Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and apparatus, which can be applied to non-terrestrial communication networks, such as a satellite network, an unmanned aerial vehicle platform, a high-altitude platform, etc., and are used for verifying the location of a terminal device or performing positioning on the terminal device. In the method, by means of measuring parameters of communication apparatuses among L communication apparatus groups from a positioning server, determining P communication apparatus groups among the L communication apparatus groups, wherein the parameters are related to the positioning precision of the communication apparatuses, and indicating to the positioning server the P communication apparatus groups and receiving information from the positioning server that is required for measuring reference signals of communication apparatuses among the P communication apparatus groups, a terminal device can send a measurement result of a first reference signal to the positioning server, and the first reference signal is from all or some of the communication apparatuses among the P communication apparatus groups, and thus the energy consumption of the terminal device for measuring the reference signals during positioning can be reduced.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202310909440.8 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on July 21, 2023, and priority to the Chinese patent application with the invention name “Communication Method and Device”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0003] Compared to traditional mobile communication systems, satellite communications offer wider coverage, support asymmetric transmission links, and communication costs independent of transmission distance. They can overcome natural geographical barriers such as oceans, deserts, and mountains. In satellite communication systems, satellite cells typically cover large areas, potentially crossing borders and encompassing multiple countries and regions. Satellites often need to know the location of terminal devices when providing communication services such as disaster warnings, emergency calls, and toll collection services, while complying with national or regional laws and regulations.

[0004] In existing satellite communication systems, the positioning of ground-based terminal devices is typically achieved through dedicated positioning satellites, which are primarily used by the terminal devices to locate themselves and report their location information to the network. However, the location information reported by the ground-based terminal devices may be tampered with or subject to interference, resulting in significant errors. Therefore, it is possible to consider combining positioning methods with terrestrial networks to enable the network to locate ground-based terminal devices in the satellite communication system, or to verify the location information reported by ground-based terminal devices. When combining positioning methods with terrestrial networks to locate ground-based terminal devices in the satellite communication system, reducing the energy consumption of the terminal devices is an issue that needs to be addressed.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can reduce the energy consumption of a terminal device during the process of verifying the location of the terminal device or locating the terminal device on the network side.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second communication device, which can be a terminal device or a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, but this application does not limit this. The following description assumes that the method is performed by the second communication device.

[0008] The method includes: receiving first information from a positioning server, the first information indicating L communication device groups, each communication device group in the L communication device groups indicating multiple first communication devices, the first communication devices included in each two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not completely the same, and L is a positive integer; sending second information to the positioning server, the second information indicating P communication device groups in the L communication device groups, the P communication device groups are determined based on first parameters of the first communication devices in the L communication device groups, the first parameters are related to the positioning accuracy requirements of the second communication device, and the second communication device is the communication device to be positioned; receiving configuration information from the positioning server, the configuration information is sent based on the second information, the configuration information includes information required for measuring reference signals of first communication devices in the P communication device groups; and sending measurement results of first reference signals to the positioning server, the first reference signals coming from first communication devices in all or part of the P communication device groups.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, by receiving configuration information for measuring reference signals for P communication device groups out of L communication device groups from the positioning server, a second communication device can measure the reference signal of the first communication device out of the P communication device groups, thereby reducing energy consumption of the second communication device. Furthermore, the positioning server sending the configuration information for measuring reference signals for P communication device groups out of L communication device groups to the second communication device can reduce signaling overhead.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the identifier of the first communication device or the identifier of the communication device group corresponding to the measurement result is sent to the positioning server; or, the identifier of the first communication device corresponding to the measurement result and the identifier of the corresponding communication device group are sent.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending indication information to the positioning server, the indication information indicating the partial group of communication devices. In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first parameter includes at least one of the following: geometric dilution of precision, signal quality, ephemeris error, a distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and a distance between the first communication devices.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining ephemeris information of a first communication device in the group of L first communication devices, where the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one of the following measurement quantities: reference signal time difference RSTD, angle of arrival AoA, angle of departure AoD, round-trip transmission delay RTT, and signal quality.

[0014] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be performed by a second communication device, which can be a terminal device or a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, although this application does not limit this. The following description assumes that the method is performed by the second communication device.

[0015] The method includes: receiving first information from a positioning server, where the first information indicates M first communication devices, where M is a positive integer; sending second information to the positioning server, where the second information indicates N first communication devices among the M first communication devices, where the N first communication devices are determined based on first parameters of the M first communication devices, where the first parameters are related to the positioning accuracy requirements of the second communication device, and the second communication device is the communication device to be positioned; receiving configuration information from the positioning server, where the configuration information is used to configure information required for measuring reference signals of the N first communication devices; and sending measurement results obtained by measuring first reference signals to the positioning server, where the first reference signals come from all or part of the first communication devices in the group of N first communication devices.

[0016] Based on the above technical solution, by receiving configuration information from a positioning server for measuring reference signals of N communication devices among M first communication devices, a second communication device can measure the reference signals of the first communication device among the N communication devices, thereby reducing energy consumption of the second communication device. In addition, sending the configuration information for measuring reference signals of the N first communication devices to the second communication device can reduce signaling overhead.

[0017] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending indication information to the positioning server, where the indication information indicates the part of the first communication devices.

[0018] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first parameter includes at least one of the following: geometric dilution of precision, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0019] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: obtaining ephemeris information of a first communication device among the M first communication devices, where the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0020] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity can refer to the description in the implementation of the first aspect.

[0021] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be performed by a second communication device, which can be a terminal device or a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, although this application does not limit this. The following description assumes that the method is performed by the second communication device.

[0022] The method includes: receiving first information from a positioning server, the first information including information required for measuring a reference signal of a first communication device in L communication device groups, each communication device group in the L communication device groups corresponds to a priority, each communication device group in the L communication device groups indicates multiple first communication devices, the first communication devices included in every two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not completely the same, and L is a positive integer; sending a measurement result of a first reference signal to the positioning server, the first reference signal coming from a first communication device in P communication device groups in the L communication device groups, and the priority of the P communication device groups is higher than the priority of other communication device groups in the L communication device groups.

[0023] Based on the above technical solution, by receiving configuration information for measuring reference signals of L communication device groups and the priorities of the L communication device groups from a positioning server, the second communication device can measure the reference signal from the first communication device in P communication device groups among the L communication device groups according to the priority, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the second communication device.

[0024] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the priority corresponding to each first communication device group is determined based on a first parameter of the first communication device in each first communication device group, where the first parameter is related to the positioning accuracy requirement of the second communication device, the second communication device being the communication device to be positioned, and the first parameter includes at least one of the following: geometric precision factor, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0025] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: obtaining ephemeris information of the first communication device in each first communication device group, where the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0026] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity can refer to the description in the implementation of the first aspect.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a network-side device (e.g., a positioning server) or by a chip or circuit configured in the positioning server, which is not limited in this application. It is understood that the network-side device can be an access network device or a core network device.

[0028] The method includes: sending first information to a second communication device, the first information indicating L communication device groups, each communication device group in the L communication device groups indicating multiple first communication devices, and the first communication devices included in each two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not completely the same; receiving second information from the second communication device, the second information indicating P communication device groups in the L communication device groups, the P communication device groups are determined based on first parameters of the first communication device in the L communication device groups, and the first parameters are related to the positioning accuracy requirements of the second communication device; sending configuration information to the second communication device based on the second information, the configuration information including information required to measure reference signals of the first communication devices in the P communication device groups; receiving measurement results of the first reference signals from the second communication device, the first reference signals coming from the first communication devices in all or part of the P communication device groups.

[0029] Based on the above technical solution, by sending configuration information for measuring reference signals of P communication device groups among L communication device groups to a second communication device, the second communication device can measure the reference signal of the first communication device among the P communication device groups, thereby reducing energy consumption of the second communication device. In addition, sending configuration information for measuring reference signals of P communication device groups among L communication device groups to the second communication device can reduce signaling overhead.

[0030] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving indication information from the second communication device, where the indication information indicates the partial communication device group.

[0031] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first parameter includes at least one of the following items: geometric precision factor, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0032] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: sending ephemeris information of the first communication device in the group of L first communication devices to the second communication device, where the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0033] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity can refer to the description in the implementation of the first aspect.

[0034] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network-side device (e.g., a positioning server) or by a chip or circuit configured in the positioning server, which is not limited in this application. It is understood that the network-side device can be an access network device or a core network device.

[0035] The method includes: sending first information to a second communication device, where the first information indicates M first communication devices, where M is a positive integer; receiving second information from the second communication device, where the second information indicates N first communication devices among the M first communication devices, where the N first communication devices are determined based on first parameters of the M first communication devices, where the first parameters are related to the positioning accuracy requirements of the second communication device; sending configuration information to the second communication device, where the configuration information is used to configure information required for measuring reference signals of the N first communication devices; and receiving measurement results of first reference signals from the second communication device, where the first reference signals come from all or part of the first communication devices in the group of N first communication devices.

[0036] Based on the above technical solution, by sending configuration information for measuring reference signals of N first communication devices out of M first communication devices to a second communication device, the second communication device can measure the reference signals of the first communication devices in the group of N communication devices, thereby reducing energy consumption of the second communication device. In addition, sending configuration information for measuring reference signals of N first communication device groups out of M first communication device groups to the second communication device can reduce signaling overhead.

[0037] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: receiving indication information from the second communication device, where the indication information indicates the portion of the first communication device.

[0038] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first parameter includes at least one of the following: geometric precision factor, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0039] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: sending ephemeris information of a first communication device among the M first communication devices to a second communication device, where the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0040] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity can refer to the description in the implementation of the first aspect.

[0041] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a positioning server or by a chip or circuit configured in the positioning server, and this application does not limit this.

[0042] The method includes: sending first information to a second communication device, the first information including information required for measuring a reference signal of a first communication device in L communication device groups, each communication device group in the L communication device groups corresponds to a priority, each communication device group in the L communication device groups indicates multiple first communication devices, the first communication devices included in every two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not completely the same, and L is a positive integer; and receiving a measurement result of a first reference signal from the second communication device, the first reference signal coming from the first communication devices of all or part of the communication device groups in P communication device groups in the L communication device groups.

[0043] Based on the above technical solution, by transmitting configuration information for measuring reference signals from L communication device groups, as well as the priorities of the L communication device groups, to a second communication device, the second communication device can measure reference signals from the first communication device in P of the L communication device groups based on the priorities and transmit the measurement results. The measurement results can be used to verify the location of the terminal device. The second communication device measuring reference signals from the first communication device in the P of the L communication device groups can reduce energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0044] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the method further includes: the priority corresponding to each first communication device group is determined based on a first parameter of the first communication device in each first communication device group, the first parameter is related to the positioning accuracy requirement of the second communication device, and the first parameter includes at least one of the following: geometric precision factor, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0045] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the method further includes: sending ephemeris information of the first communication device in each first communication device group to the second communication device, the ephemeris information being used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0046] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity can refer to the description in the implementation of the first aspect.

[0047] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a transceiver unit, which is used to: receive first information from a positioning server, the first information indicating L communication device groups, each communication device group in the L communication device groups indicating multiple first communication devices, the first communication devices included in each two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not completely the same, and L is a positive integer; send second information to the positioning server, the second information indicating P communication device groups in the L communication device groups, the P communication device groups are determined based on a first parameter of the first communication device in the L communication device groups, the first parameter is related to the positioning accuracy requirement of the second communication device, and the second communication device is the communication device to be positioned; receive configuration information from the positioning server, the configuration information is sent based on the second information, the configuration information includes information required to measure a reference signal of a first communication device in the P communication device groups; send a measurement result of the first reference signal to the positioning server, the first reference signal comes from the first communication device in all or part of the P communication device groups.

[0048] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send indication information to the positioning server, where the indication information indicates the partial communication device group.

[0049] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the first parameter includes at least one of the following items: geometric precision factor, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0050] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the device further includes a processing unit, which is used to obtain ephemeris information of the first communication device in the group of L first communication devices, and the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0051] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity is described in the implementation of the first aspect.

[0052] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a transceiver unit, wherein the transceiver unit is used to: receive first information from a positioning server, the first information indicating M first communication devices, where M is a positive integer; send second information to the positioning server, the second information indicating N first communication devices among the M first communication devices, the N first communication devices being determined based on first parameters of the M first communication devices, the first parameters being related to the positioning accuracy requirements of the second communication device, and the second communication device being the communication device to be positioned; receive configuration information from the positioning server, the configuration information being used to configure information required to measure reference signals of the N first communication devices; and send measurement results obtained by measuring the first reference signal to the positioning server, the first reference signal coming from all or part of the first communication devices in the group of N first communication devices.

[0053] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send indication information to the positioning server, where the indication information indicates the part of the first communication device.

[0054] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the first parameter includes at least one of the following: geometric precision factor, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0055] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the device further includes a processing unit, which is used to obtain ephemeris information of a first communication device among the M first communication devices, and the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0056] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity is described with reference to the implementation of the first aspect.

[0057] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a transceiver unit, wherein the transceiver unit is used to: receive first information from a positioning server, the first information including information required for measuring a reference signal of a first communication device in L communication device groups, each communication device group in the L communication device groups corresponds to a priority, each communication device group in the L communication device groups indicates multiple first communication devices, the first communication devices included in each two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not exactly the same, and L is a positive integer; and send a measurement result of the first reference signal to the positioning server, the first reference signal coming from a first communication device in P communication device groups in the L communication device groups, and the priority of the P communication device groups is higher than the priority of other communication device groups in the L communication device groups.

[0058] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the priority corresponding to each first communication device group is determined based on a first parameter of the first communication device in each first communication device group, and the first parameter is related to the positioning accuracy requirement of the second communication device, and the second communication device is a communication device to be positioned. The first parameter includes at least one of the following: geometric precision factor, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0059] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the device further includes a processing unit, which is used to obtain ephemeris information of the first communication device in each first communication device group, and the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0060] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity is described with reference to the implementation of the first aspect.

[0061] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a transceiver unit, which is used to: send first information to a second communication device, the first information indicating L communication device groups, each communication device group in the L communication device groups indicating multiple first communication devices, and the first communication devices included in each two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not exactly the same; receive second information from the second communication device, the second information indicating P communication device groups in the L communication device groups, the P communication device groups are determined based on a first parameter of the first communication device in the L communication device groups, and the first parameter is related to the positioning accuracy requirement of the second communication device; send configuration information to the second communication device based on the second information, the configuration information including information required to measure a reference signal of the first communication device in the P communication device groups; receive a measurement result of the first reference signal from the second communication device, and the first reference signal comes from the first communication device in all or part of the P communication device groups.

[0062] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to receive indication information from the second communication device, where the indication information indicates the partial communication device group.

[0063] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the first parameter includes at least one of the following items: geometric precision factor, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0064] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send ephemeris information of the first communication device in the group of L first communication devices to the second communication device, where the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0065] In combination with the tenth aspect, in some implementations of the tenth aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity is described with reference to the implementation of the first aspect.

[0066] In the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a transceiver unit, which is used to: send first information to a second communication device, the first information indicating M first communication devices, M being a positive integer; receive second information from the second communication device, the second information indicating N first communication devices among the M first communication devices, the N first communication devices being determined based on first parameters of the M first communication devices, and the first parameters being related to the positioning accuracy requirements of the second communication device; send configuration information to the second communication device, the configuration information being used to configure information required to measure reference signals of the N first communication devices; receive measurement results of the first reference signal from the second communication device, the first reference signal coming from all or part of the first communication devices in the group of N first communication devices.

[0067] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive indication information from the second communication device, where the indication information indicates the portion of the first communication device.

[0068] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the first parameter includes at least one of the following: geometric dilution of precision, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0069] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send ephemeris information of a first communication device among the M first communication devices to the second communication device, where the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0070] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity is described with reference to the implementation of the first aspect.

[0071] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a transceiver unit, and the transceiver unit is used to: send first information to a second communication device, the first information including information required for measuring a reference signal of a first communication device in L communication device groups, each communication device group in the L communication device groups corresponds to a priority, each communication device group in the L communication device groups indicates multiple first communication devices, the first communication devices included in each two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not exactly the same, and L is a positive integer; receive a measurement result of the first reference signal from the second communication device, the first reference signal coming from the first communication device of all or part of the P communication device groups in the L communication device groups.

[0072] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the priority corresponding to each first communication device group is determined based on a first parameter of the first communication device in each first communication device group, and the first parameter is related to the positioning accuracy requirement of the second communication device, and the first parameter includes at least one of the following: geometric precision factor, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

[0073] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send the ephemeris information of the first communication device in each first communication device group to the second communication device, and the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

[0074] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in some implementations of the twelfth aspect, the measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one measurement quantity, and the at least one measurement quantity can refer to the description in the implementation of the first aspect.

[0075] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method of any possible implementation of the first to third aspects and any of the first to third aspects. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0076] In one implementation, the communication device is a second communication device. When the communication device is the second communication device, the communication interface may be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0077] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in the second communication device. When the communication device is a chip configured in the second communication device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0078] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0079] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method of any possible implementation of aspects 2 to 6 and any possible implementation of aspects 2 to 6. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0080] In one implementation, the communication device is a positioning server. When the communication device is a positioning server, the communication interface may be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0081] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in a positioning server. When the communication device is a chip configured in a positioning server, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0082] In a fifteenth aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor executes the method of any possible implementation of aspects 1 to 6.

[0083] In a specific implementation, the processor may be one or more chips, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, or various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit may be received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be output to and transmitted by a transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, which functions as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0084] In a sixteenth aspect, a processing device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory and receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the method of any possible implementation of aspects one to six.

[0085] Optionally, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0086] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or provided separately from the processor.

[0087] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM). The memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or can be set on different chips. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of memory and the setting method of the memory and the processor.

[0088] It should be understood that related data interaction processes, such as sending indication information, can be the process of outputting indication information from the processor, and receiving capability information can be the process of receiving input capability information from the processor. Specifically, data output by the processor can be output to the transmitter, and input data received by the processor can be received from the receiver. The transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0089] The processing device in the aforementioned aspect 16 may be one or more chips. The processor in the processing device may be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor may be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or the like; when implemented in software, the processor may be a general-purpose processor implemented by reading software code stored in a memory, which may be integrated into the processor or located independently of the processor.

[0090] In the seventeenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute a method in any possible implementation of the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects.

[0091] In the eighteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions) which, when run on a computer, enables the method in any possible implementation of the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects to be executed.

[0092] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising at least one of the aforementioned first communication device, second communication device and positioning server. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of satellite communications.

[0094] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0095] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the round-trip transmission delay between UE and gNB.

[0096] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a positioning method based on a single satellite.

[0097] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of a positioning method in a terrestrial network.

[0098] FIG6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0099] FIG7 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0100] FIG8 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0101] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0102] FIG10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0103] FIG11 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0104] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0105] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, machine to machine (M2M) system, non-terrestrial network (NTN) system, the fifth generation mobile communication system (the 5 thGeneration, 5G) system or New Radio (NR) or other future wireless communication systems.

[0106] The NTN system can also be referred to as a satellite communication system. An NTN system refers to a communication network that uses aerial or space platforms as transmission equipment, relay nodes, or base stations. These platforms include, but are not limited to, drones, hot air balloons, airplanes, and satellites. Furthermore, the NTN system can also include high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication systems.

[0107] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application. The satellite communication system includes satellites 101, 102, and 103, as well as terminal devices. Each satellite can provide services to the terminal devices, such as communication services, navigation services, and positioning services. Satellites can communicate wirelessly with terminal devices via broadcast signals, navigation signals, and the like. Satellites (e.g., satellite 103) can connect to ground stations and communicate wirelessly with ground station equipment.

[0108] Ground stations can provide functions similar to gateways in terrestrial communication systems, such as establishing connections with terminal devices and communicating with servers. They also monitor satellites, perform fault detection, perform packet switching of communication data, and convert interface protocols. Ground stations can be devices in the core network (CN) of existing mobile communication architectures or in future mobile communication architectures, devices used to connect satellites to the core network, or relay devices used for satellite communications.

[0109] Furthermore, satellite communication systems can include both transparent and non-transparent satellite architectures. Transparent transmission, also known as bent-pipe transmission, involves signals being processed only on the satellite, such as frequency conversion and amplification, making the satellite transparent to the signal. Non-transparent transmission, also known as regenerative (on-board access / processing) transmission, involves satellites performing some or all of the base station functions. For example, satellites 101 and 102 in Figure 1 represent non-transparent satellite architectures, while satellite 103 represents a transparent satellite architecture. Furthermore, satellites can operate in either quasi-Earth-fixed or satellite-fixed modes.

[0110] The terminal device referred to in this application may include a communication kit with wireless communication capabilities (the kit may include an antenna, power supply module, cable, and Wi-Fi module, etc.), a handheld device, a vehicle-mounted device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. Specifically, it may refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device may also be a communication module with satellite communication capabilities, a satellite phone or its components, a very small aperture terminal (VSAT), a wireless modem, a machine type communication device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device may also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a terminal in self-driving, remote medical, smart grid, transportation safety, smart city or smart home, or a terminal device in a future communication network. The terminal device in this application may also refer to a chip, modem, system on a chip (SoC) or a communication platform that may include a radio frequency (RF) part, which is mainly responsible for the relevant communication functions in the terminal device.

[0111] The communication device mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a device for communicating with a terminal device, and may also be referred to as a network device. The communication device includes, but is not limited to, an evolved node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission reception point (TRP), etc. The communication device may also be a gNB, TRP or TP in a 5G system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system. In addition, the communication device may also be a network node constituting a gNB or TP, such as a BBU, or a distributed unit (DU), etc. Alternatively, the communication device may also be a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, an Internet of Things (IoT), an Internet of Vehicles communication system, or a device that undertakes network-side functions in other communication systems.

[0112] The satellite mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a satellite base station, and may also include an orbital receiver or repeater for relaying information, or a network device carried on a satellite.

[0113] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, the ground UE accesses the network through an air interface (such as a 5G new air interface); the base station is deployed on a satellite and connected to the core network on the ground through a wireless link. At the same time, there is a wireless link between satellites to complete signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations. For example, as shown in Figure 2 (a), the base station is deployed on the ground and connected to a ground station that communicates with the satellite; or, as shown in Figure 2 (b), the base station is deployed on a satellite; or, as shown in Figure 2 (c), the satellite is connected to the ground station through a wireless link, and the ground station and the base station are connected to the core network through a wired or wireless link, and a wireless link can exist between satellites. If the satellite only has a transparent transmission function (that is, the corresponding base station is deployed on the ground), only the transparent transmission forwarding function is implemented between satellites; if the base station or part of the base station function is deployed on the satellite, the signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations can be completed between satellites. The various network elements in Figure 2 and their interfaces are described as follows:

[0114] Terminal equipment: Please refer to the above description of the terminal equipment, and the terminal equipment can access the satellite network through the air interface and initiate calls, access the Internet and other services.

[0115] Base station: mainly provides wireless access services, dispatches wireless resources to access terminal devices, and provides reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols.

[0116] Core network: Provides services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. It consists of multiple functional units, divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The access and mobility management function (AMF) is responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The user plane function (UPF) manages user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions.

[0117] Ground station: responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite base stations and 5G core network.

[0118] Air interface: The wireless link between the terminal device and the base station.

[0119] Xn interface: The interface between 5G base stations, mainly used for signaling interactions such as switching.

[0120] NG interface: The interface between the 5G base station and the 5G core network, which mainly exchanges signaling such as the non-access stratum (NAS) of the core network and user business data.

[0121] In the context of satellite communications, the solution provided in this application may also be applied to an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network system.

[0122] In the IAB network architecture, a satellite can be an IAB node in the IAB network, providing wireless access services for terminal devices, and can be connected to a donor node (e.g., another satellite) via a wireless backhaul link to transmit user service data.

[0123] Among them, the IAB node can have the role of a mobile terminal (MT) and the role of a DU. When the IAB node faces its parent node, it can be regarded as a terminal device. At this time, the IAB node plays the role of an MT. When the IAB node faces its child node (the child node may be a terminal device or the terminal device part of another IAB node), it can be regarded as a communication device. At this time, the IAB node plays the role of a DU. Therefore, it can be considered that the IAB node consists of an MT part and a DU part, as shown in (d) of Figure 2. An IAB node can establish a backhaul connection with at least one parent node of the IAB node through the MT part. The DU part of an IAB node can provide access services for terminal devices or the MT part of other IAB nodes.

[0124] The donor node can be referred to as the IAB donor or DgNB (donor gNodeB). The donor node can be a complete entity or a combination of a centralized unit (CU) (abbreviated as Donor-CU or simply CU) and a distributed unit (DU) (abbreviated as Donor-DU). In other words, the donor node consists of a Donor-CU and a Donor-DU.

[0125] Among them, the Donor-CU can also be a form in which the user plane (UP) (abbreviated as CU-UP) and the control plane (CP) (abbreviated as CU-CP) are separated, that is, the Donor-CU consists of the CU-CP and the CU-UP.

[0126] As shown in Figure 2(d), the IAB node is connected to the core network via a wired link via the donor node. For example, in a 5G standalone (SA) network, the IAB node is connected to the 5G core (5GC) via a wired link via the donor node. In a 5G non-SA network, the IAB node is connected to the evolved packet core (EPC) via the eNB on the control plane and to the EPC via the donor node and the eNB on the user plane.

[0127] In the above network architecture, the network can locate terminal devices using a variety of methods, such as reference signal delay, delay difference, and reception angle. The following describes several common positioning methods.

[0128] 1. Time difference of arrival (TDOA): A positioning method that uses time difference.

[0129] TDOA can be the downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) or the observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA). The downlink signal used for DL-TDOA / OTDOA can be a positioning reference signal (PRS). In the DL-TDOA / OTDOA positioning method, the terminal device measures the arrival time difference of reference signals from different TRPs or gNBs and reports it to the positioning server. The arrival time difference of the reference signal is also called the reference signal time difference (RSTD); the positioning server estimates the position of the terminal device based on the RSTD, the location information of the TRP, and the positioning algorithm.

[0130] The embodiments of the present application are not limited to a specific positioning algorithm, and may be, for example, a Gauss-Newton algorithm, an Extended Kalman Filter algorithm, or the like.

[0131] TDOA can also be referred to as uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA). In the UL-TDOA positioning method, the terminal device transmits a sounding reference signal (SRS); in response, multiple Transmitter Relays (TRPs) receive the SRS and report the measured time difference of arrival of the reference signal to a positioning server. The positioning server estimates the terminal device's location based on the time difference of arrival of the reference signal, the location information of the TRPs, and a positioning algorithm.

[0132] 2. Multi-round trip time (Multi-RTT)

[0133] Multiple round trip delays estimate the round trip time (RTT) between the UE and multiple TRPs by measuring the time interval between sending and receiving signals. As shown in Figure 3, the gNB (TPR) determines the time difference between sending a PRS and receiving an SRS from the UE as gNB (Tx-Rx) = T4 - T1; the UE determines the time difference between receiving a PRS from the gNB (TPR) and sending an SRS as UE (Rx-Tx) = T3 - T2. The RTT between the UE and a TRP can be equal to gNB (Tx-Rx) - UE (Rx-Tx). By measuring the RTT between the UE and multiple TRPs multiple times and sending the measurement results to the positioning server, the positioning server can calculate the UE's location based on the measurement results and the location information of the multiple TRPs.

[0134] 3. Positioning methods based on angle of arrival (AoA) or angle of departure (AoD)

[0135] In addition to measuring time difference, terminal device positioning can also be achieved by measuring angles. These angles can be either the angle of arrival (AoA) or the angle of departure (AoD). The angle of arrival represents the angle between the direction of the signal received by the receiver and a reference direction; the angle of departure represents the angle between the direction of the signal transmitted by the transmitter and a reference direction. The reference direction can be determined based on the position and / or shape of the antenna. The gNB (TPR) can measure the angle of arrival of the terminal device's signal based on the beam in which the terminal is located and report the measurement results to the positioning server. The positioning server uses the known gNB (TPR) location information and multiple AoA (AoD) measurement results to locate the terminal device.

[0136] In satellite communication systems, a single satellite can be moved to positions at multiple times, equivalent to multiple TRPs, which can then be combined with the above-mentioned terrestrial network positioning methods to locate the terminal device. For example, as shown in Figure 4(a), in single-satellite DL-TDOA positioning, the terminal device can measure and report the time difference of the PRS received from satellite #1 at different times; the network side can locate the terminal based on the time difference reported by the terminal device and the known satellite ephemeris information or position information.

[0137] In the positioning technology based on the measurement quantity of a single satellite (for example, RSTD, RTT), as shown in Figure 4 (b), the measurement results of the measurement quantity obtained at a position symmetrical to the terminal device with respect to the satellite orbit plane are the same as the measurement results of the measurement quantity at the location of the terminal device. Therefore, when the network side locates the terminal device, it may not be possible to determine which side of the orbit the terminal device is located on, and thus may not be able to locate the terminal device. In addition, the positioning technology based on the measurement quantity of a single satellite has a long positioning time and low accuracy. In order to improve positioning accuracy, the measurement needs to have a larger time interval to bring about differentiation, but a larger time interval will bring about a larger positioning delay.

[0138] To address the issues with the aforementioned positioning method based on single-satellite measurements, it's possible to locate a terminal device based on measurements from multiple satellites. Multiple satellites are equivalent to multiple TRPs, allowing for the integration of terrestrial network positioning methods. Taking the OTDOA positioning process in a terrestrial network as an example, this process may include the steps shown in Figure 5.

[0139] S501: The positioning server sends a capability request message to the terminal device.

[0140] The capability request message may be used to request reporting of positioning capabilities.

[0141] Exemplarily, the capability request message is a RequestCapabilities message, or the capability request message is other messages, which are not limited.

[0142] In one example, upon receiving a positioning request message, the positioning server sends the capability request message to the terminal device. The positioning request message may be used to request verification of the location of the terminal device. For example, the positioning request message may come from the terminal device, the positioning server, or a third party (e.g., an external client).

[0143] S502: The terminal device sends positioning capability information to the positioning server.

[0144] The positioning capability information can be used to indicate the positioning methods (also called positioning modes) supported by the terminal device.

[0145] Exemplarily, the positioning modes supported by the terminal device may include: terminal device-assisted (UE-Based) positioning mode, terminal device-assisted (UE-Assisted) positioning mode and independent (standalone) positioning mode. For details, please refer to the existing relevant descriptions.

[0146] Exemplarily, the terminal device sends the positioning capability information to the positioning server through a ProvideCapabilities message, or the terminal device sends the positioning capability information to the positioning server through other messages, which is not limited.

[0147] Optionally, the ProvideCapabilities message may also include a rough estimate of the terminal device's location. The rough estimate of the terminal device's location may be used to determine information such as expected RSTD (expected RSTD), expected RSTD uncertainty (expected RSTD-Uncertainty), and the like.

[0148] S503: The positioning server sends auxiliary data to the terminal device.

[0149] The assistance data may include information of the reference cell and information of the neighboring cells, for example, the PRS configuration of the reference cell and the PRS configuration of the neighboring cells. For details, please refer to the information included in the ProvideAssistanceData message below.

[0150] The auxiliary data can be used by the terminal device to measure the reference cell and the neighboring cell to obtain a measurement result of a measurement quantity (for example, RSTD), and the measurement result can be used to verify the position of the terminal device.

[0151] Exemplarily, the positioning server may provide the assistance data to the terminal device via a Provide Assistance Data (ProvideAssistanceData) message.

[0152] S504: The positioning server sends a location information request to the terminal device.

[0153] For example, the location information request is a Request Location Information (RequestLocationInformation) message. The RequestLocationInformation message is used to request the terminal device to measure RSTD.

[0154] S505: The terminal device measures RSTD.

[0155] Exemplarily, the terminal device measures RSTD in combination with the assistance data in S503.

[0156] S506: The terminal device sends the measurement result to the positioning server.

[0157] Exemplarily, the terminal device may report the measurement result to the positioning server via a Provide Location Information (ProvideLocationInformation) message.

[0158] S507: The positioning server verifies the position of the terminal device or locates the terminal device based on the measurement result and the position of the network device.

[0159] Exemplarily, the positioning server estimates the location of the terminal device based on the RSTD, the location of the network device, and a positioning algorithm.

[0160] In the above S503, the positioning server may provide assistance data to the terminal device via a ProvideAssistanceData message. The ProvideAssistanceData message may include the following information:

[0161] Among them, OTDOA-ReferenceCellInfo may include the following information:

[0162] OTDOA-NeighbourCellInfoList may include the following information:

[0163] As can be seen from the above, the ProvideAssistanceData message mainly includes OTDOA-ReferenceCellInfo information and OTDOA-NeighbourCellInfoList information.

[0164] Among them, OTDOA-ReferenceCellInfo is used by the network side to provide the terminal with information about the reference cell (such as the physical cell ID of the reference cell, the ECGI of the reference cell, the carrier frequency number, the antenna port configuration, the cyclic prefix length of the reference cell PRS, and the PRS configuration, etc.).

[0165] The OTDOA-NeighbourCellInfoList information can provide information about neighboring cells, which may include relevant information for up to 24 neighboring cells for each of up to 3 frequency layers, such as the cyclic prefix length of the neighboring cell PRS, the neighboring cell PRS configuration, the time slot level offset of the neighboring cell relative to the reference cell (indicated by the slotNumberOffset information element) and the subframe level offset (indicated by the prs-SubframeOffset information element), the expected RSTD (indicated by the expectedRSTD information element) and the uncertainty of the expected RSTD (indicated by the expectedRSTD-Uncertainty information element). The information about the neighboring cell can be used by the terminal device to determine the timing of searching for the corresponding PRS. Among them, the configuration of the PRS (indicated by the PRS-Info information element) may include information such as the PRS bandwidth, the PRS configuration index, and the number of consecutive downlink subframes.

[0166] In existing OTDOA positioning methods for terrestrial networks, reference signals from different cells (including the reference cell and neighboring cells) typically reach a terminal device within a single frame. That is, the time interval between reference signals from different cells reaching the terminal device does not exceed the length of a single frame. Therefore, the terminal device can measure reference signals from different cells in a relatively short period of time, enabling the network to locate the terminal device.

[0167] In an NTN system, however, due to the significant differences in the distances between different satellites and terminal devices, reference signals from different satellites do not necessarily reach the terminal device within a single frame. In other words, the time interval between reference signals from different satellites reaching the terminal device may exceed the length of a single frame (e.g., multiple frames). If a terminal device were to measure reference signals from all configured satellites, it would need to be powered on for a long time, consuming significant energy.

[0168] Secondly, in the OTDOA positioning method of the terrestrial network, the positioning server simultaneously sends the relevant configurations of multiple neighboring cells to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can measure multiple cells to locate the terminal device. In this positioning method, the signaling overhead of the positioning server is relatively large.

[0169] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, which are beneficial to improving and solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0170] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following explanations are made before introducing the embodiments of the present application.

[0171] First, in the embodiments of the present application, "pre-configuration" and "pre-selected settings" can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (for example, an access network device or a terminal device). The present application does not limit its specific implementation method.

[0172] Second, the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily indicate the order in which they are executed. The order in which the processes are executed should be determined by their functions and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation of the embodiments of this application.

[0173] Third, in the embodiments of the present application, “first”, “second” and various numerical numbers are used to distinguish for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. For example, different indication information is used to distinguish.

[0174] Fourth, in the embodiments of the present application, "used to indicate" can include being used for direct indication and being used for indirect indication. When describing that a certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can include that the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, and it does not mean that the indication information must carry A.

[0175] In addition, the specific indication method can also be various existing indication methods, such as but not limited to the above-mentioned indication methods and various combinations thereof. The specific details of the various indication methods can be referred to the prior art and will not be repeated herein. As can be seen from the above, for example, when it is necessary to indicate multiple information of the same type, there may be a situation where the indication methods for different information are different. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the selected indication method. In this way, the indication method involved in the embodiment of the present application should be understood to cover various methods that can enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0176] Fifth, in the embodiments of the present application, descriptions such as "when...", "under...", and "if" all mean that the device will perform corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. It does not limit the time, nor does it require the device to perform judgment actions when implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0177] Sixth, in the embodiments of the present application, "indication information" and "configuration information" may be explicit indications, i.e., directly indicated by signaling, or obtained by combining other rules, other parameters, or deduction based on parameters indicated by signaling. Alternatively, they may be implicit indications, i.e., obtained by combining rules or relationships, other parameters, or deduction. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0178] Seventh, the "reference signals used for positioning" involved in this application are uniformly referred to as "reference signals", but this does not mean that the "reference signals" only include reference signals specifically used for positioning (positioning reference signal, PRS). Optionally, "reference signals used for positioning" may also include sounding reference signaling (SRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), tracking reference signal (TRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), etc.

[0179] Fig. 6 is a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method 600 provided by the present application. The method may include the following steps.

[0180] S610: The positioning server sends first information to a terminal device (an example of a second communication apparatus). Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the positioning server.

[0181] The first information may be used to indicate L satellite groups (an example of a communication device group). Each satellite group in the L satellite groups indicates a plurality of satellites (an example of a first communication device). The number of satellites indicated by each satellite group in the L satellite groups may be the same or different, and the number of satellites indicated by every two satellite groups may not be exactly the same. L is a positive integer. Optionally, L is greater than or equal to 2.

[0182] Alternatively, the above-mentioned “indicate” can be replaced by “inform / notify” or “represent / express / show / mean”.

[0183] Exemplarily, the first information includes identifiers of L satellite groups (group identifiers), and each satellite group in the L satellite groups includes identifiers of multiple satellites.

[0184] For example, the satellite identifier is the satellite ID of the satellite, or the cell ID, cellGlobalID, or physical cell ID (PCI) of a cell covered by the satellite.

[0185] The satellites indicated by the L satellite groups are satellites that can provide services to the terminal device. The term "satellites that can provide services to the terminal device" can be replaced with "satellites that cover the terminal device," "satellites within a certain range," or "satellites from which the terminal device can acquire satellite signals," etc., without limitation.

[0186] Exemplarily, the positioning server can determine the satellite that can provide services for the terminal device based on the location area where the terminal device is located, the identifier of the location area, such as the tracking area identity (TAI), the cell identifier (cell ID), the base station identifier (gNB ID), the data network access identifier (DNAI), the load condition of the satellite, etc.

[0187] Each satellite group in the L satellite groups indicates multiple satellites, and the satellites indicated by each two satellite groups are not completely the same. This can be understood as: each satellite group in the L satellite groups indicates two or more satellites, and the satellites indicated by each two satellite groups can be completely different or partially overlapped. Partial overlap can be understood as the satellites indicated by the two satellite groups intersecting.

[0188] For example, as shown in Table 1, the first information indicates three satellite groups, and the satellite group identifiers corresponding to the three satellite groups are satellite group #A, satellite group #B, and satellite group #C, respectively. Satellite group #A includes satellites #1 to #5; satellite group #B includes satellites #2, #3, #5, and #6; and satellite group #C includes satellites #7 to #10.

[0189] Table 1

[0190] Exemplarily, the positioning server divides the N satellites into the L satellite groups according to at least one of the following items, where N is the number of satellites included in the L satellite groups and N is a positive integer, for example, N is greater than or equal to 3:

[0191] Satellite geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) (or position dilution of precision (PDOP), horizontal dilution of precision (HDOP), vertical dilution of precision (VDOP), time dilution of precision (TDOP)), satellite ephemeris error, estimated distance from the satellite to the terminal device, and distance between satellites.

[0192] Among them, the satellite's geometric dilution of precision can reflect the degree of influence of the satellite's geometric position on the positioning accuracy of the terminal device. A good geometric dilution of precision can mean that the satellite's spatial distribution is not concentrated in one area, and can be evenly distributed in different azimuth areas. For example, the smaller the GDOP value, the higher the positioning accuracy of the terminal device; conversely, the lower the positioning accuracy of the terminal device; the satellite's ephemeris error can refer to the deviation between the spatial position of the satellite calculated based on the satellite ephemeris and the actual position. The satellite ephemeris can be pre-saved, that is, when the terminal device needs to use the satellite ephemeris, it can directly read the pre-saved or pre-acquired satellite ephemeris, or the satellite ephemeris can also be sent to the terminal device by the network side (for example, the positioning server).

[0193] This application does not limit the specific strategy of dividing the positioning server into satellite groups.

[0194] For example, the positioning server may calculate the GDOP value of the satellite based on the satellite ephemeris information, and divide N satellites into L satellite groups according to the GDOP from small to large. Taking the satellite groups shown in Table 1 as an example, the GDOP value of each satellite in satellite group #A may be less than or equal to the GDOP value of each satellite in satellite group #B, and the GDOP value of each satellite in satellite group #B may be less than or equal to the GDOP value of each satellite in satellite group #C; or, similarly, the positioning server may divide N satellites into L satellite groups according to the influence of factors such as ephemeris error, estimated distance from the satellite to the terminal device, and distance between satellites.

[0195] In one possible implementation, the first information is carried in a capability request (e.g., RequestCapabilities) message, and the capability request message may refer to the description in S501, or the first information may also be carried in a system information block (SIB) or other downlink signaling, without limitation. Optionally, when a terminal device within an area (e.g., a terminal device within a cell) needs to be located, the first information may be sent in a broadcast or multicast manner.

[0196] Optionally, the method further includes: the positioning server sending ephemeris information of each satellite in the L satellite groups to the terminal device.

[0197] The satellite's ephemeris information can be used to determine the satellite's precise orbital data. For example, this precise orbital data may include the satellite's ephemeris reference time and orbital eccentricity. This precise orbital data can be used to calculate the satellite's coordinate position when transmitting satellite signals. The satellite's ephemeris information can also be used by terminal devices to assist in determining the satellite's GDOP.

[0198] Exemplarily, the ephemeris information may be sent simultaneously with the first information, i.e., the ephemeris information and the first information are carried in the same signaling; or, the ephemeris information and the first information are carried in different signaling. Optionally, the ephemeris information may also come from a satellite, for example, the terminal device may obtain it by detecting SSB and SIB signals from multiple satellites.

[0199] Optionally, before S610, the method may further include S601 and S602.

[0200] S601: The positioning server sends a capability request message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the capability request message from the positioning server.

[0201] The capability request message is used to request the terminal device to report the positioning modes supported by the terminal device. For details, please refer to the description of S501.

[0202] In a possible implementation, the positioning server sends the first information and / or the ephemeris information of the satellites in the L satellite groups to the terminal device through the capability request message.

[0203] S602: The terminal device sends positioning capability information to the positioning server. Correspondingly, the positioning server receives the positioning capability information from the terminal device.

[0204] For details of this step, please refer to the description of S502.

[0205] S620: The terminal device sends the second information to the positioning server. Correspondingly, the positioning server receives the second information from the terminal device.

[0206] The second information indicates P satellite groups in the L satellite groups, where the P satellite groups are determined by measuring first parameters of the satellites in the L satellite groups, where the first parameter is related to the positioning accuracy of the terminal device, and P is a positive integer less than or equal to L.

[0207] Exemplarily, the second information includes identifiers of P satellite groups. That is, the terminal device determines the P satellite groups in the L satellite groups by determining the first parameters of the satellites in the L satellite groups, or in other words, determines that the satellites in the P satellite groups in the L satellite groups can be used for positioning. The terminal device sends the identifiers of the P satellite groups (group identifiers) to the positioning server, so that the positioning server can determine the satellites participating in positioning (the satellites included in the P satellite groups).

[0208] Among them, the first parameter may include at least one of the following parameters of the satellite: geometric precision factor, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the satellite and the terminal device or the distance between the cell reference point corresponding to the satellite and the terminal device, the distance between satellites, the pitch angle between the satellite and the terminal device, and the remaining coverage time between the satellite and the terminal device.

[0209] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific strategy of the terminal device in determining the P satellite groups according to the first parameter.

[0210] For example, the UE may determine the GDOP value of each satellite group in the L satellite groups through the ephemeris information of the satellites, and determine one or more satellite groups with lower GDOP values ​​as the P satellite groups.

[0211] For another example, the UE measures the signal quality of the satellites in each satellite group, for example, measures the reference signal receiving power (RSRP) or reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ) of the SSB signal from each satellite, and selects one or more groups of satellites with higher RSRP or RSRQ values ​​as the P satellite groups; or, the UE measures the signal quality of the satellites in each satellite group, and determines the P satellite groups in combination with the GDOP value of each satellite group.

[0212] For another example, the UE may consider whether the ephemeris information of the satellite is outdated, and select one or more groups of satellites with newer ephemeris or smaller errors among the L satellite groups as the P satellite groups.

[0213] In a possible implementation, the second information is carried in positioning capability information (eg, ProvideCapabilities message). The positioning capability information may refer to the description in S502, or the second information may also be carried in other uplink signaling, which is not limited.

[0214] S630: The positioning server sends third information (an example of configuration information) to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third information from the positioning server.

[0215] The third information includes information required for measuring reference signals of satellites in the P satellite groups, i.e., the positioning server sends the terminal device reference signals for measuring satellites in the P satellite groups. Optionally, the positioning server may select K satellite groups from the P satellite groups reported by the terminal device, and send the terminal device information required for measuring reference signals of satellites in the K satellite groups, i.e., the third information includes information required for measuring reference signals of satellites in the K satellite groups.

[0216] The third information includes information required for measuring reference signals of satellites in the P satellite group or the K satellite group. This can be understood as follows: the terminal device can acquire the satellite reference signal based on the third information, and after acquiring the satellite reference signal, measure the satellite reference signal based on the third information. The third information can also be referred to as assistance data, assistance measurement data, or measurement data.

[0217] Exemplarily, the third information includes reference signal configuration information of the satellites in the K satellite group, for example, PRS configuration (refer to PRS-Info in S503).

[0218] Optionally, the positioning server may further indicate a reference satellite through the third information.

[0219] In one example, the positioning server may indicate a reference satellite for each of the P satellite groups or the K satellite groups. For example, the reference signal configuration information may indicate the first satellite in each of the P satellite groups or the K satellite groups as the reference satellite.

[0220] For example, if the P satellite groups reported by the terminal device include satellite group #A and satellite group #B (as shown in Table 1), the positioning server can indicate satellite #1 in satellite group #A and satellite #2 in satellite group #B as reference satellites and place the corresponding information of satellite #1 and satellite #2 in OTDOA-ReferenceCellInfo (an example of reference signal configuration information). Optionally, OTDOA-ReferenceCellInfo can also include ephemeris information for satellite #1 and satellite #2.

[0221] In another example, the positioning server may indicate one satellite in the P satellite groups or the K satellite groups as a reference satellite. For example, the reference signal configuration information may indicate the first satellite in any one of the P satellite groups or the K satellite groups as a reference satellite.

[0222] For example, if the P satellite groups reported by the terminal device include satellite group #A and satellite group #B (as shown in Table 1), the positioning server can indicate that satellite #1 in satellite group #A is the reference satellite and place the information corresponding to satellite #1 in OTDOA-ReferenceCellInfo (an example of reference signal configuration information). Optionally, OTDOA-ReferenceCellInfo can also include ephemeris information for satellite #1.

[0223] In another example, the positioning server may designate satellite #0 as a reference satellite. Satellite #0 is not included in the P satellite group or the K satellite group. Optionally, OTDOA-ReferenceCellInfo may also include ephemeris information for satellite #0. Optionally, the positioning server sends information about satellite #0 (e.g., ephemeris information and corresponding cell information) to the terminal device via the first message and designates satellite #0 as the reference satellite.

[0224] Optionally, the reference satellite can be determined by the terminal device itself or specified by a protocol. For example, the terminal device selects a satellite from any of the P or K satellite groups as the reference satellite, or selects the first satellite in each of the P or K satellite groups as the reference satellite; or the protocol specifies the first satellite in each of the P or K satellite groups as the reference satellite. In cases where the terminal device selects the reference satellite itself or the protocol specifies the reference satellite, the terminal device can also send the identifier of the reference satellite to the positioning server.

[0225] The positioning server may also indicate, through OTDOA-NeighbourCellInfoList (an example of the third information), information required for measuring reference signals of other satellites (satellites other than the reference satellite in the P satellite group or the K satellite group, or satellites in the P satellite group or the K satellite group). Optionally, OTDOA-NeighbourCellInfoList includes grouping information of the other satellites.

[0226] Optionally, the positioning server carries the satellite identifier corresponding to the satellite in OTDOA-ReferenceCellInfo and NeighbourCellInfoList, so that the terminal device can select the satellite corresponding to the satellite identifier and measure the reference signal of the satellite.

[0227] Exemplarily, the third information may be carried in assistance data, assistance information control, an N2 message, a system information block (SIB), or a positioning system information block (posSIB), without limitation. Optionally, the third information and the first information may be sent simultaneously, for example, carried in the same signaling.

[0228] Based on the above solution, the positioning server sends information required for measuring reference signals of satellites in the P satellite group or the K satellite group to the terminal device, which can save signaling overhead.

[0229] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0230] S640: The terminal device measures the first reference signal according to the third information.

[0231] The first reference signal includes at least one reference signal, and the at least one reference signal may be a reference signal from all or part of the satellites in the P satellite groups or the K satellite groups.

[0232] For example, the terminal device may measure, based on the third information, reference signals of all satellites in the P satellite groups or the K satellite groups, or measure reference signals of all satellites in some satellite groups in the P satellite groups or the K satellite groups, or measure reference signals of some satellites in all or some satellite groups in the P satellite groups or the K satellite groups. For example, the terminal device may select the first few satellite groups in the P satellite groups or the K satellite groups as the some satellite groups.

[0233] The terminal device can obtain a measurement result of the measurement quantity by measuring the first reference signal, and the measurement result is used to verify the position of the terminal device or locate the terminal device.

[0234] Depending on the positioning method, the measurement quantity can include the following examples.

[0235] Example #1: The measurement quantity includes a time difference of arrival of a first reference signal.

[0236] Taking the example that the third information received by the terminal device includes the reference signal configuration information of the satellites in the measurement satellite group #A, the terminal device can receive the reference signals from satellite #1 to satellite #5 at time t0, time t1, time t2, time t3 and time t4 respectively; the terminal device determines that the arrival time difference of the reference signals from the satellites in satellite group #A includes RSTD1, RSTD2, RSTD3 and RSTD4, where RSTD1 is t1-t0, RSTD2 is t2-t0, RSTD3 is t3-t0, and RSTD4 is t4-t0 (when the positioning server specifies satellite #1 as the reference satellite).

[0237] Optionally, the terminal device can also determine the reference satellite by itself. For example, the terminal device selects satellite #2 in satellite group #A as the reference satellite. At this time, the reference signal arrival time difference determined by the terminal device may include RSTD5, RSTD6, ​​RSTD7 and RSTD8, RSTD5 is t0-t1, RSTD6 is t2-t1, RSTD7 is t3-t1, and RSTD8 is t4-t1.

[0238] Example #2: The measurement quantity includes at least one time difference between sending and receiving.

[0239] The at least one receiving and transmitting time difference includes the time difference between the reception time of the first reference signal received by the terminal device and the transmission time of the uplink reference signal (for example, SRS) corresponding to the reference signal of at least one satellite.

[0240] For example, the first reference signal includes the reference signal of satellite #1, and the uplink reference signal corresponding to the reference signal of satellite #1 can be the reference signal carried by the uplink subframe whose sending time is closest to the receiving time of the reference signal of satellite #1; or, the uplink reference signal corresponding to the reference signal of satellite #1 is the reference signal carried by uplink subframe #i, uplink subframe #i corresponds to downlink subframe #j (j=i), and downlink subframe #j carries the reference signal of satellite #1, or uplink subframe #i is any uplink subframe.

[0241] Taking the example that the third information received by the terminal device includes the reference signal configuration information of the satellites in satellite group #A, the terminal device can receive the reference signals from satellite #1 to satellite #5 at time t0, time t1, time t2, time t3 and time t4 respectively; the terminal device can respectively determine the time (represented as time t5, time t6, time t7, time t8 and time t9) for sending the uplink reference signal #1 (the uplink reference signal corresponding to the reference signal of satellite #1), uplink reference signal #2 (the uplink reference signal corresponding to the reference signal of satellite #2), uplink reference signal #3 (the uplink reference signal corresponding to the reference signal of satellite #3), uplink reference signal #4 (the uplink reference signal corresponding to the reference signal of satellite #4) and uplink reference signal #5 (the uplink reference signal corresponding to the reference signal of satellite #5), and determine at least one transmission and reception time difference including t5-t0, t6-t1, t7-t2, t8-t3 and t9-t4.

[0242] Example #3: The measurement quantity includes at least one of a frequency of arrival (FOA) or an angle of arrival (AOA).

[0243] The at least one FOA or AOA includes a reception time of a reference signal of at least one satellite in the K satellite group and a FOA or AOA of at least one satellite.

[0244] Based on the above solution, energy consumption can be reduced by measuring the reference signals of satellites in the P satellite groups or all or part of the K satellite groups through the terminal device.

[0245] If the location verification of the terminal device or the positioning of the terminal device is triggered by the positioning server, the method further includes S650 to S670:

[0246] S650: The positioning server sends a location information request message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the location information request message from the positioning server.

[0247] The location information request message may refer to the description in S504. The location information request message may also include a response time, which requires the terminal device to reply with location information before the time indicated by the response time expires after receiving the location information request message.

[0248] S660: The terminal device sends the measurement result to the positioning server. Correspondingly, the positioning server receives the measurement result from the terminal device.

[0249] That is, the terminal device sends the measurement results of the above measurement quantities to the positioning server, and the measurement results are used to verify the location of the terminal device.

[0250] Optionally, the terminal device sends the identifier of the satellite or the identifier of the satellite group corresponding to the measurement result to the positioning server; or sends the identifier of the satellite corresponding to the measurement result and the identifier of the corresponding satellite group.

[0251] Exemplarily, after obtaining the measurement result in S640 , or before the response time configured in S650 expires, the terminal device sends the measurement result to the positioning server via a Provide Location Information (ProvideLocationInformation) message.

[0252] Optionally, the terminal device may further send information #1 to the positioning server, where the information #1 is used to assist in positioning the terminal device. The information #1 includes at least one of the following: PCI, global cell identity (GCI), PRS resource ID, PRS resource set ID, and PRS ID for each measurement, absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), signal quality (e.g., RSRP) measurement value, timestamp corresponding to the measurement moment, quality of each measurement, UE receive timing error group (Rx TEG) identifier for RSTD measurement, and line-of-sight (LOS) or non-line-of-sight (NLOS) information measured by the terminal device.

[0253] S670: The positioning server verifies the location of the terminal device according to the measurement result.

[0254] Exemplarily, the positioning server verifies (calculates or estimates) the location information of the terminal device through a positioning method.

[0255] Specifically, the positioning method includes one or more positioning methods described above, and may include one or more LTE positioning protocol (LTE positioning protocol, LPP) positioning methods and / or NR positioning protocol A (NR positioning protocol A, NRPPa) positioning methods, etc.

[0256] The LPP positioning method may include one or more of the following positioning methods:

[0257] DL-TDOA positioning method, DL-AOD positioning method, Multi-RTT positioning method, enhanced cell identification (E-CID) positioning method, UL-TDOA positioning method, UL-AoA positioning method, etc.

[0258] NRPPa includes one or more of the following positioning methods:

[0259] NR enhanced cell identification (NR E-CID) positioning method, OTDOA positioning method, etc.

[0260] Taking the measurement results reported by the terminal device including the RSTD value of the reference signal received from the satellites in the K satellite group as an example, the positioning server verifies the position of the terminal device based on the RSTD, the ephemeris information of the satellites in the K satellite group and the auxiliary information in combination with the positioning algorithm.

[0261] Among them, the satellites in the K satellite groups can send reference signals to the terminal device at the same time or at different times; when the satellites in the K satellite groups send reference signals to the terminal device at different times, the positioning server can obtain the time difference between the reference signals sent by the satellites in the K satellite groups; when the satellite is a transparent transmission satellite, the positioning server can obtain auxiliary information from the terminal device or the ground base station, and the auxiliary information includes the time difference of the reference signals sent by different ground base stations, or the time difference of the reference signals sent by different ground base stations at their respective uplink synchronization reference points, or the time difference between the times when the sent reference signals pass through the satellite; the auxiliary information can also include the ephemeris of the satellites in the K satellite groups.

[0262] For another example, if the measurement results reported by the terminal device include the time difference between the reception time of the reference signal of at least one satellite in the K satellite groups received by the terminal device and the transmission time of the uplink reference signal corresponding to the reference signal of the at least one satellite, the positioning server verifies the position of the terminal device based on the at least one reception and transmission time difference, the time difference between the reception time of the uplink reference signal corresponding to the reference signal of at least one satellite in the K satellite groups received by the satellite and the transmission time of the reference signal of the at least one satellite, the ephemeris information of the satellites in the K satellite groups, and the auxiliary information, in combination with the positioning algorithm.

[0263] For example, the auxiliary information may include other parameters configured on the network side, such as Kmac, common TA parameters, including TA common ,TA CommonDrift ,TA CommonDriftVariation , t epoch etc., or the time delay between the satellite and the uplink synchronization reference point derived from these parameters N TA , N TA,offset , one or more of the parameters such as feeder link latency.

[0264] If the process of verifying the location of the terminal device or locating the terminal device is triggered by the terminal device, the method further includes:

[0265] S680: The terminal device verifies its own location based on the measurement result.

[0266] Exemplarily, the terminal device verifies (calculates or estimates) its own location information through a positioning method.

[0267] The positioning method and specific positioning mode are described in S670. The auxiliary information required for positioning the terminal device (see the description in S670) can be obtained from the positioning server.

[0268] It can be understood that, in the case where the process of verifying the location of the terminal device or locating the terminal device is triggered by the terminal device, S670 may not be executed.

[0269] Fig. 7 is a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method 700 provided by the present application. The method may include the following steps.

[0270] S710: The positioning server sends first information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the positioning server.

[0271] The first information includes information required to measure reference signals of satellites in P satellite groups among the L satellite groups. The satellites indicated by the L satellite groups are satellites capable of providing services to the terminal device. For details, refer to the description in S610. P is a positive integer less than or equal to L. For example, the P satellite groups are P satellite groups with higher priorities among the L satellite groups.

[0272] The first information is used by the terminal device to measure the reference signals of the satellites in the P satellite group. This can be understood as follows: the terminal device can capture the reference signals of the satellites based on the first information, and after capturing the reference signals of the satellites, measure the reference signals of the satellites based on the first information. The first information can also be referred to as assistance data, assistance measurement data, or measurement data.

[0273] Exemplarily, the first information includes reference signal configuration information of the satellites in the P satellite group, for example, PRS configuration (refer to PRS-Info in S503).

[0274] Optionally, the first information may indicate a reference satellite in the P satellite groups. The specific manner in which the positioning server specifies the reference satellite may refer to the description in S630.

[0275] The first information is also used to indicate the priority of each satellite group in the P satellite groups.

[0276] Exemplarily, the first information may explicitly or implicitly indicate the priority of each satellite group in the P satellite groups. For example, the first information may include priority indication information, which may be 2-bit information. When the bit is "00," it indicates that the satellite group has the lowest priority; when the bit is "11," it indicates that the satellite group has the highest priority. Alternatively, the order of the reference signal configuration information of the P satellite groups carried in the first information implicitly indicates the priority of each satellite group, or the order in which the P satellite groups are arranged implicitly indicates the priority of each satellite group.

[0277] It should be understood that this application does not limit the specific strategy for the positioning server to determine the priority of each satellite group.

[0278] For example, the positioning server divides at least one satellite whose GDOP value is less than threshold #1 into satellite group #A based on the GDOP value of the satellite, and divides at least one satellite whose GDOP value is greater than or equal to threshold #1 into satellite group #B. The priority of satellite group #A can be higher than the priority of satellite group #B.

[0279] For another example, the positioning server divides at least one satellite whose distance between satellites is greater than or equal to threshold #2 and less than threshold #3 into satellite group #A, divides at least one satellite whose distance between satellites is less than threshold #2 into satellite group #B, and divides satellites whose distance between satellites is greater than threshold #3 into satellite group #C. Then, the priority of satellite group #A may be higher than the priorities of satellite group #B and satellite group #C.

[0280] For another example, based on the GDOP value, the positioning server groups at least one satellite with a GDOP value less than threshold #1 into a satellite group. Furthermore, the positioning server groups at least one satellite with an inter-satellite distance greater than or equal to threshold #2 and less than threshold #3 into satellite group #A, at least one satellite with an inter-satellite distance less than threshold #2 into satellite group #B, and satellites with an inter-satellite distance greater than threshold #3 into satellite group #C. The positioning server also groups at least one satellite with a GDOP value greater than or equal to threshold #1 into satellite group #D. The priority of satellite group #A may be higher than the priorities of satellite group #B and satellite group #C. The priorities of satellite group #B and satellite group #C may be higher than the priority of satellite group #D.

[0281] Exemplarily, the first information may be carried in assistance data, assistance information control, N2 message, system information block (SIB), or positioning system information block (posSIB), without limitation.

[0282] Optionally, before S710, the method may further include S701 and S702.

[0283] S701: The positioning server sends a capability request message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the capability request message from the positioning server.

[0284] The capability request message is used to request the terminal device to report the positioning modes supported by the terminal device. For details, please refer to the description of S501.

[0285] S702: The terminal device sends positioning capability information to the positioning server. Correspondingly, the positioning server receives the positioning capability information from the terminal device.

[0286] For details of this step, please refer to the description of S502.

[0287] S720: The terminal device measures the first reference signal according to the first information.

[0288] The first reference signal includes at least one reference signal, and the at least one reference signal is a reference signal of a satellite from P satellite groups or K satellite groups in the P satellite groups, where K is a positive integer less than or equal to P.

[0289] Exemplarily, the terminal device selects K satellite groups with higher priorities among the P satellite groups, and measures the reference signals of the satellites in the K satellite groups according to the reference signal configuration information of the K satellite groups.

[0290] Alternatively, the terminal device determines K satellite groups in the P satellite groups by determining first parameters of the satellites in the P satellite groups, and measures reference signals of the satellites in the K satellite groups according to reference signal configuration information of the K satellite groups.

[0291] The first parameter and the specific manner in which the terminal device determines the K satellite groups in the P satellite groups according to the first parameter may be referred to the description in S620.

[0292] The terminal device measures the first reference signal according to the first information to obtain a measurement result of a measurement quantity used for positioning. The measurement quantity may be different depending on the positioning method, and refer to S640 for details.

[0293] If the location verification of the terminal device is triggered by the positioning server, the method further includes S730 to S750:

[0294] S730: The positioning server sends a location information request message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the location information request message from the positioning server.

[0295] The location information request message may refer to the description in S504. The location information request message may also include a response time, which requires the terminal device to reply with location information before the time indicated by the response time expires after receiving the location information request message.

[0296] S740: The terminal device sends the measurement result to the positioning server. Correspondingly, the positioning server receives the measurement result from the terminal device.

[0297] That is, the terminal device sends the measurement results of the above measurement quantities to the positioning server, and the measurement results are used to verify the location of the terminal device.

[0298] Exemplarily, after obtaining the measurement result in S720 , or before the response time configured in S730 expires, the terminal device sends the measurement result to the positioning server.

[0299] S750: The positioning server verifies the location of the terminal device according to the measurement result.

[0300] This step refers to S670.

[0301] If the terminal device triggers verification of the terminal device's location, the method further includes:

[0302] S760: The terminal device verifies its own position based on the measurement result.

[0303] This step refers to S680.

[0304] Fig. 8 is a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method 800 provided by the present application. The method may include the following steps.

[0305] S810: The positioning server sends first information to a terminal device (an example of a first communication apparatus). Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the positioning server.

[0306] The first information indicates M satellites, for example, the first information includes identifiers of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For the identifiers of the satellites, refer to the description in S610.

[0307] The M satellites are satellites capable of providing services to the terminal device. The phrase "satellites capable of providing services to the terminal device" can be replaced with "satellites covering the terminal device," "satellites within a certain range," or "satellites from which the terminal device can acquire satellite signals," etc., without limitation.

[0308] Exemplarily, the first information is carried in a capability request (e.g., RequestCapabilities) message, and the capability request message may refer to the description in S501, or the first information may also be carried in a system information block (SIB) or other downlink signaling, without limitation. Optionally, when a terminal device within an area (e.g., a terminal device within a cell) needs to be located, the first information may be sent in a broadcast or multicast manner.

[0309] Optionally, the method further includes: the positioning server sending ephemeris information of each satellite in the M satellites to the terminal device. For the ephemeris information of the satellite, refer to the description in S610.

[0310] Exemplarily, the ephemeris information and the first information may be sent simultaneously, that is, the ephemeris information and the first information are carried in the same signaling; or, the ephemeris information and the first information are carried in different signaling.

[0311] Optionally, before S810, the method may further include S801 and S802.

[0312] S801: The positioning server sends a capability request message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the capability request message from the positioning server.

[0313] The capability request message is used to request the terminal device to report the positioning modes supported by the terminal device. For details, please refer to the description of S501.

[0314] In a possible implementation, the positioning server sends the first information and / or the ephemeris information of the satellites in the L satellite groups to the terminal device through the capability request message.

[0315] S802: The terminal device sends positioning capability information to the positioning server. Correspondingly, the positioning server receives the positioning capability information from the terminal device.

[0316] For details of this step, please refer to the description of S502.

[0317] S820: The terminal device sends second information to the positioning server. Correspondingly, the positioning server receives the second information from the terminal device.

[0318] The second information indicates N satellites among the M satellites. For example, the second information includes identifiers of the N satellites, where N is an integer less than or equal to M.

[0319] For example, the UE may determine N satellites among the M satellites according to the first parameter. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific manner in which the terminal device determines the N satellites.

[0320] For example, the UE may determine the GDOP values ​​of the M satellites through the ephemeris information of the satellites, and determine the satellites whose GDOP values ​​are less than a threshold as the N satellites.

[0321] For another example, the UE measures the signal quality of M satellites, for example, measures the RSRP or RSRQ of the SSB signal from each of the M satellites respectively, and selects the satellite with an RSRP or RSRQ value higher than a threshold as the N satellites; or, the UE measures the signal quality of each of the M satellites and determines the N satellites in combination with the GDOP value of each satellite.

[0322] In a possible implementation, the second information is carried in positioning capability information (eg, ProvideCapabilities message). The positioning capability information may refer to the description in S502, or the second information may also be carried in other uplink signaling, which is not limited.

[0323] S830: The positioning server sends third information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third information from the positioning server.

[0324] The third information includes information required to measure reference signals of satellites in the N satellite group. In other words, the third information is used by the terminal device to measure the reference signals of the N satellites. This third information used by the terminal device to measure the reference signals of the N satellites can be understood as: the terminal device can capture the satellite reference signals based on the third information, and after capturing the satellite reference signals, measure the satellite reference signals based on the third information. The third information can also be referred to as assistance data, assistance measurement data, or measurement data.

[0325] Exemplarily, the third information includes reference signal configuration information of the N satellites, for example, PRS configuration (refer to PRS-Info in S503).

[0326] Optionally, the reference signal configuration information may indicate a reference satellite among the N satellites.

[0327] Exemplarily, the third information may be carried in assistance data, assistance information control, N2 message, system information block (SIB), or positioning system information block (posSIB), without limitation.

[0328] Optionally, in S840, the terminal device measures reference signals from all or part of the N satellites based on the third information.

[0329] In the case where the terminal device measures reference signals of some of the N satellites, the terminal device may further indicate the satellites to the positioning server, for example, by sending identifiers of the satellites.

[0330] The terminal device can obtain a measurement result of the measurement quantity by measuring the reference signals from all or part of the N satellites, and the measurement result is used to verify the position of the terminal device.

[0331] The measurement amount may be different depending on the positioning method, refer to the description in S640.

[0332] If the location verification of the terminal device is triggered by the positioning server, the method further includes S850 to S870:

[0333] S850: The positioning server sends a location information request message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the location information request message from the positioning server.

[0334] The location information request message may refer to the description in S504. The location information request message may also include a response time, which requires the terminal device to reply with location information before the time indicated by the response time expires after receiving the location information request message.

[0335] S860: The terminal device sends the measurement result to the positioning server. Correspondingly, the positioning server receives the measurement result from the terminal device.

[0336] That is, the terminal device sends the measurement results of the above measurement quantities to the positioning server, and the measurement results are used to verify the location of the terminal device.

[0337] Exemplarily, after obtaining the measurement result in S840 , or before the response time configured in S850 expires, the terminal device sends the measurement result to the positioning server.

[0338] S870: The positioning server verifies the location of the terminal device according to the measurement result.

[0339] Exemplarily, the positioning server verifies (calculates or estimates) the location information of the terminal device through a positioning method. The positioning method includes one or more, refer to the description of S670.

[0340] If the terminal device triggers verification of the terminal device's location, the method further includes:

[0341] S880: The terminal device verifies its own position based on the measurement result.

[0342] Exemplarily, the terminal device verifies (calculates or estimates) its own location information through a positioning method.

[0343] For the positioning method and specific positioning mode, please refer to the description in S680.

[0344] It should be understood that the above description of the communication method provided by the present application is based on the OTDOA process in the terrestrial network. For example, the message sent by the terminal device or positioning server in the present application is combined with the message in the OTDOA process. The communication method provided by the present application is also applicable to the DL-TDOA process as the basis. In this case, the above-mentioned OTDOA process can be replaced with the DL-TDOA process. For example, the message sent by the terminal device or positioning server can be combined with the message in the DL-TDOA process to illustrate. Taking the method shown in Figure 6 as an example, the first information and / or the third information can be carried in the NR-DL-TDOA-ProvideAssistanceData message in the DL-TDOA process.

[0345] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail above in conjunction with Figures 6 to 8. Below, the communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail in conjunction with Figures 9 to 11. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for matters not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiment above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0346] 9 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 900 includes a transceiver unit 910, which can be used to implement corresponding communication functions and can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0347] Optionally, the apparatus 900 may further include a processing unit 920 , which may be configured to perform data processing.

[0348] Optionally, the device 900 also includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 920 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device can implement the actions of different devices in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0349] In one possible design, the apparatus 900 may be a terminal device in the aforementioned embodiment, or a component of the terminal device (such as a chip). The apparatus 900 may implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment. The transceiver unit 910 may be used to perform operations related to transceiving of the terminal device in the above method embodiment, such as the transceiver operations related to the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8; the processing unit 920 may be used to perform operations related to processing of the terminal device in the above method embodiment, such as the processing operations related to processing of the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8.

[0350] In another possible design, the device 900 can be the positioning server in the aforementioned embodiment, or it can be a component of the positioning server (such as a chip). The device 900 can implement the steps or processes performed by the positioning server in the above method embodiment. Among them, the transceiver unit 910 can be used to perform the operations related to the transmission and reception of the positioning server in the above method embodiment, such as the operations related to the transmission and reception of the positioning server in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8; the processing unit 920 can be used to perform the operations related to the processing of the positioning server in the above method embodiment, such as the operations related to the processing of the positioning server in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8.

[0351] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 1000 includes a processor 1010, which is coupled to a memory 1020. Optionally, the memory 1020 is further included. The memory 1020 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1010 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1020, or read the data stored in the memory 1020, to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0352] Optionally, there are one or more processors 1010 .

[0353] Optionally, there are one or more memories 1020 .

[0354] Optionally, the memory 1020 is integrated with the processor 1010 or provided separately.

[0355] Optionally, as shown in Figure 10, the apparatus 1000 further includes a transceiver 1030, which is configured to receive and / or transmit signals. For example, the processor 1010 is configured to control the transceiver 1030 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0356] As a solution, the apparatus 1000 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device in each of the above method embodiments.

[0357] For example, the processor 1010 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1020 to implement the relevant operations of the terminal device in the above various method embodiments, such as the methods executed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8.

[0358] As another solution, the device 1000 is used to implement the operations performed by the positioning server in the above various method embodiments.

[0359] For example, the processor 1010 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1020 to implement the operations related to the positioning server in the above various method embodiments, such as the methods performed by the positioning server in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8 .

[0360] During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor 1010 or by instructions in the form of software. The method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory 1020, and the processor 1010 reads the information in the memory 1020 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0361] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be one or more integrated circuits for executing relevant programs to perform the method embodiments of the present application.

[0362] A processor (e.g., processor 1010) may include one or more processors and be implemented as a combination of computing devices. The processor may include one or more of the following: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a digital signal processing device (DSPD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), gating logic, transistor logic, discrete hardware circuits, processing circuits, or other suitable hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software to perform the various functions described in this disclosure. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, processor 1010 may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data. The central processing unit may be used to enable the device to execute software programs and process data in the software programs. In addition, a portion of the processor may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the processor may also store information about the device type.

[0363] In this application, the term "program" is used broadly to refer to software. Non-limiting examples of software include program code, program, subroutine, instruction, instruction set, code, code segment, software module, application, or software application. The program can be executed in a processor and / or computer to cause the device to perform the various functions and / or processes described in this application.

[0364] The memory (e.g., memory 1020) can store data required by the processor (e.g., processor 1010) when executing software. The memory can be implemented using any suitable storage technology. For example, the memory can be any available storage medium that can be accessed by the processor and / or computer. Non-limiting examples of storage media include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM), removable media, optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media, magnetic storage devices, flash memory, registers, state memory, remotely mounted storage, local or remote memory components, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing software, data, or information and accessible by a processor / computer. It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0365] The memory (e.g., memory 1020) and the processor (e.g., processor 1010) may be provided separately or integrated together. The memory may be used to connect to the processor so that the processor can read information from the memory and store and / or write information in the memory. The memory may be integrated into the processor. The memory and the processor may be provided in an integrated circuit (e.g., the integrated circuit may be provided in a UE or other network node).

[0366] 11 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The chip system 1100 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 1110 and an input / output interface 1120 .

[0367] Logic circuit 1110 may be a processing circuit within chip system 1100. Logic circuit 1110 may be coupled to a storage unit and invoke instructions within the storage unit, enabling chip system 1100 to implement the methods and functions of various embodiments of the present application. Input / output interface 1120 may be an input / output circuit within chip system 1100, outputting information processed by chip system 1100 or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into chip system 1100 for processing.

[0368] As a solution, the chip system 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device in the above various method embodiments.

[0369] For example, the logic circuit 1110 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, for example, the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8; the input / output interface 1120 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, for example, the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8.

[0370] As another solution, the chip system 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by the positioning server in the above various method embodiments.

[0371] For example, the logic circuit 1110 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the positioning server in the above method embodiments, for example, the processing-related operations performed by the positioning server in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8; the input / output interface 1120 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the positioning server in the above method embodiments, for example, the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the positioning server in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8.

[0372] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium on which computer instructions are stored for implementing the methods executed by a communication device (such as a network device, a terminal device, or a positioning server) in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0373] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a positioning server) in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0374] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, which includes one or more of the terminal devices or positioning servers in the above embodiments.

[0375] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0376] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the above-mentioned units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0377] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected according to actual needs to implement the solutions provided in this application.

[0378] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one unit, each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0379] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0380] When software is used for implementation, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable devices. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center by wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). About computer-readable storage media, reference can be made to the above description.

[0381] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving first information from a positioning server, wherein the first information indicates L communication device groups, each of the L communication device groups indicates a plurality of first communication devices, the first communication devices included in every two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not completely the same, and L is a positive integer; Sending second information to the positioning server, where the second information indicates P communication device groups among the L communication device groups, where the P communication device groups are determined according to a first parameter of a first communication device among the L communication device groups, where the first parameter is related to a positioning accuracy requirement of a second communication device, and the second communication device is a communication device to be positioned; receiving configuration information from the positioning server, the configuration information being sent according to the second information, the configuration information including information required for measuring a reference signal of a first communication device in the group of P communication devices; A measurement result of a first reference signal is sent to the positioning server, where the first reference signal comes from a first communication device in all or part of the P communication device groups.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending indication information to the positioning server, wherein the indication information indicates the partial communication device group.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first parameter includes at least one of the following items: Geometric Dilution of Precision, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: Acquire ephemeris information of a first communication device in the group of L first communication devices, where the ephemeris information is used to assist in determining the first parameter.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one of the following measurement quantities: Reference signal time difference RSTD, arrival angle AoA, departure angle AoD, round-trip transmission delay RTT, signal quality.

6. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Receiving first information from a positioning server, where the first information indicates M first communication devices, where M is a positive integer; Sending second information to the positioning server, where the second information indicates N first communication devices among the M first communication devices, where the N first communication devices are determined according to first parameters of the M first communication devices, where the first parameters are related to the positioning accuracy requirement of the second communication device, and the second communication device is the communication device to be located; receiving configuration information from the positioning server, where the configuration information is used to configure information required for measuring reference signals of the N first communication devices; Sending a measurement result obtained by measuring a first reference signal to the positioning server, where the first reference signal comes from all or part of the first communication devices in the group of N first communication devices.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send indication information to the positioning server, where the indication information indicates the part of the first communication devices.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The first parameter includes at least one of the following: Geometric Dilution of Precision, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that The measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one of the following measurement quantities: Reference signal time difference RSTD, arrival angle AoA, departure angle AoD, round-trip transmission delay RTT, signal quality.

10. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving first information from a positioning server, the first information including information required for measuring a reference signal of a first communication device in L communication device groups, each of the L communication device groups corresponding to a priority, each of the L communication device groups indicating a plurality of first communication devices, the first communication devices included in every two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not completely the same, and L is a positive integer; Sending a measurement result of a first reference signal to the positioning server, where the first reference signal comes from P of the L communication devices. The priority of the P communication device groups is higher than the priority of other communication device groups in the L communication device groups.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The priority corresponding to each first communication device group is determined according to a first parameter of a first communication device in each first communication device group, wherein the first parameter is related to a positioning accuracy requirement of a second communication device, the second communication device being a communication device to be positioned, and the first parameter includes at least one of the following: Geometric Dilution of Precision, signal quality, ephemeris error, distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, distance between the first communication devices.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one of the following measurement quantities: Reference signal time difference RSTD, arrival angle AoA, departure angle AoD, and round-trip transmission delay RTT.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending first information to a second communication device, where the first information indicates L communication device groups, each of the L communication device groups indicates a plurality of first communication devices, and the first communication devices included in every two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not completely the same; receiving second information from the second communication device, the second information indicating P communication device groups among the L communication device groups, the P communication device groups being determined according to a first parameter of a first communication device among the L communication device groups, the first parameter being related to a positioning accuracy requirement of the second communication device; Sending configuration information to the second communication device according to the second information, the configuration information including information required to measure a reference signal of a first communication device in the group of P communication devices; A measurement result of a first reference signal from the second communication device is received, where the first reference signal comes from a first communication device in all or part of the communication device groups in the P communication device groups.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: Indication information is received from the second communication device, where the indication information indicates the partial communication device group.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The first parameter includes at least one of the following items: Geometric Dilution of Precision, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one of the following measurement quantities: Reference signal time difference RSTD, arrival angle AoA, departure angle AoD, round-trip transmission delay RTT, signal quality.

17. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending first information to the second communication device, where the first information indicates M first communication devices, where M is a positive integer; receiving second information from the second communication device, where the second information indicates N first communication devices among the M first communication devices, where the N first communication devices are determined according to first parameters of the M first communication devices, where the first parameters are related to a positioning accuracy requirement of the second communication device; Sending configuration information to the second communication device, where the configuration information is used to configure information required to measure reference signals of the N first communication devices; A measurement result of a first reference signal from the second communication device is received, where the first reference signal comes from all or part of the first communication devices in the group of N first communication devices.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: Indication information is received from the second communication device, where the indication information indicates the part of the first communication devices.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The first parameter includes at least one of the following: Geometric Dilution of Precision, signal quality, ephemeris error, the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the distance between the first communication devices.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that The measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one of the following measurement quantities: Reference signal time difference RSTD, arrival angle AoA, departure angle AoD, round-trip transmission delay RTT, signal quality.

21. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending first information to the second communication device, wherein the first information includes a reference for measuring the first communication device in the group of L communication devices. The information required for the signal, each of the L communication device groups corresponds to a priority, each of the L communication device groups indicates a plurality of first communication devices, the first communication devices included in every two communication device groups in the L communication device groups are not completely the same, and L is a positive integer; A measurement result of a first reference signal from a second communication device is received, where the first reference signal comes from a first communication device of all or part of the communication device groups in the P communication device groups in the L communication device groups.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The priority corresponding to each first communication device group is determined according to a first parameter of a first communication device in each first communication device group, where the first parameter is related to a positioning accuracy requirement of the second communication device, and the first parameter includes at least one of the following: Geometric Dilution of Precision, signal quality, ephemeris error, distance between the first communication device and the second communication device, distance between the first communication devices.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The measurement result includes a measurement result of at least one of the following measurement quantities: Reference signal time difference RSTD, arrival angle AoA, departure angle AoD, and round-trip transmission delay RTT.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device executes the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

27. A chip system, characterized in that: include: A processor, configured to call and run a computer program from a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip system executes a communication method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23.

28. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a second communication device and a positioning server, wherein the second communication device is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the positioning server is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 13 to 23.

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