Communication method, network function, core network device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a network function, a core network device, a communication system and a storage medium. The method comprises: sending a first message, wherein the first message is used for requesting first data, and the first data is map data corresponding to a first range; and receiving a second message, wherein the second message comprises first information, and the first information is used for determining the first data. By means of the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication delay during data retrieval is reduced.

Description

Communication method, network function, core network equipment, communication system and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method, network function, core network equipment, communication system and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the field of communication technology, the communication between a terminal and a network is affected by the terminal's location. Therefore, it is important to accurately locate the terminal during the communication process.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the communication scenario, the terminal is accurately positioned to ensure communication between the terminal and the network side.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method includes: sending a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first data, the first data being map data corresponding to a first range; and receiving a second message, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

[0006] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method includes: receiving a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first data, the first data being map data corresponding to a first range; and sending a second message, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

[0007] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method includes: a first network function sending a first message to a second network function, wherein the first message is used to request first data, and the first data is map data corresponding to a first range; and the second network function sending a second message to the first network function, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network function is provided. The network function includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first data, the first data being map data corresponding to a first range; and receive a second message, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network function is provided. The network function includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive a first message requesting first data, the first data being map data corresponding to a first range; and send a second message including first information used to determine the first data.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network function is provided. The network function includes at least one processor. The network function is used to execute the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network function is provided. The network function includes at least one processor. The network function is used to execute the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided. The core network device includes at least one processor. The core network device is configured to execute the communication method described in the third aspect.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a terminal, an access network device, and a core network device. The core network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the third aspect.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program or computer program product is provided. The computer program or computer program product includes code. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0016] According to the solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network function can obtain map data corresponding to the first range from the second network function for auxiliary positioning of the terminal, thereby reducing the communication delay during data retrieval.

[0017] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not constitute limitations on the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG2 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG3 is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG4 is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG5 is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG6 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG7 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG8A is an exemplary structural diagram of a first network function provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG8B is an exemplary structural diagram of a second network function provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG8C is an exemplary structural diagram of a core network device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG9 is an exemplary diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a network function, a core network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0031] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method includes: sending a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first data, the first data being map data corresponding to a first range; and receiving a second message, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

[0032] According to the disclosed embodiments, by defining the range of map data, the amount of map data transmitted between the first and second network functions is reduced. Furthermore, map data within the first range is stored in the first network function. This way, when the terminal's location remains within the first range, the first network function no longer needs to request map data from the second network function, thereby reducing the frequency of interactions between the first and second network functions. Consequently, data retrieval latency is reduced.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first data may be a subset of the second data, the second data is map data corresponding to a second range, and the second range is larger than the first range.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first range corresponding to the first data is smaller than the second range corresponding to the second data, which means that the second network function can only send the first data with a smaller range to the first network function without sending the second data with a larger range, thereby reducing the amount of transmitted data.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message may include second information. The second information is used to indicate the first range.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first message may carry second information indicating the first range. This allows the first network function to clearly inform the second network function of the range of data it requires, namely the first range. This allows the second network function to accurately return the first data required by the first network function, avoiding the transmission of redundant data.

[0037] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate at least one of the following: a center position and a radius of the first range; and an identifier of the first range.

[0038] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in map data, the first range may be indicated by a center position and a radius, by a first range identifier, or by a combination of the two. Thus, different approaches may be employed for different situations to ensure accurate indication of the first range.

[0039] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before sending the first message, the above method may also include: receiving a third message, wherein the third message includes third information, and the third information is used to indicate the current location of the terminal; determining second information based on the third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the first range.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, second information indicating a first range can be determined based on the received current location of the terminal, that is, the first range can be obtained based on the current location. In this way, the current location can fall within the first range. The first information obtained based on the first range and used to determine the first data can be used to verify or correct the current location of the terminal, thereby improving the accuracy of the terminal's positioning.

[0041] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after receiving the second message, the above method may further include: performing auxiliary positioning processing of the terminal based on the first data.

[0042] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after performing auxiliary positioning processing of the terminal based on the first data, the above method may further include: deleting the first data.

[0043] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method includes: receiving a first message requesting first data, the first data being map data corresponding to a first range; and sending a second message including first information used to determine the first data.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first data may be a subset of the second data. The second data is map data corresponding to a second range. The second range is larger than the first range.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message may include second information. The second information is used to indicate the first range.

[0046] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can be used to indicate at least one of the following: the center position and radius of the first range; and an identifier of the first range.

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: determining the first information according to the first message.

[0048] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method includes: a first network function sending a first message to a second network function, wherein the first message is used to request first data, and the first data is map data corresponding to a first range; and the second network function sending a second message to the first network function, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

[0049] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function. The network function includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first data, the first data being map data corresponding to a first range; and receive a second message, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first data may be a subset of the second data. The second data is map data corresponding to a second range. The second range is larger than the first range.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first message may include second information. The second information is used to indicate the first range.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can be used to indicate at least one of the following: the center position and radius of the first range; and an identifier of the first range.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: receive a third message, wherein the third message includes third information, and the third information is used to indicate the current location of the terminal; determine second information based on the third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the first range.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the network function may further include a processing module, wherein the processing module is configured to: perform auxiliary positioning processing of the terminal based on the first data.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module may also be configured to: delete the first data.

[0056] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function. The network function includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive a first message requesting first data, the first data being map data corresponding to a first range; and send a second message including first information used to determine the first data.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first data may be a subset of the second data. The second data is map data corresponding to a second range. The second range is larger than the first range.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first message may include second information. The second information is used to indicate the first range.

[0059] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: the center position and radius of the first range; and an identifier of the first range.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the network function may further include a processing module. The processing module is configured to: determine the first information according to the first message.

[0061] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function. The network function includes at least one processor. The network function is configured to execute the communication method described in any one of the first aspect and its embodiments.

[0062] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function. The network function includes at least one processor. The network function is configured to execute the communication method described in any one of the second aspect and its embodiments.

[0063] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a core network device. The core network device includes at least one processor. The core network device is configured to execute the communication method described in any one of the third aspect and its embodiments.

[0064] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system. The communication system includes a terminal, an access network device, and a core network device. The core network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the third aspect.

[0065] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium having instructions stored therein. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0066] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program or computer program product. The computer program or computer program product includes code. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0067] It is understandable that the above-mentioned communication devices, network functions, core network devices, communication systems, storage media, computer programs, and computer program products are all used to implement the communication methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0068] The present disclosure provides a communication method, network function, core network device, communication system, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms management method, communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method are interchangeable; the terms communication devices such as network function and core network device are interchangeable; information processing device and information transmission device are interchangeable; and the terms communication system and information processing system are interchangeable.

[0069] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0070] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0071] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0072] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0073] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0074] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one (at least one of)," "one or more" and the like can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the terms "a plurality of", "multiple" and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0075] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "in one case A, in another case B," or "in one case A, in another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0076] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0077] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0078] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0079] In some embodiments, terms such as "...", "determine...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0080] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0081] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0082] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (for example, access network equipment, core network equipment, data network equipment, etc.).

[0083] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0084] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0085] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0086] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0087] In some embodiments, a network device may also be referred to as a network function, a network function entity, or a network element.

[0088] In some embodiments, the access network device may also be referred to as an access network function, an access network element, etc.

[0089] In some embodiments, core network devices may also be referred to as core network functions, core networks, core network elements, etc. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each network device in the core network may also be referred to as a network device, a network element, etc.

[0090] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0091] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0092] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0093] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 , an access network device 102 , and a core network device 103 .

[0094] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 can be, for example, a node or device that accesses the terminal 101 to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a satellite base station, a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces within the network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0097] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0098] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a single device including a first network function 1031, a second network function 1032, etc., or may be multiple devices or a device group, each including part or all of the first network function 1031, the second network function 1032, etc. The network function may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0099] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may be a location management function (LMF).

[0100] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 can be used to implement the retrieval and / or calculation of the terminal location, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0101] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 can be used to implement storage of data (eg, map data), and its name is not limited.

[0102] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may be part of the core network device 103 .

[0103] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may be independent of the core network device 103 .

[0104] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0105] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in Figure 1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in Figure 1, or may include other entities outside of Figure 1. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0106] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0107] In the field of communications, the accurate location of a terminal is essential for ensuring communication. For example, in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), such as satellite communication systems, the large spatial distance between the terminal and the satellite often results in long data transmission times. In transmission processes involving both uplink and downlink signals, there can be significant timing deviations between the uplink and downlink signals.

[0108] In some embodiments, a delay parameter may be introduced to compensate for the transmission delay. Such delay compensation requires knowing the exact location of the terminal.

[0109] In some embodiments, a terminal can obtain its own location information based on GNSS measurements and report this location information to the network. However, the network must verify the location information reported by the terminal to ensure its reliability. For example, the terminal may report false location information. In another example, the terminal may obtain location information based on tampered GNSS information.

[0110] In some embodiments, assisted positioning in NTN scenarios can be achieved through the terrestrial network. In one approach, map data can be used as auxiliary information, and an iterative algorithm can be used to calculate the terminal's location. Each iteration requires the calculation of location coordinates using map data. Therefore, the positioning process requires performing numerous searches within the map data in the shortest possible time. In one example, the first network function can be responsible for performing the location calculation, while the map data can be stored in the second network function. Thus, during the assisted positioning process, a large amount of data is transmitted through the interface between the first and second network functions, which results in a certain amount of latency.

[0111] Figure 2 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes steps S210 to S280.

[0112] In step S210 , the terminal 101 sends a third message to the first network function 1031 .

[0113] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may send a third message, which is forwarded by the access network device 102 and reaches the first network device 1031 .

[0114] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may receive the third message.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may be a LMF.

[0116] In some embodiments, the third message may be used to request the first network function 1031 to perform assisted positioning processing.

[0117] In some embodiments, the third message may be used to transmit information related to the positioning of the terminal 101 .

[0118] In some embodiments, the name of the third message is not limited, and it can be, for example, an assisted positioning request message, an assisted positioning activation message, a location report message, etc.

[0119] In some embodiments, the third message may include third information.

[0120] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the current location of the terminal 101 .

[0121] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited, and it can be, for example, location information, measurement result information, location report information, etc.

[0122] In some embodiments, the third information may include location information of terminal 101. The location information may be used to indicate the location of terminal 101. In one example, the location information may include the location coordinates of terminal 101. For example, the location information may include the location coordinates of terminal 101 as determined by a navigation system. For example, the location coordinates may include at least one of the following: longitude, latitude, and altitude. In one example, the location information may include an identifier of the location point or location area where terminal 101 is located. For example, the location information may include an identifier of the cell where terminal 101 is located.

[0123] In some embodiments, the location information may be determined by the terminal 101 through GNSS measurement or other means.

[0124] In some embodiments, the third information may include measurement data of the terminal 101. The measurement data may be used to calculate the current location of the terminal 101. In one example, the measurement data may be data obtained through GNSS measurement. For example, the measurement data may be a measurement value obtained through GNSS measurement.

[0125] In step S220 , the first network function 1031 determines second information.

[0126] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate the first range. The current location of the terminal 101 may be within the first range.

[0127] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate the scope of the requested map data.

[0128] In some embodiments, the name of the second information is not limited, and it can be, for example, map data search range information, range indication information, etc.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may determine the second information based on the third information in the third message.

[0130] In some embodiments, when the third information includes measurement data, the first network function 1031 may determine the current location of the terminal 101 based on the measurement data to obtain location information.

[0131] In some embodiments, after obtaining the location information from the third information or determining the location information based on the third information, the first network function 1031 may determine the first range so that the first range completely covers the location of the terminal 101 .

[0132] In some embodiments, the first range may be a position range in the map data, that is, the first range may be a set of one or more position points in the map data.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first range can be represented by a boundary position. In one example, the first range can have a regular shape. For example, the first range can be a circular range, and the first range can be represented by the center position and radius of the circle. The second information can be used to indicate the center position and radius of the first range. For example, the first range can be a rectangular range, and the first range can be represented by the center position and the lengths of two adjacent sides of the rectangle. The second information can be used to indicate the center position and the lengths of two adjacent sides of the first range. In one example, the first range can have an irregular shape. In this case, the first range can be represented by the edge of the first range. The second information can be used to indicate multiple positions of the edge of the first range. These multiple positions can be connected in sequence to form the edge of the first range.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first range can be represented by an identifier. In one example, the first range can be a pre-divided location area. In this case, the second information can be used to indicate the identifier of the first range. For example, the identifier of the first range can be the number of the first range. For example, the first range can be the administrative area where the terminal is located, and the first range can be represented by the identifier of the administrative area. The second information can be used to indicate the identifier of the administrative area. For example, the first range can be the coverage cell of the communication system where the terminal is located, and the first range can be represented by the identifier of the cell (for example, cell ID). The second information can be used to indicate the identifier of the cell.

[0135] In step S230 , the first network function 1031 sends a first message to the second network function 1032 .

[0136] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may send the first message via an interface between network functions, such as an Nlmf interface.

[0137] In some embodiments, second network function 1032 may receive the first message.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first message is used to request first information. In one example, the first information can be used to determine map data corresponding to the first range.

[0139] In some embodiments, the name of the first message is not limited, and it can be, for example, a data request message, a retrieval request message, a copy request message, etc.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first message may include the second information.

[0141] In step S240 , the second network function 1032 determines the first information.

[0142] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may determine the first information after receiving the second information.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to determine the first data.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may store second data. For example, the second data may be map data corresponding to a second range, and the second range is larger than the first range.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first information may include first data.

[0146] In some embodiments, determining the first information by the second network function 1032 may include the following three steps. In the first step, the second network function 1032 may obtain the first range based on the first information. For example, the second network function 1032 may directly obtain the first range represented by the boundary position from the first information. For example, the second network function 1032 may obtain the identifier of the first range from the first information and determine the first range based on the identifier. In the second step, the second network function 1032 may determine the data corresponding to the first range from the second data. For example, the second network function 1032 may determine the data corresponding to the first range in the second data as the first data based on the positional relationship between the first range and the second range. In the third step, the second network function 1032 may copy the first data to obtain the first information including the first data.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first information may include indication information related to the first data.

[0148] In some embodiments, determining the first information by the second network function 1032 may include the following three steps. In the first step, the second network function 1032 may obtain the first range based on the first information. For example, the second network function 1032 may directly obtain the first range represented by the boundary position from the first information. For example, the second network function 1032 may obtain the identifier of the first range from the first information and determine the first range based on the identifier. In the second step, the second network function 1032 may determine the data corresponding to the first range from the second data. For example, the second network function 1032 may determine the data corresponding to the first range in the second data as the first data based on the positional relationship between the first range and the second range. In the third step, the second network function 1032 may obtain indication information related to the first data to obtain the first information including the indication information.

[0149] In step S250 , the second network function 1032 sends a second message to the first network function 1031 .

[0150] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may receive the second message.

[0151] In some embodiments, the second message is used to notify the requested first information.

[0152] In some embodiments, the name of the second message is not limited, and it can be, for example, a data response message, a retrieval response message, etc.

[0153] In step S260 , the first network function 1031 saves the first data.

[0154] In some embodiments, after receiving the second message, first network function 1031 may obtain the first data based on the first information in the second message. In one example, the first message may include the first data, and first network function 1031 may directly obtain the first data from the first message. In another example, the first message may include information indicating the first data, and first network function 1031 may obtain the first data from a local or other network function (not shown) based on the information indicating the first data.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may save the obtained first data locally.

[0156] In step S270, the first network function 1031 performs auxiliary positioning processing.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may perform assisted positioning processing based on the local first data.

[0158] In some embodiments, assisted positioning processing may include data retrieval and / or position calculation.

[0159] In some embodiments, the data retrieval may be used to retrieve data related to the current location of the terminal 101 in the first data.

[0160] In some embodiments, the location calculation may be used to calculate the location of the terminal 101 based on the first data.

[0161] In some embodiments, assisted positioning processing can be used to verify the current location of terminal 101. In one example, the current location can be represented by location coordinates, which include longitude, latitude, and altitude. During data retrieval, first network function 1031 can search the first data based on the longitude and latitude values ​​at the current location to obtain data related to the longitude and latitude values ​​in the first data. This data may include altitude data. During location calculation, first network function 1031 can compare the altitude value at the current location with the retrieved altitude data to determine the difference between the two values. Based on the relationship between the difference and a preset threshold, it can be determined whether the current location is the accurate location of terminal 101. For example, if the difference is less than the threshold, the location coordinates can be considered accurate; alternatively, if the difference is greater than or equal to the threshold, the location coordinates can be considered inaccurate. This example can be referred to as verifying the altitude value based on the longitude and latitude values. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the longitude value can be verified based on the latitude and altitude values, or vice versa.

[0162] In some embodiments, assisted positioning processing can be used to correct the current location of terminal 101. In one example, the current location can be represented by location coordinates, which include longitude, latitude, and altitude. During data retrieval, first network function 1031 can search the first data based on the longitude and latitude values ​​at the current location to obtain data related to the longitude and latitude values ​​in the first data. This data may include altitude data. During location calculation, first network function 1031 can correct the altitude value in the location coordinates based on the altitude data. For example, an average or weighted average of the altitude value and the altitude data can be calculated as the new altitude value for terminal 101's current location. This example can be referred to as correcting the altitude value based on the longitude and latitude values. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the longitude value can be corrected based on the latitude and altitude values, or the latitude value can be corrected based on the longitude and altitude values.

[0163] Of course, the auxiliary positioning processing of the first network function 1031 can also have other functions and can be implemented in other ways. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not specifically limit this.

[0164] In some embodiments, when the first network function 1031 stores the first data, if another third message is received later and the location of the terminal 101 related to the third message is included in the first range corresponding to the locally stored first data, the first network function 1031 can directly execute step S270 after step S220, that is, skip steps S230 to S260.

[0165] In step S280 , the first network function 1031 deletes the first data.

[0166] In some embodiments, after the assisted positioning processing of the first network function 1031 is completed, the first network function 1031 no longer needs the first data and can delete the saved first data.

[0167] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S210 to S280. For example, the combination of steps S230 and S250 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S230, S240, and S250 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S230, S250, and S270 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S230, S250, S270, and S280 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps in steps S210 to S280 are not limited thereto.

[0168] In some embodiments, steps S210, S220, S240, S260, S270, and S280 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first data and the second data in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be map data. However, it should be understood that the first data and the second data in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to map data. In some embodiments, the first data and the second data may also be other data (e.g., business data), which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0170] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0171] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0172] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0173] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0174] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0175] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "some", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "some A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, some A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0176] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0177] FIG3 is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by terminal 101. The method includes step S310.

[0178] In step S310, a third message is sent.

[0179] The optional implementation of step S310 can refer to the optional implementation of step S210 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0180] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may send the third message to the first network function 1031 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the third message to other entities.

[0181] In some embodiments, the third message is used by the first network function 1031 to determine the second information. Optional implementations thereof may refer to the optional implementations of step S220 in FIG2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0182] Figure 4 is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the first network function 1031. The method includes steps S410 to S470.

[0183] In step S410, a third message is obtained.

[0184] The optional implementation of step S410 can refer to the optional implementation of step S210 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may receive a third message sent by the terminal 101 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive a third message sent by other entities.

[0186] In some embodiments, the third message may include third information.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may obtain third information specified by the protocol.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may obtain the third information from an upper layer.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may perform processing to obtain third information.

[0190] In some embodiments, step S410 may be omitted, and the first network function 1031 may autonomously implement the function indicated by the third information, or the above function may be default or by default.

[0191] In some embodiments, the third information may include location information and / or measurement data obtained by the terminal 101 through GNSS measurement.

[0192] In step S420, second information is determined.

[0193] The optional implementation of step S420 can refer to the optional implementation of step S220 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0194] In some embodiments, the second information may be determined based on the third information.

[0195] In step S430, a first message is sent.

[0196] The optional implementation of step S430 can refer to the optional implementation of step S230 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may send the first message to the second network function 1032 , but is not limited thereto and the first message may also be sent to other entities.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first message may include the second information.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first message is used by the second network function 1032 to determine the first information. Optional implementations thereof may refer to the optional implementations of step S230 in FIG2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0200] In step S440, the second message is obtained.

[0201] The optional implementation of step S440 can refer to the optional implementation of step S250 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may receive a second message sent by the second network function 1032 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive a second message sent by other entities.

[0203] In some embodiments, the second message may include the first information.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first information may be determined and sent by the second network function 1032 based on the second information.

[0205] In step S450 , the first data is saved.

[0206] The optional implementation of step S450 can refer to the optional implementation of step S260 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first data may be obtained from the first information.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first data may be obtained based on the first information.

[0209] In step S460, auxiliary positioning processing is performed.

[0210] The optional implementation of step S460 can refer to the optional implementation of step S270 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0211] In some embodiments, the assisted positioning processing may be performed based on the first data.

[0212] In step S470 , the first data is deleted.

[0213] The optional implementation of step S470 can refer to the optional implementation of step S280 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0214] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S410 to S470. For example, the combination of steps S430 and S440 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S430, S440, and S450 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S430, S440, S450, and S460 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S410 to S470 are not limited to this.

[0215] In some embodiments, steps S410, S420, S450, S460, and S470 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0216] FIG5 is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5 , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The method includes steps S510 to S530.

[0217] In step S510, a first message is obtained.

[0218] The optional implementation of step S510 can refer to the optional implementation of step S230 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0219] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may receive the first message sent by the first network function 1031 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first message sent by other entities.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first message may include the second information.

[0221] In step S520, first information is determined.

[0222] The optional implementation of step S520 can refer to the optional implementation of step S240 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first information may be determined based on the second information.

[0224] In step S530, the second message is sent.

[0225] The optional implementation of step S530 can refer to the optional implementation of step S250 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may send the second message to the first network function 1031 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the second message to other entities.

[0227] In some embodiments, the second message is used by the first network function 1031 to store the first data and / or perform auxiliary positioning processing. Optional implementations thereof can be referred to steps S260 and S270 of FIG. 2 , i.e., other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0228] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S510 to S530. For example, the combination of steps S510 and S530 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S510 to S530 are not limited to this.

[0229] In some embodiments, steps S510, S520, and S530 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0230] Figure 6 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The method includes steps S610 and S620.

[0231] In step S610 , the first network function 1031 sends a first message to the second network function 1032 .

[0232] The optional implementation of step S610 can refer to the optional implementation of step S230 in Figure 2, step S430 in Figure 4, step S510 in Figure 5, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4, and 5, which will not be repeated here.

[0233] In step S620 , the second network function 1032 sends a second message to the first network function 1031 .

[0234] The optional implementation of step S620 can refer to the optional implementation of step S250 in Figure 2, step S440 in Figure 4, step S530 in Figure 5, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4, and 5, which will not be repeated here.

[0235] Figure 7 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The method involves a data storage network element (i.e., a first network function 1031) and a data retrieval network element (i.e., a second network function 1032).

[0236] In some embodiments, the data storage network element is used to store data to be retrieved. The data storage network element and the data retrieval network element may be connected via an interface. In some cases, the data retrieval network element needs to perform high-frequency retrieval of the data (i.e., the second data) in the data storage network element.

[0237] In the first step, the data retrieval network element informs the data storage network element of the map data search range information through the interface (ie, sends a first message).

[0238] In the second step, the data storage network element copies the data within the search range (ie, the first range) to obtain a data subset (ie, the first data).

[0239] In the third step, the data storage network element sends a message containing the data subset to the data retrieval network element through the interface (ie, sends a second message).

[0240] In the fourth step, the data retrieval network element receives the data subset and stores the data inside the data retrieval network element.

[0241] In the fifth step, the data retrieval network element performs data retrieval and / or calculation using the internally stored data subset.

[0242] In the sixth step, after completing the data retrieval and / or calculation, the data retrieval network element clears the data subset stored in itself.

[0243] In some embodiments, this communication method can be applied to NTN positioning scenarios assisted by altitude information. In this case, the LMF can serve as a data retrieval network element. A new data storage network element can be added to store map data. This map data is used to assist in positioning.

[0244] In the first step, the LMF notifies the data storage network element of the map data search range information through an interface. For example, the search range information may include a center point and a radius. Another example is the number of a pre-divided area.

[0245] In the second step, the data storage network element copies the map data within the search range to obtain a map data subset.

[0246] In the third step, the data storage network element sends a message containing the map data subset to the LMF through the interface.

[0247] In the fourth step, the LMF receives the map data subset and stores the map data subset inside the LMF.

[0248] In the fifth step, LMF uses the internally stored subset of map data to perform data retrieval and position calculation.

[0249] In the sixth step, after completing the position calculation, LMF clears the subset of map data stored in itself.

[0250] In the disclosed embodiment, on the one hand, the scope of data retrieval is narrowed, and on the other hand, the data retrieval process is changed to an operation within the data retrieval network element, thereby speeding up the data retrieval and reducing the delay in the high-frequency data retrieval process.

[0251] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0252] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. The apparatus includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by at least one of the first network function, the second network function, and the core network device in any of the above methods. In this case, the apparatus may be provided in at least one of the first network function, the second network function, and the core network device.

[0253] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above devices is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above devices, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0254] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of a hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document to implement the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0255] Figure 8A is an exemplary structural diagram of a first network function provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8A, the first network function 1031 may include at least one of a transceiver module 8101 and a processing module 8102. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8101 may be used to send a first message and receive a second message. Optionally, the transceiver module 8101 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network function 1031 in any of the above methods (for example, steps S210, S230, S250, but not limited thereto), which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 8102 may be used to perform at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S220, S260, S270, S280, but not limited thereto) performed by the first network function 1031 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0256] Figure 8B is an exemplary structural diagram of a second network function provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8B, the second network function 1032 may include at least one of a transceiver module 8201 and a processing module 8202. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8201 may be used to receive a first message and send a second message. Optionally, the transceiver module 8201 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second network function 1032 in any of the above methods (for example, steps S230, S250, but not limited thereto), which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 8202 may be used to perform at least one of the other steps (for example, step S240, but not limited thereto) performed by the second network function 1032 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0257] Figure 8C is an exemplary structural diagram of a core network device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8C, core network device 103 may include at least one of a transceiver module 8301 and a processing module 8302. Optionally, transceiver module 8301 may be configured to receive a third message. Optionally, processing module 8302 may be configured to execute at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S220 to S280, but not limited thereto) performed by first network function 1031 and second network function 1032 in any of the above methods, which will not be further described herein.

[0258] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 900 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device or a core network device), or a terminal (e.g., a user device), or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above communication methods. Communication device 900 can be used to implement the communication method described in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment.

[0259] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes one or more processors 901. The processor 901 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The processor 901 is used to call instructions to enable the communication device 900 to execute any of the above communication methods.

[0260] In some embodiments, the communication device 900 further includes one or more memories 902 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 902 may be located outside the communication device 900.

[0261] In some embodiments, the communication device 900 further includes one or more transceivers 903. When the communication device 900 includes one or more transceivers 903, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceiver 903, and the other steps are performed by the processor 901.

[0262] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0263] Optionally, the communication device 900 further includes one or more interface circuits 904, which are connected to the memory 902. The interface circuits 904 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 902 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 902 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 904 may read instructions stored in the memory 902 and send the instructions to the processor 901.

[0264] The communication device 900 described in the above embodiments may be an access network device, a core network device, an external network device, or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 900 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 900 may not be limited by FIG. 9 . The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) other devices.

[0265] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 900, the communication device 900 executes any of the above communication methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but may also be a transient storage medium.

[0266] The present disclosure further provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 900, enables the communication device 900 to perform any of the above communication methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0267] The present disclosure also provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the above communication methods.

[0268] Other embodiments of the present invention 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 invention that follow from the general principles of the invention 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 invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0269] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: Sending a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first data, and the first data is map data corresponding to the first range; A second message is received, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first data is a subset of the second data, the second data is map data corresponding to a second range, and the second range is larger than the first range.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first message includes second information, where the second information is used to indicate the first range.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The center position and radius of the first range; An identifier of the first scope.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Before sending the first message, the method further includes: receiving a third message, wherein the third message includes third information, and the third information is used to indicate a current location of the terminal; Second information is determined according to the third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the first range.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: After receiving the second message, the method further includes: Based on the first data, auxiliary positioning processing of the terminal is performed.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: After performing auxiliary positioning processing of the terminal based on the first data, the method further includes: The first data is deleted.

8. A communication method, comprising: receiving a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first data, and the first data is map data corresponding to a first range; A second message is sent, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The first data is a subset of the second data, the second data is map data corresponding to a second range, and the second range is larger than the first range.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The first message includes second information, where the second information is used to indicate the first range.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The center position and radius of the first range; An identifier of the first scope.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The method further comprises: The first information is determined according to the first message.

13. A communication method, comprising: The first network function sends a first message to the second network function, wherein the first message is used to request first data, and the first data is map data corresponding to the first range; The second network function sends a second message to the first network function, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

14. A network function comprising: Transceiver module, configured as: Sending a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first data, and the first data is map data corresponding to the first range; A second message is received, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

15. A network function comprising: Transceiver module, configured as: receiving a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first data, and the first data is map data corresponding to a first range; A second message is sent, wherein the second message includes first information, and the first information is used to determine the first data.

16. A network function comprising: at least one processor; The network function is used to execute the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

17. A network function comprising: at least one processor; The network function is used to execute the communication method as described in any one of claims 8 to 12.

18. A core network device, comprising: at least one processor; The core network device is used to execute the communication method as claimed in claim 13.

19. A communication system, comprising a terminal, an access network device, and a core network device, wherein: The core network device is configured to implement the communication method as claimed in claim 13.

20. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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