A positioning method, apparatus, program product, storage medium and chip

Abstract

The application provides a positioning method, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method of the application interacts on the AIoT F, the AIoT device, the Reader and the LMF side to obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, and further obtains the current position information of the AIoT device based on the positioning capability mode indicated by the positioning capability information, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the AIoT device communication scene.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a positioning method, device, program product, storage medium and chip. Background Technology

[0002] Passive Internet of Things (AIoT) is an emerging Internet of Things (IoT) technology. AIoT devices refer to devices that have no energy of their own or only very limited energy and communicate by obtaining energy from the external environment, such as common Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices.

[0003] An IoT device connects to a 5G network for communication. Basic operations such as data storage, reading, writing, and deactivation are performed using a RAN Reader or UE Reader. For obtaining AIoT device location information, the method used is for the Reader to report its own location information; that is, the Reader's location information is used to roughly represent the AIoT device's location. How to obtain the AIoT device's positioning capability information and precise location information during AIoT communication remains an unsolved problem in current technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a positioning method, device, program product, storage medium and chip to realize the positioning capability information acquisition and location positioning of AIoT devices.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application provide a positioning method, including:

[0006] Obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device;

[0007] The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application provide a positioning method, including:

[0009] Obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; perform a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information; or

[0010] The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is obtained. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application provide a positioning method, including:

[0012] Sending location capability information, wherein the location capability information is used to indicate the location methods supported by the AIoT device; or

[0013] The current location information or measurement information is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application provide a positioning method, including:

[0015] Receive positioning capability information of AIoT devices, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT devices;

[0016] The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application also provide a positioning device, including: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0018] The memory stores program instructions; the transceiver, under the control of the processor, sends and receives data; the processor reads the program instructions from the memory and performs the following operations:

[0019] Obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device;

[0020] The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0021] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application also provide a positioning device, including: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0022] The memory stores program instructions; the transceiver, under the control of the processor, sends and receives data; the processor reads the program instructions from the memory and performs the following operations:

[0023] Obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; perform a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information; or

[0024] The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is obtained. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0025] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a terminal, including: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0026] The memory stores program instructions; the transceiver, under the control of the processor, sends and receives data; the processor reads the program instructions from the memory and performs the following operations:

[0027] Sending location capability information, wherein the location capability information is used to indicate the location methods supported by the AIoT device; or

[0028] The current location information or measurement information is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0029] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application also provide a positioning device, including: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0030] The memory stores program instructions; the transceiver, under the control of the processor, sends and receives data; the processor reads the program instructions from the memory and performs the following operations:

[0031] Receive positioning capability information of AIoT devices, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT devices;

[0032] The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0033] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application also provide a positioning device, comprising:

[0034] The first processing module is used to obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device;

[0035] The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0036] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application also provide a positioning device, comprising:

[0037] The second processing module is configured to acquire the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information indicates the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; execute a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information; or

[0038] The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is obtained. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0039] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application also provide a positioning device, comprising:

[0040] The third processing module is used to send positioning capability information, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; or

[0041] The current location information or measurement information is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0042] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application also provide a positioning device, comprising:

[0043] The fourth processing module is used to receive the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device;

[0044] The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0045] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing program instructions for causing the processor to execute the positioning method as described in the above embodiments.

[0046] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0047] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a chip including a processor coupled to a memory for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions, the methods provided in the above embodiments are implemented.

[0048] The above-mentioned technical solution of this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0049] In the above technical solutions of this application embodiment, the positioning capability information of the AIoT device can be obtained during the communication process, and the precise location of the AIoT device can be obtained during the communication process, which improves the positioning accuracy of the AIoT device communication scenario and ensures communication efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a business process diagram for AIoT, using inventory operations as an example.

[0051] Figure 2a One of the flowcharts for the positioning method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 2b The second flowchart of the positioning method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 2c The third flowchart of the positioning method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 2d The fourth flowchart of the positioning method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 3a This is one of the signaling diagrams for the positioning method shown in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 3b This is the second signaling diagram illustrating the positioning method in the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 3c This is the third signaling diagram illustrating the positioning method in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 4a This is one of the schematic diagrams of the positioning device shown in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 4b This is a second schematic diagram of the positioning device shown in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 5a This is one of the schematic diagrams of the positioning device shown in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 5b This is a second schematic diagram of the positioning device shown in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 5c This is the third schematic diagram of the module of the terminal shown in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 5d This is the fourth schematic diagram of the positioning device shown in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0064] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0065] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0066] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0067] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the embodiments of this application, the scenarios and execution entities involved in this application will first be described.

[0068] As mentioned earlier, passive IoT devices, or AIoT devices, generally have no power of their own or only limited power. They are typically less complex and less expensive, transmitting very small amounts of data (e.g., only needing to report tag information) and at a low frequency (e.g., perhaps only transmitting data once). Therefore, AIoT devices are generally used in scenarios such as automated logistics, smart grids, internal factory logistics in manufacturing, and sensor data reporting in smart homes. For example, in automated logistics scenarios, AIoT device technology can be used to count goods upon entry and exit from warehouses, completing the automated inventory management process.

[0069] AIoT devices typically use Readers to perform basic operations such as inventorying, reading data, writing data, and deactivating devices. A Reader can be a Base Station Reader (BSReader) or a User Equipment Reader (UE), and will be referred to as Reader in this embodiment. The name AIoTF is not limited; it refers to a network function relative to the AIoT device, used to enable the communication functions of the AIoT device.

[0070] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an AIoT business process using inventory operations as an example. Inventory operations refer to the network requesting AIoT devices within a certain area to report their AIoT device identifiers, thereby enabling the counting of goods within that area. The specific process is as follows:

[0071] 1. The Application Function (AF) sends an AIoT Service Request message to the Network Exposure Function (NEF). This message contains parameters such as inventory instructions, device information of the AIoT devices, and region information. The device information indicates which AIoT devices are to be inventoried, such as one, a group, or all AIoT devices; the region information indicates the region where the inventory operation is to be performed.

[0072] 2. The NEF authorizes the AF request based on the contract information (such as whether the AF is allowed to initiate AIoT service requests). The NEF can select and determine the Ambient Internet of Things Function (AIoTF) to perform the service operation based on the regional information. The AIoTF is a new core network element introduced to support AIoT service operations.

[0073] 3. NEF sends an AIoT Service Request message to AIoTF, which contains parameters such as service operation instructions (Inventory), device information of AIoT devices, and regional information.

[0074] 4. AIoTF determines the RAN / UE Reader to perform the service operation based on parameters such as area information. The Reader can be either a RAN Reader or a UE Reader.

[0075] 5. AIoTF sends an AIoT Service Request message to the RAN / UE Reader, which contains parameters such as service operation instructions (Inventory) and device information.

[0076] 6. The RAN / UE Reader sends an InitialTrigger Message, similar to a Paging message, to the AIoT Device. This message contains the device information of the AIoT Device.

[0077] 7. The AIoT Device, which matches the device information of the AIoT device, initiates the Random Access procedure. The AIoTDevice sends the Device ID to the RAN / UE Reader.

[0078] 8. The RAN / UE Reader sends an AIoT Service Response message to the AIoTF, which contains the Device ID. Simultaneously, the RAN / UE Reader can also send the Reader ID and Reader location information to the AIoTF.

[0079] 9. AIoTF performs verification (e.g., by comparing with the device identifier of the AIoT device in Unified Data Management (UDM)) and / or authentication processes for AIoT devices.

[0080] 10. AIoTF registers the Device ID, Reader ID, and Reader location information of the AIoT Device into the UDM.

[0081] 11-12. AIoTF sends an AIoT Service Response message to AF through NEF. This message includes Device ID, Reader ID, and Reader location information.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown in the process, when an AIoT device performs an operation, it only reports its Device ID (device identifier) ​​to the reader. Subsequently, AIoTF registers the location information of the reader to which the AIoT device belongs, containing these Device IDs, into the UDM for easy location tracking. Therefore, the location is the location of the reader to which the AIoT ID of the AIoT device belongs, rather than the specific location of the AIoT device itself, resulting in relatively coarse location accuracy.

[0083] like Figure 2a The diagram shown is one of the flowcharts of the positioning method provided in the embodiments of this application. This part of the method is mainly executed by AIoTF, and the specific flow content is as follows:

[0084] Step A101: Obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device.

[0085] AIoTF obtains AIoT device location capability information by directly receiving the corresponding location capability information from the AIoT device; it also obtains AIoT device location capability information indirectly. Indirect acquisition of AIoT device location capability information includes, but is not limited to, receiving AIoT device location capability information from a Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC), receiving AIoT device location capability information sent by a Reader, or receiving AIoT device location capability information sent by other network elements.

[0086] The positioning capability information of an AIoT device is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device. Optionally, the positioning capability information indicates whether the AIoT device supports uplink positioning, downlink positioning, or other positioning methods. After obtaining the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device, the current location information of the AIoT device can be further obtained based on the positioning methods.

[0087] Step A102: Perform a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information.

[0088] Specifically, the positioning process performed by AIoTF differs depending on whether the AIoT device participates in the communication process or after the communication process has commenced. In one embodiment of this application, the period before and after the AIoT device initiates random access is used as markers indicating whether the AIoT device has completed the communication process. The steps for performing the positioning process related to the AIoT device based on positioning capability information include:

[0089] Before an AIoT device initiates random access, a positioning process related to the AIoT device is performed based on its positioning capability information; or

[0090] After an AIoT device initiates random access, a positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0091] In one embodiment, AIoTF can obtain the positioning capability information of AIoT devices through at least one of the following methods:

[0092] Method 1: Obtain location capability information stored in the Unified Data Management (UDM) or Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC); or

[0093] Method 2: Send a first communication request to at least one Reader. The first communication request includes first positioning capability request information, which is used to request the AIoT device to send positioning capability information after initiating random access; obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device; or

[0094] Method 3: Send a location capability request to the AIoT device and receive the location capability information sent by the AIoT device; or

[0095] Method 4: Receive a second communication request sent by the Location Management Function (LMF), the second communication request including second positioning capability request information, the second positioning capability request information being used to request the AIoT device to send positioning capability information; send a second communication request to the AIoT device, the second communication request including the second positioning capability request information, and receive the positioning capability information sent by the AIoT device.

[0096] In one embodiment, the acquisition process in Method 1 can be as follows: The GMLC can obtain the privacy settings of the AIoT device from the UDM, and the GMLC can obtain the AIoTF address information serving the AIoT device from the UDM. If the UDM stores the location capability information of the AIoT device (the location capability information of the AIoT device can be provided to the UDM by the AF, or obtained through a previous communication process such as the Inventory process and saved to the UDM by the AIoTF), then the GMLC obtains the location capability information of the AIoT device from the UDM. The GMLC sends a location request message to the AIoTF to request the current location of the AIoT device, and this message contains information such as the location capability information of the AIoT device.

[0097] In one embodiment, the acquisition process in Method 2 can be as follows: The AIoTF selects a suitable Reader based on information such as the Reader's coverage area and its supported AIoT device positioning capabilities (the AIoTF authorizes the RAN / UE Reader). The AIoTF sends a first communication request, such as a request message to perform an inventory operation, to at least one Reader. This first communication request includes a first positioning capability request indication. The first positioning capability request information is used to request the AIoT device to send positioning capability information after initiating random access. In subsequent positioning processes, the AIoT device sends its own positioning capability information based on the received first positioning capability request information.

[0098] In one embodiment, the acquisition process in Method 3 can be as follows: After the AIoT device completes random access, the AIoTF sends a positioning capability request to the AIoT device; the AIoT device sends its positioning capability information to the AIoTF and stores the positioning capability information in the AIoT device context. The positioning capability request can be a DevicePositioning capability Request.

[0099] In one embodiment, the acquisition process in Method 4 can be as follows: The LMF sends a second communication request to the AIoTF, the second communication request including second positioning capability request information, which is used to request the AIoT device to send positioning capability information; the AIoTF directly sends the second communication request to the AIoT device, wherein the second communication request can be a downlink NAS transmission message. This second communication request contains a second positioning capability request indication. After receiving this message, the AIoT device sends an uplink NAS transmission message to the AIoTF, which contains the AIoT device's positioning capability information.

[0100] In one embodiment, the method by which AIoTF performs a positioning process associated with an AIoT device includes:

[0101] After an AIoT device initiates random access, it sends a positioning request or notification message to the Location Management Function (LMF) that performs the positioning process; the positioning request or notification message carries positioning capability information.

[0102] Receive the current location information of the AIoT device determined by LMF.

[0103] Specifically, if the location capability information of the AIoT device is obtained using method one, method two, or method three, a location request is sent to the Location Management Function (LMF) that performs the location process after the AIoT device initiates random access; if the location capability information of the AIoT device is obtained using method four, a notification message is sent to the Location Management Function (LMF) that performs the location process after the AIoT device initiates random access.

[0104] In one embodiment, the method by which AIoTF performs a positioning process associated with an AIoT device includes:

[0105] The Location Management Function (LMF) that performs the positioning process sends a positioning request; the positioning request carries positioning capability information.

[0106] Receives AIoT device location requests sent by LMF that correspond to the location capability information;

[0107] A third communication request is sent to at least one Reader. The third communication request includes an AIoT device location request. The third communication request is used to trigger an initial access message, which is used by the AIoT device to initiate random access.

[0108] Receive the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device sent by at least one Reader. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0109] The method in this embodiment is mainly executed when the location capability information of the AIoT device is obtained in method one.

[0110] like Figure 2b The diagram shown is a second flowchart of the positioning method provided in this application embodiment. This part of the method flow is mainly executed by the Reader, and the specific flow content is as follows:

[0111] In one embodiment, step B101 involves obtaining the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; and performing a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information.

[0112] In this step, the Reader receives the positioning capability information sent by the AIoT device and sends the positioning capability information to the AIoTF to perform the positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information.

[0113] In one embodiment, step B102 involves obtaining the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device, which is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0114] In this embodiment, the Reader receives the current location information that the AIoT device has already calculated based on its own positioning capabilities, or the measurement information that can be obtained by the LMF through subsequent calculations of the current location information.

[0115] The two embodiments above are mutually exclusive; they cannot be executed simultaneously and there is no specific execution order.

[0116] In one embodiment, after obtaining the location capability information of the AIoT device and after the AIoT device initiates random access, the specific process of performing the location process related to the AIoT device based on the location capability information is as follows:

[0117] Receive a first communication request sent by AIoTF. The first communication request includes first positioning capability request information. The first positioning capability request information is used to request the AIoT device to send positioning capability information after initiating random access.

[0118] Send an initial trigger message carrying the first location capability request information. The initial trigger message is used to trigger AIoT devices to initiate random access.

[0119] The first communication request involves AIoTF selecting a suitable Reader based on information such as the Reader's coverage area and its supported AIoT device location capabilities (after AIoTF authorizes the Reader). AIoTF sends a first communication request, such as an Inventory request message, to the Reader. This message contains a first location capability request indication (if GMLC did not provide this to AIoTF in the preceding steps). The first location capability request indication is used to request location capability information for the AIoT device.

[0120] After receiving the first location capability request information, the Reader initiates a process similar to Paging, sending an initial trigger message carrying the first location capability request information. The initial trigger message can be an Initial Trigger message. The AIoT device that matches the initial trigger message sends its location capability information to the Reader after initiating random access.

[0121] In one embodiment, prior to the step of obtaining the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device, the following process is also included:

[0122] Receive a third communication request sent by AIoTF, which includes an AIoT device location request; send a trigger initial message carrying the AIoT device location request, which is used by the AIoT device to initiate random access.

[0123] Among them, AIoTF sends a third communication request, such as an Inventory request message, to the Reader. This message contains an AIoT device location request, which is used to obtain the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device.

[0124] Upon receiving a location request from an AIoT device, the Reader initiates a process similar to Paging, sending an initial trigger message carrying the AIoT device's location request. This initial trigger message can be an Initial Trigger message. After initiating random access, the AIoT device matching the initial trigger message sends its determined current location information or measurement information to the Reader.

[0125] In one embodiment, the Reader (RAN Reader or UE Reader) performs the following operations:

[0126] Receive a first communication request sent by the AIoT function, the first communication request containing a first positioning capability request indication requesting positioning capability information of the AIoT device; or receive a third communication request sent by the AIoTF, which contains a location request of the AIoT device, or contains positioning assistance data provided to the AIoT device;

[0127] Send an initial trigger message to the AIoT device. The initial trigger message contains a first positioning capability request indication requesting the positioning capability of the AIoT device; or an AIoT device location request requesting the current location information of the AIoT device; or contains positioning assistance data provided to the AIoT device.

[0128] Receive AIoT device location capability information, current location information, or measurement information from AIoT device;

[0129] Send a response message for a first communication request or a third communication request to AIoTF, wherein the response message for the first communication request contains the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, or the current location information of the AIoT device, or the measurement information of the AIoT device.

[0130] Optionally, the device identifier of the AIoT device may be included in the first or third communication request sent by the AIoT function.

[0131] Optionally, the initial trigger message sent to the AIoT device includes the device identifier of the AIoT device.

[0132] Optionally, the device identifier of the AIoT device can be received from the AIoT device.

[0133] Optionally, the response message to the AIoT function sending the first or third communication request may include the device identifier of the AIoT device.

[0134] Optionally, the Reader sends information to the AIoTF about the Reader's (RAN or UE) ability to locate AIoT devices.

[0135] like Figure 2c The diagram shown is the third flowchart of the positioning method provided in this application embodiment. This part of the method is mainly executed by the AIoT device, and the specific process content is as follows:

[0136] In one embodiment, step C101 involves sending positioning capability information, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device.

[0137] In this step, AIoT devices send location information in the following ways:

[0138] Method 1: Receive an initial trigger message sent by at least one Reader, the initial trigger message including first location capability request information; initiate random access based on the first location capability request information and then send location capability information.

[0139] In one embodiment, the Reader sends an initial trigger message to the AIoT device, which may be an Initial Trigger message; the AIoT device that matches the initial trigger message sends its location capability information to the Reader after initiating random access.

[0140] Method 2: Receive the positioning capability request sent by AIoTF and send the positioning capability information.

[0141] In one embodiment, after the AIoT device completes random access, the AIoTF sends a positioning capability request to the AIoT device, and the AIoT device sends its positioning capability information to the AIoTF. The positioning capability request can be a DevicePositioning capability Request.

[0142] The main application scenario of this embodiment is when the AIoT device has completed random access, but the messages between network elements in the aforementioned steps do not carry an instruction to obtain positioning capability information. That is, the AIoT device did not receive an instruction to obtain positioning capability information before random access. Once the AIoT device completes random access, the AIoTF sends a positioning capability request, and the AIoTF selects the LMF to perform the positioning process.

[0143] Method 3: Receive the second communication request sent by AIoTF. The second communication request includes second positioning capability request information, which is used to request the AIoT device to send positioning capability information; and send the positioning capability information.

[0144] In one embodiment, the second communication request sent by the AIoTF is mainly a downlink Non-Access Stratum (NAS) transmission message; the AIoT device sends an uplink NAS transmission message carrying positioning capability information.

[0145] The application scenario of this embodiment is mainly when the AIoT device has completed random access, but the messages between network elements in the aforementioned steps do not carry an indication to obtain positioning capability information. That is, the AIoT device did not receive an indication to obtain positioning capability information before random access, and the AIoTF has completed the selection of the LMF. The second communication request sent by the AIoTF is generated by the LMF performing positioning. The LMF can send a Msg Transfer message to the AIoTF, which carries the second positioning capability request information.

[0146] In one embodiment, step C102 involves generating current location information or measurement information. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0147] In this embodiment, the AIoT device sends its current location information or measurement information to the corresponding Reader. After the AIoT device completes random access, the Reader receives the current location information calculated by the AIoT device based on its own positioning capabilities, or measurement information that can be calculated by the LMF (Local Position Filter) to obtain the current location information.

[0148] The two embodiments above are mutually exclusive; they cannot be executed simultaneously and there is no specific execution order.

[0149] In one embodiment, the AIoT device performs the following operations:

[0150] Receive a positioning capability request sent by AIoTF; or receive an initial trigger message sent by at least one Reader, the initial trigger message including first positioning capability request information, or including an AIoT device location request requesting the current location information of the AIoT device, or including positioning assistance data provided to the AIoT device; or receive a second communication request sent by AIoTF, the second communication request including second positioning capability request information;

[0151] Send positioning capability information to the corresponding Reader, or send positioning capability information to AIoTF, or send the current location information of the AIoT device to AIoTF, or send the measurement information of the AIoT device to AIoTF;

[0152] Optionally, the location capability request sent by the AIoTF may include the device identifier of the AIoT device.

[0153] Optionally, the received initial trigger message includes the device identifier of the AIoT device.

[0154] Optionally, the device identifier of the AIoT device can be received from the AIoT device.

[0155] Optionally, when an AIoT device receives an initial trigger message including an AIoT device location request, the AIoT device performs a process to generate current location information or measurement information.

[0156] like Figure 2d The diagram shown is the fourth flowchart of the positioning method provided in this application embodiment. This part of the method flow is mainly executed by LMF, and the specific flow content is as follows:

[0157] Step D101: Receive the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device.

[0158] In one embodiment, the LMF can receive the location capability information of the AIoT device in the following situations:

[0159] Scenario 1: After the AIoT device completes random access, the AIoTF selects the LMF to perform the positioning process. The selected LMF receives the positioning request sent by the AIoTF, which carries the positioning capability information of the AIoT device. The LMF selects an appropriate positioning method (such as uplink positioning method) based on the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, and initiates the corresponding positioning process through the AIoTF and the Reader to receive the positioning capability information of the AIoT device.

[0160] Scenario 2: After the AIoT device completes random access, the AIoTF selects the LMF to perform the positioning process. However, unlike Scenario 1, the selected LMF initiates its own positioning request. Specifically, the LMF sends a second communication request to the AIoT device, which includes a second positioning capability request message. This second positioning capability request message is used by the AIoT device to send its positioning capability information. The AIoTF forwards this second positioning capability request message to the AIoT device, enabling the AIoT device to send its positioning capability information to the AIoTF. The AIoTF then sends this positioning capability message to the LMF via a notification message.

[0161] Step D102: Perform a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information.

[0162] In one embodiment, the steps of performing a positioning process related to an AIoT device based on positioning capability information include:

[0163] Based on the received location request or notification message, send the current location information of the determined AIoT device; wherein, the location request or notification message carries location capability information.

[0164] In one embodiment, after initiating random access, the AIoT device sends its positioning capability information to the AIoTF. The AIoTF can execute the LMF selection process and send a positioning request to the LMF, sending the positioning capability information to the LMF. The LMF initiates a positioning process based on the positioning capability information, generates the current location information of the AIoT device, and sends it to the AIoTF.

[0165] In one embodiment, the AIoTF does not request location capability information from the AIoT device. Therefore, after the AIoT device initiates random access, it does not send location capability information to the AIoTF. Instead, the selected LMF initiates a location request itself, sending a request message (e.g., a Msg Transfer message) to the AIoTF, which carries second location capability request information. Further, the AIoTF sends a second communication request to the AIoT device, including the second location capability request information, which is used by the AIoT device to send its location capability information. Based on the received information, the AIoT device sends its location capability information to the AIoTF. The AIoTF then sends a notification message (e.g., a Notify message) to the LMF, which also carries the location capability information.

[0166] In one embodiment, the steps of performing a positioning process related to an AIoT device based on positioning capability information include:

[0167] Receive a location request; the location request carries location capability information.

[0168] Send an AIoT device location request corresponding to the positioning capability information; the AIoT device location request is used by the AIoT device to generate current location information or measurement information before initiating random access.

[0169] Receive the current location information or measurement information of AIoT devices sent by AIoTF.

[0170] Before an AIoT device initiates random access, the AIoTF sends a positioning request to the LMF, which includes the AIoT device's positioning capability information. Further, based on the received positioning capability information, the LMF generates and sends an AIoT device location request or positioning assistance data corresponding to that positioning capability information. The positioning assistance data is auxiliary information generated based on the AIoT device's positioning capability information; for example, if the AIoT device's positioning capability information supports uplink positioning, the positioning assistance data may include positioning system broadcast information. After receiving the AIoT device location request or positioning assistance data, the AIoT device calculates its current location information or measurement information based on the initial trigger message sent by the Reader. The AIoT device then initiates random access, and its current location information or measurement information is transmitted to the LMF.

[0171] In one embodiment, when only measurement information is obtained, the LMF calculates the current location information of the AIoT device based on the measurement information of the AIoT device.

[0172] The following diagram illustrates the overall architecture of signaling interaction between various network elements in the method of this application, without distinguishing the main execution entity. The embodiments of this application illustrate the following several examples.

[0173] like Figure 3a The diagram shown is one of the signaling diagrams for the positioning method illustrated in this application embodiment. The specific process is as follows:

[0174] 1. Readers such as RAN / UEReaders report information such as Reader ID(s), Reader coverage area, and the Reader's supported AIoT device positioning capabilities to AIoTF via AIoT Positioning capability report messages.

[0175] 2. The AF sends a locationRequest message to the GMLC through the Network Exposure Function (NEF). This message contains information such as Device ID, location QoS requirements, and area information.

[0176] 3. The GMLC obtains the privacy settings of the AIoT devices requiring location capability information and the AIoTF address information serving the AIoT devices from the UDM. If the UDM stores the AIoT device's location capability information (which can be provided to the UDM by the AF, or obtained through previous communication processes such as the Inventory process and saved to the UDM by the AIoTF), the GMLC retrieves this information from the UDM. The GMLC sends an AIoT Location Request to the AIoTF to request the current location information of the AIoT devices. This message includes the Device ID, location QoS requirements, area information, and the AIoT device's location capability information.

[0177] 4. AIoTF selects a suitable Reader based on information such as region information, Reader coverage area, and the Reader's ability to locate AIoT devices (AIoTF authorizes the RAN / UE Reader). AIoTF sends a first communication request to the Reader, such as an Inventory Request message, which contains the Reader ID, Device ID, and a first location capability request indication (if GMLC is not provided in step 3).

[0178] 5. The RAN / UE Reader initiates a process similar to Paging, and the Initial Trigger message contains the Device ID and the first location capability request indication.

[0179] 6. The AIoT device matching the Device ID in the Initial Trigger message initiates a process similar to random access, sending the Device ID to the Reader. If the Initial Trigger message in step 5 contains a first positioning capability request indication, the AIoT device sends its positioning capability information to the Reader via a random access message or other access layer messages. The positioning capability information indicates whether the AIoT device supports uplink positioning, downlink positioning, etc.

[0180] 7a. The Reader sends a response message to the AIoTF for the first request message, such as an Inventory Response message (the Reader can transmit the Inventory Response message via control plane NAS messages or user plane application layer signaling messages). This message contains the Device ID. If the Reader received the AIoT device's location capability information in step 6, this message also contains the AIoT device's location capability information. Furthermore, the AIoTF stores the Reader information in the context of the AIoT device.

[0181] 7b. If the Initial Trigger message in step 5 does not contain a first positioning capability request indication, then the messages in steps 6 and 7a do not contain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device. The AIoTF can send a positioning capability request to the AIoT device after step 7a, requesting to obtain the AIoT device's positioning capability information; the AIoT device sends its positioning capability information to the AIoTF. The positioning capability request sent by the AIoTF can be a Device Positioning capabilityRequest message, and correspondingly, the AIoT can carry its own positioning capability information in a Device Positioning capability Response message. The AIoTF stores the AIoT device's positioning capability information in the AIoT device context.

[0182] 8. AIoTF selects the LMF to perform the positioning process and performs LMF selection.

[0183] 9. The AIoTF sends a location request to the LMF. This message contains information such as the Device ID, the AIoT device's location capability information, and location QoS requirements. This message can be a Location Request message.

[0184] 10. The LMF selects an appropriate positioning method (such as uplink positioning method) based on the positioning capability information and positioning QoS requirements of the AIoT device, and initiates the corresponding positioning process through the AIoTF and Reader to execute AIoT DevicePositioning.

[0185] 11. Based on the positioning results, LMF sends the current location information of the AIoT device to AIoTF via a Location Request message.

[0186] 12. AIoTF sends the current location information of AIoT devices to GMLC via the AIoT Location Response message.

[0187] 13. GMLC sends the current location information of AIoT devices to AF via NEF.

[0188] like Figure 3b The diagram shown is a second signaling diagram illustrating the positioning method in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment and... Figure 3a The main difference in the signaling diagram lies in the fact that the AIoTF does not request location capability information from the AIoT device in the first nine steps. Therefore, after the AIoT device initiates random access, it does not send location capability information to the AIoTF. Based on this, the embodiments of this application mainly illustrate that the selected LMF initiates a location request itself, i.e., the LMF sends a request message to the AIoTF, which can be a Msg Transfer message carrying second location capability request information; further, the AIoTF sends a second communication request to the AIoT device, which includes the second location capability request information, used by the AIoT device to send location capability information. The AIoT device sends the location capability information to the AIoTF based on the received information, and the AIoTF sends a notification message to the LMF, which can be a Notify message carrying the location capability information. The specific process is as follows:

[0189] 1. Readers such as RAN / UEReaders report information such as Reader ID(s), Reader coverage area, and the Reader's supported AIoT device positioning capabilities to AIoTF via AIoT Positioning capability report messages.

[0190] 2. The AF sends a locationRequest message to the GMLC through the Network Exposure Function (NEF). This message contains information such as Device ID, location QoS requirements, and area information.

[0191] 3. The GMLC obtains the privacy settings of the AIoT devices requiring location capability information and the AIoTF address information serving the AIoT devices from the UDM. If the UDM stores the AIoT device's location capability information (which can be provided to the UDM by the AF, or obtained through previous communication processes such as the Inventory process and saved to the UDM by the AIoTF), the GMLC retrieves this information from the UDM. The GMLC sends an AIoT Location Request to the AIoTF to request the current location information of the AIoT devices. This message includes the Device ID, location QoS requirements, area information, and the AIoT device's location capability information.

[0192] 4. AIoTF selects a suitable Reader based on information such as the region, the Reader's coverage area, and the Reader's ability to locate AIoT devices (AIoTF authorizes the RAN / UE Reader). AIoTF sends a second communication request to the Reader, such as an Inventory Request message, which contains the Reader ID and Device ID.

[0193] 5. The RAN / UE Reader initiates a process similar to Paging, and the Device ID is included in the Initial Trigger message.

[0194] 6. The AIoT device matching the Device ID in the Initial Trigger message initiates a process similar to random access, whereby the AIoT device sends its Device ID to the Reader.

[0195] 7. The Reader sends a response message to the second request message to the AIoTF, such as an Inventory Response message (the Reader can transmit the Inventory Response message through control plane NAS messages or user plane application layer signaling messages), which contains the Device ID.

[0196] 8. AIoTF selects the LMF to perform the positioning process and performs LMF selection.

[0197] 9. The AIoTF sends a location request to the LMF. This message contains information such as the Device ID and location QoS requirements. This message can be a Location Request message.

[0198] 10-12. The LMF requests location capability information from the AIoT device through the AIoTF. Specifically:

[0199] 10. The LMF sends a request message to the AIoTF. The request message can be a Msg Transfer message, which carries the second positioning capability request information.

[0200] 11. The AIoTF sends a downlink NAS transport message (DL NAS transport) to the AIoT device, which contains a second location capability request information; the AIoT device sends an uplink NAS transport message (UL NAS transport) to the AIoTF, which contains the AIoT device's location capability information.

[0201] 12. AIoTF sends a Notify message to LMF, which contains the location capability information of the AIoT device.

[0202] 13. The LMF selects an appropriate positioning method (such as uplink positioning method) based on the positioning capability information and positioning QoS requirements of the AIoT device, and initiates the corresponding positioning process through the AIoTF and Reader to execute AIoT DevicePositioning.

[0203] 14. Based on the positioning results, LMF sends the current location information of the AIoT device to AIoTF via a Location Respons message.

[0204] 15. AIoTF sends the current location information of AIoT devices to GMLC via the AIoT Location Response message.

[0205] 16. GMLC sends the current location information of AIoT devices to AF via NEF.

[0206] like Figure 3c The diagram shown is the third signaling diagram of the positioning method illustrated in this application embodiment. In this embodiment, the positioning process based on positioning capability information by the AIoTF is performed before random access. After the AIoT device randomly accesses the network, the steps performed by the AIoTF are all about transmitting and storing current location information or measurement information. The specific process is as follows:

[0207] 1. Readers such as RAN / UE Readers report information such as Reader ID(s), Reader coverage area, and the Reader's supported AIoT device positioning capabilities to AIoTF via AIoT Positioning capability report messages.

[0208] 2. AF sends a location request message to GMLC through NEF. This message contains information such as DeviceID, location QoS requirements, and area information.

[0209] 3. The GMLC obtains the privacy settings of the AIoT devices requiring location capability information and the AIoTF address information serving the AIoT devices from the UDM. If the UDM stores the AIoT device's location capability information (which can be provided to the UDM by the AF, or obtained through previous communication processes such as the Inventory process and saved to the UDM by the AIoTF), the GMLC retrieves this information from the UDM. The GMLC sends an AIoT Location Request to the AIoTF to request the current location information of the AIoT devices. This message includes the Device ID, location QoS requirements, area information, and the AIoT device's location capability information.

[0210] 4. AIoTF selects a suitable Reader based on information such as region information, Reader coverage area, and the Reader's supported AIoT device positioning capabilities (AIoTF authorizes the RAN / UE Reader). If the GMLC does not provide AIoTF with AIoT device positioning capability information in step 3, AIoTF can obtain the AIoT device's positioning capability information from the UDM. AIoTF selects the LMF to perform the positioning process and performs LMF selection.

[0211] 5. The AIoTF sends a location request to the LMF. This message contains information such as the Device ID and location QoS requirements. This message can be a Location Request message. If the AIoTF does not send the AIoT device's location capability information to the LMF in step 5, the LMF can obtain the AIoT device's location capability information from the UDM.

[0212] 6. The LMF sends a request message to the AIoTF. The request message can be a Msg Transfer message, which may contain the following information: AIoT device location request, or providing location assistance data to the AIoT device.

[0213] 7. AIoTF sends a third communication request to the Reader, such as an Inventory Request message, which contains the Reader ID, Device ID, AIoT device location request, or location assistance data.

[0214] 8. The Reader initiates a process similar to Paging, which includes DeviceID, AIoT device location request, or location assistance data in the Initial Trigger message.

[0215] 9. When an AIoT device performs positioning measurements or location calculations, it executes the Positioning measurements and / or computation process to generate current location information or measurement information.

[0216] 10. The AIoT device that matches the Device ID in the Initial Trigger message initiates a process similar to random access. The AIoT device sends the Device ID, as well as the current location information or measurement information, to the Reader.

[0217] 11. The Reader sends a response message to the AIoTF's third request message, such as an Inventory Response message (the Reader can transmit the Inventory Response message via control plane NAS messages or user plane application layer signaling messages). This message contains the Device ID, the current location information of the AIoT device, or measurement information. When using an uplink positioning method, the Reader can also obtain the AIoT device's measurement information.

[0218] 12. The AIoTF sends a Notify message to the LMF, which contains the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device. The LMF can then calculate the current location information of the AIoT device based on its measurement information.

[0219] 13. The LMF sends the current location information of the AIoT device to the AIoTF via the Location Respons message.

[0220] 14. AIoTF sends the current location information of AIoT devices to GMLC via the AIoT Location Response message.

[0221] 15. GMLC sends the current location information of AIoT devices to AF via NEF.

[0222] The above specific signaling embodiments are signaling demonstrations of the aforementioned method embodiments and are complementary to each other.

[0223] Through the above embodiments, the positioning capability information of AIoT devices can be obtained during the communication process, and the precise location of AIoT devices can be obtained during the communication process, which improves the positioning accuracy of AIoT device communication scenarios and ensures communication efficiency.

[0224] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a positioning device. For example... Figure 4a As shown, the positioning device can realize the functions of the AIoTF side in the aforementioned embodiments. The bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 400 and memory represented by memory 420. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 410 can be multiple elements, including transmitters and receivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, etc. For different user devices, the user interface 430 can also be an interface capable of connecting external or internal devices, including but not limited to keypads, displays, speakers, microphones, joysticks, etc. The processor 400 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 420 can store data used by the processor 400 during operation.

[0225] The processor 400 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0226] Optionally, the processor is also used to perform the following operations:

[0227] Obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device;

[0228] The positioning process related to AIoT devices is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0229] For the step of obtaining the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, the processor may also perform the following operations:

[0230] Obtain the location capability information stored in the Unified Data Management (UDM) or Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC); or

[0231] Send a first communication request to at least one Reader, the first communication request including first positioning capability request information, the first positioning capability request information being used to request the AIoT device to initiate random access and then send the positioning capability information; obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device; or

[0232] Send a location capability request to the AIoT device and receive the location capability information sent by the AIoT device; or

[0233] The system receives a second communication request sent by the Location Management Function (LMF), the second communication request including a second positioning capability request information, the second positioning capability request information being used to request the AIoT device to send the positioning capability information; the system sends the second positioning capability request information to the AIoT device, and receives the positioning capability information sent by the AIoT device.

[0234] For the step of performing the positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information, the processor may also perform the following operations:

[0235] Send a location request or notification message to the Location Management Function (LMF) that performs the location process; the location request or notification message carries the location capability information.

[0236] Receive the current location information of the AIoT device determined by the LMF.

[0237] For the step of performing the positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information, the processor may also perform the following operations:

[0238] A positioning request is sent to the Location Management Function (LMF) that performs the positioning process; the positioning request carries the positioning capability information.

[0239] Receive the AIoT device location request sent by the LMF that corresponds to the positioning capability information;

[0240] A third communication request is sent to the at least one Reader, the third communication request including the AIoT device location request; the third communication request is used to trigger an initial access message, the trigger initial message being used by the AIoT device to initiate random access;

[0241] The system receives the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device sent by at least one Reader. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0242] Figure 4a The positioning device shown can also perform the functions of the Reader side in the aforementioned embodiments. Optionally, the processor is also configured to perform the following operations:

[0243] Obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; perform a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information; or

[0244] The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is obtained. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0245] For the step of performing the positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information, the processor may also perform the following operations:

[0246] Receive a first communication request sent by AIoTF, the first communication request including first positioning capability request information, the first positioning capability request information being used to request the AIoT device to send the positioning capability information after initiating random access;

[0247] Send an initial trigger message carrying the first location capability request information, the initial trigger message being used to trigger the AIoT device to initiate random access.

[0248] Before the step of acquiring the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device, the processor may also perform the following operations:

[0249] Receive a third communication request sent by AIoTF, the third communication request including the location request of the AIoT device;

[0250] Send a trigger initial message carrying the location request of the AIoT device, the trigger initial message being used by the AIoT device to initiate random access.

[0251] Figure 4aThe positioning device shown can also perform the functions of the AIoT device side in the aforementioned embodiments, and is a terminal. Optionally, the processor is also used to perform the following operations:

[0252] Sending location capability information, wherein the location capability information is used to indicate the location methods supported by the AIoT device; or

[0253] The current location information or measurement information is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0254] For the step of sending location capability information, the processor may also perform the following operations:

[0255] Receive an initial trigger message sent by at least one Reader, the initial trigger message including first location capability request information; initiate random access based on the first location capability request information and then send the location capability information; or

[0256] Receive a positioning capability request sent by AIoTF and send the positioning capability information; or

[0257] The system receives a second communication request sent by the AIoT device, the second communication request including a second positioning capability request information, the second positioning capability request information being used to request the AIoT device to send the positioning capability information; and sends the positioning capability information.

[0258] After the step of generating the current location information or measurement information, the processor may also perform the following operations:

[0259] Send the current location information or measurement information to the corresponding Reader.

[0260] Figure 4a The positioning device shown can also perform the functions of the LMF side in the aforementioned embodiments. Optionally, the processor is also configured to perform the following operations:

[0261] Receive positioning capability information of AIoT devices, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT devices;

[0262] The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0263] Regarding the step of receiving the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, the processor may also perform the following operations:

[0264] Receive a positioning request sent by the AIoTF, the positioning request carrying the positioning capability information; or

[0265] Send a second communication request to the AIoT device. The second communication request includes a second positioning capability request information, which is used to request the AIoT device to send the positioning capability information.

[0266] For the step of performing the positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information, the processor may also perform the following operations:

[0267] Based on the received location request or notification message, the current location information of the AIoT device is sent; wherein the location request or notification message carries the location capability information.

[0268] For the step of performing the positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information, the processor may also perform the following operations:

[0269] Receive a location request; the location request carries the location capability information;

[0270] Send an AIoT device location request corresponding to the positioning capability information; the AIoT device location request is used by the AIoT device to generate the current location information or measurement information before initiating random access.

[0271] The processor receives the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device sent by the AIoTF. The processor can also perform the following operations: calculate the current location information of the AIoT device based on the measurement information of the AIoT device.

[0272] exist Figure 4b In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 500) and memory (memory 520). The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 510 can be multiple elements, including transmitters and receivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over transmission media, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, etc. The processor 500 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 520 can store data used by the processor 500 during operation.

[0273] The processor 500 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0274] Optionally, Figure 4b The processor shown can perform, for example Figure 4a The operations shown will not be described in detail here.

[0275] It should be noted that the positioning device provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0276] like Figure 5a As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a positioning device, including:

[0277] The first processing module A510 is used to obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device;

[0278] The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0279] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment is capable of achieving the aforementioned... Figure 4a and 4b All the steps listed in the document that are applicable to the AIoTF side, as well as all the method steps implemented on the AIoTF side in the embodiments of this application, can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiments and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail here.

[0280] like Figure 5b As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a positioning device, including:

[0281] The second processing module B510 is used to acquire the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; execute a positioning process related to the AIoT device according to the positioning capability information; or

[0282] The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is obtained. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0283] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment is capable of achieving the aforementioned... Figure 4a and 4b All the steps listed in the document that apply to the Reader side, as well as all the method steps implemented on the Reader side in the embodiments of this application, can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiments and their beneficial effects will not be described in detail here.

[0284] like Figure 5c As shown in the embodiments of this application, a terminal is also provided, including:

[0285] The third processing module C510 is used to send positioning capability information, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; or

[0286] The current location information or measurement information is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

[0287] It should be noted that the terminal provided in this application embodiment is capable of achieving the aforementioned... Figure 4a and 4b All the steps listed in the document are applicable to the AIoT device side, and all the method steps implemented on the Reader side in the embodiments of this application can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiments and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail here.

[0288] like Figure 5d As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a positioning device, including:

[0289] The fourth processing module D510 is used to receive the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device;

[0290] The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

[0291] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment is capable of achieving the aforementioned... Figure 4a and 4bAll the steps listed in the document that are applicable to the LMF side, as well as all the method steps implemented on the LMF side in the embodiments of this application, can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiments and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail here.

[0292] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0293] The storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. For example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0294] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0295] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip, including a processor coupled to a memory, for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the processor executes the computer program or instructions, the method provided in the above embodiments is implemented. It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes various forms such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory, etc.

[0296] Memory modules include dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0297] This application also provides a processing apparatus, including a processor and an interface. The processor can be used to execute the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0298] It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device can be a chip. For example, the processing device can be a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0299] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be executed by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in mature storage media in the art, such as random access registers, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. Since the storage medium is located in memory, the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method; to avoid repetition, these will not be described in detail here.

[0300] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0301] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache.

[0302] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems include Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and 5G New Radio (NR). All of these systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The system may also include a core network component, such as the Evolved Packet System (EPS) or the 5G system (5GS).

[0303] The terminal devices involved in the embodiments of this application can be devices that provide voice and / or data connectivity to users, handheld devices with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The names of the terminal devices may differ in different systems; for example, in a 5G system, a terminal device can be called User Equipment (UE). Wireless terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a Radio Access Network (RAN). Wireless terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones) and computers with mobile terminal devices, for example, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, but is not limited to these terms in the embodiments of this application.

[0304] The network device involved in this application embodiment can be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to terminals. Depending on the specific application, a base station may also be called an access point, or a device in an access network that communicates with a wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to exchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network equipment involved in the embodiments of this application can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in a next-generation 5G network architecture, an evolved Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a Home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In some network structures, the network equipment may include centralized unit (CU) nodes and distributed unit (DU) nodes, and the centralized unit and distributed unit may be geographically separated.

[0305] Network devices and terminal devices can each use one or more antennas for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multiple-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the configuration and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO, or massive-MIMO, and can also be diversity transmission, precoding transmission, or beamforming transmission, etc.

[0306] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0307] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0308] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0309] These processors can execute instructions that can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, causing a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0310] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that, Performed by the passive IoT function AIoTF, including: Obtain the positioning capability information of a passive Internet of Things (AIoT) device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the positioning capability information of AIoT devices includes: Obtain the location capability information stored in the Unified Data Management (UDM) or Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC); or Send a first communication request to at least one Reader, the first communication request including first positioning capability request information, the first positioning capability request information being used to request the AIoT device to initiate random access and then send the positioning capability information; obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device; or Send a location capability request to the AIoT device and receive the location capability information sent by the AIoT device; or The system receives a second communication request sent by the Location Management Function (LMF), the second communication request including a second positioning capability request information, the second positioning capability request information being used to request the AIoT device to send the positioning capability information; the system sends the second positioning capability request information to the AIoT device, and receives the positioning capability information sent by the AIoT device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of performing a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information includes: Send a location request or notification message to the Location Management Function (LMF) that performs the location process; the location request or notification message carries the location capability information. Receive the current location information of the AIoT device determined by the LMF.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of performing a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information includes: A positioning request is sent to the Location Management Function (LMF) that performs the positioning process; the positioning request carries the positioning capability information. Receive the AIoT device location request sent by the LMF that corresponds to the positioning capability information; A third communication request is sent to the at least one Reader, the third communication request including the AIoT device location request; the third communication request is used to trigger an initial access message, the trigger initial message being used by the AIoT device to initiate random access; The system receives the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device sent by at least one Reader. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

5. A positioning method, characterized in that, Executed by Reader, including: Obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; perform a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information; or The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is obtained. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of performing a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information includes: Receive a first communication request sent by AIoTF, the first communication request including first positioning capability request information, the first positioning capability request information being used to request the AIoT device to send the positioning capability information after initiating random access; Send an initial trigger message carrying the first location capability request information, the initial trigger message being used to trigger the AIoT device to initiate random access.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before the step of obtaining the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device, the method further includes: Receive a third communication request sent by AIoTF, the third communication request including the location request of the AIoT device; Send a trigger initial message carrying the location request of the AIoT device, the trigger initial message being used by the AIoT device to initiate random access.

8. A positioning method, characterized in that, Performed by passive IoT (AIoT) devices, including: Sending location capability information, wherein the location capability information is used to indicate the location methods supported by the AIoT device; or The current location information or measurement information is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of sending location capability information includes: Receive an initial trigger message sent by at least one Reader, the initial trigger message including first location capability request information; initiate random access based on the first location capability request information and then send the location capability information; or Receive a positioning capability request sent by AIoTF and send the positioning capability information; or The system receives a second communication request sent by the AIoT device, the second communication request including a second positioning capability request information, the second positioning capability request information being used to request the AIoT device to send the positioning capability information; and sends the positioning capability information.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of generating the current location information or measurement information further includes: Send the current location information or measurement information to the corresponding Reader.

11. A positioning method, characterized in that, Performed by LMF, including: Receive positioning capability information of AIoT devices, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT devices; The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The step of receiving the positioning capability information of the AIoT device includes: Receive a positioning request sent by the AIoTF, the positioning request carrying the positioning capability information; or Send a second communication request to the AIoT device. The second communication request includes a second positioning capability request information, which is used to request the AIoT device to send the positioning capability information.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The step of performing a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information includes: Based on the received location request or notification message, the current location information of the AIoT device is sent; wherein the location request or notification message carries the location capability information.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The step of performing a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information includes: Receive a location request; the location request carries the location capability information; Send an AIoT device location request corresponding to the positioning capability information; the AIoT device location request is used by the AIoT device to generate the current location information or measurement information before initiating random access. Receive the current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device sent by AIoTF.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The current location information of the AIoT device is calculated based on the measurement information of the AIoT device.

16. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: Memory, transceiver, processor; Memory, used to store program instructions; Transceiver, used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; Processor, configured to read program instructions from the memory and perform the following operations: Obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

17. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: Memory, transceiver, processor; Memory, used to store program instructions; Transceiver, used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; Processor, configured to read program instructions from the memory and perform the following operations: Obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; perform a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information; or The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is obtained. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

18. A terminal, characterized in that, include: Memory, transceiver, processor; Memory, used to store program instructions; Transceiver, used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; Processor, configured to read program instructions from the memory and perform the following operations: Sending location capability information, wherein the location capability information is used to indicate the location methods supported by the AIoT device; or The current location information or measurement information is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

19. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: Memory, transceiver, processor; Memory, used to store program instructions; Transceiver, used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; Processor, configured to read program instructions from the memory and perform the following operations: Receive positioning capability information of AIoT devices, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT devices; The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

20. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: The first processing module is used to obtain the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

21. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: The second processing module is configured to acquire the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information indicates the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; execute a positioning process related to the AIoT device based on the positioning capability information; or The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is obtained. The current location information or measurement information of the AIoT device is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

22. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: The third processing module is used to send positioning capability information, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; or The current location information or measurement information is generated by the AIoT device before initiating random access.

23. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: The fourth processing module is used to receive the positioning capability information of the AIoT device, wherein the positioning capability information is used to indicate the positioning methods supported by the AIoT device; The positioning process related to the AIoT device is executed based on the positioning capability information.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, The program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

25. A chip, characterized in that, The method includes a processor coupled to a memory for executing a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, wherein when the processor executes the computer program or instructions, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15 is performed.

26. A processor-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program for causing the processor to perform the positioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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