Signal configuration method and apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a signal configuration method and apparatus, and a storage medium. The signal configuration method comprises: sending to a second network device a positioning response message responsive to a positioning information request message, the positioning information request message being a message that the second network device requests a first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for a terminal, wherein the configuring the uplink positioning reference signal comprises: configuring an uplink positioning reference signal resource; and configuring an associated effective area. The present disclosure achieves the objective of configuring the uplink positioning reference signal of the associated effective area for the terminal, thereby improving the availability of the uplink positioning technology and the hybrid uplink and downlink positioning technology.

Description

Signal configuration method and device, and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a signal configuration method and device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G) New Radio (NR) introduces a variety of positioning technologies to achieve terminal positioning.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in the related art, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a signal configuration method and device, and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a signal configuration method is provided, including:

[0006] Sending a positioning response message in response to a positioning information request message to the second network device, where the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal;

[0007] The configuring of the uplink positioning reference signal includes:

[0008] Configure uplink positioning reference signal resources;

[0009] Configure the associated valid area.

[0010] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a signal configuration method is provided, including:

[0011] Receiving a positioning response message sent by the first network device in response to a positioning information request message, wherein the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal;

[0012] The configuring of the uplink positioning reference signal includes:

[0013] Configure uplink positioning reference signal resources;

[0014] Configure the associated valid area.

[0015] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a first network device, including:

[0016] a sending module, configured to send a positioning response message in response to a positioning information request message to the second network device, wherein the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal;

[0017] The configuring of the uplink positioning reference signal includes:

[0018] Configure uplink positioning reference signal resources;

[0019] Configure the associated valid area.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided, including:

[0021] a receiving module configured to receive a positioning response message sent by the first network device in response to a positioning information request message, wherein the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal;

[0022] The configuring of the uplink positioning reference signal includes:

[0023] Configure uplink positioning reference signal resources;

[0024] Configure the associated valid area.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to execute any one of the signal configuration methods described above.

[0026] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a signal configuration device is provided, including:

[0027] processor;

[0028] a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;

[0029] The processor is configured to execute any one of the above signal configuration methods.

[0030] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0032] FIG1A is a schematic flow chart showing a signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] FIG1B is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 3 is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 8 is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 10 is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 11 is a schematic flow chart showing another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] FIG12 is a schematic flow chart of another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 13 is a schematic flow chart of another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 14 is a schematic flow chart of another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] FIG15 is a diagram showing an architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] FIG16A is a schematic flow chart of another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] FIG16B is a schematic flow chart of another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] FIG17 is a schematic flow chart of another signal configuration method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 18 is a block diagram of a signal configuration device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing another signal configuration device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0053] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of a signal configuration device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG21 is a schematic structural diagram of another signal configuration device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, like numbers in different figures represent like or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all possible embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present invention, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0056] The terms used in this disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of at least one of the associated listed items.

[0057] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this disclosure to describe various messages, these messages should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish messages of the same type from each other. For example, a first message may also be referred to as a second message, and similarly, a second message may be referred to as a first message without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining."

[0058] Before introducing the signal configuration method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network device and the second network device involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure are first introduced.

[0059] In one example, the first network device may be an access network device.

[0060] Exemplarily, the first network device includes but is not limited to a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) node, such as the next generation Node B (gNB).

[0061] In one example, the second network device may be a core network device.

[0062] Exemplarily, the second network device may be a network element in a core network device used to assist in terminal positioning, including but not limited to a location management function (LMF).

[0063] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a signal configuration method, as shown in FIG1A . FIG1A is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, including:

[0064] Step 101: The second network device sends a positioning information request (POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST) message to the first network device.

[0065] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first network device may be an access network device, including but not limited to an NG-RAN node, such as a gNB. The second network device may be a core network device, specifically a network element in the core network device for assisting terminal positioning, including but not limited to an LMF.

[0066] The positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal. The configuration of the uplink positioning reference signal here can be the configuration of an uplink positioning reference signal resource, that is, the configuration of an uplink positioning reference signal that is not related to the valid area.

[0067] In an example, the uplink positioning reference signal may include but is not limited to a channel sounding reference signal (Sounding Reference Signal, SRS).

[0068] In step 102, the first network device sends a positioning information response (POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE) message to the second network device.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the positioning information request message includes a specified information element (IE), such as a requested SRS transmission characteristics IE, the first network device considers the IE when configuring an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

[0070] When the first network device successfully configures an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, it returns a positioning information response message to the second network device. For example, the returned positioning information response message may include but is not limited to an SRS configuration IE (SRS Configuration IE) and a frame synchronization information IE (SFN Initialisation Time IE).

[0071] In the above embodiment, the second network device can initiate a positioning information request, the first network device can configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, and return a positioning information response message to the second network device if the configuration is successful, thereby improving the availability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0072] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a signal configuration method, as shown in FIG1B . FIG1B is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, including:

[0073] In step 101 ′, the second network device sends a positioning information request (POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST) message to the first network device.

[0074] The implementation of step 101' is similar to that of step 101 and will not be repeated here.

[0075] In step 102 ′, the first network device sends a positioning information failure message to the second network device.

[0076] When the first network device is unable to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, specifically when the first network device is unable to configure uplink positioning reference signal resources for the terminal, the first network device returns a positioning information failure message to the second network device. The positioning information failure message may include an appropriate cause value, so that the second network device can determine the cause of the error in the first network device's configuration of the uplink positioning reference signal based on the cause value.

[0077] In an example, the cause value may be used to indicate that the first network device is unable to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, that is, is unable to configure an uplink positioning reference signal that is not related to a valid area for the terminal.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the second network device can initiate a positioning information request, the first network device can configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, and return a positioning information failure message to the second network device if the configuration fails, thereby improving the availability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0079] The signal configuration method provided by the present disclosure is introduced below from the perspective of the first network device.

[0080] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a signal configuration method. As shown in FIG2 , FIG2 is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment. The method may be performed by a first network device, which may be an access network device, including but not limited to an NG-RAN node, such as a gNB. The method may include the following steps:

[0081] In step 201, a positioning response message is sent to a second network device in response to a positioning information request message.

[0082] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second network device may be a core network device, specifically a network element in the core network device used to assist in terminal positioning, including but not limited to LMF.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

[0084] The uplink positioning reference signal includes but is not limited to SRS.

[0085] Configuring the uplink positioning reference signal includes but is not limited to configuring uplink positioning reference signal resources and configuring an associated valid area.

[0086] The uplink positioning reference signal resources are time domain resources, frequency domain resources, and spatial domain resources that can be used by the terminal when sending an uplink positioning reference signal.

[0087] The validity area refers to the area in which the uplink positioning reference signal configured by the first network device for the terminal is valid.

[0088] Exemplarily, the associated valid area refers to a valid area associated with an uplink positioning reference signal, such as an SRS validity area.

[0089] When the first network device configures SRS resources and the SRS validity area for the terminal, when the terminal reselects from the current cell to another cell, as long as the other cell is within the SRS validity area, the terminal can continue to use the SRS resources to send SRS.

[0090] In a possible implementation, the positioning information request message may include a response time, where the response time is used to instruct the first network device to send the positioning response message within the indicated time.

[0091] Exemplarily, the location information request message may indicate the response time via a separate IE.

[0092] Exemplarily, the positioning information request message may reuse an existing IE to indicate the response duration, for example, carrying the response duration in a sub-IE of the existing IE.

[0093] The above description is merely an example, and any solution in which the location information request message includes the response duration should fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0094] Correspondingly, the first network device sends the positioning response message to the second network device within the response duration.

[0095] Exemplarily, the terminal is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, and the first network device needs to complete the terminal state switching within the response duration. For example, the first network device sends an RRC release message to the terminal, and switches the terminal to an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state through the RRC release message.

[0096] Exemplarily, the RRC release message may include an uplink positioning reference signal configured by the first network device for the terminal. Specifically, the RRC release message may include an uplink positioning reference signal resource and an associated valid area.

[0097] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first network device successfully configures the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal through an RRC release message within the response duration, the positioning response message may be a positioning information response (POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE) message.

[0098] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the uplink positioning reference signal resources and the associated valid area configured by the first network device for the terminal may be provided to the second network device via different information elements (IEs) of a positioning information response (POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE) message.

[0099] For example, the uplink positioning reference signal resource is provided to the second network device via an SRS Configuration IE in the positioning information response message. The associated valid area is provided to the second network device via an IE different from the SRS Configuration IE in the positioning information response message.

[0100] Alternatively, the uplink positioning reference signal resource configured by the first network device for the terminal can be provided to the second network device through a separate IE, and the associated valid area configured by the first network device for the terminal can be provided to the second network device through a sub-IE.

[0101] For example, the uplink positioning reference signal resource is provided to the second network device via the SRS Configuration IE in the positioning information response message. The associated valid area is provided to the second network device via a sub-IE in the positioning information response message. The sub-IE can be a sub-IE in the SRS Configuration IE or a sub-IE in another IE, and this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0102] The above description is merely an exemplary description, and solutions in which the first network device configures uplink positioning reference signal resources and associated valid areas for the terminal should all fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0103] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first network device cannot configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, the positioning response message may be a positioning information failure (POSITIONING INFORMATION FAILURE) message.

[0104] Exemplarily, the positioning information failure message may include error indication information, where the error indication information is used to indicate an error reason for configuring the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0105] The error cause is used to indicate that the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for the terminal.

[0106] For example, the error cause may include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0107] The associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal;

[0108] The terminal is in an RRC connected state;

[0109] The terminal cannot switch to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

[0110] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first network device cannot configure an associated valid area for the terminal, but can configure an uplink positioning reference signal resource for the terminal, the first network device can configure an uplink positioning reference signal resource for the terminal, and the positioning response message can be a positioning information response message.

[0111] It should be noted that since the first network device only configures uplink positioning reference signal resources for the terminal, that is, configures an uplink positioning reference signal that is not related to the valid area for the terminal, the positioning response message sent by the first network device to the second network device should also include error indication information. The error indication information is used to indicate the error cause of configuring the uplink positioning reference signal, so that the second network device can determine the error cause.

[0112] The error cause is used to indicate that the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for the terminal.

[0113] For example, the error cause may include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0114] The associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal;

[0115] The terminal is in an RRC connected state;

[0116] The terminal cannot switch to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

[0117] In some optional embodiments, if the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, for example, cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal resource for the terminal, and / or cannot configure an associated valid area for the terminal, and / or cannot complete the configuration of the uplink positioning reference signal within the response time, the first network device can send a positioning response message to the second network device, which includes a waiting time.

[0118] The waiting time is used to indicate the waiting time for the second network device to send the positioning information request message again.

[0119] In an example, if the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, the positioning response message is a positioning information failure message, which includes a waiting time.

[0120] In another example, if the first network device cannot configure an associated valid area for the terminal but can configure uplink positioning reference signal resources for the terminal, the positioning response message is a positioning information response message, which includes the waiting time.

[0121] In the case that the positioning response message includes a waiting time, the first network device receives the positioning information request message sent again by the second network device after waiting for the waiting time.

[0122] In some optional embodiments, the first network side device may send an indication message to the second network device when determining to switch the terminal to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state, wherein the indication message is used to indicate the RRC state change of the terminal.

[0123] Specifically, the indication information may be used to indicate the RRC state of the terminal after switching, such as the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

[0124] The first network device may receive a positioning information request message sent by the second network device based on the indication information.

[0125] In an example, the first network device may determine to send the indication information to the second network device when it is determined that the first network device has received the historical positioning information request message sent by the second network device.

[0126] In one example, the first network device determines to send the indication information to the second network device based on the terminal capability.

[0127] For example, the terminal is a low-power terminal, such as a Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IOT) device.

[0128] For another example, the terminal is low on battery and the power saving mode is turned on.

[0129] In an example, the first network device may determine to send the indication information to the second network device based on the decision of the first network device.

[0130] For example, the first network device determines to send the indication information to the second network device according to service conditions, network load, etc.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the purpose of configuring an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for a terminal is achieved, thereby improving the availability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0132] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 , which is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, the method may be performed by a first network device, which may be an access network device, including but not limited to an NG-RAN node, such as a gNB. The method may include the following steps:

[0133] In step 301, a positioning information request message sent by a second network device is received.

[0134] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second network device may be a core network device, specifically a network element in the core network device used to assist in terminal positioning, including but not limited to LMF.

[0135] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

[0136] The uplink positioning reference signal includes but is not limited to SRS.

[0137] Configuring the uplink positioning reference signal includes but is not limited to configuring uplink positioning reference signal resources and configuring an associated valid area.

[0138] The uplink positioning reference signal resources are time domain resources, frequency domain resources, and spatial domain resources that can be used by the terminal when sending an uplink positioning reference signal.

[0139] The valid area refers to the area in which the uplink positioning reference signal configured by the first network device for the terminal is valid.

[0140] In a possible implementation, the positioning information request message may include a response duration, where the response duration is used to instruct the first network device to send the positioning response message within the indicated duration.

[0141] Exemplarily, the location information request message may indicate the response time via a separate IE.

[0142] Exemplarily, the positioning information request message may reuse an existing IE to indicate the response duration, for example, carrying the response duration in a sub-IE of the existing IE.

[0143] In step 302, in response to determining that the terminal is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state, an RRC release message is sent to the terminal, where the RRC release message is used to switch the terminal to an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state.

[0144] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the RRC release message may include an uplink positioning reference signal configured by the first network device for the terminal. For example, the RRC release message includes an uplink positioning reference signal resource and an associated valid area configured by the first network device for the terminal.

[0145] If the positioning information request message includes a response duration, the first network device needs to send an RRC release message to the terminal in the RRC connected state within the response duration.

[0146] In step 303, after the uplink positioning reference signal is successfully configured for the terminal, a positioning information response message is sent to the second network device.

[0147] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network device successfully configures the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal through the RRC release message, and the positioning response message may be a positioning information response message.

[0148] If the positioning information request message includes a response time, the first network device needs to send the positioning information response message to the second network device within the response time.

[0149] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network device and the second network device can communicate based on the NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) protocol.

[0150] That is, the positioning response message is the NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE message.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the first network device can inform the second network device through a positioning response message that it has successfully configured the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, thereby achieving the purpose of configuring the uplink positioning reference signal of the associated valid area for the terminal and improving the availability of the uplink positioning technology and the uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0152] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 , which is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, the method may be performed by a first network device, which may be an access network device, including but not limited to an NG-RAN node, such as a gNB. The method may include the following steps:

[0153] In step 401, a positioning information request message sent by a second network device is received.

[0154] The implementation of step 401 is similar to that of step 301 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] In step 402, in response to determining that the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be configured for the terminal, a positioning information failure message is sent to the second network device.

[0156] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network device determines that the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be configured for the terminal when it determines that an uplink positioning reference signal resource cannot be configured for the terminal, an associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal, and at least one of the configurations of the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be completed within the response duration.

[0157] At this time, the first network device may send a positioning information failure message to the second network device.

[0158] If the positioning information request message includes a response time, the first network device needs to send a positioning information failure message to the second network device within the response time.

[0159] In order to inform the second network device of the error reason for configuring the uplink positioning reference signal, the positioning information failure message may include error indication information, where the error indication information is used to indicate the error reason for configuring the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0160] The error cause is used to indicate that the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for the terminal.

[0161] Exemplarily, the error cause includes at least one of the following:

[0162] The associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal;

[0163] The terminal is in an RRC connected state;

[0164] The terminal cannot switch to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

[0165] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network device and the second network device may communicate based on the NRPPa protocol, that is, the positioning response message is an NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION FAILURE message.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the first network device can inform the second network device through a positioning response message that it cannot configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, and inform the second network device of the error reason why the first network device cannot configure the uplink positioning reference signal of the associated valid area for the terminal through the error indication information in the positioning response message, thereby improving the availability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0167] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 , which is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, the method may be performed by a first network device, which may be an access network device, including but not limited to an NG-RAN node, such as a gNB. The method may include the following steps:

[0168] In step 501, a positioning information request message sent by a second network device is received.

[0169] The implementation of step 501 is similar to that of step 301 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0170] In step 502, in response to determining that an associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal, but an uplink positioning reference signal resource can be configured for the terminal, after configuring the uplink positioning reference signal resource for the terminal, a positioning information response message is sent to the second network device.

[0171] It should be noted that, at this time, the first network device configures for the terminal an uplink positioning reference signal that is irrelevant to the valid area.

[0172] If the positioning information request message includes a response time, the first network device needs to send a positioning information response message to the second network device within the response time.

[0173] Considering that in this application the second network device requests the first network device to configure uplink positioning reference signal resources and the associated valid area, but the first network device can only configure uplink positioning reference signal resources for the terminal, the first network device can include error indication information in the positioning information response message, and the error indication information is used to indicate the error cause of configuring the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0174] The error cause is used to indicate that the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for the terminal.

[0175] Exemplarily, the error cause includes at least one of the following:

[0176] The associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal;

[0177] The terminal is in an RRC connected state;

[0178] The terminal cannot switch to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

[0179] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network device and the second network device may communicate based on the NRPPa protocol.

[0180] That is, the positioning response message is an NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE message, and includes error indication information.

[0181] In the above embodiment, the first network device can inform the second network device through a positioning response message to configure uplink positioning reference signal resources for the terminal, and inform the second network device of the error reason why the first network device cannot configure the uplink positioning reference signal of the associated valid area for the terminal through the error indication information in the positioning response message, thereby improving the availability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0182] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 6 , which is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment, the method may be performed by a first network device, which may be an access network device, including but not limited to an NG-RAN node, such as a gNB. The method may include the following steps:

[0183] In step 601, a positioning information request message sent by a second network device is received.

[0184] The implementation of step 601 is similar to that of step 301 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0185] In step 602, in response to determining that the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be configured for the terminal, the positioning response message including the waiting time is sent to the second network device.

[0186] The determination that the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be configured for the terminal includes any one of the following: determining that an uplink positioning reference signal resource cannot be configured for the terminal; determining that an associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal; and determining that the configuration of the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be completed within the response duration.

[0187] If the positioning information request message includes a response time, the first network device needs to send the positioning response message to the second network device within the response time.

[0188] The waiting time is used to indicate the waiting time for the second network device to send the positioning information request message again.

[0189] The first network device may estimate the waiting time according to the terminal service situation, network quality, etc., and include the waiting time in the positioning response message.

[0190] The positioning response message may be a positioning information failure message, which may include the waiting time.

[0191] Alternatively, when the first network device cannot configure an associated valid area for the terminal but can configure an uplink positioning reference signal resource for the terminal, the positioning response message may be a positioning information response message, which may include the waiting time.

[0192] In the above embodiment, the first network device may send the positioning response message including the waiting time to the second network device, so that the second network device can send the positioning information request message again, which is simple to implement and has high availability.

[0193] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 7 , which is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, the method may be performed by a first network device, which may be an access network device, including but not limited to an NG-RAN node, such as a gNB. The method may include the following steps:

[0194] In step 701, in response to determining to switch the terminal to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state, indication information is sent to the second network device, where the indication information is used to indicate a change in the RRC state of the terminal.

[0195] In one example, the first network device determines to send the indication information to the second network device in response to determining that the first network device has received a historical positioning information request message sent by the second network device.

[0196] Exemplarily, the historical positioning information request message may include a response duration.

[0197] In one example, the first network device determines to send the indication information to the second network device based on the terminal capability.

[0198] For example, the terminal is a low-power terminal, such as a Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IOT) device.

[0199] For another example, the terminal is low on battery and the power saving mode is turned on.

[0200] In one example, the first network device determines to send the indication information to the second network device based on the decision of the first network device.

[0201] For example, the first network device determines to send the indication information to the second network device according to service conditions, network load, etc.

[0202] In step 702, a positioning information request message sent by the second network device based on the indication information is received.

[0203] The positioning information request message may include a response duration.

[0204] In step 703, a positioning response message is sent to the second network device in response to the positioning information request message.

[0205] The specific implementation method is similar to the above steps 302 to 303, steps 402, 502 or 602, and will not be repeated here.

[0206] In the above embodiment, upon determining that the terminal's status has changed, the first network device can send an indication to the second network device, causing the second network device to send a positioning information request message to the first network device, triggering the configuration process of an uplink positioning reference signal. This achieves the purpose of configuring an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for the terminal, improving the usability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0207] In some optional embodiments, the first network device may adopt a split architecture, where the split architecture refers to splitting the first network device into at least two independent units.

[0208] 8 , the first network device may include a distributed unit (DU) 801 and a centralized unit (CU) 802 .

[0209] The number of the separation units 801 may be one or more, and the number of the centralization unit 802 may be one, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0210] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the centralized unit 802 may receive a positioning information request message sent by the second network device and forward it to the corresponding separation unit 801. After the separation unit 801 configures an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, it sends a positioning response message to the centralized unit 802, and the centralized unit 702 then forwards the positioning response message to the second network device.

[0211] In one example, the centralization unit 802 interacts with the separation unit 801 based on the F1 Application Protocol (F1-Application Protocol, F1AP).

[0212] In the above embodiment, the purpose of configuring an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for a terminal can be achieved for a first network device adopting a separation architecture, thereby improving the availability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0213] The signal configuration method provided by the present disclosure is introduced below from the perspective of the second network device.

[0214] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a signal configuration method. As shown in FIG9 , FIG9 is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment. The method may be performed by a second network device, which may be a core network device, specifically a network element in the core network device for assisting terminal positioning, including but not limited to an LMF. The method may include the following steps:

[0215] In step 901, a positioning response message in response to a positioning information request message sent by a first network device is received.

[0216] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network device may be an access network and a device, including but not limited to an NG-RAN node, such as a gNB.

[0217] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

[0218] The uplink positioning reference signal includes but is not limited to SRS.

[0219] Configuring the uplink positioning reference signal includes but is not limited to configuring uplink positioning reference signal resources and configuring an associated valid area.

[0220] The uplink positioning reference signal resources are time domain resources, frequency domain resources, and spatial domain resources that can be used by the terminal when sending an uplink positioning reference signal.

[0221] The valid area refers to the area in which the uplink positioning reference signal configured by the first network device for the terminal is valid.

[0222] Exemplarily, the associated valid area refers to a valid area associated with an uplink positioning reference signal, such as an SRS validity area.

[0223] In a possible implementation, the positioning information request message may include a response duration, where the response duration is used to instruct the first network device to send the positioning response message within the indicated duration.

[0224] Exemplarily, the location information request message may indicate the response time via a separate IE.

[0225] Exemplarily, the positioning information request message may reuse an existing IE to indicate the response duration, for example, carrying the response duration in a sub-IE of the existing IE.

[0226] The above description is merely an example, and any solution in which the location information request message includes the response duration should fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0227] Correspondingly, the second network device may receive the positioning response message sent by the first network device within the response time.

[0228] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the second network device receives a positioning response message within the response time, and the positioning response message is a positioning information response message, which does not include error indication information, then the second network device determines that the first network device has successfully configured an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

[0229] Exemplarily, the second network device may obtain the uplink positioning reference signal resources and the associated valid area configured by the first network device for the terminal through different IEs of the positioning information response message.

[0230] Exemplarily, the second network device may obtain the uplink positioning reference signal resource configured by the first network device for the terminal through an IE of the positioning information response message, and obtain the valid area associated with the uplink positioning reference signal configured by the first network device for the terminal through one of the sub-IEs.

[0231] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the second network device receives a positioning response message within the response time, and the positioning response message is a positioning information failure message, the second network device determines that the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

[0232] The positioning information failure message may include error indication information, where the error indication information is used to indicate an error reason for configuring the uplink positioning reference signal. Based on the error indication information, the second network device determines an error reason for configuring the uplink positioning reference signal by the first network device.

[0233] The error cause is used to indicate that the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for the terminal.

[0234] For example, the error cause may include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0235] The associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal;

[0236] The terminal is in an RRC connected state;

[0237] The terminal cannot switch to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

[0238] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the second network device receives a positioning response message within the response duration, and the positioning response message is a positioning information response message and includes error indication information, the second network device determines that the first network device has configured uplink positioning reference signal resources for the terminal. Furthermore, the second network device may determine that the first network device is unable to configure an associated valid area for the terminal.

[0239] Furthermore, the second network device may determine an error reason for the first network device configuring the uplink positioning reference signal based on the error indication information included in the positioning information response message.

[0240] The error cause is used to indicate that the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for the terminal.

[0241] For example, the error cause may include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0242] The associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal;

[0243] The terminal is in an RRC connected state;

[0244] The terminal cannot switch to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

[0245] In some optional embodiments, if the positioning response message includes a waiting time, the second network device may send a positioning information request message to the first network device again after waiting for the time.

[0246] The waiting time is used to indicate the waiting time for the second network device to send the positioning information request message again.

[0247] In an example, if the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, the positioning response message received by the second network device is a positioning information failure message, which includes a waiting time.

[0248] In another example, if the first network device cannot configure an associated valid area for the terminal but can configure uplink positioning reference signal resources for the terminal, the positioning response message received by the second network device is a positioning information response message, which includes the waiting time.

[0249] In some optional embodiments, the second network device may receive indication information sent by the first network device, where the indication information is used to indicate a change in the RRC state of the terminal.

[0250] Exemplarily, the second network device may determine, based on the indication information, that the terminal switches to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state. Accordingly, the second network device may send a positioning information request message to the first network device.

[0251] In the above embodiment, the purpose of configuring an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for a terminal is achieved, thereby improving the availability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0252] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 10 , FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, which may be executed by a second network device. The second network device may be a core network device, specifically a network element in the core network device for assisting terminal positioning, including but not limited to an LMF. The method may include the following steps:

[0253] In step 1001, a positioning information request message is sent to a first network device.

[0254] In step 1002, a positioning information response message sent by a first network device is received.

[0255] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, if the second network device receives the positioning information response message, the second network device determines that the first network device has successfully configured an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

[0256] Steps 1001 to 1002 correspond to steps 301 to 303 on the first network device side and are not described again here.

[0257] In the above embodiment, the second network device can determine that the first network device has successfully configured the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal based on the positioning response message, thereby achieving the purpose of configuring the uplink positioning reference signal of the associated valid area for the terminal and improving the availability of the uplink positioning technology and the uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0258] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 11 , FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, which may be executed by a second network device. The second network device may be a core network device, specifically a network element in the core network device for assisting terminal positioning, including but not limited to an LMF. The method may include the following steps:

[0259] In step 1101, a positioning information request message is sent to a first network device.

[0260] In step 1102, a positioning information failure message sent by a first network device is received.

[0261] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the second network device receives the positioning information failure message, the second network device determines that the first network device is unable to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

[0262] Furthermore, the second network device may determine, based on the error indication information included in the positioning information failure message, an error reason why the first network device is unable to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

[0263] Steps 1101 to 1102 correspond to steps 401 to 402 on the first network device side and are not described again here.

[0264] In the above embodiment, the second network device can determine that the first network device is unable to configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal based on the positioning response message, and use the error indication information in the positioning response message to indicate the error reason why the first network device cannot configure the uplink positioning reference signal of the associated valid area for the terminal, thereby improving the availability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0265] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 12 , FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, which may be executed by a second network device. The second network device may be a core network device, specifically a network element in the core network device for assisting terminal positioning, including but not limited to an LMF. The method may include the following steps:

[0266] In step 1201, a positioning information request message is sent to a first network device.

[0267] In step 1202, a positioning information response message sent by a first network device is received.

[0268] At this time, the positioning information response message includes error indication information, so the second network device determines that the first network device has configured uplink positioning reference signal resources for the terminal. The second network device can determine the error reason why the first network device cannot configure uplink positioning reference signals for the terminal based on the error indication information included in the positioning information response message.

[0269] Steps 1201 to 1202 correspond to steps 501 to 502 on the first network device side and are not described again here.

[0270] In the above embodiment, the second network device can determine that the first network device is unable to configure the associated valid area for the terminal based on the positioning response message, and use the error indication information in the positioning response message to indicate the error reason why the first network device cannot configure the uplink positioning reference signal of the associated valid area for the terminal, thereby improving the availability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0271] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 13 , FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, which may be executed by a second network device. The second network device may be a core network device, specifically a network element in the core network device for assisting terminal positioning, including but not limited to an LMF. The method may include the following steps:

[0272] In step 1301, a positioning information request message is sent to a first network device.

[0273] In step 1302, a positioning response message including a waiting time is received from the second network device.

[0274] In step 1303, after waiting for the waiting time, the positioning information request message is sent to the first network device again.

[0275] Steps 1301 to 1303 correspond to steps 601 to 602 on the first network device side and are not described again here.

[0276] In the above embodiment, the second network device can receive the positioning response message including the waiting time sent by the first network device, and after waiting for the waiting time, send the positioning information request message to the first network device again, which is simple to implement and has high availability.

[0277] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 14 , FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment, which may be executed by a second network device. The second network device may be a core network device, specifically a network element in the core network device for assisting terminal positioning, including but not limited to an LMF. The method may include the following steps:

[0278] In step 1401, indication information sent by a first network device is received, where the indication information is used to indicate a change in the RRC state of the terminal.

[0279] In step 1402, a positioning information request message is sent to the second network device based on the indication information.

[0280] In step 1403, a positioning response message sent by the first network device is received.

[0281] Steps 1401 to 1403 correspond to steps 701 to 703 on the first network device side and are not described again here.

[0282] In the above embodiment, the second network device can send a positioning information request message to the first network device based on the indication information sent by the first network device, thereby triggering the configuration process of the uplink positioning reference signal. This achieves the purpose of configuring an uplink positioning reference signal associated with the valid area for the terminal, and improves the usability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0283] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 15 , which is a diagram illustrating an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment, the communication system may include:

[0284] Core network device 1501, the core network device is used to send a positioning information request message to access network device 1502;

[0285] The access network device 1502 configures an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal 1503 based on the positioning information request message, and sends a positioning response message to the core network device 1501.

[0286] Among them, the core network device 1501 can be a network element in the core network device used to assist in terminal positioning, including but not limited to LMF.

[0287] Among them, the access network equipment 1502 may include but is not limited to NG-RAN nodes, such as gNB.

[0288] The number of terminals 1503 may be one or more, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0289] Among them, the access network device 1502 can adopt a separate architecture, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0290] Among them, the core network device 1501 is used to execute the signal configuration method described in any one of Figures 9 to 14 above.

[0291] The access network device 1502 is configured to execute the signal configuration method described in any one of FIG. 2 to FIG. 8 .

[0292] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 16A , FIG. 16A is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment. The method may be applicable to the system shown in FIG. 15 , and includes the following steps:

[0293] In step 1601, the second network device (corresponding to the core network device 1501 in FIG. 15 ) sends a positioning information request message to the first network device (corresponding to the access network device 1502 in FIG. 15 ).

[0294] The positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal (corresponding to the terminal 1503 in FIG15 ).

[0295] Optionally, the positioning information request message may include a response duration.

[0296] The first network device determines, based on the terminal service situation, that the terminal in the RRC connected state can be switched to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state within the response duration, and that uplink positioning reference signal resources and an associated valid area can be configured for the terminal. In this case, steps 1602 to 1603 may be executed. If the first network device determines that an uplink positioning reference signal cannot be configured for the terminal, for example, that an uplink positioning reference signal resource cannot be configured for the terminal, or that an associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal, or that the terminal cannot be switched to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state, or that configuration of the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be completed within the response duration, step 1604 may be executed.

[0297] In step 1602, the first network device sends an RRC release message to the terminal.

[0298] The RRC release message is used to switch the terminal to an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, and the RRC release message includes an uplink positioning reference signal resource and an associated valid area configured by the first network device for the terminal.

[0299] In step 1603, the first network device sends a positioning information response message to the second network device.

[0300] The first network device may send the positioning information response message to the second network device within the response time.

[0301] In step 1604, the first network device sends a positioning information failure message to the second network device, which includes error indication information.

[0302] The first network device may send the positioning information failure message to the second network device within the response time.

[0303] In the above embodiment, the first network device can send a positioning response message to the second network device in a targeted manner so that the second network device can determine whether the first network device has successfully configured an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, thereby improving the reliability of the uplink positioning technology and the uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0304] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 16B , FIG. 16B is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment. The method may be applicable to the system shown in FIG. 15 , and includes the following steps:

[0305] In step 1601 ′, the second network device (corresponding to the core network device 1501 in FIG. 15 ) sends a positioning information request message to the first network device (corresponding to the access network device 1502 in FIG. 15 ).

[0306] The specific implementation method is similar to the above step 1601 and will not be repeated here.

[0307] Optionally, the positioning information request message may include a response duration.

[0308] The first network device determines, based on the terminal's service conditions, that it can configure uplink positioning reference signal resources for the terminal within the response duration, but cannot configure an associated valid area for the terminal. In this case, steps 1602' to 1603' may be executed. If the first network device determines that it cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, for example, it cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal resource for the terminal, or it cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal resource and an associated valid area for the terminal, or the terminal cannot switch to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state, or it cannot complete the configuration of the uplink positioning reference signal within the response duration, step 1604' may be executed.

[0309] In step 1602', the first network device sends an RRC release message to the terminal.

[0310] The RRC release message is used to switch the terminal to an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, and the RRC release message includes an uplink positioning reference signal resource configured by the first network device for the terminal.

[0311] In step 1603', the first network device sends a positioning information response message to the second network device, wherein the message includes error indication information.

[0312] The first network device may send the positioning information response message including the error indication information to the second network device within the response time.

[0313] In step 1604', the first network device sends a positioning information failure message to the second network device, which includes error indication information.

[0314] The first network device may send the positioning information failure message to the second network device within the response time.

[0315] In the above embodiment, the first network device can send a positioning response message to the second network device in a targeted manner so that the second network device can determine whether the first network device has successfully configured an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, thereby improving the reliability of the uplink positioning technology and the uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0316] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 17 , FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a signal configuration method according to an embodiment. The method may be performed by a first network device, including the following steps:

[0317] In step 1701, a positioning information request message sent by a second network device is received.

[0318] In step 1702, after determining that the uplink positioning reference signal is successfully configured for the terminal, a positioning information response message is sent to the second network device.

[0319] In which case, when the first network device successfully configures uplink positioning reference signal resources and the associated valid area for the terminal, the positioning information response message does not include error indication information.

[0320] When the first network device successfully configures an uplink positioning reference signal resource for the terminal but fails to configure an associated valid area for the terminal, the positioning information response message includes error indication information.

[0321] In step 1703, it is determined that an uplink positioning reference signal cannot be configured for the terminal, and a positioning information failure message is sent to the second network device.

[0322] The specific implementation of steps 1701 to 1703 can refer to the above-mentioned embodiment of the first network device side and will not be repeated here.

[0323] In the above embodiment, the first network device can send a positioning response message to the second network device in a targeted manner so that the second network device can determine whether the first network device has successfully configured an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, thereby improving the reliability of the uplink positioning technology and the uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology.

[0324] The solution of the present disclosure is further illustrated as follows. The following embodiment is described by taking the first network device as a gNB and the second network device as an LMF as an example.

[0325] In Example 1, the LMF requests the gNB to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal through a positioning information request message. The positioning information request message includes a response duration and an associated validity area for the uplink positioning reference signal. Configuring an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for the terminal here refers to configuring an uplink positioning reference signal resource and an associated valid area for the terminal.

[0326] The response duration is used to instruct the gNB to send the positioning response message within the indicated duration.

[0327] For example, the LMF sends an NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST message to the gNB, requesting the gNB to configure the uplink positioning reference signal of the associated valid area for the terminal, and including the response duration.

[0328] If the terminal is in the RRC connected state, the gNB needs to switch the terminal to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state within the response duration, configure the uplink positioning reference signal of the associated valid area for the terminal, and send an NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE message to the LMF.

[0329] For example, as shown in FIG16A , the gNB may configure an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for the terminal through an RRC release message.

[0330] In embodiment 2, if the gNB cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area, a positioning information failure message is sent to the LMF, including error indication information, where the error indication information is used to indicate the error cause of configuring the uplink positioning reference signal. Configuring an uplink positioning reference signal associated with a valid area for the terminal here refers to configuring an uplink positioning reference signal resource and an associated valid area for the terminal.

[0331] The causes of this error include but are not limited to any of the following:

[0332] The associated valid area cannot be configured;

[0333] The terminal is in the RRC connected state;

[0334] The terminal cannot be transferred to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

[0335] In one example, if the NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST message includes a response duration, if the gNB cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal resource for the terminal within the response duration, or cannot configure an associated valid area for the terminal, or cannot complete the configuration of the uplink positioning reference signal within the response duration, the NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION FAILURE message is sent, and error indication information is included, where the error indication information is used to indicate the error cause of configuring the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0336] In one example, if the gNB cannot configure the valid area but can configure the uplink positioning reference signal resources, the gNB can send an NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE message to the LMF and include error indication information in the message, where the error indication information is used to indicate the error cause of configuring the uplink positioning reference signal.

[0337] In one example, if the gNB cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal, the gNB may include a recommended waiting time in a positioning response message (e.g., an NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION FAILURE message or an NRPPa POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE message). The waiting time indicates the waiting time for the LMF to resend the positioning information request message.

[0338] In embodiment 3, when the gNB decides to switch the terminal from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state, it sends an indication message to the LMF. The indication message is used to indicate the RRC state change of the terminal.

[0339] The LMF initiates a positioning information request message according to the indication information.

[0340] Exemplarily, the gNB determines to send the indication information to the LMF based on at least one of the following situations:

[0341] Based on the historical request of the LMF, for example, the historical positioning information request message previously received by the gNB from the LMF (such as in Embodiment 1 or 2);

[0342] Based on terminal capabilities, for example, the terminal is a low-power UE;

[0343] The determination is made according to a decision of the first network device.

[0344] In the above embodiments, the availability of uplink positioning technology and uplink and downlink hybrid positioning technology is improved.

[0345] Corresponding to the aforementioned embodiment of the method for realizing application functions, the present disclosure also provides an embodiment of an apparatus for realizing application functions.

[0346] 18 , which shows a first network device according to an exemplary embodiment, including:

[0347] The sending module 1801 is configured to send a positioning response message in response to a positioning information request message to the second network device, where the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal;

[0348] The configuring of the uplink positioning reference signal includes:

[0349] Configure uplink positioning reference signal resources;

[0350] Configure the associated valid area.

[0351] 19 , which shows a second network device according to an exemplary embodiment, including:

[0352] The receiving module 1901 is configured to receive a positioning response message sent by a first network device in response to a positioning information request message, wherein the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal;

[0353] The configuring of the uplink positioning reference signal includes:

[0354] Configure uplink positioning reference signal resources;

[0355] Configure the associated valid area.

[0356] For the device embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiments. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, wherein the units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the disclosed solution. A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without paying any creative work.

[0357] Correspondingly, the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to execute any of the above-mentioned signal configuration methods for the first network device side.

[0358] Correspondingly, the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to execute any of the above-mentioned signal configuration methods for the second network device side.

[0359] Accordingly, the present disclosure also provides a signal configuration device, comprising:

[0360] processor;

[0361] a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;

[0362] The processor is configured to execute any of the signal configuration methods described above on the first network device side.

[0363] As shown in Figure 20, a schematic diagram of a signal configuration apparatus 2000 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Apparatus 2000 may be provided as a first network device, such as a gNB. Referring to Figure 20, apparatus 2000 includes a processing component 2022, a wireless transmit / receive component 2024, an antenna component 2026, and a signal processing portion specific to a wireless interface. Processing component 2022 may further include at least one processor.

[0364] One of the processors in the processing component 2022 may be configured to execute any of the above-mentioned signal configuration methods.

[0365] Accordingly, the present disclosure also provides a signal configuration device, comprising:

[0366] processor;

[0367] a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;

[0368] The processor is configured to execute any of the signal configuration methods described above on the second network device side.

[0369] As shown in Figure 21, Figure 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a signal configuration device 2100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Device 2100 can be provided as a second network device, such as a LMF. Referring to Figure 21, device 2100 includes a processing component 2122, a wireless transmit / receive component 2124, an antenna component 2126, and a signal processing portion specific to a wireless interface. Processing component 2122 may further include at least one processor.

[0370] One of the processors in the processing component 2122 may be configured to execute any of the above-mentioned signal configuration methods.

[0371] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

[0372] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A signal configuration method, characterized in that: include: Sending a positioning response message in response to a positioning information request message to the second network device, wherein the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal; Wherein, configuring the uplink positioning reference signal includes: Configure uplink positioning reference signal resources; Configure the associated valid area.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The positioning information request message includes: Response time; The sending a positioning response message in response to the positioning information request message to the second network device includes: Within the response time, the positioning response message is sent to the second network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In response to determining that the terminal is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state, an RRC release message is sent to the terminal within a response duration, where the RRC release message is used to switch the terminal to an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The sending a positioning response message in response to the positioning information request message to the second network device includes: After successfully configuring the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal, a positioning information response message is sent to the second network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The sending a positioning response message in response to the positioning information request message to the second network device includes: In response to determining that the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be configured for the terminal, a positioning information failure message is sent to the second network device.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The determining that the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be configured for the terminal includes any one of the following: Determining that an uplink positioning reference signal resource cannot be configured for the terminal; Determining that an associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal; It is determined that configuration of the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be completed within the response duration.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The sending a positioning response message in response to the positioning information request message to the second network device includes: In response to determining that the associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal, but uplink positioning reference signal resources can be configured for the terminal, after successfully configuring the uplink positioning reference signal resources for the terminal, a positioning information response message is sent to the second network device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The positioning response message includes: Error indication information, where the error indication information is used to indicate an error cause in configuring the uplink positioning reference signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The error causes include at least one of the following: The associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal; The terminal is in an RRC connected state; The terminal cannot switch to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The sending a positioning response message for responding to the positioning information request message to the second network device includes: In response to determining that the uplink positioning reference signal cannot be configured for the terminal, the positioning response message including the waiting time is sent to the second network device, and the waiting time is used to indicate the waiting time for the second network device to send the positioning information request message again.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In response to determining to switch the terminal to an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, indication information is sent to the second network device, where the indication information is used to indicate a change in the RRC state of the terminal.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive the positioning information request message sent by the second network device based on the indication information.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises at least one of the following: In response to determining that a historical positioning information request message sent by the second network device has been received, determining to send the indication information to the second network device; Based on the terminal capability, determine to send the indication information to the second network device; Based on the decision of the first network device, determine to send the indication information to the second network device.

14. A signal configuration method, characterized in that: include: Receiving a positioning response message sent by the first network device in response to a positioning information request message, wherein the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal; Wherein, configuring the uplink positioning reference signal includes: Configure uplink positioning reference signal resources; Configure the associated valid area.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The positioning information request message includes: Response time; The receiving a positioning response message sent by the first network device in response to the positioning information request message includes: Receive the positioning response message sent by the first network device within the response time.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the positioning response message is a positioning information response message, it is determined that the first network device successfully configures the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the positioning response message is a positioning information failure message, it is determined that the first network device cannot configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The determining that the first network device cannot configure the uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal includes any one of the following: Determining that the first network device cannot configure an uplink positioning reference signal resource for the terminal; Determine that the first network device cannot configure an associated valid area for the terminal; It is determined that the first network device cannot complete configuration of the uplink positioning reference signal within a response duration.

19. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the positioning response message is a positioning information response message, and the positioning information response message includes error indication information, it is determined that the first network device has successfully configured an uplink positioning reference signal that is not related to a valid area for the terminal.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that: The positioning response message includes: Error indication information, where the error indication information is used to indicate an error cause in configuring the uplink positioning reference signal.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The error causes include any of the following: The associated valid area cannot be configured for the terminal; The terminal is in an RRC connected state; The terminal cannot switch to the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

22. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the positioning response message includes a waiting time, after waiting for the waiting time, the positioning information request message is sent to the first network device again.

23. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive indication information sent by the first network device, where the indication information is used to indicate a change in the RRC state of the terminal.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: Based on the indication information, the positioning information request message is sent to the first network device.

25. A first network device, characterized in that: include: a sending module, configured to send a positioning response message in response to a positioning information request message to the second network device, wherein the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal; Wherein, configuring the uplink positioning reference signal includes: Configure uplink positioning reference signal resources; Configure the associated valid area.

26. A second network device, characterized in that: include: a receiving module configured to receive a positioning response message sent by the first network device in response to a positioning information request message, wherein the positioning information request message is a message in which the second network device requests the first network device to configure an uplink positioning reference signal for the terminal; Wherein, configuring the uplink positioning reference signal includes: Configure uplink positioning reference signal resources; Configure the associated valid area.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to execute the signal configuration method described in any one of claims 1-13 or 14-24.

28. A signal configuration device, characterized in that: include: processor; a memory for storing processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute the signal configuration method described in any one of claims 1-13 or 14-24.

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