extracted from the channel matrix.

[0093] For example, the data in the aforementioned radio frequency channel map (e.g., multipath information, CSI, or channel matrix, etc.) can be associated with the grid.

[0094] In some examples, the data format of the radio frequency channel map may include one or more fields such as: grid configuration field, grid location field, data field, scatterer field, sensed quality field, or other fields.

[0095] For example, the grid configuration field can carry information about the grid's starting point and the grid's resolution. The grid resolution can also be called the grid density or other names, and can also be expressed as the total number of grids. The grid configuration field allows you to determine the location and number of multiple grids within the overall grid.

[0096] For example, the grid location field can carry the location information of each grid. As an example, for the i-th grid, the grid location field can carry (x... i ,y i ,z i In this way, the position of each grid cell can be determined using the grid positioning field. Here, i can be any positive integer.

[0097] For example, the data field can carry multipath information, CSI, or channel matrix for each grid. As an example, for the i-th grid, the data field can carry the power, delay, angle of arrival (AoA), and angle of departure (AoD) for K paths. Here, K can be a positive integer, and k can be a positive integer less than or equal to K.

[0098] For example, one possible format for the data field is: (Power1,Delay1,AOA1,AOD1),(Power2,Delay2,AOA2,AOD2),...,(Power k Delay k AOA k AOD k ). Here, the subscript can represent the ordinal number of the path.

[0099] For example, the scatterer field can carry information about the scatterer. For instance, the scatterer information could be an identifier for the scatterer. The aforementioned scatterer could be a scatterer corresponding to a grid. For example, if the i-th grid corresponds to N scatterers, the scatterer information could include {P1, P2, ..., P...} n}, where P is the identifier of the scatterer, and n can be a positive integer less than or equal to N.

[0100] For example, a perceived quality field can carry perceived quality information. Perceived quality information can indicate the difference between the data corresponding to the grid and the actual measured data. Exemplarily, the perceived quality information of the i-th grid may include the parameter S. i The parameter can satisfy the following:

[0101]

[0102] AOX can include angle information such as AOA or AOD. The symbol "^" represents the measured value of this parameter. For example, Delay k It could be the delay information in the radio frequency channel map. It can be latency information obtained from terminal measurements.

[0103] Multipath information: Multipath information can also be called multipath component (MPC). For example, multipath information may include at least one of the following: time delay information, angle information, power information (e.g., the main paths may be sorted according to their power), phase information, bounce order, or other information.

[0104] For example, angle information may include AoA information, AOD information, or other information that can represent an angle.

[0105] In the embodiments of this application, the delay information can also be understood as or replaced by distance information. The delay information and the distance information can be derived from and substituted for each other.

[0106] CSI: CSI can reflect the state of the channel. For example, CSI may include at least one of the following: channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI), rank indicator (RI), channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), or layer indicator (LI), etc.

[0107] The following is an example of ISAC technology.

[0108] Wireless sensing technology, as one of the electromagnetic wave sensing technologies, has strong penetration and security, making it an important alternative technology for security inspection, concealed object detection, and environmental reconstruction. To conserve spectrum, hardware resources, and computing power, ISAC (Interactive Information Sharing) is becoming a trend. Utilizing environmental information obtained from sensing can assist communication in achieving higher spectral efficiency or resulting in more robust, resilient, and easily recoverable networks.

[0109] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of an ISAC system. Figure 2 As an example only, the ISAC system can also have other forms.

[0110] See Figure 2 An ISAC system may include ISAC wireless data collection nodes, ISAC management nodes, and ISAC data processing nodes. The ISAC wireless data collection nodes can provide sensing data to the ISAC data processing nodes. The ISAC management node can interact with the ISAC data processing nodes via signaling. For example, the ISAC management node can send sensing quality of service (QoS) information and / or re-sensing requests to the ISAC data processing nodes. The ISAC data processing nodes can determine the sensing results based on instructions from the ISAC management node and the sensing data from the ISAC wireless data collection nodes, and can also generate radio frequency channel maps based on the sensing results. The ISAC data processing nodes can send the sensing results and / or radio frequency channel maps to sensing data storage nodes.

[0111] The sensing data storage node can receive sensing results and / or radio frequency channel map transfer requests from the ISAC management node, and based on the requests, transmit sensing results and / or radio frequency channel maps to the ISAC management node.

[0112] ISAC wireless data collection nodes can send monitoring data to the ISAC management node, which can then determine further actions based on this monitoring data.

[0113] Optionally, the ISAC system also includes nodes related to the radio frequency channel map. The meaning of the radio frequency channel map will be explained later and will not be repeated here.

[0114] In some examples, the ISAC system may include an ISAC radio channel map application node. In some possible implementations, the ISAC wireless data collection node may send action data to the ISAC radio channel map application node. This action data can be used for applications such as assisted communication or positioning within the radio channel map. For example, action data may include sensing data, communication data, or other data. Exemplarily, communication data may include communication measurements, or communication data generated based on sensing data and network node configuration, etc. In some possible implementations, signaling interaction may occur between the ISAC wireless data collection node and the ISAC management node. For another example, the ISAC radio channel map application node may provide the ISAC management node with QoS information for the radio channel map and / or indications of positioning method selection.

[0115] For example, the ISAC system may include a radio frequency channel map data storage node. Exemplarily, the radio frequency channel map data storage node may transmit sensing results and / or radio frequency channel maps to the ISAC radio frequency channel map application node, enabling the ISAC radio frequency channel map application node to perform relevant applications based on the sensing results and / or radio frequency channel maps.

[0116] In some possible implementations, the radio frequency channel map data storage node and the sensing data storage node can be a single node; for example, this node can be called the sensing and radio frequency channel map data storage node (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). In some other possible implementations, the radio frequency channel map data storage node and the sensing data storage node can be different nodes.

[0117] Radio frequency (RF) channel maps have many uses. For example, they can be used for locating terminal devices.

[0118] In some embodiments, a regional radio frequency channel map can be generated using a physical world environment map and base station location information. By comparing the terminal device's measurements with this regional radio frequency channel map, the channel differences for each grid can be determined, thus obtaining a cost map for positioning. The grid containing the minimum cost function value in the cost map can be identified as the location of the terminal device. The positioning accuracy of this scheme is superior to traditional measurement-based positioning methods in most scenarios. Furthermore, based on the radio frequency channel map, terminal device positioning can be achieved using only a single base station; while traditional positioning methods require the coordination of multiple base stations (e.g., three base stations). Therefore, this scheme can reduce network load.

[0119] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a positioning method 300. More details about method 300 can be found in the standard protocol; a brief introduction to method 300 is provided below.

[0120] S310, the location triggerer initiates a location service request.

[0121] For example, the sender of a location service request can be a gateway mobilelocation center (GMLC), a UE, an access and mobility management function (AMF), or another node.

[0122] In some possible implementations, S310 may include: S312, the UE sends a location service request to the AMF. The location service request sent by the UE may also be called a mobile-originated location service (MO-LR).

[0123] In some other possible implementations, S310 may include: S314, the GMLC sends a location service request to the AMF. The location service request issued by the GMLC may also be called a mobile terminal-location service (MT-LR) request. Optionally, the GMLC receives a location service request from a location service (LCS) client.

[0124] In some other possible implementations, S310 may include: S316, AMF determines to initiate a location service request.

[0125] The location service request issued by GMLC can also be called a mobile terminal-location service (MT-LR). The location service request issued by AMF can also be called a network-induced location service (NI-LR).

[0126] S320, AMF sends a location service request to LMF.

[0127] The above S320 can be understood as follows: regardless of which node initiates the location service request, the AMF will ultimately pass the location service request to the LMF.

[0128] In S330, the UE and LMF exchange the UE's positioning capability information. Alternatively, S330 can be called capability transfer.

[0129] S340, the LMF selects the positioning method based on factors such as the UE's positioning capability information, the positioning method configured by the LMF, or the QoS requirements of the application.

[0130] S350, auxiliary data transmission and positioning information transmission.

[0131] The auxiliary data can be information needed by the UE to measure signals and calculate its position. For example, the auxiliary data may include configuration information of the signal to be measured. For example, the signal to be measured may be a positioning reference signal (PRS) or other signals.

[0132] In some examples, the base station sends a DL-PRS for measurement, and the UE transmits a UL sounding reference signal (SRS) for measurement in the uplink. The content of the measurement varies depending on the method; for example, it may include measuring reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal time difference (RSTD), or AoA, etc.

[0133] The UE can provide location information. This location information can be of two types: if it's UE-based positioning, the UE can inform the LMF of the calculated location information. If it's UE-assisted positioning, the UE can report the DL-PRS measurement results to the LMF. Therefore, the reported results differ depending on the positioning method.

[0134] S360, LMF sends a location service response to AMF.

[0135] For example, the location service response may include indications of the location result. For instance, this indication may include information indicating successful or failed location tracking, etc.

[0136] S370, AMF sends the location service response to the location triggerer.

[0137] In some possible implementations, S310 may include S312. Then, S370 may include S372, whereby the AMF sends a location service response to the UE.

[0138] In some other possible implementations, S310 may include S314. Then, S370 may include S374, whereby the AMF sends a location service response to the GMLC. Optionally, the GMLC sends the aforementioned location service response to the LCS client.

[0139] In some other possible implementations, S310 may include S316. Then, S370 may include S376, whereby the AMF determines the location service response.

[0140] It is evident that the above method 300 is insufficient to support applications based on radio frequency channel maps for positioning.

[0141] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 400 uses capability information related to channel data of at least one area reported by a terminal to allow a first network element to reasonably determine a positioning method. Optional operations in method 400 include... Figure 4 The nodes involved in method 400 are shown in dashed lines below.

[0142] First network element. Unless otherwise specified, the first network element in this application may be the core network equipment itself, a component in the equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement some or all of the functions of the core network equipment.

[0143] For example, the first network element can be used for location management. For instance, the first network element can be an LMF (Local Management Element). However, this application does not limit the specific name of the first network element, and the first network element can also have other names.

[0144] For ease of description, the following description will take LMF as the first network element.

[0145] Second network element. Unless otherwise specified, the second network element in this application may be the network device (e.g., access network device) itself, a component in the network device (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0146] For ease of description, the following description uses a gNB as the second network element. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the second network element is not limited to a gNB, but can also be other network devices, components or logical modules within other network devices, or software.

[0147] First terminal. Unless otherwise specified, the first terminal in this application may be the terminal device itself, a component in the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0148] For ease of description, the following description uses a UE as the first terminal. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the first terminal is not limited to a UE, but can also be other terminal devices, components or logic modules in other terminal devices, or software.

[0149] Method 400 may also include operations performed by other nodes. Exemplarily, these other nodes may be LCS entities, AMFs, etc. An LCS entity may be a GMLC or an LCS client; this application does not limit the scope. Exemplarily, an LCS entity may be an LCS-related entity in the 5G core network.

[0150] The following is combined Figure 4 This section introduces the various operations of method 400.

[0151] S410, the LMF receives capability information from the UE. This capability information is related to channel data in at least one area. Correspondingly, the UE sends its capability information to the LMF.

[0152] In some examples, the LMF can receive capability information from the UE through the gNB; the UE can send capability information to the UE through the gNB.

[0153] In other examples, the LMF can directly receive capability information from the UE; the UE can directly send capability information to the UE without going through the gNB.

[0154] In this context, the channel data for at least one region can be understood as the channel data in the radio frequency channel map (or, the generated channel information). Thus, the aforementioned capability information can also be understood as being related to the radio frequency channel map.

[0155] The radio frequency channel map can be used to assist the first terminal in positioning. It is understood that the radio frequency channel map can be used to assist the first terminal in positioning, indicating that the radio frequency channel map has the function of assisting the first terminal in positioning. However, this application does not limit the UE to using the radio frequency channel map in every positioning process. In other words, in method 400, the UE may or may not use the radio frequency channel map for positioning assistance; this application does not impose any limitations.

[0156] S420, the LMF determines a first positioning method based on this capability information. This first positioning method is used to locate the UE.

[0157] In some possible implementations, prior to S410, method 400 also includes: the UE determining the UE's capability information.

[0158] In some examples, method 400 can be combined with method 300. For example, the UE capability information in S410 can be carried in the positioning capability information in S330; or, the UE capability information in S410 can be sent simultaneously with the positioning capability information in S330, or carried in the same message.

[0159] In other examples, method 400 can be decoupled from method 300. The UE capability information in S410 may not be carried in the positioning capability information in S330; or, the UE capability information in S410 may not be sent at the same time as the positioning capability information in S330, or they may be carried in different messages.

[0160] In some possible implementations, prior to S410, method 400 further includes: a location trigger initiating a location service request. For example, the sender of the location service request could be an LCS entity, a UE, an AMF, or another node. In some possible implementations, method 400 may also include: S402, the LCS entity sending a location service request to the AMF. In other possible implementations, method 400 may also include: S404, the AMF determining that it is initiating a location service request. In still other possible implementations, method 400 may also include: S406, the UE sending a location service request to the AMF. S402, S404, and S406 can be performed selectively.

[0161] In some possible implementations, after the location triggerer initiates a location service request, method 400 further includes: S408, the AMF sends a location service request to the LMF.

[0162] Further descriptions of S402, S404, S406, and S408 above can be found in the examples of the aforementioned method 300. For example, see S310 and S320, which will not be repeated here.

[0163] Capability information can be correlated with radio frequency channel maps. An example of a radio frequency channel map is shown below.

[0164] Radio frequency (RF) channel maps can be used to assist in the localization of a first terminal. For example, an RF channel map may include generated channel information corresponding to at least one grid. This generated channel information can be used to determine the grid corresponding to the first terminal (denoted as the first grid). The first grid can be associated with location information. Therefore, the generated channel information can also be used to determine the location information corresponding to the first terminal, thereby enabling RF channel map-assisted terminal localization.

[0165] The types of channel information generated above can include the types of information that the first terminal can measure and determine. For example, multipath information (or multipath elements), CSI, or channel matrix, etc.

[0166] For example, by matching the generated channel information with the measured channel information obtained by the first terminal, the grid corresponding to the measured channel information (denoted as the first grid) can be determined. The first grid can also be understood as the grid corresponding to the first terminal. The first grid can be associated with location information to determine the location information corresponding to the terminal.

[0167] The first terminal corresponds to the first grid, which can be understood as the first terminal being located within the first grid; or, the first terminal being located within the physical region corresponding to the first grid; or, the first terminal being located near the first grid; or, the first terminal being located near the physical region corresponding to the first grid. Here, "nearby" can be understood as a location whose distance from the first grid is less than a certain threshold. For example, a location whose distance from the center of the first grid is less than a certain threshold can be understood as being near the first grid. Besides the center of the first grid, other reference locations of the first grid can also be used to obtain the aforementioned distances, and this application does not limit this.

[0168] The first grid can be one or more grids, and this application does not limit the number of the first grids.

[0169] In some possible implementations, "matching" can be about determining the degree of correlation. For example, the correlation between the generated channel information corresponding to the first grid and the measured channel information obtained by the terminal meets a preset condition.

[0170] For example, the aforementioned preset conditions may include a preset threshold. Thus, if the correlation between the generated channel information corresponding to the first grid and the measured channel information obtained by the terminal is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, it can be determined that the first grid is the grid corresponding to the measured channel information (or, the terminal). The degree of correlation can be represented by parameters such as a correlation coefficient. For example, the correlation coefficient can be the Pearson correlation coefficient.

[0171] In other possible implementations, "matching" can be about determining the degree of difference. For example, the difference between generated channel information and measured channel information can be used as a cost function. The difference between the measured channel information and the generated channel information corresponding to at least one grid can form a cost function map. This cost function map can include the cost function corresponding to at least one grid. The grid with the smallest cost function value can be determined as the first grid.

[0172] The aforementioned at least one grid can be divided based on location information; or, the aforementioned at least one grid can be associated with location information. For example, location information can be cell information, TA information, geographic location information (e.g., expressed in latitude and longitude or coordinates), or other information that can represent location.

[0173] In some examples, the at least one grid can be obtained by dividing one or more cells. The size of a grid can be less than or equal to the size of a cell, or it can be larger than the size of a cell; this application does not impose any limitation on this. In other examples, the at least one grid can be obtained by dividing one or more regions. The aforementioned "region" can be a cell or other regions.

[0174] In the case where the radio frequency channel map includes generated channel information corresponding to multiple grids, the multiple grids may have the same size (for example, the size may include area, volume or other content) or different sizes. This application does not limit how the grids are divided.

[0175] In this application, the term "grid" may also be replaced with or understood as "cell," "grid," "region," or other terms. For example, a radio frequency channel map may also be understood as generated channel information corresponding to at least one region.

[0176] Based on the above scheme, the LMF can reasonably determine the positioning method by using the capability information related to the radio frequency channel map reported by the UE. For example, if the LMF determines that the UE can implement the positioning method based on the radio frequency channel map based on the above capability information, it can determine that the first positioning method is a positioning method based on the radio frequency channel map. Conversely, if the LMF determines that the UE cannot implement the positioning method based on the radio frequency channel map based on the above capability information, it can determine that the first positioning method is not a positioning method based on the radio frequency channel map.

[0177] The following is an example of capability information.

[0178] The aforementioned UE capability information is related to a radio frequency channel map (or, channel data corresponding to at least one region). In some examples, the aforementioned UE capability information can be used to determine a positioning method based on the radio frequency channel map (or, channel data corresponding to at least one region).

[0179] For example, this capability information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0180] (a) Does the UE store radio frequency channel map data? Or, does the UE store radio frequency channel map data? Or, does the UE store channel data for at least one area?

[0181] (b) Does the UE support location based on a radio frequency channel map? Or, does the UE support location based on channel data from at least one region?

[0182] (c) The area corresponding to the first radio frequency channel map. Or, the area corresponding to the channel data stored by the UE.

[0183] (d) The type of parameters (or channel data) in the first radio frequency channel map. Or, the type of channel data stored by the UE.

[0184] (e) The precision of the parameters in the first radio frequency channel map. Or, the precision of the channel data stored by the UE.

[0185] The first radio frequency channel map may be a radio frequency channel map stored by the UE.

[0186] The above numbers are for ease of understanding and description only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0187] The following description uses a radio frequency channel map as an example.

[0188] For example, information (a) can be 1 bit of information. For instance, a value of 0 indicates that the UE has not stored radio frequency channel map data; a value of 1 indicates that the UE has stored radio frequency channel map data. As another example, a value of 1 indicates that the UE has not stored radio frequency channel map data; a value of 0 indicates that the UE has stored radio frequency channel map data.

[0189] Information (a) can be represented by more bits. Information (a) can also be implicitly represented.

[0190] For example, if information such as information (c) that can imply that the UE has stored radio frequency channel map data exists in the capability information, information (a) may not exist, but the LMF can still know that the UE has stored radio frequency channel map data.

[0191] For example, if information such as information (c) that can indicate that the UE has not stored the radio frequency channel map exists in the capability information, information (a) may not exist, but the LMF can know that the UE has not stored the radio frequency channel map data.

[0192] In some examples, information (b) can be a 1-bit information. For example, a value of 0 indicates that the UE does not support location based on the radio frequency channel map; a value of 1 indicates that the UE supports location based on the radio frequency channel map. As another example, a value of 1 indicates that the UE does not support location based on the radio frequency channel map; a value of 0 indicates that the UE supports location based on the radio frequency channel map.

[0193] Information (b) can also be represented by more bits, which is not limited in this application.

[0194] In other examples, information (b) may also take other forms. For example, information (b) may be used to indicate the computing capabilities of the UE.

[0195] As a specific example, assume that the UE's computing power is divided into 10 levels, from 1 to 10. Assume that if the UE's computing power is greater than or equal to 4, the UE can support location based on the radio frequency channel map. Thus, if the UE's computing power indicated in information (b) is greater than or equal to 4, the LMF can determine that the UE supports location based on the radio frequency channel map; if the UE's computing power indicated in information (b) is less than 4 (e.g., 1, 2, or 3), the LMF can determine that the UE does not support location based on the radio frequency channel map.

[0196] Information (b) can also be implicitly represented.

[0197] For example, if information (c) can imply that the UE supports location based on the radio frequency channel map, information (b) may not exist, but the LMF can know that the UE has stored radio frequency channel map data.

[0198] For example, if information such as information (c) that can imply that the UE does not support location based on the radio frequency channel map exists in the capability information, information (b) may not exist, but the LMF can know that the UE does not support location based on the radio frequency channel map.

[0199] For example, information (c) may indicate the area corresponding to the first radio frequency channel map. In other words, information (c) may indicate in which areas the first radio frequency channel map stores data.

[0200] In some examples, information (c) may include the overall extent and / or resolution of at least one region. The LMF can determine the region corresponding to the first radio frequency channel map based on the overall extent and resolution of at least one region. For example, the overall extent of at least one region is [x1, x2], [y1, y2], and [z1, z2]. Here, x, y, and z can represent the coordinate values ​​of the three dimensions, respectively. Resolution can indicate the size of each region. For example, resolution can be represented by R. R can be a function of resolution, representing the side length of a single region. For example, if the region is a square, R can be the side length of the square. Another example is if the region is a rectangle, R can be the length and width of the rectangle. Yet another example is if the region is a cuboid, R can be the length, width, and height of the cuboid. When the sizes of the regions differ, R can indicate the size of each region separately. For example, R can be associated with the index of the region, so that different regions can correspond to different Rs.

[0201] In other examples, information (c) may include the overall extent of at least one region and / or the number of regions. Thus, the LMF can determine the regions corresponding to the first radio frequency channel map based on the overall extent of at least one region, the region division rules, and the number of regions. For example, if the overall extent of at least one region is [x1,x2], [y1,y2], and [z1,z2]; the number of regions is 10; and the region division rule is equal division, then the LMF can determine 10 equally sized regions within the overall extent of at least one region.

[0202] The aforementioned area division rules may be indicated by information (c), predefined, preconfigured, indicated by other information, or determined by the LMF in other ways, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0203] Wherein, the content not indicated by information (c) may be predefined, preconfigured, indicated by other information, or determined by the LMF in other ways. For example, information (c) may only indicate the overall extent of at least one region, and the resolution (or the number of regions) may be predefined, preconfigured, or determined by the LMF in other ways. As another example, information (c) may only indicate (or the number of regions), and the overall extent of at least one region may be predefined, preconfigured, or determined by the LMF in other ways.

[0204] For example, information (d) may indicate the type of parameters in the first radio frequency channel map (or, at least the type of channel data from one area). In other words, information (d) may indicate what types of data are stored in the first radio frequency channel map.

[0205] For example, the type of the parameter may include at least one of the following:

[0206] The meaning of multipath elements.

[0207] The meaning of Channel State Information (CSI).

[0208] The meaning of the channel matrix.

[0209] The term "meaning" here refers to a designation. For example, without special specification, a multipath element can represent specific data of type multipath element; the meaning of a multipath element can represent the type "multipath element".

[0210] For example, the meaning of a multipath element may include at least one of the following: the meaning of time delay information, the meaning of AoA information, the meaning of AoD information, the meaning of power information, the meaning of phase information, or the meaning of bounce order.

[0211] For example, the meaning of CSI may include at least one of the following: CRI, RI, CQI, PMI, or LI.

[0212] For example, the meaning of the channel matrix may include: matrix H.

[0213] In some examples, the parameter type can be understood as the data format of the radio frequency channel map. For example, the index of the parameter type (or data format) and the parameter type (or data format) can satisfy Table 1.

[0214] Table 1

[0215]

[0216]

[0217] "Bit flags" can be understood as information being quantized into one or more bits. For example, delay information, AoA information, AoD information, power information, phase information, or bounce order, or CSI information, channel matrix, etc., can all be quantized into one or more bits, or they can be left unquantized.

[0218] For example, information (d) indicating the value "0" can indicate that the first radio frequency channel map stores time delay information, that is, the first radio frequency channel map has a data format corresponding to the value "0".

[0219] For example, information (e) may indicate the precision of a parameter in a first radio frequency channel map. In some examples, the precision of the parameter may be divided into multiple levels. For example, the precision may be divided into levels 1-10. Thus, information (e) may indicate which level of precision the parameter belongs to from 1 to 10.

[0220] As a specific example, some or all of the information elements included in the capability information are shown in Table 2.

[0221] Table 2

[0222]

[0223] Based on the above scheme, the capability information reported by the UE can include multiple combinations, enabling the LMF to determine the UE's capabilities related to the radio frequency channel map, thereby identifying a more suitable positioning method and whether auxiliary data needs to be sent, thus effectively improving positioning performance. For example, if the capability information indicates that the UE supports positioning based on the radio frequency channel map, the LMF can determine that the first positioning method is the radio frequency channel map-based positioning method, thereby improving the UE's positioning accuracy and reducing the overhead of the UE reporting measurement information. Another example is if the LMF determines, based on the capability information, that the UE has not stored relevant data for the radio frequency channel map, the LMF can send auxiliary data, enabling the UE to have data for positioning based on the radio frequency channel map. Yet another example is if the capability information indicates that the UE has difficulty achieving positioning based on the radio frequency channel map, such as if the UE does not support positioning based on the radio frequency channel map, or if the amount of missing radio frequency channel map data is large, resulting in high overhead for sending auxiliary data, the LMF can determine that the first positioning method is another positioning method besides the radio frequency channel map-based positioning method, thereby selecting a suitable positioning method for the UE.

[0224] The following is an example of how LMF determines the first positioning method (i.e., S420).

[0225] In some examples, the LMF can determine the first localization method based on capability information.

[0226] The first positioning method can be a positioning method based on a radio frequency channel map (or, based on channel data of at least one region), or it can be another positioning method. In other words, the first positioning method can be used to locate the UE based on a radio frequency channel map, or it can be used to locate the UE without relying on a radio frequency channel map.

[0227] There are several ways to classify positioning methods. Below are three examples of how to classify positioning methods. These three examples can be combined with each other.

[0228] Based on the data type used for positioning, positioning methods can be classified into cell identifier (CID), enhanced CID (E-CID), DL-Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), UL-TDOA, DL-AOD, UL-AOA, multiple round-trip time (Multi-RTT), or NRE-CID positioning methods, etc.

[0229] Based on the nodes or information upon which the positioning is based, positioning methods can be classified into UE-based, LMF-based, UE-assisted, NG-RAN node-assisted, or secure user plane location (SUPL) methods, and so on.

[0230] Depending on whether the positioning is based on a radio frequency channel map, positioning methods can be divided into positioning methods based on radio frequency channel maps and positioning methods not based on radio frequency channel maps.

[0231] The term "location method based on radio frequency channel map" can be understood as meaning that the radio frequency channel map is used in the process of employing this location method; in other words, the radio frequency channel map plays an auxiliary or dominant role in the location process. This application does not limit whether other information besides the radio frequency channel map participates in the location process.

[0232] At least two of the three examples above can be combined. For example, the location method can be CID, an LMF-based location method (whether or not it is based on a radio frequency channel map is not limited). Another example is that the location method can be CID, an LMF-based location method, or a radio frequency channel map-based location method. Other examples are not listed here.

[0233] The LMF can determine the first positioning method based on the capability information. This can be understood as the LMF using capability information in the process of determining the first positioning method. This application does not limit whether other information is involved in the process of determining the first positioning method.

[0234] For example, LMF can determine the first localization method using only capability information.

[0235] For example, the LMF can use capability information and other information to determine the first positioning method. Exemplarily, the aforementioned "other information" may include the positioning method configured by the LMF, or the QoS required by the application, and so on.

[0236] In some examples, when the capability information indicates that the UE supports location based on the radio frequency channel map, the LMF can determine that the first location method is a location method based on the radio frequency channel map. Alternatively, the LMF can determine that the first location method is a non-radio frequency channel map-based location method based on other information. For example, the location methods configured by the LMF may not include location methods based on the radio frequency channel map, or the QoS requirements of the application can be met without using a location method based on the radio frequency channel map.

[0237] In some possible implementations, the method 400 further includes: the LMF sending indication information of a first positioning method to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the indication information of the first positioning method from the LMF.

[0238] In some examples, the LMF can send indication information of the first positioning method to the UE through the gNB, and the UE can receive the indication information of the first positioning method from the LMF through the gNB; in other words, the gNB can forward the indication information of the first positioning method.

[0239] In other examples, the LMF can directly send the indication information of the first positioning method to the UE, and the UE can directly receive the indication information of the first positioning method from the LMF; in other words, the indication information of the first positioning method can be forwarded without going through the gNB.

[0240] In some possible implementations, the method 400 further includes: S440, the UE locates itself based on the first positioning method.

[0241] For example, if the first positioning method is a positioning method based on a radio frequency channel map, the UE can be positioned based on the radio frequency channel map (e.g., the first radio frequency channel map, or the radio frequency channel map updated by the LMF or gNB via signaling).

[0242] In some possible implementations, UE positioning may include: the gNB sending a measurement signal to the UE; the UE measuring the measurement signal to obtain measurement information. And / or, the UE sending a measurement signal to the gNB; the gNB measuring the aforementioned measurement signal to obtain measurement information. That is, positioning can be based on downlink signals or uplink signals; this application does not limit the scope of the application.

[0243] For example, the measurement signal may be a positioning reference signal (PRS) or other signals.

[0244] For example, the measurement information may include the measured value of a measurement signal, such as the measured value of a PRS.

[0245] For ease of description, the following description uses downlink signal-based positioning as an example. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the positioning in this application is not limited to downlink signals, but can also be based on uplink signals, side-channel signals, or other signals.

[0246] In some possible implementations, method 400 further includes: S450, the UE sends location measurement information to the gNB or LMF. The location measurement information may include measurement information and / or location results.

[0247] In some examples, the UE can determine the positioning result based on measurement information. Optionally, the UE sends an indication of the positioning result to the LMF or gNB.

[0248] For example, the UE can send a location result indication to the gNB, and the gNB can send the indication to the LMF.

[0249] In other examples, the UE can send indication information of the measurement information to the LMF or gNB. Optionally, the LMF or gNB determines the positioning result based on the measurement information.

[0250] For example, the UE can send measurement information indication information to the gNB, the gNB can determine the positioning result based on the measurement information, and the gNB can send positioning result indication information to the LMF.

[0251] For example, the UE can send measurement information indication information to the gNB, and the gNB can send this indication information to the LMF. The LMF can then determine the positioning result based on the measurement information.

[0252] The following are examples of how auxiliary data is distributed.

[0253] In some possible implementations, the method also includes S430 and S435.

[0254] S430, the LMF sends first information to the gNB. This first information instructs the gNB to provide second information to the UE.

[0255] Correspondingly, the gNB receives the first information from the LMF.

[0256] S435, the gNB sends second information to the UE. This second information is used to assist the UE in positioning based on a radio frequency channel map (or, channel data of at least one area).

[0257] Correspondingly, the UE receives the second information from the gNB.

[0258] The second information may include auxiliary data related to the radio frequency channel map. For example, the second information may include channel data for at least one area.

[0259] For example, the second information may include at least one of the following: multipath elements in the radio frequency channel map; channel state information in the radio frequency channel map; or, a channel matrix in the radio frequency channel map. Alternatively, the second information may include channel data for at least one region, the channel data including at least one of the following: multipath elements; channel state information; or, a channel matrix.

[0260] The meanings of multipath elements, channel state information, and channel matrix are explained above and will not be repeated here.

[0261] Based on the above scheme, the first terminal can obtain the second information, thereby assisting in positioning based on the radio frequency channel map and further improving the positioning accuracy.

[0262] In some examples, the content of the first and second information can be the same, or the first information can include the second information. Thus, S430 and S435 above can also be understood as the LMF distributing auxiliary data via the gNB.

[0263] In other examples, the first information may not include the second information, which is pre-stored in the gNB. In this case, the first information can be understood as simple instruction information, that is, the LMF instructs the gNB to provide the UE with auxiliary data stored in the gNB.

[0264] In some other possible implementations, the LMF sends second information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the second information from the LMF. The second information may or may not be forwarded by the gNB; this application does not limit this.

[0265] In this process, the delivery of auxiliary data can occur before the UE performs positioning, allowing the UE to perform positioning based on the auxiliary data. For example, steps S430 and S435 can be executed before step S440. Another example is that the LMF can send the second information to the UE before step S440.

[0266] Optionally, the second information is related to the first positioning method.

[0267] For example, the relationship between the first positioning method and the second information can satisfy Table 3.

[0268] Table 3

[0269]

[0270] Referring to Table 3, in some examples where the first positioning method is E-CID, the UE, in addition to obtaining the CID, will also measure the distance between the gNB and the UE, as well as the signal power (or signal quality) of the access cell and neighboring cells. For example, the aforementioned distance can be measured using the RTT method. Thus, the second information can include delay information from the radio frequency channel map, thereby matching it with the distance between the gNB and the UE measured by the UE. The second information can also include power information from the radio frequency channel map, thereby matching it with the aforementioned signal power.

[0271] In other examples, where the first positioning method is DL-TDOA, the UE can report the measured signal power as measurement information to the LMF. In this way, the second information can include power information from the radio frequency channel map, thereby matching it with the aforementioned signal power.

[0272] For example, the aforementioned signal power may be the reference signal receiving power (RSRP) or other parameters, which are not limited in this application.

[0273] Examples of other content in Table 3 are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0274] In some possible implementations, the LMF determines whether to issue the second information and / or, based on the capability information, the content of the second information.

[0275] In some examples, if the capability information indicates that the UE does not have a radio frequency channel map stored, the LMF can determine that a second message, which includes the radio frequency channel map, needs to be sent.

[0276] In other examples, if the area, parameter type, or parameter precision corresponding to the first radio channel map indicated by the capability information does not meet the QoS requirements of the LMF's configuration or application, the LMF can determine that second information needs to be sent. This second information may include radio channel map data that meets the QoS requirements of the LMF's configuration or application. In other words, if the UE has already stored a radio channel map, the LMF can update the UE's stored radio channel map based on the capability information.

[0277] In some examples, if the LMF determines that access network equipment needs to participate in the positioning process, it will interact with the serving gNB corresponding to the UE, enabling the gNB to acquire auxiliary data (including radio frequency channel map data) and the LMF to acquire positioning measurement information (including measurement information and / or positioning results). Optionally, the LMF may also interact with the gNBs of neighboring cells in the cell where the UE is located, enabling the neighboring gNBs to acquire auxiliary data (including radio frequency channel map data) and the LMF to acquire positioning measurement information.

[0278] In some examples, if the LMF determines that the UE needs to participate in the positioning process, it will interact with the UE through non-access stratum (NAS) messages. For example, the UE can obtain auxiliary data (including radio frequency channel map data), and the LMF can obtain positioning measurement information (including measurement information and / or positioning results).

[0279] In some possible implementations, the aforementioned second information is sent to the UE, so that the UE can use the second information to help locate itself and transmit the location result to the LMF.

[0280] In some other possible implementations, the second piece of information mentioned above may not be sent to the UE. The UE can transmit the measurement information to the LMF, which can then determine the positioning result based on the radio frequency channel map data and the measurement information.

[0281] In some possible implementations, method 400 further includes: S460, the LMF sends a location service response to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF can receive a location service response from the LMF.

[0282] The location service response may include indications of the location result. For example, the indications may indicate whether the location was successful or failed.

[0283] In some possible implementations, method 400 further includes: the AMF sending a location service response to the location triggerer. For example, if S402 is executed, method 400 further includes: S472, the AMF sending a location service response to the LCS entity. As another example, if S404 is executed, method 400 further includes: S474, the AMF determining the location service response. Yet another example, if S406 is executed, method 400 further includes: S476, the AMF sending a location service response to the UE. S472, S474, and S476 can be executed selectively.

[0284] The following, combined with Figures 5 to 8 This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in the embodiments. The descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0285] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0286] Figure 5 This is an exemplary block diagram of the communication device 1000 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0287] like Figure 5 As shown, for example, the communication device 1000 may include a chip system 1010, a memory 1020, a bus 1030, a power management module 1040, or a transceiver 1050, etc.

[0288] The chip system 1010 can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed through integrated logic circuits in the hardware of the chip system 1010 or through software instructions.

[0289] By way of example and not limitation, the chip system 1010 may include circuitry or chips responsible for signal processing (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core).

[0290] Optionally, the chip system 1010 may also include a memory (such as a cache) for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the chip system 1010 is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that the chip system 1010 has just used or that are used repeatedly. If the chip system 1010 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can retrieve it directly from this memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces the waiting time of the chip system 1010, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0291] In some embodiments, the chip system 1010 may include one or more interfaces. Interfaces may include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identity module (SIM) interface, and / or a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc.

[0292] The memory 1020 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 1020 may store computer-readable and computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions of this application.

[0293] Optionally, the code may include instructions for implementing various aspects of the embodiments of this application, such as instructions for receiving capability information from a first terminal. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other types of memory. In some cases, the code may not be directly executable by the chip system 1010, but may enable a computer (e.g., at compile and execution time) to perform the functions of this application. In some cases, memory 1020 may contain a basic I / O system that controls basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0294] For example, the chip system 1010 executes various functional applications and data processing of the communication device 1000 by running instructions stored in the memory 1020. For instance, when the communication device 1000 transfers files with other devices (which may also be terminals or access network devices), the chip system 1010 of the communication device 1000 can call the computer-executable program code stored in the memory 1020 to implement the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0295] In addition, the memory 1020 can be integrated into the chip system 1010 or independent of the chip system 1010.

[0296] For example, bus 1030 may be USB for supporting communication between various parts of communication device 1000.

[0297] The power management module 1040 is used to receive charging input from the charger. Optionally, the power management module 1040 can also supply power to the communication device 1000 while charging it (e.g., the battery module of the communication device 1000). By way of example and not limitation, the power management module 1040 can also supply power to other devices besides the communication device 1000.

[0298] Transceiver 1050 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, a wired link, or a wireless link. For example, transceiver 1050 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. Transceiver 1050 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and for demodulating packets received from the antenna. Transceiver 1050 may include a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver performing the function of receiving information and the transmitter performing the function of transmitting information.

[0299] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna. However, in other cases, a device may have more than one antenna, such as... Figure 5 Antennas 1 and 2 shown may be capable of simultaneously transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. Exemplarily, antennas 1 and 2 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in communication device 1000 can be used to cover one or more communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be multiplexed to improve antenna utilization. For example, antenna 1 can be multiplexed as a diversity antenna for a wireless local area network. In some other embodiments, the antennas can be used in conjunction with a tuning switch. Communication device 1000 can transfer files to other devices via wireless communication functions.

[0300] In one design, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the first network element in the above method embodiment.

[0301] The device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the first network element in the above method embodiment. The transceiver 1050 can be used to perform operations related to the transmission and reception of the first network element in the above method embodiment, such as executing step S410 in the above method embodiment. The chip system 1010 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the first network element in the above method embodiment, such as S420.

[0302] In another design, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the first terminal in the above method embodiment.

[0303] The device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the first terminal in the above method embodiments. The transceiver 1050 can be used to execute operations related to the transmission and reception of the first terminal in the above method embodiments, such as executing step S410 in the above method embodiments. The chip system 1010 can be used to execute processing-related operations of the first terminal in the above method embodiments, such as S440.

[0304] In a design where the communication device 1000 corresponds to the first terminal, the communication device 1000 may include, for example: Figure 5 The short-range communication module 1064, sensor 1061, display 1062, or camera 1063 shown are examples of such modules.

[0305] The short-range communication module 1064 may include modules that support short-range communication, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

[0306] For example, sensor 1061 may include pressure sensor, gyroscope sensor, barometric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, distance sensor, proximity sensor, fingerprint sensor, temperature sensor, touch sensor, ambient light sensor, bone conduction sensor, etc.

[0307] For example, the display 1062 is used to display images, videos, etc. The display includes a display panel. The display panel can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a mini light-emitting diode (LED), a microLED, a microOLED, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc. For example, in this embodiment, the display can be used to display the interface required by the communication device 1000. For example, the communication device 1000 implements the display function through a graphics processing unit (GPU), a display, and an application processor. The GPU is a microprocessor for image processing, connected to the display and the application processor. The GPU is used to perform mathematical and geometric calculations and for graphics rendering. The chip system 1010 may include one or more GPUs that execute program instructions to generate or change display information.

[0308] For example, camera 1063 is used to acquire images, videos, etc.

[0309] Understandable, Figure 5 The structure shown does not constitute a specific limitation on the communication device 1000. The specific structure of the first network element and / or the first terminal can be referred to Figure 5 As shown. In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may also include a... Figure 5 This could mean having more or fewer components, combining some components, separating some components, or having different component arrangements. Or, Figure 5 Some of the components shown can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware. The first network element and / or the first terminal can be in... Figure 5 The components were added or removed based on the given structure.

[0310] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 2000 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0311] like Figure 6As shown, the communication device 2000 may include a baseband unit 2010, which can communicate with external devices via a cellular radio frequency (RF) transceiver 2020 (e.g., if the communication device 2000 is a terminal device, the baseband unit 2010 can communicate with access network devices via the cellular RF transceiver 2020; or, if the communication device 2000 is an access network device, the baseband unit 2010 can communicate with terminal devices and / or core network devices via the cellular RF transceiver 2020).

[0312] By way of example, baseband unit 2010 may include computer-readable medium / memory. Baseband unit 2010 may be responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by baseband unit 2010, the software causes baseband unit 2010 to perform the various functions described above. Computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by baseband unit 2010 when executing the software.

[0313] Optionally, the baseband unit 2010 further includes a receiving unit 2011, a management unit 2012, and a transmitting unit 2013. When the communication device 2000 is applied to the first network element, the management unit 2012 may include one or more of these components. Figure 6 The sub-units shown are as follows. For example, a capability information determination sub-unit, which can be used to perform the operation of determining capability information related to the radio frequency channel map in the above method embodiments. Units within the management unit 2011 can be stored in a computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within the baseband unit 2010. The receiving unit 2011 and the transmitting unit 2013 can be referred to as transceiver units.

[0314] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the first network element in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 2011 is used to perform the receiving step of the first network element, the sending unit 2013 is used to perform the sending step of the first network element, and the management unit 2012 is used to perform the processing step of the first network element.

[0315] For example, when the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the first network element in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 2011 is used to receive capability information from the first terminal, which is related to the radio frequency channel map; the management unit 2012 is used to determine a first positioning method based on the capability information, which is used to locate the first terminal.

[0316] For example, when the device 2000 is used to perform Figure 4When the method is in use, the receiving unit 2011 can be used to execute the step of receiving information in the method; the management unit 2012 can be used to execute the processing step in the method; and the sending unit 2013 can be used to execute the step of sending information in the method.

[0317] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the functions of the first terminal in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 2011 is used to execute the receiving step of the first terminal, the sending unit 2013 is used to execute the sending step of the first terminal, and the management unit 2012 is used to execute the processing step of the first terminal.

[0318] For example, when the communication device 2000 is used to implement the functions of the first terminal in the above method embodiments, the management unit 2012 is used to determine the capability information of the first terminal; the sending unit 2013 is used to send the capability information to the first network element, and the capability information is related to the radio frequency channel map.

[0319] For example, when the device 2000 is used to perform Figure 4 When the method is in use, the receiving unit 2011 can be used to execute the step of receiving information in the method; the management unit 2012 can be used to execute the processing step in the method; and the sending unit 2013 can be used to execute the step of sending information in the method.

[0320] For a more detailed description of the receiving unit 2011, the management unit 2012, and the sending unit 2013, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0321] As an example and not a limitation, the chip system in this application is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of the chip system 3000 provided in the embodiments of this application. The chip system includes, but is not limited to, a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or a system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core.

[0322] from Figure 7 As can be seen, the chip system (or processing system) includes a processor 3010, a memory 3020, and an input / output interface 3030.

[0323] The processor 3010 can be a processing circuit in a chip system (including at least one processor, such as...). Figure 7(Shown as processor 1 and processor 2, etc.). Processor 3010 can be coupled to memory 3020, calling instructions in memory 3020, so that the chip system can implement the methods and functions of the various embodiments of this application. Input / output interface 3030 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system, outputting information processed by the chip system, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing.

[0324] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the first network element or the first terminal in the various method embodiments described above.

[0325] For example, the processor 3010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first network element or the first terminal in the above method embodiments, as described in the foregoing embodiments; the input / output interface 3030 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first network element or the first terminal in the above method embodiments, as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0326] As an example and not a limitation, the chip system in this application is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of the chip system 4000 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0327] from Figure 8 As can be seen, the chip system (or processing system) includes an input / output interface 4010 and logic circuitry 4020. The input / output interface 4010 can be an input / output circuit within the chip system, outputting processed information or inputting data or signaling information to be processed for processing. For details, please refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments, for example, performing... Figure 4 The embodiment described above; the logic circuit 4020 is used to execute the communication method described above, and can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiment for details.

[0328] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the first network element or the first terminal in the various method embodiments described above.

[0329] For example, logic circuit 4020 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the first network element or the first terminal in the above method embodiment; input / output interface 4010 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first network element or the first terminal in the above method embodiment.

[0330] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0331] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods executed by the first network element or the first terminal in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0332] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the methods executed by the first network element or the first terminal in the above-described method embodiments.

[0333] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first terminal and first network element.

[0334] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0335] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0336] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0337] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of the units described above is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0338] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0339] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0340] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a first terminal, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0341] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first terminal receives capability information, which is related to channel data of at least one region, and the channel data of the at least one region is used to assist the first terminal in positioning. Based on the capability information, a first positioning method is determined, which is used to locate the first terminal.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capability information is used to indicate at least one of the following: Whether the first terminal stores channel data for at least one region; Whether the first terminal supports positioning based on channel data of the at least one region; The area corresponding to the channel data stored in the first terminal; The type of channel data stored in the first terminal; or, The precision of the channel data stored in the first terminal.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first positioning method is used to locate the first terminal based on channel data of the at least one region.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information to the second network element, the first information being used to instruct the second network element to provide second information to the first terminal, the second information being used to assist the first terminal in positioning based on channel data of the at least one region.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second information includes channel data for the at least one region, the channel data including at least one of the following: Multipath elements; Channel state information; or, Channel matrix.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first terminal, and the method includes: Determine the capability information of the first terminal; The capability information is sent to the first network element. The capability information is related to channel data of at least one region. The channel data of the at least one region is used to assist the first terminal in positioning.

7. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capability information is used to indicate at least one of the following: Whether the first terminal stores channel data for at least one region; Whether the first terminal supports positioning based on channel data of the at least one region; The area corresponding to the channel data stored in the first terminal; The type of channel data stored in the first terminal; or, The precision of the channel data stored in the first terminal.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first terminal is located based on channel data from at least one region.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first terminal receives second information from a second network element, the second information being used to assist the first terminal in positioning based on channel data of the at least one region.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second information includes channel data for the at least one region, the channel data including at least one of the following: Multipath elements; Channel state information; or, Channel matrix.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one module or at least one unit, said at least one module or said at least one unit being used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 to be performed.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or the instructions.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are run, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 is performed.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when the computer program or instructions are executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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