Positioning enhancement mechanism

Abstract

To provide a solution for positioning enhancement mechanism.SOLUTION: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, apparatuses, and computer readable medium for positioning enhancement mechanism. A first device determines that a third device is to transmit a positioning related message in a non-connected state. The first device transmits assistance information to a second device serving the third device. The assistance information comprises at least one of data size and a transmission periodicity for the positioning related message. By means of the assistance information, base stations are provided with proactive knowledge of the positioning related message. In this way, the base station is capable of determining appropriate configurations for an SDT procedure. A terminal device may then transmit the positioning related message in an RRC NON-CONNECTED state via an SDT. As such, the efficiency of SDT procedure can be improved while avoiding segmentation or subsequent transmission of a positioning report.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to devices, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for positioning enhancement mechanisms. [Background technology]

[0002] A terminal device (e.g., UE) in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED) state can be easily located in a mobile communication network through a series of location management operations. For example, a network node performing a location management function, called an LMF, can request the terminal device to transmit a location measurement report by transmitting a location information request of an LTE positioning protocol (e.g., LPP). In this request, the LMF can indicate the type of measurement report (e.g., triggered report or periodic report), the report amount, and the report interval, especially for periodic reports. Such location information is transparent to the terminal device's serving base station (e.g., gNB), and therefore the LMF can further provide it to the serving base station and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node.

[0003] As communication technology evolves to fifth-generation new radio (5G NR), a new RRC state, the RRC inactive state, is being introduced to accommodate new application scenarios and service characteristics. In the RRC_INACTIVE state, a terminal device can operate with low power consumption, similar to a "sleep" mode, but is permitted to receive and transmit infrequent, small-scale data traffic. The terminal device's context is maintained in the base station that last served it, and the terminal device can move within a radio access network (e.g., RAN)-based notification area (e.g., RNA) without notifying the RAN. Therefore, the RRC_INACTIVE state can reach a trade-off between transmission delay, power consumption, and signaling overhead. An RNA can cover multiple cells served by multiple base stations, and in some cases, the terminal device may even move outside the RNA. This can make it difficult or imprecise to determine the terminal device's location. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for a positioning enhancement mechanism.

[0005] In a first aspect, a first device is provided, the first device including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code configured to cause the at least one processor to: determine that a third device intends to transmit a positioning-related message in an unconnected state; and transmit assistance information to a second device servicing the third device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for the positioning-related message.

[0006] In a second aspect, a second device is provided, the second device including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code configured by the at least one processor to cause the second device to receive assistance information from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by an unconnected third device, determine configurations for the positioning-related message based on the assistance information, and transmit the configurations to the third device.

[0007] In a third aspect, a third device is provided, the third device including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code configured by the at least one processor to cause the third device to receive, from the second device, configurations of positioning-related messages to be transmitted by the third device in an unconnected state, the configurations being determined by the second device based on assistance information received from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for the positioning-related messages, and to transmit, in an unconnected state, the positioning-related messages based on the configurations.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a fourth device is provided, the fourth device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code configured by the at least one processor to cause the fourth device to receive assistance information from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission periodicity for a positioning-related message transmitted by an unconnected third device, and to reserve resources based on the assistance information.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided, the method including: determining, at a first device, that a third device intends to transmit a positioning-related message in an unconnected state; and transmitting assistance information to a second device that provides a service to the third device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for the positioning-related message.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided, the method including: receiving, at a second device, from a first device, a configuration for transmitting a first reference signal, the configuration being determined by the first device based on information about a departure angle from a position management device, the departure angle being estimated for transmitting the first reference signal from the second device; and transmitting the first reference signal for positioning of the second device based on the configuration.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a method is provided, the method including: receiving, at a third device, from a second device, configurations for positioning-related messages to be transmitted by the third device in an unconnected state, the configurations being determined at the second device based on assistance information received from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for the positioning-related messages; and transmitting, in an unconnected state, the positioning-related messages to the second device based on the configurations.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a method is provided, the method including: receiving, at a fourth device, assistance information from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission periodicity for a positioning-related message transmitted by the third device in an unconnected state; and reserving resources based on the assistance information.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, a first device is provided, the first device including: means for determining that a third device plans to transmit a positioning-related message in an unconnected state; and means for transmitting assistance information to a second device that provides a service to the third device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for the positioning-related message.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, a second device is provided, the second device comprising: means for receiving assistance information from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by a third device in an unconnected state; means for determining a setting for the positioning-related message based on the assistance information; and means for transmitting the setting to the third device.

[0015] In an eleventh aspect, a third device is provided, the third device comprising: means for receiving, from a second device, a configuration of a positioning-related message to be transmitted by the third device in an unconnected state, the configuration being determined by the second device based on assistance information received from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission cycle for the positioning-related message; and means for transmitting, in an unconnected state, the positioning-related message to the second device based on the configuration.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, a fourth apparatus is provided, the fourth apparatus comprising: means for receiving assistance information from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by the third device in an unconnected state; and means for reserving resources based on the assistance information.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform a method according to the fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth aspects.

[0018] It should be understood that this Abstract is not intended to identify key features or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary communication network in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a signaling chart illustrating a positioning process for a terminal device in a disconnected state, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary positioning method implemented in a first device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary positioning method implemented in a second device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary positioning method implemented in a third device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary positioning method implemented in a fourth device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer-readable medium according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals represent identical or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes to help those skilled in the art understand and practice the present disclosure, and are not intended to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein may be implemented in various forms other than those described below.

[0021] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0022] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments need include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is understood that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly stated.

[0023] Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, it should be understood that these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that as used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," and / or "including" specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0025] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., analog and / or digital-only implementations); and (b) combinations of hardware circuitry and software, e.g., (where applicable) (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; and (ii) Software (including digital signal processors), software, and a portion of a hardware processor with memory(s) that work together to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions. (c) Hardware circuit(s) and processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessors, that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not be present when not necessary for operation.

[0026] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuit also covers simply a hardware circuit or processor (or processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuit also covers, for example, baseband or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network equipment, or other computing or network equipment, if applicable to particular claim elements.

[0027] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network conforming to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), or Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT). Furthermore, communications between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocols, including, but not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or other protocols currently known or developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will, of course, be future communication technologies and systems in which the present disclosure may be embodied. The scope of the present disclosure should not be considered limited to only the aforementioned systems.

[0028] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services therefrom. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), e.g., a Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR next-generation Node B (gNB), remote radio unit (RRU), radio header (RH), remote radio head (RRH), integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, relay, or low-power node such as femto or pico, depending on the terminology and technology applied. A network device may also be defined as part of a gNB, e.g., a CU / DU split, in which case the network device is defined as either a gNB-CU or a gNB-DU.

[0029] The term "terminal" refers to any terminating device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), mobile subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearables such as watches, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices, applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating in commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms “terminal device,” “communications device,” “terminal,” “user equipment,” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0030] For the positioning process in the RRC_CONNECTED state, the terminal device can request UL resources for each reporting opportunity through a scheduling request to the serving base station. When entering the RRC_NON-CONNECTED state (including the RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_IDLE states), the serving base station may lack information about when and how many resources the terminal device needs to transmit a positioning report. In the RRC_INACTIVE state, uplink (UL) / downlink (DL) transmission is permitted via a random access channel (RACH) procedure or a small data transmission (SDT) procedure, which can be achieved based on a configured grant (CG). From this perspective, SDT can be used for positioning of terminal devices in the non-connected state.

[0031] Typically, the serving base station sets a data size threshold for the terminal device to determine whether to transmit UL data using the SDT procedure. More specifically, if the data size of the UL data is smaller than the data size threshold (e.g., 1000 bits), the terminal device may determine to use the SDT to transmit the UL data. Otherwise, the terminal device may not use the SDT for data transmission in the RRC_INACTIVE state. Subsequent data transmissions are also permitted in the SDT. In other words, the terminal device can transmit larger amounts of traffic to the base station through multiple SDT transmissions.

[0032] In such a static configuration method, the base station may not be able to recognize the amount of data to be transmitted from the terminal device, making it difficult to allocate appropriate physical uplink shared channel (e.g., PUSCH) resources for UL SDT transmission. If the base station does not allocate sufficient resources for the location measurement report, segmentation of the report is necessary. However, segmentation results in additional delay and power consumption. On the other hand, if the serving base station allocates PUSCH resources according to the maximum allowed data size, i.e., based on a threshold, this may result in potential resource waste. For example, if the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device is not very large, padding is applied to the SDT, reducing efficiency.

[0033] To solve the above and other potential problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved solution for positioning. In the solution, assistance information is provided to a serving network device to allocate appropriate resources for the SDT. The assistance information may indicate at least one of a data size, a data amount, a periodicity, an interval, etc., associated with a positioning report. The serving base station then determines an appropriate SDT configuration for the positioning report based on the assistance information. This SDT configuration allows the terminal device to transmit positioning-related messages even in a disconnected state. This solution is applicable to both UE-assisted positioning and UE-based positioning. Of course, this solution can also be applied when the terminal device transmits other information to the LMF in a disconnected state.

[0034] 1 illustrates an exemplary communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication network 100 includes a first device 110, a second device 120, a third device 130, and a location management device 140.

[0035] The first device 110 may be implemented as an LMF in a core network. Of course, the first device 110 may also be implemented in a radio access network (RAN), in which case it may be referred to as a local management component (LMC). The first device 110 may determine location information of a terminal device and provide positioning services to the terminal device and base stations. For example, the first device 110 may be requested by the AMF or the second device 120 to locate the third device 130 and may initiate a positioning procedure.

[0036] First device 110 can communicate with second device 120 and fourth device 140. In some exemplary embodiments, first device 110 can transmit assistance information related to positioning reports to second device 120 and fourth device 140. For example, the assistance information may include, but is not limited to, a data size or a transmission period for positioning-related messages. Such assistance information may assist second device 120 and fourth device 140 in setting appropriate SDT settings.

[0037] The second device 120 may be a network device (e.g., a gNB) and may provide a serving cell 102 to the third device 130. When the third device 130 switches from an RRC_CONNECTED state to an RRC NON-CONNECTED state, the second device 120 acts as the last base station serving the third device 130 and thus maintains the context of the third device 130.

[0038] The fourth device 140 may be another network device (e.g., a gNB) or a transmission / reception point (TRP) and may provide a neighboring cell 104 to the third device 130. The second device 120 and the fourth device 140 may be within the same RAN-based notification area (RNA), and the third device 130 may move outside the coverage of the cell 102 and inside the coverage of the cell 104.

[0039] The third device 130 may be a terminal device located within the RNA. For example, the third device 130 may move within the coverage of the RNA. As shown in FIG. 1, the third device 130 may be first served by the second device 120 and then served by the fourth device 140.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the third device 130 can switch between different states, for example, from an RRC_CONNECTED state to an RRC_INACTIVE state. In the RRC inactive state, the third device 130 can transmit data via an SDT procedure. For example, the second device 120 can transmit an SDT configuration to the third device 130 before entering the RRC_INACTIVE state. The SDT configuration can indicate at least a data volume threshold and an SDT opportunity. In the RRC_INACTIVE state, if the amount of data to be transmitted is below the data volume threshold, the third device 130 can determine that data is to be transmitted via the SDT. The third device 130 can then transmit data in the SDT opportunity.

[0041] The second device 120 and the fourth device 140 can communicate with each other via a channel such as a wireless communication channel. For example, the second device 120 and the fourth device 140 can communicate with each other via an X2 or Xn interface. The second device 120 and the fourth device 140 can communicate with the first device 110 via the NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) protocol. The third device 130 and the first device 110 can communicate with each other via the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) protocol.

[0042] It should also be understood that the number of first, second, third, and fourth devices as shown in Figure 1 is not meant to be limiting in any way, but is merely for illustrative purposes. Network 100 may include any suitable number of first, second, third, and fourth devices adapted to implement embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] For convenience of explanation only, the second device 120 and the fourth device 140 are illustrated as base stations, and the third device 130 is illustrated as a UE. It should be understood that the base station and the UE are merely example implementations of the second device 120, the fourth device 140, and the third device 130, respectively, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of the present invention. Any other suitable implementations are possible.

[0044] Communications in network 100 may conform to any suitable standard, including, but not limited to, LTE, LTE Evolution, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Furthermore, communications may be performed according to any currently known or future-developed generation of communications protocols. Examples of communications protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, and fifth-generation (5G) communications protocols.

[0045] The principles and embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Figure 2 is a signaling chart illustrating a positioning process 200 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the process 200 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The process 200 may include a first device 110, a second device 120, a third device 130, and a fourth device 140.

[0046] 2, the first device 110 determines (205) that the third device 130 intends to transmit a positioning-related message in an unconnected state. The positioning-related message may be a position measurement report or other positioning-related message. The unconnected state may be an RRC_INACTIVE state or an RRC_IDLE state.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, first device 110 may determine that third device 130 intends to transmit a positioning-related message in an unconnected state based on a determination that third device 130 intends to enter an unconnected state.

[0048] In some demonstrative embodiments, the first device 110 may determine that the third device 130 is going to enter an unconnected state based on the activity state of the third device 130. The activity state of the third device may be notified from a message received from one of the AMF, the second device 120, or the third device 130. For example, if the activity of the third device 130 is determined to be low, the second device 120 may notify the first device 110 that the third device 130 is going to enter an RRC_INACTIVE state. Alternatively, the AMF may send a notification to the first device 110 informing the first device 110 that the third device 130 is going to enter an unconnected state.

[0049] The first device 110 transmits (210), for example, via the NRPPa protocol, assistance information to the second device 120 that serves the third device 130. The assistance information may include at least one of a data size and a transmission periodicity for the positioning-related message. In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit (215) the assistance information to the fourth device 140 that serves the neighboring cell 104 of the third device 130.

[0050] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit validity information regarding the aiding information to the second device 120. For example, the validity information may indicate a validity period for the aiding information for configuring SDT parameters. The validity period may be measured by a timer that is started upon receipt or confirmation of the request. When the validity period expires, the second device 120 may no longer be requested by the first device 110 to provide SDT resources.

[0051] For example, the validity information may be per terminal device for a predetermined time period. As another example, the validity information may be per resource for a predetermined time period, e.g., in terms of a reporting period, data size, etc. In some cases, the second device 120 receives multiple parameter values ​​with different validity information, allowing the second device 120 to optimize resource allocation for the SDT.

[0052] In some demonstrative embodiments, first device 110 may provide one or more pieces of information to second device 120 as well as fourth device 140 to assist in determining the SDT configuration. This information may include, but is not limited to, the number of terminal devices expected to perform positioning in an unconnected state, the number of terminal devices per parameter category (e.g., requiring a particular periodicity, data size, etc.), the minimum data size supported by SDT resources for positioning, the minimum periodicity of positioning-related messages, etc.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 130 may also transmit assistance information to the second device 120, for example, via an RRC message. In these embodiments, the second device 120 may further transmit assistance information to the fourth device 140 as well as other TRPs within the same RNA via the X2 or Xn interface.

[0054] Upon receiving the assistance information from first device 110, second device 120 determines 220 a configuration for positioning-related messages based on the assistance information. In some exemplary embodiments, the positioning-related messages may be transmitted via an SDT procedure, and thus the configuration determined by second device 120 may be an SDT configuration.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 determines, based on the data size, Allocation of time and frequency resources, for example, resources allocated to a first message associated with an SDT, including, but not limited to, Message A, which is a random access preamble in a two-step random access procedure for an SDT, Message 3, which is a four-step random access procedure for an SDT, and a message, which is an uplink configuration grant (UL CG), for an SDT; The modulation and coding scheme (MCS) of the first message, and A data volume threshold for the third device 130 to determine whether to use SDT; At least one of the following can be determined:

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, second device 120 can determine SDT opportunities for third device 130 to transmit positioning-related messages in an unconnected state based on the transmission period.

[0057] The second device 120 sends (225) a configuration to the third device 130 to transmit positioning-related messages in the RRC NON-CONNECTED state. In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may also send (230) a configuration to the fourth device 140.

[0058] Upon receiving the aiding information, the fourth device 140 reserves resources based on the aiding information (235). For example, the fourth device 140 may use the same or similar settings for the SDT. The fourth device 140 may attempt to receive positioning-related messages from the third device 130 on the reserved resources. As another example, the fourth device 140 may avoid allocating the reserved resources for other transmissions.

[0059] In some demonstrative embodiments, the third device 130 may provide other information to the second device 120 for determining the configuration, such as a preferred transmit (Tx) beam. As an example, before entering the RRC NON-CONNECTED state, the third device 130 may be configured to provide such information via up to N DL reference signals (RSs) that it has detected or measured, e.g., synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). The SSBs are assumed to be spatially related RSs corresponding to UL channels used for SDT. The third device 130 may provide the information as part of a request to enter the RRC NON-CONNECTED state to perform a positioning procedure.

[0060] In some other example embodiments, the network device may send an RRC message to the second device 120 to inform it of a set of SDT resources specific to positioning-related messages.

[0061] This allows the network device to activate a set of resources specific to the SDT instead of activating for the entire cell, resulting in resource savings, especially in FR2. In the above embodiment, the second device 120 may activate the configuration and send a notification of the configuration activation to the third device 130.

[0062] The third device 130 then enters the RRC NON-CONNECTED state (240). In the RRC NON-CONNECTED state, the third device 130 can determine whether the amount of data in the positioning-related message is less than the data amount threshold. If the amount of data in the positioning-related message is less than the data amount threshold, the third device 130 determines that it intends to transmit the positioning-related message (245).

[0063] In this case, the third device 130 transmits (250) a positioning-related message to the second device 120 based on the configuration. Upon receiving the positioning-related message via the SDT, the second device 120 may transmit (255) a positioning report to the first device 110.

[0064] It should be understood that the positioning mechanism provided in the exemplary embodiment is applicable not only to location measurement reports but also to other information transmitted between the terminal device and the LMF in the RRC NON-CONNECTED state. Furthermore, such a mechanism is suitable for both UE-based and UE-assisted positioning.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, prior information related to positioning is provided to a base station, so that an appropriate SDT configuration can be determined and resources with appropriate size and periodicity can be allocated or reserved for the SDT used to transmit positioning-related messages in the RRC NON-CONNECTED state, thereby improving the efficiency of the SDT procedure while avoiding segmentation, positioning reports, and retroactive transmissions.

[0066] Corresponding to the process described in relation to Figure 2, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a positioning solution including a location management function node, a network device providing a serving cell, a terminal device, and a network device providing a neighboring cell, which will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 6.

[0067] 3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for positioning implemented in a location management function node, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 300 may be implemented in first device 110 shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of explanation, method 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. It should be understood that method 300 may further include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some illustrated blocks, and that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0068] 3, in block 310, the first device 110 determines that the third device 130 intends to transmit a positioning-related message in an unconnected state. In some exemplary embodiments, the positioning-related message may be transmitted over an SDT, and the positioning-related message may be a position measurement report. The unconnected state may include an RRC_INACTIVE state or an RRC_IDLE state.

[0069] In some demonstrative embodiments, first device 110 may determine that third device 130 intends to enter an unconnected state based on, for example, an activity state (e.g., low activity) of third device 130 or a notification received from an AMF node. The activity state of the third device may be indicated from a first message received from one of the AMF, second device 120, or third device 130. In this case, first device 110 may determine that third device 130 intends to transmit a positioning-related message in an unconnected state.

[0070] At 320, the first device 110 transmits assistance information to the second device 120 that provides service to the third device 130. The assistance information may include at least one of a data size and a transmission period for the positioning-related message.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, first device 110 may further transmit the assistance information to fourth device 140 that serves a neighboring cell 104 of third device 130. First device 110 may transmit the assistance information via the NRPPa protocol.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a network node providing a positioning service, such as an LMF, transmits assistance information regarding the data size and transmission periodicity of positioning-related messages to base stations within the same RNA. With such prior information regarding positioning-related messages, the base station can determine an appropriate configuration for the SDT procedure. The terminal device then transmits the positioning-related messages in an RRC NON-CONNECTED state via the SDT. In this way, the efficiency of the SDT procedure can be improved while avoiding segmentation and the need for retroactive transmission of positioning reports.

[0073] 4 illustrates a flowchart of a positioning method 400 implemented in a network device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 400 may be implemented in second device 120 shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of discussion, method 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. It should be understood that method 400 may further include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some illustrated blocks, and that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0074] 4, in block 410, the second device 120 receives assistance information from the first device 110. The assistance information may include at least one of a data size and a transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by the third device 130 in an unconnected state. The unconnected state may be an RRC_INACTIVE state or an RRC_IDLE state.

[0075] The second device 120 determines a configuration for a positioning-related message based on the assistance information, in block 420. As an example, the positioning-related message may be transmitted over an SDT, and thus the configuration may be associated with an SDT procedure, i.e., an SDT configuration.

[0076] In some demonstrative embodiments, second device 120 may determine at least one of the resources allocated to the first message associated with the SDT, the MCS of the first message, or the data volume threshold of third device 130 based on the data size to determine whether the SDT is to be used. In these embodiments, the first message may be message A including a random access preamble in a two-step random access procedure for the SDT, message 3 in a four-step random access procedure for the SDT, or a message including a UL CG for the SDT.

[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, second device 120 can determine SDT opportunities for third device 130 to transmit positioning-related messages in an unconnected state based on the transmission period.

[0078] At block 430, the second device 120 transmits the configuration to the third device 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may also transmit the configuration to a fourth device 140 that provides a neighboring cell 104 of the third device 130. For example, the second device 120 may transmit the configuration to the fourth device 140 over an X2 or Xn interface.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may activate the setting and send a notification of the setting activation to the third device 130. For example, the second device 120 may decide to activate the setting based on low activity of the third device 130.

[0080] In the above embodiment, for example, the second device 120 may receive a notification from the third device 130 indicating that the third device 130 intends to transmit a positioning-related message in a disconnected state, in which case the second device 120 may activate the allocated resources.

[0081] In the above embodiment, as another example, the second device 120 may receive an RRC release message from the network device indicating, for example, that a resource set for performing SDT is activated and that the resource set includes allocated resources. In this case, the second device 120 may activate the allocated resources.

[0082] In the above embodiment, as another example, the second device 120 may receive an activation notification from the first device 110 via an RRC message. In this case, the second device 120 may activate the allocated resources.

[0083] In some example embodiments, second device 120 may send a notification to first device 110 informing it that third device 130 is going to enter a disconnected state.

[0084] In some demonstrative embodiments, second device 120 may receive a positioning-related message over SDT from third device 130. Second device 120 may then transmit the positioning-related message to first device 110.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, prior information related to positioning is provided to the last serving base station. In this way, the base station can determine an appropriate configuration for the SDT procedure to be used by the terminal device to transmit positioning-related messages in the RRC NON-CONNECTED state. This can improve the efficiency of the SDT procedure while avoiding segmentation and retroactive transmission of positioning reports.

[0086] 5 illustrates a flowchart of a positioning method 500 implemented in a terminal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 500 may be implemented in third device 130 shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of discussion, method 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. It should be understood that method 500 may further include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some illustrated blocks, and that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0087] 5, in block 510, the third device 130 receives, from the second device 120, configurations of positioning-related messages to be transmitted by the third device 130 in the disconnected state. The configurations may be determined in the second device 120 based on assistance information received from the first device 110. The assistance information may include at least one of a data size and a transmission period for the positioning-related messages.

[0088] In some demonstrative embodiments, the configuration may indicate at least one of resources allocated by second device 120, an MCS, a transmission opportunity for transmitting a positioning-related message, etc. For example, the positioning-related message may be transmitted via an SDT procedure, in which case the configuration may be an SDT configuration.

[0089] In some demonstrative embodiments, the third device 130 may send a notification to the second device 120 informing it that the third device 130 is about to send a positioning-related message in an unconnected state. The unconnected state may be an RRC_INACTIVE state or an RRC_IDLE state.

[0090] The third device 130 may also provide such assistance information to the second device 120. For example, when the third device 130 is about to operate in the RRC_INACTIVE state, the third device 130 may transmit the assistance information via higher layer signaling, such as an RRC message, to its serving base station, e.g., the second device 120. The second device 120 may further transmit the assistance information to other network devices within the same RNA, such as the fourth device 140.

[0091] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 130 may provide other information to the second device 120 to assist in determining resources for SDT, such as a preferred transmission beam. As an example, before entering the RRC Unconnected state, the third device 130 may be configured to provide such information via up to N DL Reference Signals (RSs), e.g., Synchronization Signal Blocks (SSBs), that it has detected or measured. The SSBs are assumed to be spatially related RSs corresponding to UL channels used for SDT. The third device 130 may provide the information as part of a request to enter the RRC Unconnected state to perform a positioning procedure. This allows the network device to activate a specific resource set for SDT instead of activating it for the entire cell, thereby saving resources, especially in FR2.

[0092] In block 520, the third device 130, in an unconnected state, transmits a positioning-related message based on the configuration to the second device 120. The positioning-related message may be a position measurement report. In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 130 may further transmit the positioning-related message to the first device 110.

[0093] In some exemplary embodiments, the positioning-related message may be transmitted via an SDT procedure. In these embodiments, the third device 130 may obtain a data volume threshold associated with the SDT from a configuration. If the data volume of the positioning-related message is below the data volume threshold, the third device 130 may determine that the positioning-related message is to be transmitted. In this case, the third device 130 may transmit the positioning-related message based on a configuration indicating at least one of resources allocated to a first message associated with the SDT, an MCS for the first message, or an SDT opportunity, including one of a random access procedure opportunity or a UL CG opportunity.

[0094] Alternatively, if the third device 130 may have moved outside the cell 102 of the second device 120 and into the cell 104 of the fourth device 140, the third device 130 may send a positioning-related message to the fourth device 140.

[0095] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal device is provided with a positioning mechanism in an RRC non-connected state. Using assistance information related to positioning-related messages, a base station can allocate an appropriate configuration to an SDT in terms of data size and periodicity. Then, the terminal device transmits positioning-related messages in an RRC non-connected state via the SDT.

[0096] 6 shows a flowchart of a positioning method 600 implemented in a network device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 600 may be implemented in fourth device 140 shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of discussion, method 600 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. It should be understood that method 160 may further include additional blocks not shown and / or may omit some illustrated blocks, and that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0097] 6, in block 610, the fourth device 140 receives assistance information from the first device 110. The assistance information may include at least one of a data size and a transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by the third device 130 in an unconnected state. The unconnected state may be an RRC_INACTIVE state or an RRC_IDLE state.

[0098] The assistance information may be provided by the first device 110 due to the third device 130 being in a low activity state. For example, the second device 120 serving the third device 130 may notify the first device 110 that the third device 130 is about to enter an RRC NON-CONECTED state. Alternatively, the assistance information may be provided by the first device 110 in response to a request for a positioning-related message. In these cases, the first device 110 may provide the assistance information not only to the second device 120 but also to the fourth device 140 or other transmission / reception points (TRPs) within the same RRC.

[0099] In some other embodiments, the fourth device 140 may receive the assistance information from the second device 120. Specifically, the second device 120 may receive such information from the first device 110 as described above, or alternatively from the third device 130. For example, the third device 130 may transmit the assistance information via an RRC message when in an RRC NON-CONENCTED state. The second device 120 may then transmit the assistance information to other network devices or TRPs, including the fourth device 140, within the same RAN via the X2 or Xn interface.

[0100] In some demonstrative embodiments, fourth device 140 may receive a configuration for positioning-related messages from second device 120. The configuration may be determined at second device 120 based on the assistance information and positioning-related messages transmitted via the SDT.

[0101] At block 620, the fourth device 140 reserves resources based on the aiding information. In some demonstrative embodiments, the fourth device 140 may attempt to receive positioning-related messages from the third device 130 on the reserved resources. For example, the fourth device 140 may avoid using the resources for other data transmissions.

[0102] In some demonstrative embodiments, the fourth device 140 may receive a positioning-related message transmitted on the reserved resources from the third device 130. The positioning-related message may include a position measurement report.

[0103] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a solution for placing a terminal device in an RRC NON-CONNECTED state. In this solution, assistance information is provided to a serving network device to allocate appropriate resources for SDT. The assistance information may indicate at least one of a data size, a data amount, a periodicity, an interval, etc., associated with a positioning report. Then, the serving base station determines an appropriate SDT configuration for the positioning report based on the assistance information.

[0104] In the SDT configuration, the terminal device can send positioning-related messages in a disconnected state. This solution is applicable to both UE-assisted positioning and UE-based positioning. Of course, this solution can also be applied to sending other information from the terminal device to the LMF in a disconnected state.

[0105] In some exemplary embodiments, a first apparatus (e.g., first device 110) capable of performing any of methods 300 may comprise means for performing each step of method 300. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0106] In some exemplary embodiments, the first apparatus comprises: means for determining that a third device plans to transmit a positioning-related message in an unconnected state; and means for transmitting assistance information to a second device that provides services to the third device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for the positioning-related message.

[0107] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for transmitting a positioning-related message in an unconnected state further comprises means for determining that the third device intends to transmit a positioning-related message in an unconnected state in accordance with a determination that the third device intends to enter the unconnected state.

[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for determining that the third device is to enter an unconnected state based on at least one of an activity state of the third device or a notification received from the access and mobility management function node.

[0109] In some exemplary embodiments, the activity state of the third device is indicated in a message received from one of the access and mobility management function node, the second device, and the third device.

[0110] In some exemplary embodiments, the positioning related messages may be transmitted via small data transmissions, and the positioning related messages include position measurement reports.

[0111] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device further comprises means for transmitting assistance information to a fourth device that serves a neighboring cell of the third device.

[0112] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for transmitting the assistance information further comprises means for transmitting the assistance information via an NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) protocol.

[0113] In some exemplary embodiments, the unconnected state includes one of a radio resource control, RRC, inactive state, or an RRC idle state.

[0114] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device comprises a location management function node, the second device comprises a network device, and the third device comprises a terminal device.

[0115] In some exemplary embodiments, a second apparatus (e.g., second device 120) capable of performing any of methods 400 may comprise means for performing each step of method 400. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0116] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device includes means for receiving assistance information from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by the third device in an unconnected state; means for determining settings for the positioning-related message based on the assistance information; and means for transmitting the settings to the third device.

[0117] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for determining the settings for the positioning-related message further comprises means for executing at least one of means for determining, based on a data size, at least one of resources to be allocated to a first message associated with a small data transmission, a modulation and coding method for the first message, or a data amount threshold of the third device for determining whether to use small data transmission, or means for determining, based on a transmission period, a small data transmission opportunity for the third device to transmit a positioning-related message in a disconnected state.

[0118] In some exemplary embodiments, the first message includes a message A including a random access preamble in a two-step random access procedure for small data transmission, a message 3 in a four-step random access procedure for small data transmission, or a message including an uplink configuration grant for small data transmission.

[0119] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device may further comprise means for transmitting a configuration to the fourth device that provides a neighboring cell of the third device.

[0120] In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration is transmitted over the Xn interface.

[0121] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device may further comprise means for receiving a positioning-related message from the third device via small data transmission, and means for transmitting a positioning-related message to the first device.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device may further comprise means for activating the setting and means for sending a notification of the activation of the setting to the third device.

[0123] In some demonstrative embodiments, the second device may further include means for activating the allocated resources in response to receiving a notification from a third device indicating that the third device plans to transmit a positioning-related message in a disconnected state, activating the allocated resources in response to receiving a message from a network device indicating that a set of resources for performing small data transmissions has been activated and the set of resources includes the allocated resources, or activating the allocated resources in response to receiving an activation notification from the first device.

[0124] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device may further comprise means for sending a notification to the first device informing it that the third device intends to enter the unconnected state.

[0125] In some exemplary embodiments, the positioning-related message includes a position measurement report, and the non-connected state includes one of a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state.

[0126] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device comprises a location management function node, the second device comprises a network device, and the third device comprises a terminal device.

[0127] In some exemplary embodiments, a third apparatus (e.g., third device 130) capable of performing any of methods 500 may comprise means for performing each step of method 500. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0128] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device comprises: means for receiving, from the second device, configurations of positioning-related messages to be transmitted by the third device in an unconnected state, the configurations being determined at the second device based on assistance information received from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for the positioning-related messages; and means for transmitting to the second device in an unconnected state.

[0129] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for transmitting a positioning-related message further comprises means for obtaining a threshold amount of data associated with the small data transmission from the configuration; means for determining that the positioning-related message is to be transmitted via the small data transmission according to a determination that the amount of data of the positioning-related message is less than the data amount threshold; and means for transmitting the positioning-related message based on the configuration indicating at least one of resources allocated to a first message associated with the small data transmission, a modulation and coding method for the first message, or an opportunity for the small data transmission, including either a random access procedure opportunity or an uplink configured grant opportunity.

[0130] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device further comprises means for sending a notification to the second device indicating that the third device intends to send a positioning-related message in a disconnected state.

[0131] In some exemplary embodiments, the positioning-related message includes a position measurement report, and the unconnected state includes one of a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state.

[0132] In some exemplary embodiments, the third apparatus further comprises means for transmitting a positioning-related message to the first device.

[0133] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device comprises a location management function node, the second device comprises a network device, and the third device comprises a terminal device.

[0134] In some exemplary embodiments, a fourth apparatus (e.g., fourth device 140) capable of performing any of methods 600 may comprise means for performing each step of method 600. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0135] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth apparatus comprises: means for receiving assistance information from the first device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by the third device in an unconnected state; and means for reserving resources based on the assistance information.

[0136] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device may further comprise means for receiving, from the second device, a configuration for a positioning-related message, the configuration being determined at the second device based on the assistance information, and the positioning-related message being transmitted via small-scale data transmission.

[0137] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device provides service to the third device, and the fourth device provides a neighboring cell for the third device, and the fourth device may further comprise means for attempting to receive positioning-related messages from the third device on the reserved resources.

[0138] In some exemplary embodiments, the positioning-related message includes a position measurement report, and the unconnected state includes one of a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state.

[0139] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device comprises a location management function node, the second device comprises a network device, the third device comprises a terminal device, and the fourth device comprises a further network device.

[0140] 7 is a simplified block diagram of a device 700 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 700 may be provided to implement a communication device such as the location management device 110, the network device 120, the terminal equipment 130, or the network device 140 shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the device 700 includes one or more processors 710, one or more memories 720 coupled to the processors 710, and one or more transceivers (TX / RX) 740 coupled to the processors 710.

[0141] The TX / RX 740 is for bidirectional communication. The TX / RX 740 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements.

[0142] The processor 710 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The device 700 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-slaved to a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0143] The memory 720 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 724, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 722 and other volatile memory that is not retained during a power outage.

[0144] The computer program 730 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 710. The program 730 may be stored in ROM 720. The processor 710 can load the program 730 into RAM 720 to perform any suitable operations and processes.

[0145] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program 730 such that the device 700 can execute any of the processes of the present disclosure, such as those described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0146] In some exemplary embodiments, the program 730 may be tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device 700 (such as in memory 720) or other storage accessible by the device 700. The device 700 may load the program 730 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 722 and execute it. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 8 shows an example of a computer-readable medium 800 in the form of a CD or DVD, on which the program 730 is stored.

[0147] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. While various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or some other graphical representations, it should be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in, by way of non-limiting example, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller, or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0148] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, that execute on a target real or virtual processor device to perform methods 300, 400, 500, and 600, as described above with reference to FIGS. 3-6. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split among program modules as desired in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions of the program modules may be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, the program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0149] Program code for implementing the methods of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, and when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / acts specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be performed. The program code may run entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0150] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program code or associated data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0151] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium includes, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the above. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above.

[0152] Furthermore, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown, or sequentially, or that all of the operations depicted be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above description, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0153] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

[Claim 1] A first device for a Location Management Function (LMF), comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; Equipped with The at least one memory and the computer program code are transmitted by the at least one processor to the first device: determining that the terminal device is going to transmit a positioning-related message in a disconnected state; transmitting assistance information to a network device providing a service to the terminal device, the assistance information including at least one of a data size and a transmission period for the positioning-related message; A first device configured to cause

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