Information transmission method and network element

Abstract

The present application discloses an information transmission method and a network element, belonging to the technical field of communications. An information transmission method of an embodiment of the present application includes: a step of a first core network element receiving a positioning service request from a second core network element, the positioning service request is for requesting positioning information of at least one terminal, the positioning service request includes positioning granularity indication information, and the positioning granularity indication information is for indicating at least one of a plurality of gradient positioning granularities; a step of the first core network element determining a positioning accuracy and a service quality QoS class according to the positioning service request; a step of the first core network element sending a terminal positioning service request to the first network element, the terminal positioning service request is for requesting positioning information of the terminal, the terminal positioning service request includes positioning accuracy and QoS class, and the first network element is a third core network element, a fourth core network element, or a fifth core network element; and a step of the first core network element receiving the terminal positioning information sent from the first network element.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority from patent application No. 202210317145.9 filed in China on March 28, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and in particular to information transmission methods and network elements. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, the location-related information of user equipment (UE) obtained by the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) is collected by the Access Management Function (AMF). Furthermore, the obtained terminal location information is very coarse-grained, and it is not possible to obtain more accurate terminal positioning information. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide an information transmission method and a network element that can solve the problem that NWDAF cannot obtain more accurate terminal positioning information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In a first aspect, a step of receiving a positioning service request from a second core network element by a first core network element, the positioning service request being for requesting positioning information of at least one terminal, the positioning service request including positioning granularity indication information, and the positioning granularity indication information being for indicating at least one of a plurality of gradient positioning granularities; The first core network element determines a positioning accuracy and a quality of service QoS class according to the positioning service request; a step of the first core network element sending a terminal positioning service request to a first network element, the terminal positioning service request being for requesting terminal positioning information, the terminal positioning service request including a positioning accuracy and a QoS class, and the first network element being a third core network element, a fourth core network element, or a fifth core network element; The first core network element receives positioning information of the terminal sent from the first network element; The present invention provides an information transmission method, including:

[0006] In a second aspect, there is provided an information transmission device applied to a first core network element, a first receiving module for receiving a positioning service request of a second core network element, the positioning service request being for requesting positioning information of at least one terminal, the positioning service request including positioning granularity indication information, the positioning granularity indication information being for indicating at least one of a plurality of gradient positioning granularities; a first determination module for determining a positioning accuracy and a quality of service QoS class according to the positioning service request; a first sending module for sending a terminal positioning service request to a first network element, wherein the terminal positioning service request is for requesting terminal positioning information, the terminal positioning service request includes a positioning accuracy and a QoS class, and the first network element is a third core network element, a fourth core network element, or a fifth core network element; a second receiving module for receiving the terminal positioning information sent from the first network element; An information transmission device is provided.

[0007] In a third aspect, a first network element receives a terminal positioning service request sent from a first core network element, the terminal positioning service request is for requesting terminal positioning information, and the terminal positioning service request includes a positioning accuracy and a QoS class; The first network element sends positioning information of the terminal to a first core network element in response to the terminal positioning service request; Including, The first network element is a third core network element, a fourth core network element or a fifth core network element.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, there is provided an information transmission device applied to a first network element, comprising: a third receiving module for receiving a terminal positioning service request sent from a first core network element, wherein the terminal positioning service request is for requesting terminal positioning information, and the terminal positioning service request includes a positioning accuracy and a QoS class; a second sending module for sending positioning information of the terminal to a first core network element in response to the terminal positioning service request; Equipped with The information transmission device is provided, wherein the first network element is a third core network element, a fourth core network element or a fifth core network element.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a core network element, the core network element being a first core network element, the core network element comprising a processor and a memory, wherein programs or commands executable by the processor are stored in the memory, and when the programs or commands are executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to the first aspect are implemented.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a core network element that is a first core network element, the core network element including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being used to receive a positioning service request from a second core network element, the positioning service request being for requesting positioning information of at least one terminal, the positioning service request including positioning granularity indication information, the positioning granularity indication information being for indicating at least one of a plurality of gradient positioning granularities, the processor being used to determine a positioning accuracy and a quality of service (QoS) class according to the positioning service request, the communication interface being used to send a terminal positioning service request to the first network element, the terminal positioning service request being for requesting positioning information of the terminal, the terminal positioning service request including the positioning accuracy and the QoS class, the first network element being a third core network element, a fourth core network element, or a fifth core network element, and receiving the terminal positioning information sent from the first network element.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a network element, the network element being a first network element, the network element including a processor and a memory, wherein a program or command executable by the processor is stored in the memory, and wherein when the program or command is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to the third aspect are implemented.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a network element is a first network element, the network element including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being used for receiving a terminal positioning service request sent from a first core network element, the terminal positioning service request being for requesting positioning information of a terminal, the terminal positioning service request including a positioning accuracy and a QoS class, and sending the positioning information of the terminal to the first core network element in response to the terminal positioning service request; The first network element provides a network element, which is a third core network element, a fourth core network element or a fifth core network element.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, there is provided an information transmission system including a first core network element that can be used to perform the steps of the information transmission method described in the first aspect, and a first network element that can be used to perform the steps of the information transmission method described in the third aspect.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a readable storage medium having a program or command stored thereon, the program or command causing the steps of the method according to the first aspect to be realized or the steps of the method according to the third aspect to be realized when executed by a processor.

[0015] In an eleventh aspect, there is provided a chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the processor being coupled together, the processor executing a program or command to implement the method described in the first aspect or to be used to implement the method described in the third aspect.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a computer program / program product stored on a storage medium, which, when executed by at least one processor, implements the steps of the information transmission method described in the first or third aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] In an embodiment of the present application, a positioning service request with a gradient positioning granularity is received, and then positioning information is requested from a corresponding network element based on the positioning granularity, thereby ensuring that positioning information with the corresponding positioning granularity can be obtained, and ensuring that the first core network element obtains highly accurate positioning information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart (part 1) of an information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the process by which the NWDAF selects LMFs. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an information transmission process between network elements according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of a specific application scenario 1. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a specific application scenario 2. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a specific application scenario 3. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a specific application scenario 4. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a specific application scenario 5. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart (part 2) of an information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] 1 is a structural schematic diagram (part 1) of an information transmission device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a core network element in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 13] 2 is a structural schematic diagram (part 2) of an information transmission device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly explained with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, and it should be understood that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the present application fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0020] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are not intended to describe a particular order or chronology, but rather to distinguish between similar objects. It should be understood that terms used in this manner may be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. It should also be understood that the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" generally refer to one type and do not limit the number of objects; for example, the first object may be one or multiple. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the " / " symbol generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0021] It should be noted that the techniques described in the embodiments of this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application are often used interchangeably, and the techniques described can be used in other systems and wireless technologies in addition to those mentioned above. While the following description will discuss New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and NR terminology is used in much of the following description, these technologies may be used in conjunction with other systems and wireless technologies, such as 6th Generation (6G) networks. th It can also be applied to applications other than NR system applications, such as 6G (Generation 6G) communication systems.

[0022] 1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communication system to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. The terminal 11 may be a mobile phone, a tablet personal computer (TPC), a laptop computer (LC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal digital assistant, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile internet device (MID), an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device, a vehicle user equipment (VUE), a pedestrian user equipment (PUE), a smart home (home devices with wireless communication functions such as a refrigerator, a television, a washing machine, or furniture), a game console, a personal computer (PC), an automated teller machine, a kiosk, or the like. The wearable device includes a smart watch, a smart wristband, a smart earphone, a smart glass, smart jewelry (such as a smart bangle, a smart bracelet, a smart ring, a smart necklace, a smart anklet bangle, a smart anklet, etc.), a smart wrist strap, a smart wear, etc. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to a specific type of the terminal 11. The network side equipment 12 may include an access network device or a core network device, of which the access network device may also be called a radio access network device, a radio access network (RAN), a radio access network function, or a radio access network unit.The access network device may include a base station, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point, or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) node, etc., and the base station may be referred to as a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), an access point, a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a home B node, a home evolved B node, a transmitting receiving point (TRP), or any other appropriate term in the field. As long as the same technical effect can be achieved, the base station is not limited to a specific technical term. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, only base stations in an NR system are described as examples, and the specific type of base station is not limited.Core network devices include core network nodes, core network functions, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Centralized network configuration (CNC), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Local NEF (or L-NEF), Binding Support Function (BSF), and Application Function (ABS). The core network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a core network function (Function, AF), etc. It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, only core network devices in an NR system are described as examples, and the specific type of core network device is not limited.

[0023] In the following, first, the background art related to the present application will be briefly described as follows.

[0024] 1. Location Service (LCS) LCS is implemented and provided by network elements such as AMF and Location Management Function (LMF) in the core network. LCS messages are exchanged between the UE and an LCS client terminal (CLS) or an application function (AF). A typical procedure is the Mobile Terminated Location Request (MT-LR).

[0025] The MT-LR procedure is initiated by an external third-party application (LCS client) or by the AF via the NEF network element, and finally the UE location information is obtained via network elements such as the Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC), AMF, and LMF.

[0026] Here, in the LCS procedure, the overall level of the LCS service is expressed by the LCS Quality of Service (QoS) parameter set, and LCS QoS is defined as follows: LCS QoS class (QoS classification) and Accuracy (including horizontal and vertical positioning accuracy) and and delay information (Latency).

[0027] 2. Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) NWDAF is a network data analysis function (NDF) that supports the collection of network element or terminal-related data and provides information such as statistics and forecasts. NWDAF can collect data from network elements such as AMF and SMF or Operation, Administration and Maintenance (OAM). In the current procedure, the terminal location information obtained by NWDAF is collected by AMF, and the terminal location information is coarse-grained, at the Tracking Area (TA) or cell level. That is, NWDAF can know from AMF which cell or TA the terminal is currently under.

[0028] When an NWDAF consumer initiates a service request to the NWDAF, requesting the NWDAF to compile relevant information or perform predictions, the NWDAF collects information from different network elements based on the parameters in the request message, and after performing the statistics and analysis, the NWDAF returns the results to the NWDAF consumer.

[0029] The following describes in detail the information transmission method and network elements provided in the embodiments of the present application through several embodiments and their application scenarios with reference to the drawings.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the information transmission method according to the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps 21 to 24.

[0031] In step 21, the first core network element receives a positioning service request from the second core network element; It should be noted that the positioning service request is for requesting positioning information of at least one terminal, the positioning service request includes positioning granularity indication information, and the positioning granularity indication information is for indicating at least one of a plurality of gradient positioning granularities.

[0032] Optionally, the first core network element described in the embodiments of the present application refers to an NWDAF network element, and the second core network element refers to an NWDAF consumer, i.e., a consumer of an NWDAF, which may be an AMF network element, an SMF network element, an AF network element, etc.

[0033] In step 22, the first core network element determines a positioning accuracy and a service quality QoS class according to the positioning service request; In step 23, the first core network element sends a terminal location service request to a first network element; It should be noted that the terminal positioning service request is for requesting terminal positioning information, the terminal positioning service request includes positioning accuracy and QoS class, and the first network element is a third core network element, a fourth core network element or a fifth core network element, optionally, the third core network element is an AMF network element, the fourth core network element is an LMF network element, and the fifth core network element is a GMLC network element.

[0034] In step 24, the first core network element receives the terminal positioning information sent from the first network element; It should be noted that while conventional positioning services can only provide coarse-grained positioning services, and coarse-grained positioning information may be understood as positioning information with positioning accuracy of country / region accuracy and TA or cell accuracy, in the present application, the positioning service request sent by the NWDAF consumer carries gradient positioning granularity, and by obtaining positioning information for the positioning granularity, it is ensured that positioning information of the corresponding positioning granularity can be obtained, and it is ensured that the first core network element can obtain positioning information with higher accuracy.

[0035] It should be noted that the positioning information in the embodiment of the present application includes A11 to A14.

[0036] A11, device geolocation It should be noted that the geolocation information can be divided into absolute location coordinates and relative location coordinates.

[0037] A12. Device movement information Optionally, the movement information of the terminal includes a moving speed and a moving direction of the terminal. Includes.

[0038] A13, positioning accuracy It should be noted that the positioning accuracy includes horizontal accuracy and vertical accuracy, the horizontal positioning accuracy is up to 0.3m, and the vertical positioning accuracy is up to 2m.

[0039] A14, time information of positioning It should be noted that the time information of the positioning refers to the timestamp of the positioning.

[0040] Optionally, the positioning information may further include at least one of A21 to A25.

[0041] A21, UE identifier For example, it may be a Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI), a Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), or the like.

[0042] A22, Civil location It should be noted that the civil location is used in emergency service scenarios where area supervision and control is required.

[0043] A23, delay It should be noted that the delay refers to the delay information of the positioning service.

[0044] A24, QoS class It should be noted that the QoS class here generally refers to a preferred QoS class, which can be divided into a high-level QoS, a medium-level QoS, and a low-level QoS.

[0045] It should be noted that the high-level QoS is deterministic QoS, i.e., statistics and predictions must be performed strictly according to the granularity of the required positioning information; the medium-level QoS is multiplexed QoS, i.e., the required granularity is given priority, and if it is not satisfied, the next level of granularity requirement must be met; and the low-level QoS is best-effort QoS, i.e., the positioning procedure is realized as much as possible, and accuracy does not have to be strictly required.

[0046] A25, Age of location.

[0047] Optionally, the positioning information may further include location environment indication information.

[0048] Optionally, the location environment indication information is: The terminal is located on the ground; and The terminal is located underground, The terminal is located indoors; and The terminal is located outdoors; The terminal is located inside the vehicle; The terminal is located outside the vehicle; The purpose is to indicate at least one of the following:

[0049] Optionally, the manner in which the first core network element determines the positioning accuracy according to the positioning service request includes: The first core network element maps the positioning granularity indicated by the positioning granularity indication information to obtain positioning accuracy.

[0050] For example, the positioning granularity indicated in the positioning service request is the size of the positioning range, and for example, the positioning granularity carried in the positioning service request may be 10 km, or 100-1000 m.

[0051] Optionally, one of the alternative mapping methods provided in the embodiments of the present application is: 0 indicates that the desired positioning information corresponds to national / regional accuracy (>10km), 1 indicates that the desired positioning information corresponds to TA or cell accuracy (about 1 km), 2 indicates that the desired positioning information corresponds to a medium level of accuracy (approximately 500 m), 3 indicates that the desired positioning information corresponds to the next highest level of accuracy (approximately 100m), 4 indicates that the desired positioning information corresponds to a high level of accuracy (about 10 m), 5 indicates that the desired positioning information corresponds to extremely high accuracy (about 1 m).

[0052] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, positioning information with a positioning accuracy of national / regional accuracy and TA or cell accuracy is considered to be coarse-grained positioning information, and positioning information with a positioning accuracy smaller than the TA or cell accuracy is considered to be fine-grained positioning information.

[0053] It should be noted that in the above mapping method, different positioning accuracies obtained by mapping are represented by different bit values.

[0054] Optionally, the second core network element can provide another accuracy requirement, and then the first core network element determines the value for the first core network element according to the actual situation. Specifically, one of the following embodiments can be adopted:

[0055] In embodiment 1, when the second core network element wants to obtain a terminal accuracy of about 100m, that is, when the second core network element notifies the first core network element that the accuracy is [80m~120m], the first core network element judges this current request based on its own situation or the QoS execution status fed back by the LCS last time, and finds that it is more appropriate to set the accuracy request to 80m, so it enters 80m in the accuracy information requested to the first network element.

[0056] In embodiment 2, if the second core network element directly provides the terminal's 80m accuracy as a reliable value, the first core network element directly forwards this accuracy information to the request of the first network element.

[0057] It should be noted that in such a mapping method, the positioning accuracy obtained by mapping is expressed by an unnecessary positioning accuracy value.

[0058] Optionally, the manner in which the first core network element determines the QoS class according to the positioning service request includes any of A31 to A32.

[0059] In A31, the first core network element obtains a QoS class carried in the positioning service request; It should be noted that in this case, the second core network element can include the QoS class in the positioning service request it sends, and the first core network element can directly obtain the QoS class.

[0060] In A32, the first core network element maps the preferred analysis accuracy information carried in the positioning service request to obtain a QoS class; It should be noted that in this case, the second core network element does not directly include the QoS class in the positioning service request it sends, but includes preferred analysis accuracy information, and at this time, the first core network element needs to map the preferred analysis accuracy information to obtain the QoS class.

[0061] It should be noted that the preferred analysis accuracy information may be of multiple gradients, such as high, medium, and low, and when mapping, the first core network element maps the multiple gradients of accuracy as QoS classes. Optionally, one implementation of the mapping method is as follows: In the case of gradient preference analysis accuracy information where high accuracy is required, it should be mapped as a high-level QoS. For gradient preference analysis accuracy information where accuracy is required to be moderate, it should be mapped as a medium level QoS. In the case of gradient preference analysis accuracy information where low accuracy is required, it should be mapped as a low-level QoS.

[0062] Optionally, the terminal location service request includes an identifier of the terminal or a group identifier of the terminal.

[0063] It should be noted that if the second core network element requests the location status of all terminals in the vicinity of a certain location from the first core network element, or directly provides the group identifier of a terminal group (UE group), the second core network element needs to obtain the positioning information of the terminals in one group.

[0064] Here, the method of acquiring the group identifier of the terminal includes any of B11 to B12.

[0065] In B11, the first core network element obtains a group identifier of a terminal carried in the positioning service request; It should be noted that if the group identifier provided by the first core network element is a group identifier of one UE group, the first core network element does not need to perform a mapping process.

[0066] In B12, the first core network element maps the location indication carried in the positioning service request to obtain a group identifier of the terminal.

[0067] It should be noted that if the location provided by the second core network element is a certain location, the first core network element receives it and then obtains a group identifier based on a statically configured list internally or mapping information obtained from other core network elements.Optionally, the first core network element can request positioning information of multiple terminals from the fifth core network element at once, that is, if the first network element is the fifth core network element, the terminal positioning service request sent from the first core network element may include the group identifiers of the terminals.Furthermore, after receiving the group identifiers of the terminals, the fifth core network element needs to map the group identifiers into a UE list, and then the fifth core network element obtains the positioning information of each UE respectively for the UE list in a positioning procedure. If the first network element is the third core network element or the fourth core network element, even if the first core network element knows that it needs to obtain the positioning information of a group of terminals, it needs to send a terminal positioning service request to the third core network element or the fourth core network element for each terminal, that is, the first core network element can only request the positioning information of one terminal at a time.

[0068] It should be further noted that if the first network element is a fifth core network element, when the fifth core network element determines that the terminal positioning service request requests positioning information of a group of terminals, it optionally obtains the positioning information of each terminal and then sends it to the first core network element, that is, the GMLC network element sends the positioning information to the NWDAF network element every time it collects positioning information of a terminal.Optionally, after obtaining all the positioning information of a group of terminals, it sends the positioning information of the group of terminals to the first core network element, that is, at this time, the GMLC network element supports an information storage function, and after obtaining the positioning information of each terminal, the GMLC network element first stores the positioning information, and after obtaining all the positioning information of the terminals of the group, it sends it to the NWDAF network element together.

[0069] Optionally, if the first network element is a fourth core network element, the acquisition manner of the fourth core network element is: The first core network element obtains an address of a second network element of the terminal; If the first core network element determines that the second network element can provide service to the terminal, it determines the second network element as a fourth core network element, and if it determines that the second network element cannot provide service to the terminal, it obtains an address of the fourth core network element provided by the second network element; Includes.

[0070] It should be noted that in this case, the LMF address is obtained based on the terminal identifier (identifier of a single UE or a group identifier of a UE group). As shown in Figure 3, the specific implementation procedure is as follows: Steps 1 to 3.

[0071] In step 1, within the NWDAF network element, a configuration list is pre-configured that can statically query the address of the UE's LMF1, and the LMF1 provides subsequent positioning services.

[0072] In step 2, the NWDAF network element finds the LMF1 address through the configuration list, and if it determines that the LMF1 cannot currently provide positioning services to the terminal, it notifies the NWDAF network element to modify its local static configuration and informs the NWDAF network element of the address of LMF2. After modifying the static configuration, the NWDAF network element initiates a terminal positioning service request to the LMF2.

[0073] In step 3, if the information is not pre-configured in the NWDAF network element, the NWDAF network element queries other core network elements (including but not limited to AMF, UDM, NRF, etc., and the network elements are responsible for updating and maintaining the LMF address) for the current LMF address corresponding to a certain UE ID.

[0074] Optionally, when the first network element is a third core network element, the acquisition manner of the third core network element is: When the first core network element determines that information of at least one terminal can be collected and used by the first core network element, obtaining an address of at least one third core network element from a sixth core network element. Including, Wherein the at least one third core network element serves the at least one terminal.

[0075] It should be noted that the sixth core network element in the embodiment of this application refers to a UDM network element. When the NWDAF network element needs to collect the coarse-grained and fine-grained positioning information of the terminal, it first checks the user's intention with the UDM network element to see if the terminal information can be collected and used by the NWDAF network element. If the information can be collected and used, the NWDAF network element obtains the AMF address of the terminal's current location from the UDM network element. It should be noted that the NWDAF network element can request the AMF addresses of multiple terminal locations from the UDM network element at one time, and since different terminals may correspond to different AMF network elements, the UDM network element will return multiple AMF addresses; however, the NWDAF network element may request only one AMF address of the terminal location from the UDM network element at one time, and the UDM network element will return only one AMF address.

[0076] It should be noted that the first core network element can send all positioning accuracy requests to the first network element without distinguishing the type of positioning accuracy, and optionally the first core network element can only send a certain type of positioning accuracy request to the first network element. Specifically, a further optional implementation of the first core network element sending the terminal positioning service request to the first network element is as follows: The first core network element determines the type of positioning accuracy; The first core network element sends a terminal positioning service request to a first network element when the positioning accuracy type is a first accuracy type; Here, the first network element is the fourth core network element or the fifth core network element.

[0077] It should be noted that the first accuracy type is a fine-grained accuracy type, that is, in such a case, the first core network element may only request fine-grained positioning information from the fourth core network element or the fifth core network element, but may obtain coarse-grained positioning information from the AMF network element based on conventional procedures.

[0078] Optionally, after obtaining the positioning information of the terminal, if the first core network element determines that the positioning accuracy of the obtained at least one terminal positioning information is equal to or less than the positioning accuracy required by the second core network element, obtain the realized granularity and result reliability of the positioning information of the at least one terminal; The first core network element sends the positioning information of at least one terminal, the realized granularity, and a result reliability of the positioning information to the second core network element.

[0079] Optionally, the manner in which the first core network element obtains the realized granularity of the positioning information is: Mapping the positioning accuracy of the positioning information as realized granularity. Includes.

[0080] Optionally, the manner in which the first core network element obtains the result reliability of the positioning information is: determining a result reliability of the positioning information based on the realized QoS class of the positioning information; Includes.

[0081] It should be noted that what is realized here is that after the first core network element obtains the positioning information of the terminal, it needs to perform reverse mapping of the positioning accuracy of the positioning information and map it as an realized granularity, and specifically, the realized granularity may be understood to be a positioning granularity corresponding to the positioning accuracy actually performed when the first network element obtains the positioning information.

[0082] It should be further noted that when the first core network element returns the terminal's positioning information to the second core network element, it also needs to send the result reliability of the positioning information to the second core network element, so that the second core network element finally decides whether to use the positioning information based on the result reliability.

[0083] Specific applications of the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below as follows.

[0084] First, the information transmitted by each network element according to the embodiment of the present application will be described as follows.

[0085] As shown in Figure 4, Target MS in Figure 4 represents a target terminal, which may be one UE or a group of UEs, LCS server may be an LMF network element, an AMF network element or a GMLC network element, NWDAF network element is a core network element and performs functions such as intelligent statistics and prediction, and NWDAF consumer is an NWDAF consumer, which may be an AMF, SMF, AF, etc. It should be further explained here that QoS class and LCS QoS class are not completely equivalent, but have a mapping relationship.

[0086] The specific process includes Step 1 to Step 6.

[0087] In Step 1, the NWDAF consumer initiates a service request to the NWDAF network element, carrying the required parameters, including: C11, Analytics ID (a specific identifier for the service), C12, a target terminal (which may be a single terminal ID (SUCI, GPSI, etc.) or a group of terminals); C13, Analytics filter (including Area of ​​Interest and Visited Area(s) of Interest); C14, analysis time (instructing NWDAF on the time interval for which statistics or predictions are to be made); C15, the preferred order of the results (ascending or descending), C16, the notification's associated ID and the notification's target address; C17, preferred analytical accuracy (may be of multiple gradients: high, medium, low);

[0088] Optionally, the request may further include a maximum number of target terminals.

[0089] Optionally, the request may further include positioning granularity indication information (i.e., the granularity of the preferred positioning information), which is a gradient indication information, i.e., for indicating one or more of a plurality of gradient positioning granularities, where the gradient includes positioning accuracy ranging from a national / regional range to a decimeter range. The granularity indication is an identification method similar to the index type and represents a specific positioning accuracy value.

[0090] Optionally, the request may further include a preferred QoS class, and it should be noted that if this information is carried by the NWDAF consumer, it can be directly mapped to the QoS class of the LCS in Step 2; if not, a mapping must be performed in Step 2.

[0091] In Step 2, after receiving the request, the NWDAF network element sends a message requesting positioning information to the LCS server. The message includes information such as positioning accuracy and QoS class.

[0092] In Step 3, the LCS server executes the positioning accuracy requirement and QoS requirement during the process of positioning with the target MS, that is, the accuracy in LCS QoS, which includes horizontal accuracy, vertical accuracy, and QoS class.

[0093] In Step 4, the positioning accuracy and LCS QoS achieved in the positioning process are reported to the LCS server via LCS signaling.

[0094] In Step 5, the LCS server reports the achieved positioning accuracy and QoS class to the NWDAF network element, and may optionally provide information such as positioning delay and user privacy verification to the NWDAF network element.

[0095] In Step 6, after receiving the achieved positioning accuracy and QoS class, if the requirements in Step 1 are met, the NWDAF network element reverse-maps these information into the achieved granularity and result reliability, and reports these information to the NWDAF consumer through a statistical result or prediction message.

[0096] Optionally, the achieved positioning accuracy is mapped as an achieved granularity indication, and performing a reverse mapping based on Step 2; The realized QoS class is one of the calculation elements of the result reliability, and the following D1 to D3 are methods for considering the result reliability.

[0097] D1: If a preferred QoS class is provided in Step 1, the NWDAF network element verifies whether the realized QoS class matches the requested one. If other factors match, if the realized QoS class meets the request, the result confidence is higher than the result confidence of not being realized or not meeting the request.

[0098] D2: If the preferred QoS class is not provided in Step 1, the realized QoS class is compared with the QoS class after mapping based on the preferred analysis accuracy and the QoS class mapping relationship in Step 2. If other factors are consistent, if the realized QoS class meets the requirements, the result confidence is higher than the result confidence of the class that is not realized or does not meet the requirements.

[0099] D3: If the granularity or QoS requirements requested in Step 1 cannot be met, the NWDAF network element evaluates the information returned by the LCS server, such as QoS, delay information, and privacy verification, and reports related factors, including long link delay and failed user privacy verification, to the NWDAF consumer.

[0100] It should be noted that the NWDAF network element sends a request to the LCS server, and the LCS server sends a request to the Target MS only after the user's privacy verification or user intent check has been passed. The specific implementation process of the embodiments of the present application will be described below from the perspectives of different implementation forms.

[0101] First, it should be explained that the NWDAF, AMF, LMF, UDM, and GMLC mentioned below are for the sake of simplicity, and all correspond to the relevant network elements.

[0102] Specific application scenario 1: NWDAF obtains multiple granularity positioning information of UE through AMF It should be noted that the specific implementation process in such an application scenario specifically includes steps 501 to 509, as shown in FIG.

[0103] In step 501, when the NWDAF needs to collect terminal positioning information (including coarse and fine granularity), it first checks the user's intention with respect to the UDM to determine whether the terminal information can be collected and used by the NWDAF. If the information can be collected and used, it obtains the AMF address of the terminal's current location from the UDM.

[0104] In step 502, the NWDAF requests the AMF for the terminal's positioning information, which the AMF may report immediately or the terminal may report based on an event (periodically, between cells, etc.).

[0105] It should be noted that the request sent by the NWDAF further includes the terminal identifier (SUPI, GPSI, etc.), positioning accuracy, time information of positioning, etc.

[0106] In step 503, after receiving the request, the AMF determines whether the current positioning accuracy can be directly provided by the AMF, and if it determines that the NWDAF request can be met, it executes step 504; if it cannot be met, it executes steps 505 to 509.

[0107] In step 504, the AFM provides the NWDAF with positioning information including that requested in step 502, and if certain parameters cannot be provided, the AMF optionally provides associated failure cause information.

[0108] In step 505, if the AMF cannot currently provide positioning information that meets the NWDAF granularity requirements, it will obtain it by searching for a suitable LMF and initiating a positioning procedure, and then search for a suitable LMF through an LMF selection procedure.

[0109] In step 506, the AMF requests positioning information from the LMF and requests the LMF to provide positioning information that meets the accuracy requirement.

[0110] In step 507, in response to a request from the AMF, the LMF initiates a positioning procedure, including a positioning procedure such as UE assisted, UE based, network assisted, etc. In this process, the LMF can obtain the positioning information requested in step 506.

[0111] In step 508, the LMF returns the positioning information requested in step 506 to the AMF, and optionally, if certain parameters cannot be provided or met, the LMF provides associated failure cause information.

[0112] In step 509, the AMF reports the received terminal positioning information to the NWDAF.

[0113] It should be noted that when the NWDAF requests terminal positioning information from the AMF, it must request it for each terminal, that is, the NWDAF can only obtain the positioning information of one terminal each time it sends a request.

[0114] Specific application scenario 2: NWDAF obtains fine-grained positioning information from AMF via GMLC and obtains coarse-grained positioning information from AMF It should be noted that the specific implementation process in such an application scenario specifically includes steps 601 to 612, as shown in FIG.

[0115] In step 601, the NWDAF determines the terminal positioning information (including coarse-grained and fine-grained) that needs to be statistically collected, and if fine-grained positioning information needs to be requested, it executes steps 602 to 610, and if coarse-grained positioning information needs to be requested, it executes steps 611 to 612.

[0116] In step 602, the NWDAF requests fine-grained positioning information of the terminal from the GMLC.

[0117] It should be noted that in a roaming scenario, the NWDAF sends a request to the master service GMLC (H-GMLC), which then makes a request to the visited GMLC (V-GMLC), and in a non-roaming scenario, the NWDAF sends a request directly to the H-GMLC. The GMLC further determines whether the NWDAF's request can be met, including whether the positioning accuracy, maximum age of location, timestamp, etc. meet the requirements, by determining whether the positioning information of the associated terminal is currently stored. If the request can be met, step 603 is executed; if not, step 604 and subsequent procedures are executed.

[0118] In step 603, the GMLC verifies that the currently stored terminal positioning information can meet the request of the NWDAF, and the GMLC directly returns the terminal positioning information that meets the request.

[0119] In step 604, the GMLC cannot satisfy the request of the NWDAF, and obtains the AMF address of the current terminal through signaling exchange with the UDM, and the GMLC initiates a positioning request to the AMF.

[0120] In step 605, after receiving the GMLC request, the AFM searches for a suitable LMF through an LMF selection process.

[0121] In step 606, the AMF requests positioning information from the LMF and requests the LMF to provide positioning information that meets the accuracy requirements of the terminal.

[0122] In step 607, in response to a request from the AMF, the LMF initiates a positioning procedure, including a positioning procedure such as UE assisted, UE based, network assisted, etc. In this process, the LMF can obtain the positioning information requested in step 606.

[0123] In step 608, the LMF returns the positioning information requested in step 607 to the AMF.

[0124] In step 609, the AMF reports the received terminal positioning information to the GMLC, and if certain parameters cannot be provided, the AMF optionally provides related failure cause information.

[0125] In step 610, the GMLC reports the terminal positioning information to the NWDAF.

[0126] In step 611, the NWDAF determines that it currently requires coarse-grained positioning information, obtains the current terminal's service AMF address through UDM, and directly requests the terminal's positioning information from the AMF.

[0127] In step 612, the AMF reports the terminal's positioning information to the NWDAF, and if certain parameters cannot be provided, the AMF optionally provides related failure cause information.

[0128] Specific application scenario 3: NWDAF obtains positioning information with different granularity from LMF by GMLC. It should be noted that the specific implementation process in such an application scenario specifically includes steps 701 to 712, as shown in FIG.

[0129] In step 701, the NWDAF requests fine-grained positioning information of the terminal from the GMLC.

[0130] It should be noted that in a roaming scenario, the NWDAF sends a request to the H-GMLC, and the H-GMLC makes a request to the V-GMLC, and in a non-roaming scenario, the NWDAF sends a request directly to the H-GMLC. The GMLC further determines whether the NWDAF's requirements, including requirements for positioning accuracy, maximum age of location, timestamp, etc., can be met by determining whether the positioning information of the associated terminal is currently stored. If the requirements can be met, step 702 is executed; if not, step 703 and subsequent procedures are executed.

[0131] In step 702, the GMLC verifies that the currently stored terminal positioning information can meet the request of the NWDAF, and the GMLC directly returns the terminal positioning information that meets the request.

[0132] In step 703, the GMLC cannot satisfy the request of the NWDAF, and obtains the AMF address of the current terminal through signaling exchange with the UDM, and the GMLC initiates a positioning request to the AMF.

[0133] In step 704, after receiving the request, the AMF determines whether the current positioning accuracy can be directly provided by the AMF, and if it determines that the NWDAF granularity requirement can be met, it performs steps 705 and 706; if it cannot be met, it performs steps 707 to 712.

[0134] In step 705, the AMF provides the GMLC with positioning information that meets the requirements requested in step 703, and if certain parameters cannot be provided, the AMF optionally provides related failure cause information.

[0135] In step 706, the GMLC reports the terminal positioning information to the NWDAF.

[0136] In step 707, if the AMF cannot currently provide positioning information that meets the NWDAF granularity requirements, it will obtain a suitable LMF by searching for it and starting the positioning process, and then search for a suitable LMF through the LMF selection process.

[0137] In step 708, the AMF requests positioning information from the LMF and requests the LMF to provide positioning information that meets the accuracy requirements.

[0138] In step 709, in response to a request from the AMF, the LMF initiates a positioning procedure, including a positioning procedure such as UE assisted, UE based, network assisted, etc. In this process, the LMF can obtain the positioning information requested in step 708.

[0139] In step 710, the LMF returns the positioning information requested in step 708 to the AMF, and if certain parameters cannot be provided or met, the LMF optionally provides associated failure cause information.

[0140] In step 711, the AMF reports the received terminal positioning information to the GMLC.

[0141] In step 712, the GMLC reports the terminal positioning information to the NWDAF.

[0142] Specific application scenario 4: NWDAF directly obtains fine-grained positioning information from LMF and obtains coarse-grained positioning information from AMF.

[0143] It should be noted that the specific implementation process in such an application scenario specifically includes steps 801 to 808, as shown in FIG.

[0144] In step 801, the NWDAF determines whether the requested granularity is obtained from the AMF or the LMF.

[0145] In step 802, the NWDA obtains the AMF address via the FUDM and sends a positioning request to the AMF.

[0146] In step 803, the AMF provides coarse-grained positioning information to the NWDAF.

[0147] In step 804, the NWDAF requests the terminal's positioning information from the LMF.

[0148] In step 805, the LMF determines whether the requested granularity can be provided directly.

[0149] In step 806, the LMF provides the locally stored positioning information satisfying the request to the NWDAF.

[0150] In step 807, the LMF initiates a positioning procedure for the terminal.

[0151] In step 808, the LMF returns the positioning information satisfying the request to the NWDAF.

[0152] Here an interface is introduced that allows direct communication between the NWDAF and the LMF.

[0153] When the NWDAF makes a decision, if it needs to obtain coarse-grained positioning information, it initiates a positioning request to the AMF and performs steps 802 and 803; if it needs to obtain fine-grained positioning information, it requests the LMF to initiate a direct positioning procedure and performs steps 804 to 808.

[0154] In step 805, if the LMF itself supports storing positioning information of different granularities and the stored positioning information meets the requirements of step 804, the LMF will provide it directly in step 806; otherwise, the LMF will perform steps 807 and 808.

[0155] Specific application scenario 5: NWDAF directly obtains positioning information with different granularity from LMF It should be noted that the specific realization process in such an application scenario specifically includes steps 901 to 906, as shown in FIG.

[0156] In step 901, the NWDAF selects an appropriate LMF.

[0157] In step 902, the NWDAF requests the LMF for terminal positioning information.

[0158] In step 903, the LMF determines whether the requested granularity can be provided directly.

[0159] In step 904, the LMF provides the NWDAF with locally stored positioning information that satisfies the request.

[0160] In step 905, the LMF initiates a positioning procedure for the terminal.

[0161] In step 906, the LMF returns the positioning information that satisfies the request to the NWDAF.

[0162] This will introduce an interface that allows direct communication between the NWDAF and LMF.

[0163] It should be noted that in such an application scenario, the interface between the NWDAF and the LMF is completely used as an interface for obtaining positioning information. The NWDAF provides the requested accuracy information directly to the LMF without making any judgment, and determines whether the LMF can provide it directly. If it can, it returns the positioning information directly to the NWDAF. If it cannot, it performs the procedures of steps 905 and 906.

[0164] It should be noted that according to the embodiment of the present application, the NWDAF can obtain terminal positioning information of different granularities, which can improve the level of statistical and forecasting services of the NWDAF.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 10, the embodiment of the present application Step 101: a first network element receives a terminal positioning service request sent from a first core network element, where the terminal positioning service request is for requesting terminal positioning information, and the terminal positioning service request includes a positioning accuracy and a QoS class; Step 102: the first network element sends positioning information of the terminal to a first core network element in response to the terminal positioning service request; Including, The information transmission method further provides, wherein the first network element is a third core network element, a fourth core network element or a fifth core network element.

[0166] Optionally, the step of the first network element sending the positioning information of the terminal to a first core network element includes: When the first network element determines that the terminal location service request requests positioning information of one group of terminals, it obtains the positioning information of each terminal and then transmits it to the first core network element, or obtains all the positioning information of one group of terminals and then transmits the positioning information of the one group of terminals to the first core network element. Including, Here, the first network element is a fifth core network element.

[0167] Optionally, when the first network element is a third core network element or a fifth core network element, the step of the first network element sending the positioning information of the terminal to the first core network element in response to the terminal positioning service request includes: determining whether the first network element can provide the positioning accuracy in the terminal positioning service request; If the first network element determines that it can provide positioning information of the positioning accuracy, transmitting the positioning information of the terminal to the first core network element.

[0168] Optionally, after determining whether the first network element can provide the positioning accuracy in the terminal positioning service request, When the first network element determines that it cannot provide positioning information of the positioning accuracy, sending a terminal positioning service request to a third network element; The first network element receives positioning information of the terminal sent from the third network element; The first network element sends the positioning information of the terminal to a first core network element; further comprising Here, if the first network element is the third core network element, the third network element becomes the fourth core network element, and if the first network element is the fifth core network element, the third network element becomes the third core network element.

[0169] Optionally, the positioning information is The geolocation of the device; Movement information of the terminal; Positioning accuracy and Time information of the positioning; Includes.

[0170] Optionally, the movement information of the terminal is: The speed and direction of the device's movement Includes.

[0171] Optionally, the positioning information is Location environment instruction information Includes.

[0172] Optionally, the location environment indication information is: The terminal is located on the ground; and The terminal is located underground, The terminal is located indoors; and The terminal is located outdoors; The terminal is located inside the vehicle; The terminal is located outside the vehicle; The purpose is to indicate at least one of the following:

[0173] In the information transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the execution entity may be an information transmission device. In the embodiments of the present application, the information transmission device will be described by taking the information transmission method as an example.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 11, the information transmission device of the embodiment of the present application is applied to the first core network element; a first receiving module 111 for receiving a positioning service request of a second core network element, wherein the positioning service request is for requesting positioning information of at least one terminal, the positioning service request includes positioning granularity indication information, and the positioning granularity indication information is for indicating at least one of a plurality of gradient positioning granularities; a first determining module 112 for determining a positioning accuracy and a quality of service QoS class according to the positioning service request; a first sending module 113 for sending a terminal positioning service request to a first network element, wherein the terminal positioning service request is for requesting terminal positioning information, the terminal positioning service request includes a positioning accuracy and a QoS class, and the first network element is a third core network element, a fourth core network element, or a fifth core network element; a second receiving module 114 for receiving the terminal positioning information sent from the first network element; Equipped with.

[0175] Optionally, the first determination module 112: This is used to map the positioning granularity specified by the positioning granularity specification information and obtain the positioning accuracy.

[0176] Optionally, the first determination module 112: Obtaining the QoS class carried in said positioning service request; or The preferred analysis accuracy information carried in the positioning service request is used to map and obtain a QoS class.

[0177] Optionally, the QoS class is: High level QoS and Intermediate level QoS and Low-level QoS and It includes at least one of the following:

[0178] Optionally, the information transmission device further includes: an acquisition module for acquiring the realized granularity and result reliability of the positioning information of at least one terminal when the second receiving module 114 determines, after receiving the terminal positioning information transmitted from the first network element, that the positioning accuracy of the acquired at least one terminal positioning information is equal to or less than the positioning accuracy required by the second core network element; and a third sending module for sending the positioning information of at least one terminal, the realized granularity, and a result reliability of the positioning information to the second core network element.

[0179] Optionally, the manner of obtaining the realized granularity of the positioning information is: Mapping the positioning accuracy of the positioning information as realized granularity. Includes.

[0180] Optionally, the manner of obtaining the result reliability of the positioning information is: determining a result reliability of the positioning information based on the realized QoS class of the positioning information; Includes.

[0181] Optionally, the terminal location service request includes a terminal identifier or a terminal group identifier; Here, the method of acquiring the group identifier of the terminal is as follows: The first core network element obtains a group identifier of the terminal carried in the positioning service request; or The first core network element maps the location indication carried in the positioning service request to obtain a group identifier of the terminal. Includes.

[0182] Optionally, if the first network element is a fourth core network element, the acquisition manner of the fourth core network element is: Obtaining an address of a second network element for the terminal.

[0183] If it is determined that the second network element can provide service to the terminal, it determines the second network element as a fourth core network element, and if it is determined that the second network element cannot provide service to the terminal, it obtains the address of the fourth core network element provided by the second network element.

[0184] Optionally, when the first network element is a third core network element, the acquisition manner of the third core network element is: If it is determined that the information of at least one terminal can be collected and used by the first core network element, obtaining an address of at least one third core network element from the sixth core network element. Including, Here, the at least one third core network element serves the at least one terminal.

[0185] Optionally, the first transmitting module 113: a first determining unit for determining a type of the positioning accuracy; a first sending unit for sending a terminal positioning service request to a first network element when the positioning accuracy type is a first accuracy type; Here, the first network element is the fourth core network element or the fifth core network element.

[0186] Optionally, the positioning information is The geolocation of the device; Movement information of the terminal; Positioning accuracy and Time information of the positioning; Includes.

[0187] Optionally, the movement information of the terminal is: The speed and direction of the device's movement Includes.

[0188] Optionally, the positioning information is Location environment instruction information Includes.

[0189] Optionally, the location environment indication information is: The terminal is located on the ground; and The terminal is located underground, The terminal is located indoors; and The terminal is located outdoors; The terminal is located inside the vehicle; The terminal is located outside the vehicle; The purpose is to indicate at least one of the following:

[0190] The information transmission device provided by the embodiments of the present application can enable the NWDAF to obtain terminal positioning information of different granularities, thereby improving the level of statistical and forecasting services of the NWDAF.

[0191] The information transmission device in the embodiments of the present application may be an electronic device, such as an electronic device equipped with an operating system, or a component of an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or chip. The electronic device may be a device other than a terminal. For example, the other device may be a server, a network attached storage (NAS), etc., and is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0192] The information transmission device provided by the embodiments of the present application can implement each process implemented in the method embodiment of FIG. 2 and achieve the same technical effects, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here to avoid repetition.

[0193] An embodiment of the present application further provides a core network element, where the illustrated core network element is a first core network element, including a processor and a communication interface, where the processor is used for receiving a positioning service request from a second core network element, the positioning service request being for requesting positioning information of at least one terminal, the positioning service request including positioning granularity indication information, and the positioning granularity indication information being for indicating at least one of a plurality of gradient positioning granularities, the communication interface is used for determining a positioning accuracy and a quality of service QoS class according to the positioning service request, and sending the terminal positioning service request to the first network element, where the terminal positioning service request is for requesting positioning information of the terminal, the terminal positioning service request including the positioning accuracy and the QoS class, and the first network element is a third core network element, a fourth core network element, or a fifth core network element, and receiving the terminal positioning information sent from the first network element.

[0194] The core network element embodiment corresponds to the method embodiment on the first core network element side, and the implementation processes and realization forms of the method embodiments can all be applied to the core network element embodiment, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

[0195] Specifically, an embodiment of the present application further provides a core network element, where the core network element is a first core network element. As shown in Figure 12, the core network element 1200 includes a processor 1201, a network interface 1202, and a memory 1203. Here, the network interface 1202 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0196] Specifically, the core network element 1200 of the embodiment of the present invention further includes a command or program stored in the memory 1203 and executable by the processor 1201, and the processor 1201 calls the command or program in the memory 1203 to execute the method executed by each module shown in Figure 11, and achieves the same technical effect. In order to avoid repetition, detailed description will be omitted here.

[0197] The embodiments of the present application further provide a readable storage medium, which stores a program or command, and when the program or command is executed by a processor, the processes of the above-mentioned information transmission method embodiments are realized and the same technical effects can be achieved, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herein to avoid repetition.

[0198] Wherein, the processor is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiment. The readable storage medium includes a computer readable storage medium such as a computer read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 13, an embodiment of the present application is an information transmission device applied to a first network element, a third receiving module 131 for receiving a terminal positioning service request sent from a first core network element, the terminal positioning service request being for requesting terminal positioning information, and the terminal positioning service request including a positioning accuracy and a QoS class; a second sending module 132 for sending the terminal's positioning information to the first core network element in response to the terminal's positioning service request; Equipped with The information transmission device further provides, wherein the first network element is a third core network element, a fourth core network element or a fifth core network element.

[0200] Optionally, the second transmitting module 132: If it is determined that the terminal positioning service request requires positioning information of one group of terminals, the terminal positioning service request is used to obtain the positioning information of each terminal and then transmit it to the first core network element, or to obtain all the positioning information of one group of terminals and then transmit the positioning information of the one group of terminals to the first core network element; Here, the first network element is a fifth core network element.

[0201] Optionally, if the first network element is a third core network element or a fifth core network element, the second sending module 132: a second judging unit for judging whether the positioning accuracy in the terminal positioning service request can be provided; and a second sending unit for sending the terminal's positioning information to the first core network element when it is determined that the terminal can provide positioning information with the positioning accuracy.

[0202] Optionally, the information transmission device further includes a third sending unit for sending the terminal location service request to a third network element when the second determining unit determines whether the positioning accuracy in the terminal location service request can be provided and determines that the positioning information of the positioning accuracy cannot be provided; a receiving unit for receiving the terminal positioning information sent from the third network element; a fourth sending unit for sending the positioning information of the terminal to the first core network element; Here, if the first network element is the third core network element, the third network element becomes the fourth core network element, and if the first network element is the fifth core network element, the third network element becomes the third core network element.

[0203] Optionally, the positioning information is The geolocation of the device; Movement information of the terminal; Positioning accuracy and Time information of the positioning; Includes.

[0204] Optionally, the movement information of the terminal is: The speed and direction of the device's movement Includes.

[0205] Optionally, the positioning information is Location environment instruction information Includes.

[0206] Optionally, the location environment indication information is: The terminal is located on the ground; and The terminal is located underground, The terminal is located indoors; and The terminal is located outdoors; The terminal is located inside the vehicle; The terminal is located outside the vehicle; The purpose is to indicate at least one of the following:

[0207] It should be noted that the device embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the first network element side described above, and all implementation forms in the above method embodiments can be applied to the device embodiment to achieve the same technical effects.

[0208] An embodiment of the present application further provides a network element. The illustrated network element is a first network element, including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being used for receiving a terminal positioning service request sent from a first core network element, the terminal positioning service request being for requesting terminal positioning information, the terminal positioning service request including a positioning accuracy and a QoS class, and sending the terminal positioning information to the first core network element in response to the terminal positioning service request, where the first network element is a third core network element, a fourth core network element, or a fifth core network element. This network element embodiment corresponds to the method embodiment on the first network element side, and the implementation processes and realization modes of the method embodiments can all be applied to this network element embodiment, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

[0209] Specifically, the embodiment of the present application further provides a network element, the illustrated network element is a first network element, the specific structure of which is shown in Figure 12, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0210] The embodiments of the present application further provide a readable storage medium, which stores a program or command, and when the program or command is executed by a processor, the processes of the above-mentioned information transmission method embodiments are realized and the same technical effects can be achieved, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herein to avoid repetition.

[0211] Wherein, the processor is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiment. The readable storage medium includes a computer readable storage medium such as a computer read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0212] Optionally, as shown in Fig. 14, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 1400. The communication device 1400 includes a processor 1401 and a memory 1402, and the memory 1402 stores programs or commands executable by the processor 1401. For example, when the communication device 1400 is a first core network element, the program or command executed by the processor 1401 can realize the steps of the information transmission method described in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, and the same technical effects can be achieved. When the communication device 1400 is a first network element, the program or command executed by the processor 1401 can realize the steps of the information transmission method described in the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, and the same technical effects can be achieved. In order to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

[0213] The embodiments of the present application further provide a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface, and the communication interface and the processor are coupled together, and the processor is used to execute programs or commands to realize each process of the embodiments of the information transmission method, and can achieve the same technical effects, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here to avoid repetition.

[0214] It should be understood that the chips referred to in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as system level chips, system chips, chip systems, or system-on-chips, among others.

[0215] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and can be executed by at least one processor to implement each process of the above-mentioned information transmission method embodiments and achieve the same technical effects, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herein to avoid repetition.

[0216] An embodiment of the present application further provides an information transmission system including a first core network element that can be used to perform the steps of the information transmission method as described above, and a first network element that can be used to perform the steps of the information transmission method as described above.

[0217] It should be noted that, as used herein, the terms "comprise," "consist of," or any other variation thereof, are intended to include a non-exclusive inclusion, whereby a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a set of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly specified or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, elements qualified by the phrase "comprise a" do not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. It should also be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on such functionality. For example, the described method may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described with reference to one example may be combined in other examples.

[0218] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be realized in the form of a combination of software and a necessary common hardware platform, and of course, they can also be realized by hardware, but in many cases the former is a more preferred embodiment. Based on this view, the technical solutions of the present application can be substantially realized or the part that contributes to the prior art can be realized in the form of a computer software product, which is stored in a storage medium (e.g., ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes a plurality of commands that cause a terminal (which may be a mobile phone, a computer, a server, an air conditioner, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0219] Although the examples of the present application have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, which are merely illustrative and not limiting. Based on the suggestions of the present application, many forms that a person skilled in the art can make without departing from the spirit of the present application and the scope of protection of the claims are all within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. a step of receiving a positioning service request from a second core network element by a first core network element, the positioning service request being for requesting positioning information of at least one terminal, the positioning service request including positioning granularity indication information, and the positioning granularity indication information being for indicating at least one of a plurality of gradient positioning granularities; The first core network element determines a positioning accuracy and a quality of service (QoS) class according to the positioning service request; The first core network element sends a terminal positioning service request to a first network element, the terminal positioning service request is for requesting terminal positioning information, the terminal positioning service request includes a positioning accuracy and a QoS class, and the first network element is a Gateway Mobile Positioning Center (GMLC) network element; The first core network element receives positioning information of the terminal transmitted from the first network element; Including, The information transmission method, wherein the first core network element is a Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) network element and the second core network element is an NWDAF consumer.

2. The manner in which the first core network element determines the positioning accuracy according to the positioning service request is: The first core network element maps the positioning granularity indicated by the positioning granularity indication information to obtain positioning accuracy. or The first core network element determines the QoS class according to the positioning service request in a manner including: the first core network element obtaining the QoS class carried in the positioning service request; or The first core network element maps the preferred analysis accuracy information carried in the positioning service request to obtain a QoS class. The method of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The QoS class is: High level QoS; an intermediate level QoS; A low level of QoS; The method of claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one of:

4. After the first core network element receives the terminal positioning information transmitted from the first network element, When the first core network element determines that the positioning accuracy of the acquired positioning information of at least one terminal is equal to or less than the positioning accuracy required by the second core network element, acquiring the achieved granularity and result reliability of the positioning information of at least one terminal; The first core network element sends the positioning information of at least one terminal, the realized granularity, and a result reliability of the positioning information to the second core network element; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

5. The manner in which the first core network element obtains the realized granularity of positioning information is: Mapping the positioning accuracy of the positioning information as realized granularity. Including, Or, The manner in which the first core network element obtains the result reliability of the positioning information is as follows: determining a result reliability of the positioning information based on the achieved QoS class of the positioning information; The method of claim 4, comprising:

6. The terminal location service request includes a terminal identifier or a terminal group identifier; The method of acquiring the group identifier of the terminal is as follows: The first core network element obtains a group identifier of the terminal carried in the positioning service request; or the first core network element maps the location indication carried in the positioning service request to obtain a group identifier of the terminal; The method of claim 1 , comprising:

7. The step of the first core network element sending a terminal location service request to the first network element includes: The first core network element determines the type of positioning accuracy; The first core network element sends a terminal positioning service request to the first network element when the positioning accuracy type is a fine-granularity accuracy type; The method of claim 1 , comprising:

8. The positioning information is The geolocation of the device; Movement information of the terminal; Positioning accuracy and Time information of the positioning; Including, The movement information of the terminal is The speed and direction of the device's movement The method of claim 1 , comprising:

9. The positioning information is Location environment instruction information Including, The location environment indication information is The terminal is located on the ground; and The terminal is located underground, The terminal is located indoors; and The terminal is located outdoors; The terminal is located inside the vehicle; The terminal is located outside the vehicle; The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is for indicating at least one of:

10. a step of receiving, by a first network element, a terminal positioning service request sent from a first core network element, the terminal positioning service request being for requesting terminal positioning information, and the terminal positioning service request including a positioning accuracy and a QoS class; The first network element sends positioning information of the terminal to a first core network element in response to the terminal positioning service request; Including, the first network element is a Gateway Mobile Positioning Center (GMLC) network element; The information transmission method, wherein the first core network element is a Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) network element.

11. The step of the first network element sending the positioning information of the terminal to a first core network element includes: When the first network element determines that the terminal location service request requests the positioning information of one group of terminals, the first network element obtains the positioning information of each terminal and then transmits the positioning information to the first core network element, or obtains all the positioning information of one group of terminals and then transmits the positioning information of the one group of terminals to the first core network element. The method of claim 10, comprising:

12. The step of the first network element transmitting the terminal's positioning information to a first core network element in response to the terminal positioning service request, determining whether the first network element can provide the positioning accuracy in the terminal positioning service request; If the first network element determines that it can provide positioning information of the positioning accuracy, transmitting positioning information of the terminal to the first core network element. The method of claim 10, comprising:

13. The positioning information is The geolocation of the device; Movement information of the terminal; Positioning accuracy and Time information of the positioning; Including, The movement information of the terminal is The speed and direction of the device's movement The method of claim 10, comprising:

14. A core network element that is a first core network element, the core network element including a processor and a memory, wherein a program or command executable by the processor is stored in the memory, and when the program or command is executed by the processor, the steps of the information transmission method described in claim 1 are realized.

15. A network element that is a first network element, the network element including a processor and a memory, wherein a program or command executable by the processor is stored in the memory, and when the program or command is executed by the processor, the steps of the information transmission method described in any one of claims 10 to 13 are realized.

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