Positioning function enhancement mechanism
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
- Filing Date
- 2021-04-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
Smart Images
Figure 0007880892000001 
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly, to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for a positioning function enhancement mechanism.
Background Art
[0002] For a terminal device (e.g., UE) in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED), it is easy to be positioned within a mobile communication network by a series of location management operations. For example, a network node responsible for a location management function called LMF can request a terminal device to transmit a location measurement report by sending a location information request of an LTE positioning protocol (such as LPP). In this request, the LMF can notify the type of measurement report, such as a trigger-based report or a periodic report, the amount of the report, and particularly the report interval for a periodic report. Such location information is transparent to the serving base station (e.g., gNB) of the terminal device, and thus the LMF can further provide it to the serving base station and the access and mobility management function (AMF) node.
[0003] As communication technology evolves to the fifth generation of new radio, also known as 5G NR, a new RRC state, namely the RRC inactive state, is being introduced to adapt to new application scenarios and service characteristics. In the RRC_INACTIVE state (RRC inactive state), a terminal device can operate in a low-power state, like a "sleep" mode, but is permitted to receive and transmit infrequent, small amounts of data traffic. The context of the terminal device is maintained at the base station that last provided the service, and the terminal device can move within a radio access network (e.g., RAN)-based notification area (e.g., RNA) without notifying the RAN. Therefore, the RRC_INACTIVE state can involve a trade-off between transmission delay, power consumption, and signaling overhead. The RNA can cover multiple cells provided by multiple base stations, and in some cases, the terminal device may even move outside the RNA. This can make it difficult or precise to pinpoint the location of the terminal device. [Overview of the Initiative]
[0004] In general, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide solutions for positioning enhancement mechanisms.
[0005] In a first embodiment, a first device is provided. The first device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the at least one processor to cause the first device to determine that a third device is planning to send a positioning-related message while disconnected, and to transmit support information to a second device that provides services to the third device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for the positioning-related message.
[0006] In a second embodiment, a second device is provided. The second device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured by at least one processor to cause the second device to receive support information from the first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for positioning-related messages transmitted by a disconnected third device; to determine the settings for positioning-related messages based on the support information; and to transmit the settings to the third device.
[0007] In a third embodiment, a third device is provided. The third device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured by at least one processor to cause the third device to receive from a second device a setting for positioning-related messages to be transmitted by the third device in a disconnected state, the setting being determined by the second device based on support information received from the first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for the positioning-related messages, and to transmit positioning-related messages to the second device in a disconnected state based on the setting.
[0008] In a fourth embodiment, a fourth device is provided. The fourth device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured by at least one processor to cause the fourth device to receive support information from the first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for positioning-related messages transmitted by the disconnected third device, and to reserve resources based on the support information.
[0009] In a fifth embodiment, a method is provided. This method includes a first device determining that a third device is planning to send a positioning-related message while disconnected, and transmitting support information to a second device that provides services to the third device, wherein the support information includes at least one of the data size and transmission period for the positioning-related message.
[0010] A sixth embodiment provides a method, which includes: receiving a setting from a first device for transmitting a first reference signal, the setting being determined by the first device based on information regarding a departure angle from a position management device, the departure angle being estimated for the transmission of a first reference signal from the second device; and transmitting a first reference signal for positioning of the second device based on the setting.
[0011] In a seventh embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes a third device receiving from a second device a setting for positioning-related messages transmitted by the disconnected third device, the setting being determined by the second device based on support information received from a first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for positioning-related messages, and transmitting positioning-related messages to the second device in a disconnected state based on the setting.
[0012] In an eighth embodiment, a method is provided. This method includes, in a fourth device, receiving support information from a first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by a disconnected third device, and reserving resources based on the support information.
[0013] In a ninth embodiment, a first device is provided. The first device comprises means for determining that a third device is scheduled to transmit a positioning-related message while disconnected, and means for transmitting support information to a second device that provides services to the third device, wherein the support information includes at least one of the data size and transmission period for a positioning-related message.
[0014] In a tenth embodiment, a second device is provided. The second device includes means for receiving support information from a first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by a disconnected third device; means for determining the settings for a positioning-related message based on the support information; and means for transmitting the settings to the third device.
[0015] In an eleventh embodiment, a third device is provided. The third device includes means for receiving a setting of positioning-related messages transmitted by the disconnected third device from a second device, the setting being determined by the second device based on support information received from the first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for the positioning-related messages, and means for transmitting positioning-related messages to the second device based on the setting while disconnected.
[0016] In a twelfth embodiment, a fourth device is provided. The fourth device comprises means for receiving support information from a first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by a disconnected third device, and means for reserving resources based on the support information.
[0017] In a thirteenth embodiment, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided. The non-transient computer-readable medium comprises program instructions for causing a device to perform the method according to the fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth embodiment.
[0018] Please understand that this abstract is not intended to identify any significant or essential features of the embodiments of the Disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the Disclosure. Other features of the Disclosure will be readily apparent through the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0019] Next, several exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an exemplary communications network in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a signaling chart illustrating the positioning process of a disconnected terminal device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of an exemplary positioning method implemented in a first device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary positioning method implemented in a second device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary positioning method implemented in a third device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of an exemplary positioning method implemented in a fourth device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a block diagram of an exemplary computer-readable medium according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference figures represent the same or similar elements. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0020] Next, the principles of the present disclosure will be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for purposes of illustration and are helpful for those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, and do not imply any limitation regarding the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various manners other than those described below.
[0021] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this disclosure belongs.
[0022] References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "exemplary embodiments", etc. in the present disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments need to include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, such expressions do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, it should be noted that when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in relation to an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in relation to other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.
[0023] In this specification, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.
[0024] The terms used herein are for the sole purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. Where used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Where used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including” identify the presence of the described features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0025] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations of analog and / or digital circuits only), and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, for example (if applicable) (i) combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, (ii) A part of a hardware processor comprising software (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory(s), which works together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or a server to perform various functions. (c) Hardware circuits and processors, such as microprocessors or parts of microprocessors, that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but may not be present when not required for operation.
[0026] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in all claims. Further as used in this application, the term "circuit" also includes, by definition, a hardware circuit or processor (or more processors) or a part of a hardware circuit or processor and the accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term "circuit" also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network equipment, or other computing or network equipment, where applicable to the elements of a particular claim.
[0027] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network conforming to any appropriate communication standard, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Broadband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA®), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT). Furthermore, communication between terminal equipment and network devices in a communication network may be carried out in accordance with any appropriate generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will of course be future communication technologies and systems to which this disclosure can be embodied. The scope of this disclosure should not be considered to be limited to the aforementioned systems only.
[0028] As used herein, the term “network device” refers to a node in a communications network from which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Network devices may refer to base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR next-generation Node B (gNB), remote radio units (RRUs), radio headers (RHs), remote radio heads (RRHs), integrated access backhaul (IAB) nodes, relays, and low-power nodes such as femto and pico, depending on the terminology and technology applied. Network devices may also be defined as part of a gNB, such as a CU / DU split, in which case the network device is defined as either a gNB-CU or a gNB-DU.
[0029] The term "terminal device" refers to any termination device capable of wireless communication. While not an exhaustive definition, terminal devices may also be called communication devices, user equipment (UE), subscriber stations (SS), mobile subscriber stations, mobile stations (MS), or access terminals (AT). Terminal devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture devices such as digital cameras, game terminals, music storage and playback appliances, in-vehicle wireless terminals, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless home equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearables such as watches, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices, applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, and devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks. In the following description, the terms “terminal device,” “communication device,” “terminal,” “user device,” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.
[0030] Regarding the positioning process in the RRC_CONNECTED state, the terminal device can request UL resources for each reporting opportunity through scheduling requests to the serving base station. When entering the RRC_NON-CONNECTED state (RRC non-connected state) (including the RRC_INACTIVE state and the RRC_IDLE state), the serving base station may lack information about when and how much resources the terminal device will need to transmit a positioning report. In the RRC_INACTIVE state, uplink (UL) / downlink (DL) transmissions are permitted via small data transmission (SDT) procedures, which can be achieved based on the Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure or a configured grant (CG). From this perspective, SDT can be used for positioning of a terminal device in a disconnected state.
[0031] Typically, a serving base station sets a data size threshold to determine whether a terminal device will send UL data using the SDT procedure. More specifically, if the data size of the UL data is smaller than the data size threshold (e.g., 1000 bits), the terminal device may decide to use SDT to send the UL data. Otherwise, the terminal device may not use SDT for data transmission in the RRC_INACTIVE state. Subsequent data transmissions are also permitted by SDT. In other words, a terminal device can send larger amounts of traffic to the base station via multiple SDT transmissions.
[0032] In such a static configuration, the base station may not be able to recognize the amount of data that is expected to be transmitted from the terminal device, and therefore it may be difficult to allocate appropriate physical uplink shared channel (e.g., PUSCH) resources for UL SDT transmission. If the base station does not allocate sufficient resources for location reporting, segmentation of the report becomes necessary. However, segmentation results in additional delay and additional power consumption. On the other hand, if the serving base station allocates PUSCH resources according to the maximum allowable data size, i.e., based on a threshold, it may lead to potential resource waste. For example, if the amount of data transmitted by the terminal device is not very large, padding may be applied to the SDT, reducing efficiency.
[0033] To address the above and other potential problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved solution for positioning. In the solution, support information is provided to a serving network device to allocate appropriate resources to the SDT. The support information may indicate at least one of the following related to the positioning report: data size, data volume, period, interval, etc. The serving base station then determines an SDT setting suitable for the positioning report based on the support information. This SDT setting allows terminal devices to transmit positioning-related messages even when disconnected. Such a solution is applicable to both UE-assisted positioning and UE-based positioning. Of course, this solution can also be applied to the transmission of other information from terminal devices to the LMF when disconnected.
[0034] Figure 1 shows an exemplary communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. As shown in Figure 1, the communication network 100 comprises a first device 110, a second device 120, a third device 130, and a location management device 140.
[0035] The first device 110 may be implemented as an LMF in the core network. Of course, the first device 110 may also be implemented in a radio access network (RAN), in which case it may be referred to as a local management component (LMC). The first device 110 can determine the location information of terminal devices and provide positioning services to terminal devices and base stations. For example, the first device 110 may be requested by an AMF or second device 120 to position the third device 130 and initiate the positioning procedure.
[0036] The first device 110 can communicate with the second device 120 and the fourth device 140. In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 can transmit support information related to positioning reports to the second device 120 and the fourth device 140. For example, the support information may include, but is not limited to, the data size or transmission frequency of positioning-related messages. Such support information may help the second device 120 and the fourth device 140 to set appropriate SDT settings.
[0037] The second device 120 can be a network device (e.g., a gNB) and can provide serving cell 102 to the third device 130. When the third device 130 switches from the RRC_CONNECTED state to the RRC NON-CONNECTED state, the second device 120 acts as the last base station providing service to the third device 130 and thus maintains the context of the third device 130.
[0038] The fourth device 140 may be another network device (e.g., a gNB) or a transmit / receive point (TRP) and can provide adjacent cell 104 to the third device 130. The second device 120 and the fourth device 140 may be within the same RAN-based notification area (RNA), and the third device 130 can move outside the coverage of cell 102 and inside the coverage of cell 104.
[0039] The third device 130 may be a terminal device located within the RNA. For example, the third device 130 can move within the RNA coverage. As shown in Figure 1, the third device 130 can be serviced first by the second device 120 and then by the fourth device 140.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the third device 130 can switch between different states, for example, from the RRC_CONNECTED state to the RRC_INACTIVE state. In the RRC inactive state, the third device 130 can transmit data via the SDT procedure. For example, the second device 120 can transmit an SDT configuration to the third device 130 before entering the RRC_INACTIVE state. The SDT configuration can at least indicate a data volume threshold and an SDT opportunity. In the RRC_INACTIVE state, if the amount of data to be transmitted is below the data volume threshold, the third device 130 can determine that the data is scheduled to be transmitted via SDT. The third device 130 can then transmit the data at an SDT opportunity.
[0041] The second device 120 and the fourth device 140 can communicate with each other via a channel such as a wireless communication channel. For example, the second device 120 and the fourth device 140 can communicate with each other via the X2 or Xn interface. The second device 120 and the fourth device 140 can communicate with the first device 110 via the NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) protocol. The third device 130 and the first device 110 can communicate with each other via the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) protocol.
[0042] Furthermore, it should be understood that the number of first, second, third, and fourth devices shown in Figure 1 is not limiting in any way and is merely illustrative. Network 100 may include any appropriate number of first, second, third, and fourth devices adapted to carry out embodiments of this disclosure.
[0043] For illustrative purposes only, the second device 120 and the fourth device 140 are illustrated as base stations, and the third device 130 is illustrated as an UE. It should be understood that the base stations and UE are merely illustrative implementations of the second device 120, the fourth device 140, and the third device 130, respectively, and do not imply any limitation to the scope of the present invention. Any other suitable implementations are possible.
[0044] Communication in Network 100 may comply with any appropriate standard, including but not limited to LTE, LTE Evolution, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA®), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Furthermore, communication may be performed according to any generation of communication protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, and fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols.
[0045] The principles and embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Figure 2 is a signaling chart showing a positioning process 200 according to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For discussion purposes, the process 200 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The process 200 may include a first device 110, a second device 120, a third device 130, and a fourth device 140.
[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the first device 110 determines that the third device 130 is in a disconnected state and is scheduled to send a positioning-related message (205). The positioning-related message may be a location measurement report or another positioning-related message. The disconnected state may be the RRC_INACTIVE state or the RRC_IDLE state.
[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 can determine that the third device 130 is scheduled to send positioning-related messages while in a disconnected state, based on the determination that the third device 130 is scheduled to enter a disconnected state.
[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 can determine, based on the activity state of the third device 130, that the third device 130 is about to enter a disconnected state. The activity state of the third device may be notified by a message received from the AMF, the second device 120, or the third device 130. For example, if the activity of the third device 130 is determined to be low, the second device 120 can notify the first device 110 that the third device 130 is about to enter the RRC_INACTIVE state. Alternatively, the AMF may send a notification to the first device 110 informing it that the third device 130 is about to enter a disconnected state.
[0049] The first device 110 transmits support information to a second device 120 that provides services to a third device 130, for example via the NRPPa protocol (210). The support information may include at least one of the data size and transmission period for positioning-related messages. In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 can transmit support information to a fourth device 140 that provides an adjacent cell 104 of the third device 130 (215).
[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 can transmit validity information regarding support information to the second device 120. For example, the validity information may indicate the validity period of the support information for setting SDT parameters. The validity period may be measured by a timer that is started when the request is received or acknowledged. Once the validity period expires, the second device 120 may no longer be requested by the first device 110 to provide SDT resources.
[0051] For example, effectiveness information may be provided for each terminal device over a predetermined period. Alternatively, effectiveness information may be provided for each resource over a predetermined period, for example, in terms of reporting cycle, data size, etc. In some cases, the second device 120 can receive multiple parameter values with different effectiveness information, and the second device 120 can optimize resource allocation for SDT.
[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may provide one or more pieces of information to the second device 120 as well as the fourth device 140 to assist in determining the SDT settings. This information may include, but is not limited to, the number of terminal devices expected to perform positioning in a disconnected state, the number of terminal devices for each parameter category (e.g., requiring a specific period, data size, etc.), the minimum data size supported by the SDT resource for positioning, and the minimum period for positioning-related messages.
[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 130 can also transmit support information to the second device 120, for example, via RRC messages. In these embodiments, the second device 120 can further transmit support information not only to the fourth device 140 but also to other TRPs within the same RNA, via the X2 or Xn interface.
[0054] Upon receiving support information from the first device 110, the second device 120 determines the settings for positioning-related messages based on the support information (220). In some exemplary embodiments, positioning-related messages may be transmitted via an SDT procedure, and therefore the settings determined by the second device 120 may be SDT settings.
[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120, based on the data size, • Allocation of time and frequency resources, for example, resources allocated to a first message associated with SDT, the first message including, but not limited to, message A, which is the random access preamble in a two-step random access procedure for SDT; message 3, which is the four-step random access procedure for SDT; and the uplink setting grant (UL CG) message for SDT. • Modulation and coding method (MCS) for the first message, and, • A threshold for the amount of data of the third device 130 to determine whether or not to use SDT. At least one of these can be determined.
[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 can determine, based on the transmission cycle, an SDT opportunity for the third device 130 to transmit a positioning-related message while disconnected.
[0057] The second device 120 transmits a setting to the third device 130 in order to transmit positioning-related messages in the RRC NON-CONNECTED state (225). In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may also transmit a setting to the fourth device 140 (230).
[0058] Upon receiving support information, the fourth device 140 reserves resources based on the support information (235). For example, the fourth device 140 can use the same or similar settings for SDT. The fourth device 140 can attempt to receive positioning-related messages from the third device 130 on the reserved resources. As another example, the fourth device 140 can avoid allocating the reserved resources for other transmissions.
[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 130 may provide the second device 120 with other information for determining the configuration, such as the priority transmit (Tx) beam. For example, before entering the RRC NON-CONNECTED state, the third device 130 may be configured to provide such information via up to N DL reference signals (RS) it detects or measures, e.g., a synchronization signal block (SSB). The SSB is assumed to be a spatial relation RS corresponding to the UL channel used for SDT. The third device 130 may provide information as part of a request to enter the RRC non-connected state in order to perform a positioning procedure.
[0060] In some exemplary and other embodiments, a network device may send an RRC message to a second device 120 to notify it of a set of SDT resources specific to positioning-related messages.
[0061] This allows network devices to activate a set of resources specific to the SDT instead of activating them for the entire cell, resulting in resource savings, particularly in FR2. In the above embodiment, the second device 120 can activate the configuration and send a notification of the configuration activation to the third device 130.
[0062] Subsequently, the third device 130 enters the RRC NON-CONNECTED state (240). In the RRC NON-CONNECTED state, the third device 130 can determine whether the data volume of the positioning-related message is below the data volume threshold. If the data volume of the positioning-related message is below the data volume threshold, the third device 130 determines that it intends to send the positioning-related message (245).
[0063] In this case, the third device 130 sends a positioning-related message to the second device 120 based on the settings (250). Upon receiving the positioning-related message via the SDT, the second device 120 can send a positioning report to the first device 110 (255).
[0064] It should be understood that the positioning mechanism provided in the exemplary embodiment is applicable not only to position measurement reports but also to other information transmitted between the terminal device and the LMF in the RRC NON-CONNECTED state. Furthermore, such a mechanism is suitable for both UE-based positioning and UE-assisted positioning.
[0065] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, positioning-related information is provided to the base station. Thus, appropriate SDT settings can be determined, and resources of appropriate size and period can be allocated or reserved for the SDT used to transmit positioning-related messages in the RRC NON-CONNECTED state. This improves the efficiency of the SDT procedure while avoiding segmentation, positioning reports, and subsequent transmissions.
[0066] Corresponding to the process described in relation to Figure 2, embodiments of this disclosure provide a positioning solution including a location management function node, a network device providing a serving cell, a terminal device, and a network device providing an adjacent cell. These methods are described below with reference to Figures 3 to 6.
[0067] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of Method 300 for positioning performed in a location management function node according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 300 can be performed in the first device 110 shown in Figure 1. For illustrative purposes, Method 300 will be described with reference to Figure 1. It should be understood that Method 300 further includes additional blocks not shown and / or some of the shown blocks may be omitted, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.
[0068] As shown in Figure 3, in block 310, the first device 110 determines that the third device 130 is in a disconnected state and is scheduled to send a positioning-related message. In some exemplary embodiments, the positioning-related message may be sent via SDT, or the positioning-related message may be a location measurement report. The disconnected state may include the RRC_INACTIVE state or the RRC_IDLE state.
[0069] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 can determine, for example, that the third device 130 is scheduled to enter a disconnected state, based on the activity status of the third device 130 (e.g., low activity) or a notification received from an AMF node. The activity status of the third device may be notified from a first message received from the AMF, the second device 120, or the third device 130. In this case, the first device 110 can determine that the third device 130 is scheduled to transmit positioning-related messages while disconnected.
[0070] In 320, the first device 110 transmits support information to the second device 120, which provides services to the third device 130. The support information may include at least one of the data size and transmission period for positioning-related messages.
[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may further transmit support information to a fourth device 140 that provides an adjacent cell 104 of the third device 130. The first device 110 may transmit support information via the NRPPa protocol.
[0072] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a network node providing positioning services, such as an LMF, transmits support information regarding the data size and transmission cycle of positioning-related messages to a base station within the same RNA. With such prior information regarding positioning-related messages, the base station can determine an appropriate configuration for the SDT procedure. The terminal device then transmits the positioning-related messages via SDT in an RRC NON-CONNECTED state. In this way, the efficiency of the SDT procedure can be improved while avoiding the subsequent transmission of segmentation and positioning reports.
[0073] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a positioning method 400 implemented in a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 400 can be implemented in the second device 120 shown in Figure 1. For discussion purposes, Method 400 will be described with reference to Figure 1. It should be understood that Method 400 further includes additional blocks not shown, and / or some of the illustrated blocks may be omitted, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.
[0074] As shown in Figure 4, in block 410, the second device 120 receives support information from the first device 110. The support information may include at least one of the data size and transmission period of positioning-related messages transmitted by the third device 130 in an unconnected state. The unconnected state may be the RRC_INACTIVE state or the RRC_IDLE state.
[0075] In block 420, the second device 120 determines the settings for positioning-related messages based on the support information. For example, positioning-related messages may be transmitted via SDT, and therefore the settings may be associated with the SDT procedure, i.e., the SDT settings.
[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 can determine, based on data size, at least one of the following: a resource allocated to a first message associated with an SDT, the MCS of the first message, or a data volume threshold of the third device 130, in order to determine whether an SDT is to be used. In these embodiments, the first message may be message A, which includes a random access preamble in a two-step random access procedure for an SDT; message 3, which includes a four-step random access procedure for an SDT; or a message which includes a UL CG for an SDT.
[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 can determine, based on the transmission cycle, an SDT opportunity for the third device 130 to transmit a positioning-related message while disconnected.
[0078] In block 430, the second device 120 transmits the configuration to the third device 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may further transmit the configuration to a fourth device 140 which provides an adjacent cell 104 of the third device 130. For example, the second device 120 may transmit the configuration to the fourth device 140 via an X2 or Xn interface.
[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may activate the setting and send a notification of the setting activation to the third device 130. For example, the second device 120 may decide to activate the setting based on low activity of the third device 130.
[0080] In the above embodiment, for example, the second device 120 may receive a notification from the third device 130 indicating that the third device 130 is planning to send positioning-related messages while disconnected. In this case, the second device 120 may activate the allocated resources.
[0081] In the embodiments described above, as another example, the second device 120 may receive an RRC release message from a network device indicating that a resource set for performing SDT has been activated and that the resource set includes allocated resources. In this case, the second device 120 may activate the allocated resources.
[0082] In the above embodiment, as another example, the second device 120 may receive an activation notification from the first device 110 via an RRC message. In this case, the second device 120 may activate the allocated resource.
[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may send a notification to the first device 110 indicating that the third device 130 is about to enter a disconnected state.
[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may receive positioning-related messages from the third device 130 via SDT. The second device 120 may then transmit the positioning-related messages to the first device 110.
[0085] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, pre-positioning information is provided to the last serving base station. In this way, the base station can determine an appropriate configuration for the SDT procedure used by terminal devices to transmit positioning-related messages in the RRC NON-CONNECTED state. This improves the efficiency of the SDT procedure while avoiding the subsequent transmission of segmentation and positioning reports.
[0086] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a positioning method 500 implemented in a terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 500 can be implemented in the third device 130 shown in Figure 1. For discussion purposes, Method 500 will be described with reference to Figure 1. It should be understood that Method 500 further includes additional blocks not shown, and / or some of the illustrated blocks may be omitted, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.
[0087] As shown in Figure 5, in block 510, the third device 130 receives from the second device 120 the settings for positioning-related messages transmitted by the third device 130 in a disconnected state. The settings may be determined in the second device 120 based on support information received from the first device 110. The support information may include at least one of the data size and transmission period for the positioning-related messages.
[0088] In some exemplary embodiments, the setting may represent at least one of the following: resources allocated by the second device 120, MCS, and transmission opportunities for sending positioning-related messages. For example, positioning-related messages may be transmitted via an SDT procedure, in which case the setting may be an SDT setting.
[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 130 may send a notification to the second device 120 informing it that the third device 130 is attempting to send a positioning-related message while in a disconnected state. The disconnected state may be either the RRC_INACTIVE state or the RRC_IDLE state.
[0090] The third device 130 may also provide such support information to the second device 120. For example, when the third device 130 is about to operate in the RRC_INACTIVE state, the third device 130 may transmit support information to its serving base station, for example, the second device 120, via higher-layer signaling such as RRC messages. The second device 120 may further transmit support information to other network devices within the same RNA, such as the fourth device 140.
[0091] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 130 may provide the second device 120 with other information to assist in determining SDT resources, such as, for example, a preferred transmit beam. For example, before entering an RRC-disconnected state, the third device 130 may be configured to provide such information via up to N DL reference signals (RSs) it has detected or measured, such as a synchronization signal block (SSB). The SSB is assumed to be a spatial relation RS corresponding to the UL channel used for SDT. The third device 130 may provide the information as part of a request to enter an RRC-disconnected state to perform a positioning procedure. This allows the network device to activate a specific set of resources for SDT instead of activating them for the entire cell, thereby conserving resources, particularly in FR2.
[0092] In block 520, the third device 130, in a disconnected state, transmits a positioning-related message to the second device 120 based on the settings. The positioning-related message may be a location measurement report. In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 130 may further transmit a positioning-related message to the first device 110.
[0093] In some exemplary embodiments, positioning-related messages may be transmitted via an SDT procedure. In these embodiments, the third device 130 may obtain a threshold for the amount of data associated with the SDT from a configuration. If the amount of data for the positioning-related message is below the threshold, the third device 130 may determine that the positioning-related message is scheduled to be transmitted. In this case, the third device 130 may transmit the positioning-related message based on a configuration indicating at least one of the SDT opportunities, including a resource allocated to the first message associated with the SDT, an MCS for the first message, or an opportunity for a random access procedure, or an opportunity for a UL CG.
[0094] Alternatively, if the third device 130 may have moved outside the cell 102 of the second device 120 and into the cell 104 of the fourth device 140, the third device 130 may send a positioning-related message to the fourth device 140.
[0095] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the terminal device comprises a positioning mechanism in the RRC NON-CONNECTED state. Using support information related to positioning-related messages, the base station can assign an appropriate configuration to the SDT in terms of data size and period. The terminal device then transmits positioning-related messages in the RRC NON-CONNECTED state via the SDT.
[0096] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a positioning method 600 implemented in a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 600 can be implemented in the fourth device 140 shown in Figure 1. For discussion purposes, Method 600 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Method 160 may further include additional blocks not shown, and / or some of the illustrated blocks may be omitted, and it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.
[0097] As shown in Figure 6, in block 610, the fourth device 140 receives support information from the first device 110. The support information may include at least one of the data size and transmission period of positioning-related messages transmitted by the third device 130 in an unconnected state. The unconnected state may be the RRC_INACTIVE state or the RRC_IDLE state.
[0098] Support information may be provided by the first device 110 due to the third device 130 being in a low-activity state. For example, the second device 120, which provides services to the third device 130, may notify the first device 110 that the third device 130 is about to enter the RRC NON-CONECTED state. Alternatively, the first device 110 may provide support information in response to a request for a positioning-related message. In these cases, the first device 110 may provide support information not only to the second device 120 but also to the fourth device 140 or other transmit / receive points (TRPs) within the same RNA.
[0099] In some other embodiments, the fourth device 140 may receive support information from the second device 120. Specifically, the second device 120 may receive such information from the first device 110 as described above, or alternatively from the third device 130. For example, the third device 130 may transmit support information via an RRC message when it is in the RRC NON-CONENCTED state. The second device 120 may then transmit the support information via the X2 or Xn interface to other network devices or TRPs, including the fourth device 140, within the same RAN.
[0100] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device 140 may receive settings for positioning-related messages from the second device 120. The settings may be determined by the second device 120 based on support information and positioning-related messages transmitted via SDT.
[0101] In block 620, the fourth device 140 reserves resources based on support information. In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device 140 may attempt to receive positioning-related messages from the third device 130 on the reserved resources. For example, the fourth device 140 may avoid using the resources for other data transmissions.
[0102] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device 140 may receive positioning-related messages from the third device 130 transmitted over a reserved resource. The positioning-related messages may include a location measurement report.
[0103] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a solution for putting a terminal device into an RRC NON-CONNECTED state. In this solution, support information is provided to a serving network device to allocate appropriate resources for SDT. The support information may include at least one of the following related to the positioning report: data size, data volume, period, interval, etc. The serving base station then determines an SDT setting suitable for the positioning report based on the support information.
[0104] In SDT configurations, terminal devices can send positioning-related messages even when disconnected. Such a solution is applicable to both UE-assisted positioning and UE-based positioning. Of course, this solution can also be applied when sending other information from the terminal device to the LMF while disconnected.
[0105] In some exemplary embodiments, a first apparatus (e.g., first device 110) capable of performing any of the methods 300 may include means for performing each step of the methods 300. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.
[0106] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device includes means for determining that a third device is scheduled to transmit a positioning-related message while disconnected, and means for transmitting support information to a second device that provides services to the third device, wherein the support information includes at least one of the data size and transmission period for a positioning-related message.
[0107] In some exemplary embodiments, means for transmitting positioning-related messages in a disconnected state further comprises means for determining that a third device is scheduled to transmit positioning-related messages in a disconnected state, based on the determination that the third device is scheduled to enter a disconnected state.
[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device further includes means for determining that the third device is about to enter a disconnected state based on at least one of the activity state of the third device or a notification received from an access and mobility management function node.
[0109] In some exemplary embodiments, the activity state of the third device is indicated in messages received from one of the access and mobility management function nodes, the second device, and the third device.
[0110] In some exemplary embodiments, positioning-related messages can be transmitted via small data transmissions, and these messages include a location measurement report.
[0111] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device further comprises means for transmitting support information to a fourth device that provides adjacent cells to the third device.
[0112] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for transmitting support information further comprises means for transmitting support information via the NR positioning protocol A (NRPPa) protocol.
[0113] In some exemplary embodiments, the disconnected state includes one of the following: radio resource control, RRC, inactive state, or RRC idle state.
[0114] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device includes a location management function node, the second device includes a network device, and the third device includes a terminal device.
[0115] In some exemplary embodiments, a second apparatus (e.g., second device 120) capable of performing any of the methods 400 may include means for performing each step of the methods 400. The means can be implemented in any preferred form. For example, the means can be implemented in a circuit or a software module.
[0116] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device includes means for receiving support information from a first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for a positioning-related message transmitted by a disconnected third device; means for determining the settings for the positioning-related message based on the support information; and means for transmitting the settings to the third device.
[0117] In some exemplary embodiments, means for determining settings for positioning-related messages further include means for performing at least one of means for determining at least one of the following based on data size: resources to be allocated to a first message related to a small data transmission; a modulation and encoding method for the first message; or a threshold for the amount of data of a third device to determine whether or not to use a small data transmission; or means for determining, based on transmission cycle, an opportunity for the third device to transmit a positioning-related message while disconnected.
[0118] In some exemplary embodiments, the first message includes message A, which includes a random access preamble in a two-step random access procedure for small data transmission; message 3, which includes a four-step random access procedure for small data transmission; or a message which includes an uplink setting grant for small data transmission.
[0119] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device may further include means for transmitting settings to the fourth device which provides adjacent cells to the third device.
[0120] In some exemplary embodiments, settings are sent via the Xn interface.
[0121] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device may further include means for receiving positioning-related messages from the third device via small data transmissions, and means for transmitting positioning-related messages to the first device.
[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device may further include means for activating a setting and means for sending a notification of the setting activation to the third device.
[0123] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device may further include means for activating an allocated resource in response to receiving a notification from a third device indicating that the third device is scheduled to transmit positioning-related messages while disconnected; activating an allocated resource in response to receiving a message from a network device indicating that a set of resources for performing small data transmissions has been activated and that the set of resources includes the allocated resource; or activating an allocated resource in response to receiving an activation notification from a first device.
[0124] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device may further include means for sending a notification to the first device indicating that the third device is about to enter a disconnected state.
[0125] In some exemplary embodiments, positioning-related messages include a location measurement report, and disconnected states include either a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state.
[0126] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device includes a location management function node, the second device includes a network device, and the third device includes a terminal device.
[0127] In some exemplary embodiments, a third apparatus (e.g., third device 130) capable of performing any of the methods 500 may include means for performing each step of the methods 500. Such means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, such means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.
[0128] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device includes means for receiving a setting of a positioning-related message transmitted by the disconnected third device from a second device, the setting being determined by the second device based on support information received from the first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for the positioning-related message, and means for transmitting to the second device in a disconnected state.
[0129] In some exemplary embodiments, means for sending a positioning-related message further include means for obtaining from a setting a threshold for the amount of data related to a small data transmission; means for determining that a positioning-related message is to be sent via a small data transmission in accordance with the determination that the amount of data of the positioning-related message is less than the threshold for the amount of data; and means for sending a positioning-related message based on a setting that indicates at least one of the resources allocated to a first message related to a small data transmission, a modulation and coding method for the first message, or an opportunity for a small data transmission, which includes an opportunity for a random access procedure or an opportunity for an uplink-configured grant.
[0130] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device further includes means for sending a notification to the second device indicating that the third device is attempting to transmit a positioning-related message while disconnected.
[0131] In some exemplary embodiments, positioning-related messages include a location measurement report, and disconnected states include one of the following: a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state.
[0132] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device further comprises means for transmitting positioning-related messages to the first device.
[0133] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device includes a location management function node, the second device includes a network device, and the third device includes a terminal device.
[0134] In some exemplary embodiments, a fourth apparatus (e.g., fourth device 140) capable of performing any of the methods 600 may include means for performing each step of the methods 600. Such means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, such means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.
[0135] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device comprises means for receiving support information from the first device, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for positioning-related messages transmitted by a disconnected third device, and means for reserving resources based on the support information.
[0136] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device may further provide means for receiving settings for positioning-related messages from the second device, the settings being determined in the second device based on support information, and the positioning-related messages being transmitted via small data transmissions.
[0137] In some exemplary embodiments, a second device provides services to a third device, a fourth device provides adjacent cells to the third device, and the fourth device may further include means for attempting to receive positioning-related messages from the third device on reserved resources.
[0138] In some exemplary embodiments, positioning-related messages include a location measurement report, and disconnected states include one of the following: a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state.
[0139] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device includes a location management function node, the second device includes a network device, the third device includes a terminal device, and the fourth device includes further network devices.
[0140] Figure 7 is a simplified block diagram of a device 700 suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 700 may be provided for implementing, for example, a communication device such as a location management device 110, a network device 120, a terminal device 130, or a network device 140, as shown in Figure 2. As shown, the device 700 includes one or more processors 710, one or more memories 720 coupled to the processor 710, and one or more transceivers (TX / RX) 740 coupled to the processor 710.
[0141] The TX / RX740 is for bidirectional communication. The TX / RX740 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements.
[0142] The processor 710 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include, in non-limiting examples, one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. The device 700 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-slave to a clock that synchronizes the main processor.
[0143] Memory 720 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 724, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random-access memory (RAM) 722 and other volatile memories that are not retained when the power is cut off.
[0144] The computer program 730 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 710. The program 730 may be stored in ROM 720. The processor 710 can perform any appropriate operations and processes by loading the program 730 into RAM 720.
[0145] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by program 730 so that the apparatus 700 can perform any process of the present disclosure as described with reference to Figures 3-6. Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.
[0146] In some exemplary embodiments, the program 730 can be physically stored in a computer-readable medium that can be provided in device 700 (such as in memory 720) or in other storage devices accessible by device 700. Device 700 can load the program 730 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 722 and execute it. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, or DVD. Figure 8 shows an example of a computer-readable medium 800 in the form of a CD or DVD. The program 730 is stored in this computer-readable medium.
[0147] In general, various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some embodiments can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Various embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or any other graphic representation, but it should be understood that any blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented, in non-limiting examples, in hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers, or other computing devices, or any combination thereof.
[0148] Furthermore, this disclosure provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored in a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those contained in a program module, which are executed on a device on a target real processor or virtual processor to perform methods 300, 400, 500, and 600 as described above with reference to Figures 3-6. Generally, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. The functionality of a program module can be combined or divided among program modules as needed in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions of a program module can be executed in a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside in both local and remote storage media.
[0149] Program code for carrying out the methods of this disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, and when the program code is executed by the processor or controller, it can perform functions / operations specified in flowcharts and / or block diagrams. The program code may run entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a standalone software package, partially on a machine, partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.
[0150] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, and the like.
[0151] Computer-readable media may be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include electrical connections with one or more wires, portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.
[0152] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in a specific order shown, or sequentially, or that all illustrated operations be performed in order to achieve a desired result. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although some specific implementation details are included in the above description, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately or in any suitable subcombination in multiple embodiments.
[0153] While this disclosure describes structural features and / or methodological effects in language specific to these features, it should be understood that the disclosure described in the attached claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or effects described above. Rather, the specific features and effects described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.
Claims
1. A first device for a location management function (LMF) for communication, At least one processor, At least one memory containing computer program code, Equipped with, The at least one memory and the computer program code are transmitted to the first device by the at least one processor. It is determined that the third device is planning to send positioning-related messages while disconnected, Transmitting support information to a second device that provides services to the third device, wherein the support information includes at least one of the data size and transmission period for the positioning-related message. A first device configured to perform the following action.
2. The at least one memory and the computer program code are transmitted to the first device by the at least one processor. In accordance with the determination that the third device is about to enter the disconnected state, it is determined that the third device is about to transmit the positioning-related message in the disconnected state. The first device according to claim 1, configured to cause the third device to decide to transmit the positioning-related message in the disconnected state.
3. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the disconnected state includes either a wireless resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state.
4. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device includes a location management function node, the second device includes a network device, and the third device includes a terminal device.
5. The second device is At least one processor, At least one memory containing computer program code, Equipped with, The at least one memory and the computer program code are transmitted to the second device by the at least one processor. Receiving support information from a first device for a Location Management Function (LMF) for communications, wherein the support information includes at least one of the data size and transmission period of a positioning-related message transmitted by a third device in a disconnected state. Based on the aforementioned support information, the settings for the positioning-related messages are determined, Sending the above settings to the third device, A second device configured to perform the following action.
6. The third device is At least one processor, At least one memory containing computer program code, Equipped with, The at least one memory and the computer program code are transmitted to the third device by the at least one processor. The second device receives a setting for a positioning-related message transmitted by the disconnected third device, the setting being determined in the second device based on support information received from the first device for a position management function (LMF) for communication, the support information including at least one of the data size and transmission period for the positioning-related message. In the aforementioned disconnected state, the second device is sent the positioning-related message based on the settings, A third device configured to perform the following action.
7. A first device for a location management function (LMF) for communication determines that a third device is in a disconnected state and is scheduled to send a positioning-related message, Transmitting support information to a second device that provides services to the third device, wherein the support information includes at least one of the data size and transmission period for the positioning-related message. Methods that include...
8. The second device receives support information from the first device for a location management function (LMF) for communication, wherein the support information includes at least one of the data size and transmission period for a positioning-related message performed by a disconnected third device. Based on the aforementioned support information, the settings for the positioning-related messages are determined, Sending the above settings to the third device, Methods that include...
9. The third device receives from the second device the settings for positioning-related messages transmitted by the third device in a disconnected state, wherein the settings are determined in the second device based on support information received from the first device for a position management function (LMF) for communication, and the support information includes at least one of the data size and transmission period for the positioning-related messages. In the aforementioned disconnected state, the positioning-related message is sent to the second device based on the settings, Methods that include...