Indication of user environmental context within location-based services architecture

Abstract

A method includes receiving, by a first apparatus, a request from a second apparatus, the request including an inquiry for environmental context of a first user equipment (UE), wherein the environment

Description

[0002] The positioning functionality of a fifth generation (5G) system provides an ability to determine the geographic position (and / or velocity) of a user equipment (UE) based on measuring radio signals. The position information may be requested by and reported to a client (e.g., an application) associated with the UE, or by a client within or attached to the 5G core network.

[0003] The position information may be acquired via a location based services architecture of the 5G system. This position information may be utilized by one or more location-based services. In addition, some location-based services, (e.g., Service Emergency, such as El 12 / E911 calls), require very high accurate location data context with accuracy imposed by regulatory rules. SUMMARY

[0004] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving, by a first apparatus, a request from a second apparatus, the request including an inquiry for environmental context of a first user equipment (UE), wherein the environmental context indicates an indoor location or an outdoor location. The first apparatus receives a first context data from the second apparatus, relating to the environmental context of the first UE. Based upon the first context data, the first apparatus estimates the environmental context of the first UE as an indoor location or an outdoor location, and transmits a first message to the second apparatus, the first message including the environmental context.

[0005] In an aspect of the method, the method further includes determining an accuracy of the estimating of the environmental context.

[0006] In an aspect of the method, the first message includes an indication of the accuracy of the estimating of the environmental context.

[0007] In an aspect of the method, the request from the second apparatus is an NlmfLocationDetermineLocation Request message.

[0008] In an aspect of the method, the request includes an environmental context attribute.

[0009] In an aspect of the method, the request includes a location and environment attribute.

[0010] In an aspect of the method, the first message is an Nlmf Location DetermineLocation Response message.

[0011] In an aspect of the method, the first message includes an environmental context method used attribute.

[0012] In an aspect of the method, the first message includes an accuracy attribute.

[0013] In an aspect of the method, the request from the second apparatus is an NamfLocationProvidePositioninglnfo Request message.

[0014] In an aspect of the method, the request includes an environmental context attribute.

[0015] In an aspect of the method, the request includes a location and environment attribute.

[0016] In an aspect of the method, the first message is a XanTf Locatioii P response message.

[0017] In an aspect of the method, the first message includes an environmental context method used attribute.

[0018] In an aspect of the method, the first message includes an accuracy attribute.

[0019] In an aspect of the method, the first apparatus is a location management function (LMF).

[0020] In an aspect of the method, the first apparatus is an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0021] In an aspect of the method, the first apparatus is a network data analytics function (NWDAF).

[0022] In an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the foregoing methods.

[0023] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the foregoing methods.

[0024] According to some aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example embodiment of wireless networking between a network system and a user equipment (UE), according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram of example components of a network system, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example location based system, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a portion of the example location based system of FIG. 3 providing environmental context, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example embodiment of signals and operations among a UE, NG-RAN, AMF, LMF, GMLC, UDM and client, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example embodiment of signals and operations among a UE, NG-RAN, AMF, LMF, GMLC / LRF, and client, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0032] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams of an example embodiment of signals and operations among a UE, NG-RAN, AMF, LMF, VGMLC, HGMLC, UDM, LCS client, NEF, AF, and NF, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example embodiment of signals and operations among an analytics consumer and an NWDAF, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure; and

[0034] FIG. 9 is a diagram of an example embodiment of components of a UE or of a network apparatus, according to one illustrated aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of disclosed aspects. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that aspects may be practiced without one or more of these specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with transmitters, receivers, or transceivers have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the aspects.

[0036] Reference throughout this specification to “one aspect” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one aspect” or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0037] Embodiments described in the present disclosure may be implemented in wireless networking apparatuses, such as, without limitation, apparatuses utilizing Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE radio access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G New Radio (5G NR), 5G Advance, 6G (and beyond) and 802.1 lax (Wi-Fi 6), among other wireless networking systems. The term ‘eLTE’ here denotes the LTE evolution that connects to a 5G core. LTE is also known as evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (EUTRA) or as evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN).

[0038] The present disclosure may use the term “serving network device” to refer to a network node or network device (or a portion thereof) that services a UE. As used herein, the terms “transmit to,” “receive from,” and “cooperate with,” (and their variations) include communications that may or may not involve communications through one or more intermediate devices or nodes. The term “acquire” (and its variations) includes acquiring in the first instance or reacquiring after the first instance. The term “connection” may mean a physical connection or a logical connection.

[0039] The present disclosure uses 5G NR as an example of a wireless network and may use smartphones and / or extended reality headsets as an example of UEs. It is intended and shall be understood that such examples are merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is applicable to other wireless networks and user equipment.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an example of wireless networking between a network system 100 and a user equipment (UE) 150. The network system 100 may include one or more network nodes 120, one or more servers 110, and / or one or more network equipment 130 (e.g., test equipment). The network nodes 120 will be described in more detail below. As used herein, the term “network apparatus” may refer to any component of the network system 100, such as the server 110, the network node 120, the network equipment 130, any components) of the foregoing, and / or any other component(s) of the network system 100. Examples of network apparatuses include, without limitation, apparatuses implementing aspects of 5G NR, among others. The present disclosure describes embodiments related to 5G NR. and embodiments that involve aspects defined by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). However, it is contemplated that embodiments relating to other wireless networking technologies are encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] The following description provides further details of examples of network nodes. In a 5G NR network, a gNodeB (also known as gNB) may include, e.g., a node that provides new radio (NR) user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and that is connected via a NG interface to the 5G core (5GC), e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.300 V16.6.0 (2021-06) section 3.2, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0042] A gNB supports various protocol layers, e.g., Layer 1 (LI) - physical layer, Layer 2 (L2), and Layer 3 (L3).

[0043] The layer 2 (L2) of NR is split into the following sublayers: Medium Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). where, e.g.; o The physical layer offers to the MAC sublayer transport channels; o The MAC sublayer offers to the RLC sublayer logical channels; o The RLC sublayer offers to the PDCP sublayer RLC channels; o The PDCP sublayer offers to the SDAP sublayer radio bearers; o The SDAP sublayer offers to 5GC quality of service (QoS) flows; o Control channels include broadcast control channel (BCCH) and physical control channel (PCCH).

[0044] Layer 3 (L3) includes, e.g., radio resource control (RRC), e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.300 V16.6.0 (2021-06) section 6, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0045] A gNB central unit (gNB-CU) includes, e.g., a logical node hosting, e.g., radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB, that controls the operation of one or more gNB distributed units (gNB-DUs). The gNB-CU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-DU. A gNB-CU may also be referred to herein as a CU, a central unit, a centralized unit, or a control unit.

[0046] A gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU) includes, e.g., a logical node hosting, e.g., radio link control (RLC), media, access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-DU supports one or multiple cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-CU. A gNB-DU may also be referred to herein as DU or a distributed unit.

[0047] As used herein, the term “network node” may refer to any of a gNB, a gNB-CU, or a gNB-DU, or any combination of them. A RAN (radio access network) node or network node such as, e.g., a gNB, gNB-CU, or gNB-DU, or parts thereof, may be implemented using, e.g., an apparatus with at least one processor and / or at least one memory with processor-readable instructions (“program”) configured to support and / or provision and / or process CU and / or DU related functionality and / or features, and / or at least one protocol (sub-)layer of a RAN (radio access network), e.g., layer 2 and / or layer 3. Different functional splits between the central and distributed unit are possible. An example of such an apparatus and components will be described in connection with FIG. 9 below.

[0048] The gNB-CU and gNB-DU parts may, e.g., be co-located or physically separated. The gNB-DU may even be split further, e.g., into two parts, e.g., one including processing equipment and one including an antenna. A central unit (CU) may also be called baseband unit / radio equipment controller / cloud-RAN / virtual-RAN (BBU / REC / C-RAN / V-RAN), open-RAN (O-RAN), or part thereof. A distributed unit (DU) may also be called remote radio head / remote radio unit'radio equipment / radio unit (RRH / RRU / RE / 'RU), or part thereof. Hereinafter, in various example embodiments of the present disclosure, a network node, which supports at least one of central unit functionality or a layer 3 protocol of a radio access network, may be, e.g., a gNB-CU. Similarly, a network node, which supports at least one of distributed unit functionality or a layer 2 protocol of the radio access network, may be, e.g., a gNB-DU.

[0049] A gNB-CU may support one or multiple gNB-DUs. A gNB-DU may support one or multiple cells and, thus, could support a serving cell for a user equipment (UE) or support a candidate cell for handover, dual connectivity, and / or carrier aggregation, among other procedures.

[0050] The user equipment (UE) 150 may be or include a wireless or mobile device, an apparatus with a radio interface to interact with a RAN (radio access network), a smartphone, an in-vehicle apparatus, an loT device, or a M2M device, among other types of user equipment. Such UE 150 may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code; where the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform certain operations, such as, e.g., RRC connection to the RAN. An example of components of a UE will be described in connection with FIG. 9. In embodiments, the UE 150 may be configured to generate a message (e.g., including a cell ID) to be transmitted via radio towards a RAN (e.g., to reach and communicate with a serving cell). In embodiments, the UE 150 may generate and transmit and receive RRC messages containing one or more RRC PDUs (packet data units). Persons skilled in the art will understand RRC protocol as well as other procedures a UE may perform.

[0051] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, in the example of a 5G NR network, the network system 100 provides one or more cells, which define a coverage area of the network system 100. As described above, the network system 100 may include a gNB of a 5G NR network or may include any other apparatus configured to control radio communication and manage radio resources within a cell. As used herein, the term “resource” may refer to radio resources, such as a resource block (RB), a physical resource block (PRB), a radio frame, a subframe, a time slot, a sub-band, a frequency region, a sub-carrier, a beam, etc. In embodiments, the network node 120 may be called a base station.

[0052] FIG. 1 provides an example and is merely illustrative of a network system 100 and a UE 150. Persons skilled in the art will understand that the network system 100 includes components not illustrated in FIG. 1 and will understand that other user equipment may be in communication with the network system 100.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of example components of the network system 100 of FIG. 1. A 5G NR network may be described as an example of the network system 100, and it is intended that aspects of the following description shall be applicable to other types of network systems, as well. The network system may operate in accordance with the signals and connections shown in FIG. 1 such that the UE 150 is in communication with the network system 100 through the radio access network 225. Additionally, the network system, may be divided into user plane components and functions and control plane components and functions, as shown and described herein. Unless indicated otherwise, the terms “component”, “function”, and “service” may be used interchangeably herein, and they may refer to and be implemented by instructions executed by one or more processors.

[0054] Example functions of the components are described below. The example functions are merely illustrative, and it shall be understood that additional operations and functions may be performed by the components described herein. Additionally, the connections between components may be virtual connections over service-based interfaces such that any component may communicate with any other component. In this manner, any component may act as a service “producer,” for any other component that is a service “consumer,” to provide services for network functions.

[0055] For example, a core network 210 is described in the control plane of the network system. The core network 210 may include an authentication server function (AUSF) 211, an access and mobility function (AMF) 212, and a session management function (SMF) 213. The core network 210 may also include a network slice selection function (NSSF) 214, a network exposure function (NEF) 215, a network repository function (NRF) 216, and a unified data management function (UDM) 217, which may include a uniform data repository (UDR) 224.

[0056] Additional components and functions of the core network 210 may include an application function 218, policy control function (PCF) 219, network data analytics function (NWDAF) 220, analytics data repository function (ADRF) 221, management data analytics function (MDAF) 222, and operations and management function (0AM) 223.

[0057] The user plane includes the UE 150, a radio access network (RAN) 225, a user plane function (UPF) 226, and a data network (DN) 227. The RAN 225 may include one or more components described in connection with FIG. 1, such as one or more network nodes. However, the RAN 225 may not be limited to such components. The UPF 226 provides connection for data being transmitted over the RAN 225. The DN 226 identifies sendees from service providers, Internet access, and third party services, for example.

[0058] The AMF 212 processes connection and mobility tasks. The AUSF 211 receives authentication requests from the AMF 212 and interacts with UDM 217 to authenticate and validate network responses for determination of successful authentication. The SMF 213 conducts packet data, unit (PDU) session management, as well as manages session context with the UPF 226.

[0059] The NSSF 214 may select a network slicing instance (NSI) and determine the allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI). This selection and determination is utilized to set the AMF 212 to provide service to the UE 150. The NEF 215 secures access to network services for third parties to create specialized network services. The NRF 216 acts as a repository to store network functions to allow the functions to register with and discover each other.

[0060] The UDM 217 generates authentication vectors for use by the AUSF 211 and ADM 212 and provides user identification handling. The UDM 217 may be connected to the UDR 224 which stores data associated with authentication, applications, or the like. The AF 218 provides application services to a user (e.g., streaming services, etc.). The PCF 219 provides policy control functionality. For example, the PCF 219 may assist m network slicing and mobility management, as well as provide quality of service (QoS) and charging functionality.

[0061] The NWDAF 220 collects data (e.g., from the UE 150 and the network system) to perform network analytics and provide insight to functions that utilize the analytics in the providing of sendees. The ADRF 221 allows the storage, retrieval, and removal of data and analytics by consumers. The MDAF 222 provides additional data analytics sendees for network functions. The OAM 223 provides provisioning and management processing functions to manage elements in or connected to the network (e.g., UE 150, network nodes, etc.).

[0062] FIG. 2 is merely an example of components of a network system, and variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the network system may include other components not illustrated in FIG. 2. In embodiments, the network system may not include every component illustrated in FIG. 2. In embodiments, the components and connections may be implemented with different connections than those illustrated in FIG. 2. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] Although further detail will be provided below, the positioning functionality of a 5G system provides a determination of the geographic position (ami / or velocity) of a UE based on measuring radio signals. The position information may be requested by and reported to a client (e.g., an application / location based service) associated with the UE, or by a client / location based service within or attached to the core network. In various embodiments, the position information may be reported in formats known to persons of skill in the art, such as those for cell-based or geographical coordinates, together with the estimated errors (uncertainty) of the position and velocity of the UE and, if available, the positioning method (or the list of the methods) used to obtain the position estimate.

[0064] In various embodiments, multiple types of environmental context may also be included. For example, a context such as whether a user is at home, at work, or in a moving vehicle (e.g., car or train), may be considered as an environmental context. For example, in various embodiments, an indoor location context may indicate that a user is inside a home, work, or vehicle, based on a geographic location of the user.

[0066] As mentioned above, some location-based services, (e.g., Service Emergency, such as E112 / E911 calls), require very high accurate location data context with accuracy imposed by regulatory rules. However, single positioning technology may have difficulty meeting the various positioning requirements in different environments. In various embodiments, a 5G system involves selecting the appropriate positioning technique upon environment (indoor or outdoor).

[0067] Accordingly, detecting quickly the indoor / outdoor context may be valuable for positioning methods, especially if the accuracy of position measurement is vital and mandatory, depending on the service that requires it. In various embodiments, the standalone environmental context information can also be essential for commercial and internal sendees or regulatory services that desire to complete to complement location data.

[0068] For example, having environmental context information may help locate a user quickly if the emergency service knows whether the user is indoors or outdoors in addition to the location estimate, especially if the latter is not very accurate. Other examples, such as metaverse applications, ultra reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) services such as virtual reality or augmented reality, or autonomous guided vehicles in industrial environment may utilize what context the user or device is in to automatically determine the methods used or adapt the visual content.

[0069] Described herein in more detail below, in various embodiments, a method and apparatus in an automated framework provide an accurate indication of context (e.g., indoor / outdoor) to location-based Services that request it In various embodiments, assistance may be provided to a system comprising a positioning and location method. The apparatus and the system is located within the same subnetwork of network infrastructure (CORE or RAN) which drastically limits the additional latency. In various embodiments, the location and environmental context calculations may be based on measuring radio signals (e.g., existing 3GPP radio standard data). The context of a target UE may be monitored continuously in idle mode or during a call, for example.

[0070] As used herein, a communication with a radio access network (RAN) may refer to and mean a communication with a portion of a RAN, such as with a network node (e.g., a DU and / or a CU), or another portion of a RAN. As used herein, a communication with a core network may refer to and mean a communication with one or more services / applications of the core network, such as AMF or another service of a core network.

[0071] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second”, or the like, may refer to a first or second instance of a message being transmitted / received by a component (e.g., UE, apparatus, etc.), or a first or second component in a sequence of described components. As such, the terms are used in a non-limiting manner, and can refer to any message, operation, device, component, or the like.

[0072] In accordance with the brief description, FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example location based system 300, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, various components similar to FIGs 1 and 2 may be included. In various embodiments, the system 300 may include a location retrieval function 311, a location management function 312, a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) 313, and a location services (LCS) client 314.

[0073] In various embodiments, AFs and NFs may access LCS services from GMLC in a same trust domain (e.g., in the same public land mobile network (PLMN)) using the Ngmlc interface or event exposure with location information from an AMF in the same trust domain using the Namf interface. The NWDAF may collect UE location information by accessing the GMLC directly. LCS clients may access LCS services from the GMLC using an Le reference point.

[0074] In various embodiments, the GMLC may be a first node an external LCS client accesses in the PLMN (e.g., the Le reference point is supported by the GMLC). AFs and NFs may access the GMLC directly or via the NEF. After performing authorization of an external LCS client or AF and verifying a target UE privacy, a GMLC forwards a location request to either a serving AMF using the Namf interface or to a GMLC in another PLMN using the Ngmlc interface in the case of a roaming UE.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, The AMF is accessible to the GMLC and NEF via the Namf interface, to the RAN via the N2 reference point and to the UE via the N1 reference point. In various embodiments, the AMF performs to support location services include one or more of the following functions (among others): initiate the network induced request and receive and manage location requests from a GMLC or a UE; receive and manage Event Exposure request for location information from an NEF, and / or select an LMF.

[0076] In various embodiments, the LMF manages the overall co-ordination and scheduling of resources required for the location of a UE that is registered with or accessing 5GCN. The LMF may receive location requests from the serving AMF (for a GMLC or for a UE) using the Nlmf interface for a target or multiple UEs location requests. Depending on the positioning method selected by the LMF, the position of the UE may be estimated by the NG-RAN node, LMF, or the UE itself.

[0077] For example, in various embodiments, UE-Assisted (LMF-based) location / positioning may include the location calculation being accomplished by network resources based upon radio ranging measurements provided by the UE. The UE obtains location measurements and sends the measurements to another entity to compute a location. The network may broadcast assistance information to mobiles, which enables mobiles to obtain the appropriate radio ranging measurements.

[0078] In various embodiments, network-based (NG-RAN-assisted) location / positioning may include a serving PLMN obtaining location measurements of signals transmitted by a target UE and computing a location estimate.

[0079] In various embodiments, UE-based location / positioning may be supported by UE resources based upon broadcasted location assistance information. The UE obtains location measurements and computes a location estimate making use of assistance data provided by serving PLMN.

[0080] In various embodiments, standalone (UE-based) location / positioning may be supported by UE resources. The UE obtains location measurements and computes a location estimate without making use of assistance data provided by a serving PLMN.

[0081] In various embodiments, the LMF interacts with the UE to exchange location information applicable to various position methods and interacts with the NG-RAN for various methods to obtain location information. The LMF may also calculate or verify a final location and any velocity estimate and may estimate the achieved accuracy.

[0082] In various embodiments, the LMF may support one or more of the following: the UE location estimates for a given region area, for a or multiple UEs (with two available positioning versions (UE or NG-RAN / LMF), the LMF may decide whether to execute position estimation based on the UE condition; the determination of indoor or outdoor for a UE location estimate; and / or the sending of UE location estimates to AMF or directly to GMLC for a target UE.

[0083] In accordance with the brief description, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a portion of the example location based system 400 of FIG. 3 providing environmental context, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 4, in various embodiments, a context detection system (CDS) that operates / cooperates with a system comprising a method of positioning and location may detect environmental context (e.g., indoor or outdoor location).

[0085] In various embodiments, the CDS may be located in the NWDAF, however, the CDS may be located elsewhere (e.g., the LMF or the AMF). In various embodiments, the LMF includes a location and positioning system and is in communication with the NWDAF and the AMF, which in turn is in communication with the GMLC to communicate with the location based services client (e.g., E911, etc.). The CDS may receive context data assistance (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), timing advance (TA), etc.) from the NG-RAN, which is in communication with the UEs.

[0086] In various embodiments, the CDS may receive context data assistance from the LMF and AMF. The indoor / outdoor environmental context as well as the context method used to determine the environmental context (S*) may be provided, in various embodiments, to the location based services client via the LMF, AMF, and GMLC, respectively, from the CDS. Although various interfaces are shown, other interfaces may be utilized, known to persons of skill in the art.

[0087] The CDS may be triggered by default for helping the selection of the appropriate location / positioning method (e.g., as described above) automatically and systematically. In various embodiments, the indoor / outdoor indication is transmitted to the LCS customer upon one or more conditions being met. For example, in various embodiments, when the LCS service requests this indication and if the service is authorized to retrieve the indication for location based services. In various embodiments, there are one or more categories of usage of the location service (e.g., commercial LCS, internal LCS, emergency LCS, and lawful intercept LCS).

[0088] In various embodiments, the CDS may be provided radio measurements whereas the location / positioning system may receive various types of location information (including radio measurements). The two systems may be linked with a closed loop interface composed of two interfaces (e.g., Inti and Int2). In various embodiments, Inti conveys the estimated context information (Indoor / Outdoor) to the location-based services and to the location / positioning system, and Int2 conveys the estimated co-ordinates of target users to the CDS.

[0089] In various embodiments, the CDS may include a module that comprises an indoor / outdoor detection using a machine learning (ML) / dynamic learning (DL) method. In various embodiments, the ML / DL method may be combined with a user behavior optimizer that achieves the user environment detection (UED), such as the indoor / outdoor detection (IOD). The model may detect the user environment by processing standard 3 GPP radio measurements like RSRP. reference signal received quality (RSRQ), TA and channel quality indicator (CQI). In various embodiments, radio metadata such as cell ID and timestamp may be utilized.

[0090] In various embodiments, a module that includes a convex-hull based data classification method may be included in the CDS. As an input, the convex hull algorithm takes a set of points as input, represented as coordinates (x, y) in a 2D plane. A computational geometry algorithm may be used to find the smallest convex polygon that encloses a given set of points in a 2D plane, and the outermost points that form the convex shape may be identified.

[0091] In accordance with the brief description, FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example embodiment of signals and operations among a UE, NG-RAN, AMF, LMF, GMLC, UDM and client, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure. In various embodiments, the components depicted in FIG. 5 may correspond to similar components described above in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The following paragraphs will describe various signals and operations. It will be understood that a described signal may have associated operations and a described operation may have associated signals. In various embodiments, the signals and operation shown in FIG. 5 may be utilized by a regulatory location service.

[0092] At operation 501, the external client (e.g., LCS client) transmits an LCS service request message to the GMLC and the GMLC receives the LCS service request message. In various embodiments, the LCS service request message includes an environmental context attribute and a location and environment attribute.

[0093] At operation 502, the GMLC transmits an Nudm^UECM^GetRequest message to the UDM and the UDM receives the NudmUECMGetRequest message. In response to the NudmUECMGetRequest message, at operation 503, the UDM transmits an NudmUECMGetResponse message to the GMLC and the GMLC receives the NudmUECMGetResponse message.

[0094] At operation 504, the GMLC transmits an Namf^Location ProsidePositionglnfo Request message that includes an environmental context and a location and environment attribute to the AMF and the AMF receives the Namf Location ProvidePositionglnfo Request message.

[0095] At operation 505, a network triggered service request occurs and at operation 506, the AMF performs LMF selection. At operation 507, the AMF transmits an NIinf' Location DeteiJ message that includes an environmental context and a location and environment attribute to the LMF and the LMF receives the NlmfLocationDetermineLocationRequest message.

[0096] At operation 508, the UE positioning is determined. At operation 509, the LMF transmits an Nlmf Location DetermineLocationResponse message to the AMF that includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used and an accuracy (cAccuracy) attributes, and the AMF receives the NlmfLocationDetermineLocationResponse message.

[0097] At operation 510, the AMF transmits an Namf Location ProvidePositioninglnfo Response message to the GMLC and the GMLC receives the Namf^ Response message. In various embodiments, the NanifLom Response message includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used and an accuracy (cAccuracy) attributes.

[0098] At operation 511, the GMLC transmits an LCS Service Response message that includes the environmental context indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used and the accuracy (cAccuracy) to the external client and the external client receives the LCS Service Response message.

[0099] The operations of FIG. 5 are merely illustrative, and variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the operations may include other operations not illustrated in FIG. 5. In embodiments, the operations may not include every operation illustrated in FIG. 5. In embodiments, the operations may be implemented in a different order than that illustrated in FIG. 5. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Persons of skill in the art will appreciate that, although various example components are described as perform various functions, other components may perform those functions described in FIG. 5.

[00100] In accordance with the brief description, FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example embodiment of signals and operations among a UE, NG-RAN, AMF, LMF, GMLC / LRF, and client, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure. In various embodiments, the components depicted in FIG. 6 may correspond to similar components described above in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The following paragraphs will describe various signals and operations. It will be understood that a described signal may have associated operations and a described operation may have associated signals. In various embodiments, the signals and operation shown in FIG. 6 may be utilized in a network induced location request.

[00101] At operation 601, a trigger occurs for the AMF to initiate the 5GC network induced location request (5GC-NI-LR). At operation 602, the AMF transmits an NlmfLocationDetermineLocation Request message to the LMF and the LMF receives the NlmfLocationDetermineLocation Request message. In various embodiments, the Nlmf Location DetermineLocation Request message includes an environmental context attribute and a location and environment attribute.

[00102] At operation 603, the UE positioning is determined. At operation 604, the LMF transmits an Nlmf Location DetermineLocation Response message to the AMF and the AMF receives the NlmfLocationDetermineLocation Response message. The Nlmf Location DetermineLocation Request message, in various embodiments, includes an environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), and the environmental context method used attribute.

[00103] At operation 605, the AMF transmits an NamfLocationEventNotify message to the GMLC / LRF and the GMLC / LRF receives the Namf^Location^EventNotify message. The \anifLocatioiiE message, m various embodiments, includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used, and an accuracy attribute.

[00104] At operation 606, the GMLC / LRF transmits a location information message to the external client and the external client receives the location information message. In various embodiments, the location information message includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used, and the accuracy attribute.

[00105] At operation 607, an emergency protocol data unit (PDU) session is released. At operation 608, the AMF transmits an Namf Location EventNotify message to the GMLC / LRF and the GMLC / LRF receives the Namf Location EventNotify message. In various embodiments, the Nanif Location message includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used, and the accuracy attribute.

[00106] The operations of FIG. 6 are merely illustrative, and variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the operations may include other operations not illustrated in FIG. 6. In embodiments, the operations may not include every operation illustrated in FIG. 6. In embodiments, the operations may be implemented in a different order than that illustrated in FIG. 6. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Persons of skill in the art will appreciate that, although various example components are described as perform various functions, other components may perform those functions described in FIG. 6.

[00107] In accordance with the brief description, FIGS. 7A and 7B is a diagram of an example embodiment of signals and operations among a UE, NG-RAN, AMF, LMF, visited GMLC (VGMLC), home GMLC (HGMLC), UDM, LCS client, NEF, AF, and NF, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure. In various embodiments, the components depicted m FIG. 7 may correspond to similar components described above in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The following paragraphs will describe various signals and operations. It will be understood that a described signal may have associated operations and a described operation may have associated signals. In various embodiments, the signals and operation shown in FIGS. 7 A and 7B may be utilized in a commercial location sendees request.

[00108] At operation 701a, the LCS client transmits an LCS service request to the HGMLC and the HGMLC receives the LCS service request. In various embodiments, the LCS service request includes an environmental context attribute and a location and environment attribute.

[00109] At operation 701b-l, the AF transmits an NnefEventExposure Subscribe message to the NEF and the NEF receives the Nnef EventExposure Subscribe message. At operation 701 b-2 the NEF transmits an Ngmlc^Location^ProvideLocation Request message to the HGMLC and the HGMLC receives the Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation Request message. In various embodiments, the Ngmlc Location ProvideLocation Request message includes the environmental context attribute and location and environment attribute.

[00110] At operation 701c the NF transmits an Ngmlc Location ProvideLocation Request message to the HGMLC and the HGMLC receives the Ngmlc^Location^ProvideLocation Request message. In various embodiments, the \gnilc L Request message includes the environmental context attribute and location and environment attribute.

[00111] At operation 702, the HGMLC and the UDM exchange an Nudm SDM Get message that includes the environmental context attribute and location and environment attribute. At operation 703, the HGMLC and the UDM exchange an Nudm^UECM^Get message.

[00112] At operation 704, the HGMLC transmits an Ngmlc Location ProvideLocationRequest message to the VGMLC and the VGMLC receives the Ngmlc Location ProvideLocationRequest message. In various embodiments, the Ngmlc Location ProvideLocationRequest message includes the environmental context attribute and location and environment attribute.

[00113] At operation 705, the VGMLC transmits an Namf Location ProvidePositioninglnfo Request message to the AMF and the AMF receives the Namf Location ProvidePositioninglnfo Request message. In various embodiments, the Namf Location ProvidePositioninglnfo Request message includes the environmental context attribute and location and environment attribute.

[00114] At operation 706, a network triggered service request occurs. At operation 707, the AMF transmits an NAS Location Notification Invoke Request message to the UE and the UE receives the NAS Location Notification Invoke Request message.

[00115] At operation 708, the UE transmits an NAS Location Notification Return Result message to the AMF and the AMF receives the NAS Location Notification Return Result message. At operation 709, the AMF and the UDM exchange an NudmParameterProvisionUpdate message.

[00116] At operation 710, LMF selection occurs. At operation 711, the AMF transmits an NlmfLocationDetermineLocation Request message to the LMF and the LMF receives the NlmfLocationDetermineLocation Request message. In various embodiments, the Nlmf Location DetermineLocation Request message includes the environmental context attribute and location and environment attribute.

[00117] At operation 712, UE positioning is determined. At operation 713, the LMF transmits an \lnrf Location D Response message to the AMF and the AMF receives the Nlmf Location DetermineLocation Response message. In various embodiments, the Nlmf Location DetermineLocation Response message includes an environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), an environmental context method used, and an accuracy attribute.

[00118] At operation 714, the AMF transmits an Namf Location ProvidePositionmglnfo Response message to the VGMLC and the VGMLC receives the Namf Location ProvidePositioninglnfo Response message. In various embodiments, the Namf Location ProvidePositioninglnfo Response message includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used, and the accuracy attribute.

[00119] At operation 715, the VGMLC transmits an NgnilcLocation^P Response message to the HGMLC and the HGMLC receives the NgmlcLocationProvideLocation Response message. In various embodiments, the NgmlcLocationProvideLocation Response message includes the environmental context attribute and location and environment attribute.

[00120] A privacy check is performed at operation 716. At operation 717, the HGMLC transmits an Ngmlc^L^ Request message to the VGMLC and the VGMLC receives the NgmlcLocationProvideLocation Request message. In various embodiments, the Ngmlc^Location^ProvideLocation Request message includes the environmental context attribute and location and environment attribute.

[00121] At operation 718, the VGMLC transmits an NamfLocationProvidePositioninglnfo Request message to the AMF and the AMF receives the NamfLocationProvidePositioninglnfo Request message. In various embodiments, the NamfLocationProvidePositioninglnfo Request message includes the environmental context attribute and location and environment attribute.

[00122] At operation 719, a network triggered service request occurs. At operation 720, the AMF transmits an NAS Location Notification Invoke Request message to the UE and the UE receives the NAS Location Notification Invoke Request message.

[00123] At operation 721, the UE transmits an NAS Location Notification Return Result message to the AMF and the AMF receives the NAS Location Notification Return Result message.

[00124] At operation 722, the AMF transmits an NamflocationProvidePositioning Response message to the VGMLC and the VGMLC receives the NamflocationProvidePositioning Response message. In various embodiments, the Namf location ProvidePositioning Response message includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used, and the accuracy attribute.

[00125] At operation 723, the VGMLC transmits an Ngmlc Location ProvideLocation Response message to the HGMLC and the HGMLC receives the NgmlcLocationProvideLocation Response message. In various embodiments, the Ngmlc Location ProvideLocation Response message includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used, and the accuracy attribute.

[00126] At operation 724a, the HGMLC transmits an LCS service response message to the LCS client and the LCS client receives the LCS service response message. In various embodiments, the LCS service response message includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used, and the accuracy attribute.

[00127] At operation 724b-1, the HGMLC transmits and Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation Response message to the NEF and the NEF receives the Ngmlc^L^ Response message. In various embodiments, the NgmlcLocationProvideLocation Response message includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used, and the accuracy attribute.

[00128] At operation 724b-2, the NEF transmits an Nnef EventExposure Notify message or NnefEventExposureSubscribe Response message to the AF and the AF receives the Nnef EventExposure Notify message or Nnef EventExposure Subscribe Response message. In various embodiments, the NnefEventExposureNotify message or Nnef EventExposure Subscribe Response message includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used, and the accuracy attribute.

[00129] At operation 724c, the HGMLC transmits an Ngmlc Location ProvideLocation Response message to the NF and the NF receives the Ngmlc Location ProvideLocation Response message. In various embodiments, the Ngmlc Location ProvideLocation Response message includes the environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), the environmental context method used, and the accuracy attribute.

[00130] The operations of FIG. 7 are merely illustrative, and variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the operations may include other operations not illustrated in FIG. 7. In embodiments, the operations may not include every operation illustrated in FIG. 7. In embodiments, the operations may be implemented in a different order than that illustrated in FIG. 7. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Persons of skill in the art will appreciate that, although various example components are described as perform various functions, other components may perform those functions described in FIG. 7.

[00131] In accordance with the brief description, FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example embodiment of signals and operations among an analytics consumer and an NWDAF, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure. In various embodiments, the components depicted in FIG. 8 may correspond to similar components described above in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The following paragraphs will describe various signals and operations. It will be understood that a described signal may have associated operations and a described operation may have associated signals.

[00132] At operation 800, a machine learning (ML) model is trained for accuracy location and available to the NWDAF. At operation 801, the analytics consumer (e.g., location base service) transmits an Nnwdaf_Analytics_Request / Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe request message to the NWDAF and the NWDAF receives the Nnwdaf_Analytics_Request / Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe request message. In various embodiments, the NnwdafAnalyticsRequest / NnwdafAnalyticsSubscnptionSubscribe request message may include an analytics ID, location estimate, LCS assistance data, an environmental context attribute and context assistance data.

[00133] At operation 802, the NWDAF transmits an Nnwdaf_Analytics_Request_Response / Nnwdar_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify message to the analytics consumer and the analytics consumer receives the NnwdafAnalyticsR^^ message. In various embodiments, the Nnwdaf_Analytics_Request_Response / Nnwdar_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify message includes a location accuracy, an environmental indication (e.g., indoor or outdoor), an environmental context method used, and an accuracy attribute.

[00134] In various embodiments, data (e.g., environmental context data) may be associated with a timestamp.

[00135] The operations of FIG. 8 are merely illustrative, and variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the operations may include other operations not illustrated in FIG. 8. In embodiments, the operations may not include every operation illustrated in FIG. 8. In embodiments, the operations may be implemented in a different order than that illustrated in FIG. 8. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Persons of skill in the art will appreciate that, although various example components are described as perform various functions, other components may perform those functions described in FIG. 8.

[00136] The following describes operation from the perspective of a first apparatus. From such a perspective, a method may include receiving, by the first apparatus, a request from a second apparatus, the request including an inquiry for environmental context of a first user equipment (UE), wherein the environmental context indicates an indoor location or an outdoor location. The first apparatus receives a first context data from the second apparatus, relating to the environmental context of the first UE. Based upon the first context data, the first apparatus estimates the environmental context of the first UE as an indoor location or an outdoor location, and transmits a first message to the second apparatus, the first message including the environmental context.

[00137] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a block diagram of example components of a UE or a network apparatus (e.g., of a RAN or a core network). The apparatus includes an electronic storage 910, a processor 920, a network interface 940, and a memory 950. The various components may be communicatively coupled with each other. The processor 920 may be and may include any type of processor, such as a single-core central processing unit (CPU), a multicore CPU, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a System-on-Chip (SoC), or any other type of processor. The memory 950 may be a volatile type of memory, e.g., RAM, or a non-volatile type of memory, e.g., NAND flash memory. The memory 950 includes processor-readable instructions that are executable by the processor 920 to cause the apparatus to perform various operations, including those mentioned herein, such as the operations of FIGS. 5-8.

[00138] The electronic storage 910 may be and include any type of electronic storage used for storing data, such as hard disk drive, solid state drive, optical disc, and / or other non-transitory computer-readable mediums, among other types of electronic storage. The electronic storage 910 stores processor-readable instructions for causing or configured for causing the apparatus to perform its operations and also stores data associated with such operations, such as storing data relating to 5G NR standards, among other data. The network interface 940 may implement wireless networking technologies such as 5G NR and / or other wireless networking technologies.

[00139] The components shown in FIG. 9 are merely examples, and persons skilled in the art will understand that an apparatus includes other components not illustrated and may include multiples of any of the illustrated components. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a transmitter and a receiver may be included as components for transmitting and receiving signals.

[00140] Further embodiments of the present disclosure include the following examples.

[00141] Example 1.1. An apparatus, comprising: means for receiving, by a first apparatus, a request from a second apparatus, the request including an inquiry for environmental context of a first user equipment (UE), wherein the environmental context indicates an indoor location or an outdoor location; means for receiving, by the first apparatus, a first context data from the second apparatus, relating to the environmental context of the first UE; means for, based upon the first context data, estimating the environmental context of the first UE as an indoor location or an outdoor location; and means for transmitting, by the first apparatus, a first message to the second apparatus, the first message including the environmental context.

[00142] Example 1.2. The apparatus of example 1.1, further comprising means for determining an accuracy of the estimating of the environmental context.

[00143] Example 1.3. The apparatus of example 1.2, wherein the first message includes an indication of the accuracy of the estimating of the environmental context.

[00144] Example 1.4. The apparatus of example 1.1, wherein the request from the second apparatus is an NlmfLocationDetermineLocation Request message.

[00145] Example 1.5. The apparatus of example 1.4, wherein the request includes an environmental context attribute.

[00146] Example 1.6. The apparatus as in any one of example 1.4-1.5, wherein the request includes a location and environment attribute.

[00147] Example 1.7. The apparatus of example 1.1, wherein the first message is an Nlmf Location DetermineLocation Response message.

[00148] Example 1.8. The apparatus of example 1.7, wherein the first message includes an environmental context method used attribute.

[00149] Example 1.9. The apparatus as in any one of example 1.7-1.8, wherein the first message includes an accuracy attribute.

[00150] Example 1.10. The apparatus of example 1.1, wherein the request from the second apparatus is an Namf Location ProvidePositioninglnfo Request message.

[00151] Example 1.11. The apparatus of example 1.10, wherein the request includes an environmental context attribute.

[00152] Example 1.12. The apparatus as in any one of examples 1.10-1.11, wherein the request includes a location and environment attribute.

[00153] Example 1.13. The apparatus of example 1.1, wherein the first message is a Namf Location ProvidePositioninglnfo response message.

[00154] Example 1.14. The apparatus of example 1.13, wherein the first message includes an environmental context method used attribute.

[00155] Example 1.15. The apparatus as in any one of example 1.13-1.14, wherein the first message includes an accuracy attribute.

[00156] Example 1.16. The apparatus of example 1.1, wherein the first apparatus is a location management function (LMF).

[00157] Example 1.17. The apparatus of example 1.1, wherein the first apparatus is an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[00158] Example 1.18. The apparatus of example 1.1, wherein the first apparatus is a network data analytics function (NWDAF).

[00159] The embodiments and aspects disclosed herein are examples of the present disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. For instance, although certain embodiments herein are described as separate embodiments, each of the embodiments herein may be combined with one or more of the other embodiments herein. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures.

[00160] The phrases “in an aspect,” “in aspects,” “in various aspects,” “in some aspects,” or “in other aspects” may each refer to one or more of the same or different aspects in accordance with this present disclosure. The phrase “a plurality of’ may refer to two or more.

[00161] In various embodiments, the terms “first message” and “second message”, as well as any subsequent messages may refer to any messages that are transmitted or received in an order and are not necessarily limited to any particular message.

[00162] The phrases “in an embodiment,” “in embodiments,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” or “in other embodiments” may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. A phrase in the form “A or B” means “(A), (B), or (A and B) ” A phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, or C” means “(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C) ”

[00163] Any of the herein described methods, programs, algorithms or codes may be converted to, or expressed in, a programming language or computer program. The terms “programming language” and “computer program,” as used herein, each include any language used to specify instructions to a computer, and include (but is not limited to) the following languages and their derivatives: Assembler, Basic, Batch files, BCPL, C, C+, C++, Delphi, Fortran, Java, JavaScript, machine code, operating system command languages, Pascal, Perl, PL1, Python, scripting languages, Visual Basic, metalanguages which themselves specify programs, and all first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or further generation computer languages. Also included are database and other data schemas, and any other meta-languages. No distinction is made between languages which are interpreted, compiled, or use both compiled and interpreted approaches. No distinction is made between compiled and source versions of a program. Thus, reference to a program, where the programming language could exist in more than one state (such as source, compiled, object, or linked) is a reference to any and all such states. Reference to a program may encompass the actual instructions and / or the intent of those instructions.

[00164] While aspects of the present disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the present disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:receiving, by a first apparatus, a request from a second apparatus, the request including an inquiry for environmental context of a first user equipment (UE), wherein the environmental context indicates an indoor location or an outdoor location;receiving, by the first apparatus, a first context data from the second apparatus, relating to the environmental context of the first UE;based upon the first context data, estimating the environmental context of the first UE as an indoor location or an outdoor location; andtransmitting, by the first apparatus, a first message to the second apparatus, the first message including the environmental context.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an accuracy of the estimating of the environmental context.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first message includes an indication of the accuracy of the estimating of the environmental context.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the request from the second apparatus is an Nlmf Location DetermineLocation Request message.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the request includes an environmental context attribute.

6. The method as in any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the request includes a location and environment attribute.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first message is an Nlmf Locatra Response message.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first message includes an environmental context method used attribute.

9. The method as in any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the first message includes an accuracy attribute.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the request from the second apparatus is an NamfLocationProvidePositioninglnfo Request message.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the request includes an environmental context attribute.

12. The method as in any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the request includes a location and environment attribute.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first message is a NamfLocationProvidePositioninglnfo response message.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first message includes an environmental context method used attribute.

15. The method as in any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the first message includes an accuracy attribute.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the first apparatus is a location management function (LMF).

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first apparatus is an access and mobility management function (AMF).

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the first apparatus is a network data analytics function (NWDAF).

19. An apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform a method as in any of claims 1-18.

20. A processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus at least to perform a method as in any one of claims 1-18.

21. An apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus at least to perform:receiving, by a first apparatus, a request from a second apparatus, the request including an inquiry for environmental context of a first user equipment (UE), wherein the environmental context indicates an indoor location or an outdoor location;receiving, by the first apparatus, a first context data from the second apparatus, relating to the environmental context of the first UE;based upon the first context data, estimating the environmental context of the first UE as an indoor location or an outdoor location; andtransmitting, by the first apparatus, a first message to the second apparatus, the first message including the environmental context.

22. A processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, causes the apparatus at least to perform:receiving, by a first apparatus, a request from a second apparatus, the request including an inquiry for environmental context of a first user equipment (UE), wherein the environmental 5 context indicates an indoor location or an outdoor location;receiving, by the first apparatus, a first context data from the second apparatus, relating to the environmental context of the first UE;based upon the first context data, estimating the environmental context of the first UE as an indoor location or an outdoor location; and10 transmitting, by the first apparatus, a first message to the second apparatus, the firstmessage including the environmental context.15

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