Enhanced GMLC-based data collection for AIML positioning

Abstract

Various example embodiments of the subject disclosure relate to apparatuses, methods and computer programs for performing data collection. One such example embodiment relates to a method comprising: g

Description

Field Example embodiments relate to an apparatus, a method and a computer program product for providing an enhanced GMLC-Based Data Collection for AIML Positioning. Related background Art The following meanings for the abbreviations used in this specification apply: AI Artificial Intelligence AIML Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning AMF Access and Mobility Function AoA Angle of Arrival CSI Channel State Information. GMLC Gateway Mobile Location Center LCM - Lifecycle Management LCS Location Services LMF Location Management Function LPP LTE Positioning Protocol MDT Minimization of Drive Test ML Machine Learning NEF Network Exposure Function NF Network Function NW Network NWDAF Network Data Analytics Function PRS Positioning Reference Symbols RRM Radio Resource Management RSRP Reference Symbol Received Power RSRPP Reference Symbol Received Path Power SON Self Optimizing Network TCE Trace Collection Entity TDOA Time Difference of Arrival ToA Time of Arrival TRP Transmission-Reception Point UDM Unified Data Management UE User Equipment UP U-Plane, User Plane Example embodiments, although not limited to these, relate to data collection, particularly for offline training of UE-side models, i.e., models for which inference is performed on the UE, and also fortraining NW-side (e.g., LMF-side and gNodeB-side) models. Summary Example embodiments address this situation aim to provide an improved handling of data collection, for use for offline training of UE-side models and NW-side models, for example. Several aspects of the various example embodiments will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the various example embodiments, nor are they intended to be used to otherwise limit the scope of the subject disclosure. Other features, aspects and elements of the various example embodiments will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of the subject disclosure. According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory Including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: generating a request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements; sending the request to a network element; and receiving a response including positioning measurements and positioning related information from the network element. The first aspect may be modified as follows: The information on which positioning procedure is to be used may comprise information about a positioning mode and / or method to be used for collecting the positioning measurements. The information on which positioning procedure is used may be a predefined parameter. The received positioning measurements may comprise positioning related physical layer measurements, and the received positioning related information may comprise configuration data related to the measurements, and assistance data related to the measurements. The network element may be a gateway mobile location center, GMLC. The at least one memory and the computer program code may further be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: sending the request by inserting information, which is based on the configured request, in a predefined field of a position request message defined for an interface to the gateway mobile location center, GMLC, and / or receiving the response in a predefined field of a message defined for the interface of the gateway mobile location center, GMLC. The information, which is inserted Into the predefined field, may be a flag. The apparatus may comprise a location services, LCS, client. Collecting the positioning measurements may be for the purpose of training and / or validating artificial intelligence and machine learning, AIML, models for determining a user equipment positioning estimate. According to a second aspect, an apparatus is provided which comprises: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a request for collecting positioning measurements of at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements; configuring a user equipment to perform a positioning procedure based on the received request and obtaining positioning measurements and positioning related information; and sending a response including the obtained positioning measurements and the obtained positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements. The second aspect may be modified as follows: The information on which positioning procedure is used may comprise information about a positioning mode and / or method to be used for collecting the positioning measurements. The obtained positioning measurements may comprise positioning related physical layer measurements, and the obtained positioning related information may comprise configuration data related to the measurements, and assistance data related to the measurements. The apparatus may comprise a location management function, LMF. Collecting the positioning measurements may be for the purpose of training and / or validating artificial intelligence and machine learning, AIML, models for determining a user equipment positioning estimate. According to a third aspect, an apparatus is provided which comprises: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements; forwarding the request including the information about which positioning procedure is to be used to a network control element; receiving positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the forwarded request; and sending a response including the received positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements. The third aspect may be modified as follows: The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: receiving the request for collecting positioning measurements from a network function; forwarding the request to an access and mobility function, AMF; receiving the position measurements and the positioning related information from the access and mobility function, AMF; and sending the response including the received positioning measurements to the network function. The apparatus may comprise a gateway mobile location center, GMLC. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: receiving from a gateway mobile location center, GMLC, the request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network; forwarding the request to a location management function, LMF; receiving the position measurements and the positioning related information from the location management function, LMF; and sending the response including the received positioning measurements and the positioning related information to the gateway mobile location center, GMLC. The apparatus comprises an access and mobility function, AMF. Collecting the positioning measurements may be for the purpose of training and / or validating artificial intelligence and machine learning, AIML, models for determining a user equipment positioning estimate. According to a fourth aspect, a method is provided which comprises: generating a request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements, sending the request to a network element, and receiving a response including positioning measurements and positioning related information from the network element. The fourth aspect may be modified as follows: The information on which positioning procedure is to be used may comprise information about a positioning mode and / or method to be used for collecting the positioning measurements. The information on which positioning procedure is used may be a predefined parameter. The received positioning measurements may comprise positioning related physical layer measurements, and the received positioning related information may comprise configuration data related to the measurements, and assistance data related to the measurements. The network element may be a gateway mobile location center, GMLC. The method may further comprise: sending the request by inserting information, which is based on the configured request, in a predefined field of a position request message defined for an interface to the gateway mobile location center, GMLC, and / or receiving the response in a predefined field of a message defined for the interface of the gateway mobile location center, GMLC. The information, which is inserted into the predefined field, may be a flag. The method may be carried out by a location services, LCS, client. Collecting the positioning measurements may be for the purpose of training and / or validating artificial intelligence and machine learning, AIML, models for determining a user equipment positioning estimate. According to a fifth aspect, a method is provided which comprises: receiving a request for collecting positioning measurements of at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements, configuring a user equipment to perform a positioning procedure based on the received request and obtaining positioning measurements and positioning related information, and sending a response including the obtained positioning measurements and the obtained positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements. The fifth aspect may be modified as follows: The information on which positioning procedure is used may comprise information about a positioning mode and / or method to be used for collecting the positioning measurements. The obtained positioning measurements may comprise positioning related physical layer measurements, and the obtained positioning related information may comprise configuration data related to the measurements, and assistance data related to the measurements. The method may be carried out by a location management function, LMF. Collecting the positioning measurements may be for the purpose of training and / or validating artificial intelligence and machine learning, AIML, models for determining a user equipment positioning estimate. According to a sixth aspect, a method is provided which comprises: receiving a request for collecting positioning measurements of at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements, forwarding the request including the information about which positioning procedure is to be used to a network control element, receiving positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the forwarded request, and sending a response including the received positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements. The sixth aspect may be modified as follows: The method may further comprise: receiving the request for collecting positioning measurements from a network function; forwarding the request to an access and mobility function, AMF; receiving the position measurements and the positioning related information from the access and mobility function, AMF; and sending the response including the received positioning measurements to the network function. The method may be carried out by a gateway mobile location center, GMLC. The method may further comprise: receiving from a gateway mobile location center, GMLC, the request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network; forwarding the request to a location management function, LMF; receiving the position measurements and the positioning related information from the location management function, LMF; and sending the response including the received positioning measurements and the positioning related information to the gateway mobile location center, GMLC. The method may be carried out by an access and mobility function, AMF. Collecting the positioning measurements may be for the purpose of training and / or validating artificial intelligence and machine learning, AIML, models for determining a user equipment positioning estimate. According to a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided which comprises: means for generating a request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements, means for sending the request to a network element, and means for receiving a response including positioning measurements and positioning related information from the network element. The seventh aspect may be modified as follows: The apparatus may further comprise: means for sending the request by inserting information, which is based on the configured request, in a predefined field of a position request message defined for an interface to the gateway mobile location center, GMLC, and / or means for receiving the response in a predefined field of a message defined for the interface of the gateway mobile location center, GMLC. Otherwise, the seventh aspect may be modified in the same way as the first aspect. According to an eighth aspect, an apparatus is provided which comprises: means for receiving a request for collecting positioning measurements of at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements, means for configuring a user equipment to perform a positioning procedure based on the received request and obtaining positioning measurements and positioning related information, and means for sending a response including the obtained positioning measurements and the obtained positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements. The eighth aspect may be modified in the same way as the second aspect. According to ninth aspect, an apparatus is provided which comprises: means for receiving a request for collecting positioning measurements of at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements, means for forwarding the request including the information about which positioning procedure is to be used to a network control element, means for receiving positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the forwarded request, and means for sending a response including the received positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements. The ninth aspect may be modified as follows: The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving the request for collecting positioning measurements from a network function; means for forwarding the request to an access and mobility function, AMF; means for receiving the position measurements and the positioning related information from the access and mobility function, AMF; and means for sending the response including the received positioning measurements to the network function. The apparatus may comprise a gateway mobile location center, GMLC. The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving from a gateway mobile location center, GMLC, the request to configure and collect positioning 11 measurements from at least one user equipment in a network; means for forwarding the request to a location management function, LMF; means for receiving the position measurements and the positioning related information from the location management function, LMF; and means for sending the response including the received positioning measurements and the positioning related information to the gateway mobile location center, GMLC. The apparatus may comprise an access and mobility function, AMF. Otherwise, the ninth aspect may be modified in the same way as the third aspect. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention a computer program product is provided which comprises code means (or a set of instructions) for performing a method according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects and / or their modifications when run on a processing means or module. The computer program product may be embodied on a computer-readable medium, and / or the computer program product may be directly loadable into the internal memory of the computer and / or transmittable via a network by means of at least one of upload, download and push procedures. Brief Description of the Drawings These and other objects, features, details and advantages will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of example embodiments, which is to be taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which: Fig. 1A shows a data collector (e.g., NF) 1 according to an example embodiment, Fig. IB shows a procedure carried out by the data collector 1 according to the example embodiment, Fig. 2A shows an LMF 2 according to an example embodiment, Fig. 2B shows a procedure carried out by the LMF 2 according to the example embodiment, Fig. 3A shows an intermediate network element (e.g., GMLC or AMF) 3 according to an example embodiment, Fig. 3B shows a procedure carried out by the intermediate network element 3 according to the example embodiment, Fig. 4 illustrates a GMLC-based AIML positioning data collection call flow according to an example embodiment, Fig. 5 illustrates an addition to an Ngmlc location request according to an example embodiment, Fig. 6 illustrates an addition to an Ngmlc location response according to an example embodiment, Fig. 7 illustrates an addition to an Namf location request according to an example embodiment, Fig. 8 illustrates an addition to an Nlmf location request according to an example embodiment, and Fig. 9 illustrates a non-roaming reference architecture for Location Services. Detailed Description of example embodiments In the following, description will be made to example embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the description is given by way of example only, and that the described example embodiments are by no means to be understood as limiting. Before describing example embodiment, in the following, problems of the prior art are discussed in some more detail. As mentioned above, some example embodiments aim to data collection, particularly for the offline training of UE-side models, i.e., models for which inference is performed on the UE, wherein it is one approach to consider the use of existing frameworks as starting points to be considered for data collection. According to some example embodiments, it is proposed to augment the interface to the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC), Ngmlc, and between the GMLC and Access and Mobility Function (AMF), Namf, and between the AMF and Location Management Function (LMF), Nlmf, and to use the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), which is one of the listed data collection frameworks to be studied, to collect location estimates and positioning measurements from the UE. It has been expressed by network operators that it is desirable that collected data would also be available for use by the network. The proposed solution according to some example embodiments uses a network-driven approach in which the network is aware of the data collection, which would enable the network to store the collected data even if the eventual target of the data collection is external to the network. There has been no formal agreement regarding training locations, but UE-side training, NW-side training, and vendor server training have been discussed. The mechanism to be modified according to some example embodiments is one that begins at the input interface to the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC), which acts as the network entity to coordinate location requests from certain network functions (NF), including the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF). In their current implementations, the Ngmlc, Namf, and Nlmf interfaces do not support the request for a specific positioning mode (e.g., UE-based and UE-assisted) or positioning method (e.g., DLTDOA, DL AoD), which would be useful for collecting data specific to AIML models which require specific measurements for training. Additionally, the same interfaces only support the transmission of the UE location, but measurement data and assistance data in addition to location information would be required to support data collection for AIML models. Fig. 9, which represents Figure 4.2.1-1: Non-roaming reference architecture for Location Services in reference point of TS23.273 V17.8.0, shows the relevant architecture related to positioning, including the interfaces that exist between the components. Note that according to example embodiments described in the following, only the existing interfaces are augmented. The following specifications: TS29.515 (Ngmlc Interface Spec); TS29.518 (Namf Interface Spec); and TS29.572 (Nlmf Interface Spec) define the interfaces and protocols that enable the configuration and transportation of data between a data collector and the GMLC; the configuration and transportation of data between the GMLC and AMF; and the configuration and transportation of data between he LMF and AMF. The existing protocol definitions are augmented through the implementation of some example embodiments described in the following. Additionally, TS37.355 defines the LPP protocol, which is used to configure a UE with a positioning session. The LPP protocol will be left untouched but is used by some example embodiments to collect measurement data for AIML positioning from the UE at the LMF. To support the creation of AIML models for each of the use cases: CSI compression; CSI prediction; beam management; and enhanced positioning, defined in 3GPP FIAN, vendors of UEs and modem chipsets need a way to collect measurement data and labels from UEs on live networks. Today, there neither exists any RAN-centric data collection mechanism that terminates at a third-party server internal to, nor external to the network. In the current specification, the LMF is in control of the positioning method and mode since it evaluates for the UE the best positioning method at the time of the positioning request based on the UE's capabilities and the conditions, e.g., channel conditions, line of sight (LOS) / non-line of sight (NLOS) conditions. For data collection, the data collection entity might need specific types of measurements to support the training and evaluation of AIML models. For positioning, no such mechanism exists to collect measurement data in the network, e.g., in the LMF or the NWDAF. Currently, only UE locations can be queried and stored, which on their own are not useful for training AIML models. According to some example embodiments, a collection of positioning measurements and related information suitable for training AIML models or the like is enabled. In the following, a general overview of some example embodiments is described by referring to Figs. 1A, IB, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B. Fig. 1A shows a data collector 1 according to the present example embodiment. The data collector 1 is an example for an apparatus, which could be or be a part of a network function (NF) or network data analytics function (NWDAF), for example. A procedure carried out by the data collector 1 is illustrated in Fig. IB. The data collector 1 shown in Fig. 1A comprises at least one processor 11 and at least one memory 12 including computer program code. The at least one processor 11, with the at least one memory 12 and the computer program code, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform: generate a request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements (Sil in Fig. IB), sending the request to a network element (e.g., a GMLC) (S12 in Fig. IB) and receiving a response including positioning measurements and positioning related information from the network element (S13 in Fig. IB). Fig. 2A shows a LMF 2 according to the present example embodiment. The LMF 2 is an example for an apparatus, which could be or be a part of a network control element carrying out a location management function, for example. A procedure carried out by the LMF 2 is illustrated in Fig. 2B. The LMF 2 shown in Fig. 2A comprises at least one processor 21 and at least one memory 22 including computer program code. The at least one processor 21, with the at least one memory 22 and the computer program code, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a request for collecting positioning measurements of at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements (S21 in Fig. 2B), configuring a user equipment to perform a positioning procedure based on the received request and obtaining positioning measurements and positioning related information (S22 in Fig. 2B), and sending a response including the obtained positioning measurements and the obtained positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements (S23 in Fig. 2B). Fig. 3A shows an intermediate network element 3 such as a GMLC or a AMF according to the present example embodiment. The intermediate network is an example for an apparatus, via which the requests and responses sent and transmitted by the data collector 1 and the LMF 2 described above may be exchanged and forwarded, for example. A procedure carried out by the intermediate network element 3 is illustrated in Fig. 3B. The intermediate network element 3 shown in Fig. 3A comprises at least one processor 31 and at least one memory 32 including computer program code. The at least one processor 31, with the at least one memory 32 and the computer program code, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a request for collecting positioning measurements of at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements (S31 in Fig. 3B), forwarding the request including the information about which positioning procedure is to be used to a network control element (e.g., AMF or LMF) (S32 in Fig. 3B), receiving positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the forwarded request (S33 in Fig. 3B), and sending a response including the received positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements (S34 in Fig. 3B). The intermediate network element 3 may be a GMLC, in which case the intermediate network element being the GMLC forwards requests and responses between a NF (e.g., the data collector 1 in Fig. 1A), and an AMF. The intermediate network element 3 may be an AMF, in which case the intermediate network element being the AMF forwards requests and responses between an LMF (e.g., LMF 2 in Fig. 2A) and the GMLC. Thus, according to example embodiments, the data collector can determine or configure positioning measurements of an UE by instructing the positioning procedure (positioning method and / or mode) to be used, and may receive not only the positioning measurements but also information related to the positioning measurement. In this way, it is possible to obtain data for supporting the creation of AIML models for positioning. The apparatuses 1, 2 and 3 shown in Figs. 1A, 2A and 3A may comprise more components than described above, and may further comprise I / O units 13, 23, which are capable of transmitting to and receiving from other network elements. The information on which positioning procedure is to be used may comprise information about a positioning mode and / or method to be used for collecting the positioning measurements. The information on which positioning procedure is used may be a predefined parameter, for example, such as requestedPositioningModeAndMethod described later. The received positioning measurements may comprise positioning related physical layer measurements, and the received positioning related information may comprise configuration data related to the measurements and assistance data related to the measurements. The received positioning related information and information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements may be used for machine learning (ML) purposes, for example for training and / or monitoring an ML or AIML model. The data collector 1 described above can also be a CN entity / function, e.g., NWDAF, Trace Collection Entity (TCE), which is used for Minimization of Drive Test (MDT), as well as an LCS client, which can be implemented as an application function at any entity in general, including external servers. The configuration data (also referred to as positioning configuration data) as described above comprises information about and related to the positioning procedure (positioning mode and / or method), for example a certain configuration of a certain positioning method. A concrete example for such configuration data could be LPP configurations from the LMF to the UE, for example. The configuration data may further include that the configuration include TRPs to measure, positioning reference symbol (PRS) pattern and periodicity, what measurement to make on the PRS, e.g., reference symbol received power (RSRP), reference symbol received path power (RSRPP), angle of arrival (AoA), time of arrival (ToA), etc. The assistance data (also positioning assistance data) as described above comprises information about and related to additional information used for the positioning procedure. A concrete example for such assistance data could be Transmission-Reception Point (TRP) information transmitted from the LMF to the UE, for example. In the following, some example embodiments are described more detail. In particular, according to some embodiments, a procedure is provided by the collection of positioning-related measurements using the GMLC, from which other network functions (NF), such as the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), or an external server, e.g., a Location Services (LCS) Client or NF accessible via the Network Exposure Function (NEF) may obtain the collected positioning related measurements, by making the following augmentations to the existing protocols and interfaces between NFs, GMLC, AMF, LMF, and UE to support the transmission of new messages and / or new fields in existing messages which carry measurements, labels, and configurations associated with each. The enhancements cover the following aspects: An NF is enabled to configure and collect the following data using the GMLC: - configure or request a positioning mode and positioning method - collect positioning-related physical layer measurements including, but not limited to reference symbol received power (RSRP), reference symbol received path power (RSRPP), angle of arrival (AoA), and time of arrival (ToA) - collect configuration data related to the measurements, - collect assistance data related to the measurements. Moreover, a request for positioning measurements for data collection for AIML positioning from the GMLC is added. The request for positioning measurements for data collection for AIML positioning is propagated from the GMLC, through the AMF to the LMF. Positioning measurements for data collection for AIML positioning are transmitted from the LMF, through the AMF to the GMLC. Positioning measurements for data collection for AIML positioning are transmitted from the GMLC to the requestor of the data collection. A request for configuration and assistance data related to data collection for AIML positioning from the GMLC is added. The request for configuration and assistance data related to data collection for AIML positioning is propagated from the GMLC, through the AMF to the LMF. Assistance data related to data collection for AIML positioning is transmitted from the LMF, through the AMF, to the GMLC. In the following a series of additions to the preexisting protocol messaging defined for the Ngmlc, Namf, and Nlmf interfaces according to some example embodiments is described. First, the overall data collection procedure will be described using a call flow shown in Fig. 4, and then the series of steps required to adapt the current protocols to support the data collection procedure will be described. Note that the message names are chosen from the existing standard, but there is no requirement for the particular message names to be used, as they are written as examples. The concept relates to the interaction between NFs to accomplish the data collection. There may be other NFs involved such as Unified Data Management (UDM) and User Equipment (UE), but as the invention does not relate to changing their functionalities, they are omitted for brevity. When UE involvement is required, it will be noted in the text. In process Al, a data collector, such as an NWDAF or external NF, initiates a data collection procedure by issuing a location request to the GMLC, and includes in the request the desired positioning mode and method. In Fig. 4, the request is termed as "Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation_Request", and the desired position mode and method are indicated by inserting a parameter "requestedPositioningModeAndMethod". This would be defined in an updated version of TS 29.515. In process A2, the GMLC forwards the same request to the AMF, including in the request the desired positioning mode and method. The request is termed as "Namf_Location_ProvidePosInfo_Request", and the desired position mode and method are indicated by inserting the parameter "requestedPositioningModeAndMethod". This would be defined in an updated version of TS 29.518. In process A3, the AMF further forwards the same request to the LMF, including in the request the desired positioning mode and method. The request is termed as "Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation_Request", and the desired position mode and method are indicated by inserting the parameter "requestedPositioningModeAndMethod". This would be defined in an updated version of TS 29.572. Between this process A3 and the following process A4, the LMF configures the UE with a positioning session through LPP and performs the standard positioning procedures. In process A4, the LMF sends a response to the AMF, including positioning measurements collected by the UE, configuration(s) that were used by the UE, and assistance data transmitted to the UE. In Fig. 4, this response is termed as "NI mf_Location_Determ i ned Location_Response". In process A5, the AMF forwards the same response from the LMF to the GMLC, including positioning measurements collected by the UE, configuration(s) that were used by the UE, and assistance data transmitted to the UE. This response is termed as "Namf_Location_ProvidePosInfo_Response". In process A6, the GMLC further forwards the same response from the GMLC to the Data Collector, including positioning measurements collected by the UE, configuration(s) that were used by the UE, and assistance data transmitted to the UE. This response is termed as "Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation_Response". Upon completion of these processes, the Data Collector has obtained the requested positioning measurements, configurations, and assistance data. To enable these processes, i.e., process 1 through process 6, modifications to the relevant interfaces between the Data Collector and GMLC, the GMLC and the AMF, and the AMF and the LMF need to be augmented. The following section describes these modifications by referring to some configuration aspects. A first configuration aspect is to add fields to support the transmission of positioning measurement data, e.g., RSRP, RSRPP, AoA, ToA, etc., positioning configuration data, e.g., LPP configurations from the LMF to the UE, and positioning assistance data, e.g., Transmission-Reception Point (TRP) information transmitted from the LMF to the UE. According to embodiment of this first configuration aspect, to help restrict access to measurement data collected for AIML positioning, a new LCS Service Type ID could be added to support AIML data collection. Then measurements can only be collected when this service type is configured. The LCSServiceTypelD could be optionally used to enable the proposed addition of "requestedPositioningModeAndMethod" field to the location request messages. Normally, the LMF decides and reports the positioning method and mode, but in this case, for data collection, it is intended to specify which method and mode to use. In other words, in the present case, the data collector is enabled to specify the positioning method and mode actually to be used. In an addition to the first embodiment of this configuration aspect, a Boolean flag, e.g., "include measurement data", could be added to the request messages to the GMLC, AMF, and LMF to indicate that measurement data, as well as location estimate(s), if available, should be transmitted to the data collector, e.g., an NWDAF or external NF. This flag essentially enables or disables the collection of measurement data. In an addition to the first two embodiments of this configuration aspect, Boolean flag(s), e.g., "include configuration data" and "include assistance data", could be added to the request messages to the GMLC, AMF, and LMF to indicate that configuration and / or assistance data, if available, should be transmitted to the data collector, e.g., an NWDAF or external NF. This flag essentially enables or disables the collection of configuration and / or assistance data. A second configuration aspect is to add positioning mode and positioning method to the requests for position in Ngmlc, Namf, and Nlmf. The positioning mode and method essentially define the context of the data collection for AIML positioning. Based on the positioning mode and method, the LMF configures the relevant measurement types. Fig. 5, and Figs. 7 and 8 described later, demonstrate the addition of the requested positioning mode and method to the Ngmlc location request, Namf request pos info, and Nlmf location request, respectively. The examples provided in these figures are intended to demonstrate the nature of the augmentations, but not to suggest an exact solution to augmenting the interfaces. In particular, Fig. 5 illustrates an addition to Ngmlc InputData for Location Request in TS29515_Ngmlc_Location.yaml from TS29.515 (V18.1.0). The addition is indicated by using italic. The Ngmlc location request is sent from the data collector to the GMLC in process Al in Fig. 4. The signaling flow captured in Fig. 4, processes Al through A3, shows the forwarding of the requestedPositioningModeAndMethod parameter from the requesting entity, e.g., the NWDAF or external NF, to the GMLC, to the AMF, and finally terminating at the LMF. From the point where the LMF receives the positioning request, the LMF would use standardized methods as in TS37.355 to configure the gNodeB and UE to execute the location request, which include, but are not limited to, configuring the gNodeB to transmit positioning reference symbols (PRS), configuring the UE to make measurements, e.g., RSRP, RSRPP, AoA, ToA, etc., on the PRS, transmitting positioning assistance data to the UE, and collecting measurements and / or positioning estimates from the UE. A third configuration aspect is described in the following. In the current implementation, there is no possibility of transporting positioning measurements from the LMF to any other entity. Hence, according to the third configuration aspect, to support data collection for AIML positioning, the response messages between the LMF and AMF, AMF and GMLC, and GMLC and the Data Collector, e.g., an NWDAF or external NF, are enhanced to carry the positioning measurements. Fig. 4, processes A4 through A6, shows the signaling flow that carries positioning measurements from the LMF through to the Data Collector. According to one embodiment of this configuration aspect, the measurement data and / or positioning estimates, carried from the UE to the LMF in LPP Provide Location Information messages, could be transported back to through the system using the encoded LPP messages themselves, since their structure is already sufficient for carrying measurement data. According to a second embodiment of this configuration aspect, the measurement data, carried from the UE to the LMF in LPP Provide Location Information messages, could be transported back through the system in a new data structure native to the protocols used between the LMF and AMF, the AMF and the GMLC, and the GMLC and the data collector, e.g., an NWDAF. Fig. 6 below shows the "Location Data" data structure, with sections not relevant to the present example embodiments removed for conciseness, used by the Ngmlc interface to transmit the response to a positioning request, and includes example options of the additional fields discussed. It is noted that the exact structure to carry positioning measurements, positioning configurations, or positioning assistance data is not defined, but rather an example is shown of where these could be carried by the existing interfaces. The example of LPP encoded message transmission shown for the second embodiment of this configuration example is the same as is used in the Nlmf interface specification in TS29.572, but it is used for a different purpose. For consistency, the same data structure is copied. Fig. 6 illustrates an addition to Ngmlc LocationData for Location Response in TS29515_Ngmlc_Location.yaml from TS29.515 (V18.1.0). The additions are indicated in italic. In the following, a fourth configuration aspect is described. To train a model, it might be necessary to know information about the configuration and any assistance data that would normally be available to the UE via the LMF, such as transmission-reception point (TRP) information. The response messages from each of the entities involved: LMF; AMF; and GMLC would be enhanced to transport the transmission of configuration and assistance data to the data collector. Fig. 4, processes A4 through A6, shows the signaling flow that carries configuration and / or assistance data related to positioning measurements from the LMF through to the Data Collector. In one embodiment of this configuration aspect, the configuration and / or assistance data, carried from the LMF to the UE in LPP Request Location Information and LPP Provide Assistance Data messages, could be transported back through the system using the encoded LPP messages themselves, since their structure is already sufficient to carry the configuration and assistance data. In a second embodiment of this configuration aspect, the configuration and / or assistance data, carried from the UE to the LMF in LPP Request Location Information and LPP Provide Assistance Data messages, could be transported back through the system in a new data structure native to the protocols used between the LMF and AMF, the AMF and the GMLC, and the GMLC and the data collector, e.g., an NWDAF or external NF. In an addition to the first two embodiments of this configuration aspect, the configuration and / or assistance data would be associated with the collected data, and new configuration and / or assistance data would only be sent to the data collector, e.g., an NWDAF or external NF, at the start of data collection, and whenever the configuration and / or assistance data is changed. An example implementation of the first two embodiments of this configuration aspect can be related to Fig. 6 by mapping the first embodiment of this configuration aspect to the first option (a) in Fig. 6, and by mapping the second embodiment of this configuration aspect to the second option (b) in Fig. 6. These embodiments require the transmission of different data than shown in Fig. 6, however, so the following replacements are made: to capture positioning configurations, positioningMeasurementList is replaced by positioningConfigurationList for the first and second embodiments of this configuration aspect, and to capture positioning assistance data, positioningMeasurementList is replaced by positioningAssistanceDataList for the first and second embodiments of this configuration aspect. As before, the exact message names are not important, but rather the new content that is being added to the existing data structures that carry data between the entities discussed. Additionally, the first and second embodiments of this configuration aspect could be further subdivided into positioning configuration embodiments and positioning assistance data embodiments, but are left as is for conciseness. In the following, some further example augmentations to existing standardized data structures used between the entities discussed above report are described, and it is demonstrated how the request can be forwarded from one entity to the next using a common data structure. In particular, Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate the addition of the requested positioning mode and method to the Namf request pos info (sent from GMLC to AMF in process A2 of Fig. 4) and Nlmf location request (sent from AMF to LMF in process A3 in Fig. 4), respectively. Fig. 7 shows an addition to Namf RequestPosInfo for Location Request in TS29.518_Namf_Location.yaml from TS29.518 (vl8.2.0), and Fig. 8 shows an addition to Nlmf InputData for Location Request in TS29572_Nlmf_Location.yaml from TS29.572 (vl8.1.0), wherein in both cases the additions are indicated by using italic. As mentioned above, according to some example embodiments, it is achieved that a network function (NF) such as a network data analytics function (NWDAF) is enabled to perform data collection for AIML positioning. In particular, to support the creation of AIML models for positioning by collecting measurement data in the network, the NF, by using the GMLC, configures or requests positioning mode and positioning method, collects positioning-related physical layer measurements Including, but not limited to reference symbol received power (RSRP), reference symbol received path power (RSRPP), angle of arrival (AoA), and time of arrival (ToA), and collects configuration / assistance data related to the measurements. Hence, according to some example embodiments, an improved AIML Data Collection can be achieved. The above-described example embodiments are only examples and may be modified. Names of network elements, protocols, and methods are based on current standards. In other versions or other technologies, the names of these network elements and / or protocols and / or methods may be different, as long as they provide a corresponding functionality. In general, example embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in the memory (memory resources, memory circuitry) 12, 22, 32 and executable by the processor (processing resources, processing circuitry) 11, 21, 31 or by hardware, or by a combination of software and / or firmware and hardware. The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables and printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as non-limiting examples. The memory (memory resources, memory circuitry) 12, 22, 32 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory, and non-transitory computer-readable media. The processor (processing resources, processing circuitry) 11, 21, 32 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Further, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device. The term "non-transitory", as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. R.OM). It is noted that, as used herein, "at least one of the following: " and "at least one of " and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by "and" or "or", mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements. It is to be understood that the various example embodiments of the subject 5 disclosure are illustrative and non-limiting and are not intended to be construed as limiting. Various modifications and applications may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the various example embodiments of the subject disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform:generating a request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements,sending the request to a network element, andreceiving a response including positioning measurements and positioning related information from the network element.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on which positioning procedure is to be used comprises information about a positioning mode and / or method to be used for collecting the positioning measurements.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe received positioning measurements comprise positioning related physical layer measurements, andthe received positioning related information comprises configuration data related to the measurements, and assistance data related to the measurements.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the network element is a gateway mobile location center, GMLC.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform:sending the request by inserting information, which is based on the configured request, in a predefined field of a position request message defined for an interface to the gateway mobile location center, GMLC, and / orreceiving the response in a predefined field of a message defined for the interface of the gateway mobile location center, GMLC.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus comprises a location services, LCS, client.

7. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform:receiving a request for collecting positioning measurements of at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements,configuring a user equipment to perform a positioning procedure based on the received request and obtaining positioning measurements and positioning related information, andsending a response including the obtained positioning measurements and the obtained positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information on which positioning procedure is used comprises information about a positioning mode and / or method to be used for collecting the positioning measurements.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, whereinthe obtained positioning measurements comprise positioning related physical layer measurements, andthe obtained positioning related information comprises configuration data related to the measurements, and assistance data related to the measurements.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein the apparatus comprises a location management function, LMF.

11. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform:receiving a request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements,forwarding the request including the information about which positioning procedure is to be used to a network control element,receiving positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the forwarded request, andsending a response including the received positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform:receiving the request for collecting positioning measurements from a network function,forwarding the request to an access and mobility function, AMF,receiving the position measurements and the positioning related information from the access and mobility function, AMF, andsending the response including the received positioning measurements to the network function.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus comprises a gateway mobile location center, GMLC.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform:receiving from a gateway mobile location center, GMLC, the request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network,forwarding the request to a location management function, LMF, receiving the position measurements and the positioning related information from the location management function, LMF, andsending the response including the received positioning measurements and the positioning related information to the gateway mobile location center, GMLC.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus comprises an access and mobility function, AMF.

16. The apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 15, wherein collecting the positioning measurements is for the purpose of training and / or validating artificial intelligence and machine learning, AIML, models for determining a user equipment positioning estimate.

17. A method comprising:generating a request to configure and collect positioning measurements from at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements, sending the request to a network element, andreceiving a response including positioning measurements and positioning related information from the network element.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the information on which positioning procedure is to be used comprises information about a positioning mode and / or method to be used for collecting the positioning measurements.

19. The method apparatus according to claim 17, whereinthe received positioning measurements comprise positioning related physical layer measurements, andthe received positioning related information comprises configuration data related to the measurements, andassistance data related to the measurements.

20. A method comprising:receiving a request for collecting positioning measurements of at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements,configuring a user equipment to perform a positioning procedure based on the received request and obtaining positioning measurements and positioning related information, andsending a response including the obtained positioning measurements and the obtained positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the information on which positioning procedure is used comprises information about a positioning mode and / or method to be used for collecting the positioning measurements.

22. The method according to claim 20, whereinthe obtained positioning measurements comprise positioning related physical layer measurements, andthe obtained positioning related information comprises configuration data related to the measurements, and assistance data related to the measurements.

23. A method comprising:receiving a request for collecting positioning measurements of at least one user equipment in a network, including information about which positioning procedure is to be used for collecting the positioning measurements,forwarding the request including the information about which positioning procedure is to be used to a network control element,receiving positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the forwarded request, andsending a response including the received positioning measurements and positioning related information in response to the request for collecting position measurements.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform:receiving the request for collecting positioning measurements from a network function,forwarding the request to an access and mobility function, AMF, receiving the position measurements and the positioning related information from the access and mobility function, AMF, andsending the response including the received positioning measurements to the network function.

25. The method according to claim 23, further comprising:receiving the request for collecting positioning measurements from a gateway mobile location center, GMLC.forwarding the request to a location management function, LMF, receiving the position measurements and the positioning related information from the location management function, LMF, andsending the response including the received positioning measurements to the gateway mobile location center, GMLC.

26. The method according to any one of the claims 17 to 25, wherein collecting the positioning measurements is for the purpose of training and / or validating artificial intelligence and machine learning, AIML, models for determining a user equipment positioning estimate.

27. A computer program product comprising code means for performing a method according to any one of the claims 17 to 26 when run on a processing means or module.

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