Positioning method, device, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a positioning method, a device, and a storage medium. The method comprises: sending first information, wherein the first information is used for triggering a positioning process; and collecting data generated in the positioning process. Therefore, the method for performing data collection in a positioning process by triggering a positioning process by a terminal is implemented, thereby improving the flexibility of data collection in the positioning process.

Description

Positioning method, device and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a positioning method, device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of communication technology, artificial intelligence (AI) models have been introduced into communication systems. Through AI models, events can be predicted and relatively accurate prediction results can be obtained.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a positioning method, a device, and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is proposed, which is performed by a terminal device. The method includes:

[0006] Sending first information, where the first information is used to trigger a positioning process;

[0007] Collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0008] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is proposed, which is performed by a second network element, where the second network element is a network element having access and mobility management functions. The method includes:

[0009] Receive first information, where the first information is used to trigger a positioning process; and send fifth information, where the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to execute the positioning process.

[0010] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, which is performed by a first network element, where the first network element is a network element having a positioning management function. The method includes:

[0011] receiving fifth information, where the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to perform a positioning procedure;

[0012] Execute the positioning process.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is proposed, which is performed by an access network device. The method includes:

[0014] A positioning reference signal PRS is sent, where the PRS is used by the terminal device to obtain measurement information according to the PRS.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is proposed, which is executed by a server. The method includes:

[0016] Sending second information, wherein the second information instructs the terminal device to collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, which is performed by a core network device, wherein the core network device includes a first network element and a second network element, wherein the first network element is a network element having a positioning management function, and the second network element is a network element having an access and mobility management function; the method includes:

[0018] The second network element receives first information, where the first information is used to trigger a positioning process;

[0019] The second network element sends fifth information to the first network element, where the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to perform a positioning process;

[0020] The first network element executes a positioning process.

[0021] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, which is performed by a communication system, the communication system including an access network device, a core network device, and a server, the core network device including a first network element and a second network element, the first network element being a network element having a positioning management function, and the second network element being a network element having an access and mobility management function; the method comprising:

[0022] The second network element receives the first information and sends fifth information to the first network element, where the first information is used to trigger the positioning process, and the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to perform the positioning process;

[0023] The first network element executes a positioning process;

[0024] The access network device sends a positioning reference signal PRS;

[0025] The terminal device collects data generated during the positioning process.

[0026] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal device is provided, including:

[0027] a transceiver module, configured to send first information, where the first information is used to trigger a positioning process;

[0028] The processing module is configured to collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0029] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided, including:

[0030] The transceiver module is configured to receive first information, where the first information is used to trigger a positioning process; and send fifth information, where the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to execute the positioning process.

[0031] According to a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided, including:

[0032] a transceiver module configured to receive fifth information, where the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to perform a positioning process;

[0033] The processing module is configured to execute the positioning process.

[0034] According to an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided, including:

[0035] The transceiver module is configured to send a positioning reference signal PRS, where the PRS is used by the terminal device to obtain measurement information according to the PRS.

[0036] According to a twelfth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a server is provided, including:

[0037] The transceiver module is configured to send second information, where the second information instructs the terminal device to collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0038] According to the thirteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a core network device is proposed, which may include a first network element and a second network element; wherein, the first network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the third aspect, and the second network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0039] According to the fourteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, which may include a terminal device, an access network device, a core network device and a server, wherein the core network device includes a first network element and a second network element; wherein the terminal device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the access network device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the first network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the third aspect, the second network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the second aspect, and the server is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the fifth aspect.

[0040] According to the fifteenth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the communication device can be used to execute optional implementation methods of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

[0041] According to the sixteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

[0042] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: sending first information, which is used to trigger a positioning process; and collecting data generated during the positioning process. This enables a method in which a terminal triggers a positioning process to collect data during the positioning process, thereby increasing the flexibility of data collection during the positioning process.

[0043] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG2 is a schematic flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG3A is a schematic flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG3B is a flow chart illustrating a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG3C is a flow chart illustrating a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG3D is a flow chart illustrating a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG3E is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG4A is a flow chart showing a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG4B is a flow chart showing a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG4C is a flow chart showing a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG5A is a flow chart showing a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG5B is a flow chart illustrating a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG5C is a flow chart illustrating a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG6A is a schematic flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG6B is a flow chart showing a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG7A is a flow chart illustrating a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG7B is a flow chart showing a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG7C is a flow chart illustrating a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG8A is a flow chart showing a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG8B is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG9 is a flow chart showing a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG10A is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG10B is a schematic structural diagram of an access network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG10C is a schematic structural diagram of a first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG10D is a schematic structural diagram of a second network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] FIG10E is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] FIG11A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] FIG11B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a positioning method, a device, and a storage medium.

[0074] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, which is performed by a terminal device. The method includes:

[0075] Sending first information, where the first information is used to trigger a positioning process;

[0076] Collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0077] In the above embodiment, a method in which a terminal triggers a positioning process to collect data during the positioning process can be implemented, thereby improving the flexibility of data collection during the positioning process.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0079] Acquire second information, where the second information instructs the terminal device to collect data generated during the positioning process;

[0080] The sending of the first information includes:

[0081] The first information is sent according to the second information.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the positioning process can be triggered based on the second information, thereby improving the controllability of positioning data collection.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0084] Type of measurement information;

[0085] Whether to collect positioning coordinates;

[0086] Whether to collect quality indicators corresponding to positioning coordinates;

[0087] Whether to collect the timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0088] The number of positioning data samples collected;

[0089] Quality of service (QoS) information for data collection;

[0090] Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration information for data collection;

[0091] The positioning data collection node includes a terminal device and / or a first network element, and the first network element is a network element with a positioning management function.

[0092] In the above embodiment, data collection requirements can be determined, further improving the flexibility of data collection.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments,

[0094] The positioning coordinates are coordinates calculated by the terminal device for determining the location of the terminal device; or,

[0095] The positioning coordinates are the coordinates calculated by the first network element for determining the location of the terminal device.

[0096] In the above embodiments, the positioning coordinates can be determined in different ways, which can adapt to different scenarios and enrich the application scenarios of the positioning method.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0098] Positioning request indication;

[0099] Reason for the positioning request;

[0100] The second information.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the positioning process may be triggered based on the first information.

[0102] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0103] The collected data is transmitted.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the data generated during the positioning process can be reported to the server, thereby realizing data collection.

[0105] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0106] Sending a third message, where the third message is used by the terminal device to trigger the stopping of the positioning process.

[0107] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the third information includes:

[0108] Sending the third information to the first network element; or,

[0109] The third information is sent to a second network element, where the second network element is a network element having an access and mobility management function.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the terminal device can trigger the stopping of the positioning process based on the third information, thereby improving the controllability of the positioning process.

[0111] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0112] Receive fourth information, where the fourth information is used by the first network element to trigger stopping of the positioning process.

[0113] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the fourth information includes:

[0114] receiving the fourth information sent by the second network element; or,

[0115] Receive the fourth information sent by the first network element.

[0116] In the above embodiment, LMF can trigger the stopping of the positioning process based on the fourth information, thereby improving the controllability of the positioning process.

[0117] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network element is a positioning management function LMF, and the second network element is an access and mobility management function AMF.

[0118] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0119] receiving a positioning reference signal PRS;

[0120] measuring and processing the PRS to obtain measurement information, where the measurement information includes at least one of the following: measurement data, a quality indicator corresponding to the measurement data, and a timestamp corresponding to the measurement data;

[0121] Acquire positioning information according to the measurement information, the positioning information including at least one of the following: positioning coordinates, a quality indicator corresponding to the positioning coordinates, and a timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0122] The data generated during the positioning process includes the measurement information and / or the positioning information.

[0123] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining positioning information according to the measurement information includes at least one of the following:

[0124] Performing calculations on the measurement data to obtain the positioning coordinates of the terminal device;

[0125] The measurement data is sent to a first network element, and the positioning coordinates sent by the first network element according to the measurement data are received.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the terminal device can measure the PRS to obtain data during the positioning process, thereby improving the accuracy of data acquisition.

[0127] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, which is performed by a second network element, where the second network element is a network element having access and mobility management functions. The method includes:

[0128] Receive first information, where the first information is used to trigger a positioning process; and send fifth information, where the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to execute the positioning process.

[0129] In the above embodiment, a method in which a terminal triggers a positioning process to collect data during the positioning process can be implemented, thereby improving the flexibility of data collection during the positioning process.

[0130] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0131] Type of measurement information;

[0132] Whether to collect positioning coordinates;

[0133] Whether to collect quality indicators corresponding to positioning coordinates;

[0134] Whether to collect the timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0135] The number of positioning data samples collected;

[0136] Quality of service (QoS) information for data collection;

[0137] Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration information for data collection;

[0138] The positioning data collection node includes a terminal device and / or a first network element, and the first network element is a network element with a positioning management function.

[0139] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information includes at least one of the following:

[0140] The service cell of the terminal device;

[0141] The client type of the terminal device;

[0142] The positioning request reason;

[0143] The second information.

[0144] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0145] determining a first network element;

[0146] The sending of the fifth information includes:

[0147] Send the fifth information to the first network element.

[0148] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0149] receiving third information, where the third information is used by the terminal device to trigger a stop of the positioning process;

[0150] Send the third information to the first network element.

[0151] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0152] receiving fourth information, where the fourth information is used by the first network element to trigger stopping of the positioning process;

[0153] Send the fourth information to the terminal device.

[0154] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network element is a positioning management function LMF, and the second network element is an access and mobility management function AMF.

[0155] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, which is performed by a first network element, where the first network element is a network element having a positioning management function. The method includes:

[0156] receiving fifth information, where the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to perform a positioning procedure;

[0157] Execute the positioning process.

[0158] In the above embodiment, a method in which a terminal triggers a positioning process to collect data during the positioning process can be implemented, thereby improving the flexibility of data collection during the positioning process.

[0159] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, performing the positioning process includes:

[0160] Determining an access network device for sending a positioning reference signal PRS;

[0161] Send PRS configuration information to the access network device.

[0162] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, performing the positioning process further includes:

[0163] Receive measurement information; the measurement information is information obtained after the terminal device measures and processes the PRS, the measurement information including at least one of the following: measurement data, a quality indicator corresponding to the measurement data, and a timestamp corresponding to the measurement data;

[0164] Determine positioning information according to the measurement information, the positioning information including at least one of the following: positioning coordinates, a quality indicator corresponding to the positioning coordinates, and a timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0165] Send the positioning information to the terminal device.

[0166] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information includes at least one of the following:

[0167] The service cell of the terminal device;

[0168] The client type of the terminal device;

[0169] Reason for the positioning request;

[0170] Second information.

[0171] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0172] Type of measurement information;

[0173] Whether to collect positioning coordinates;

[0174] Whether to collect quality indicators corresponding to positioning coordinates;

[0175] Whether to collect the timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0176] The number of positioning data samples collected;

[0177] Quality of service (QoS) information for data collection;

[0178] Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration information for data collection;

[0179] A positioning data collection node, wherein the positioning data collection node includes a terminal device and / or a first network element.

[0180] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0181] receiving third information;

[0182] The positioning process is stopped according to the third information.

[0183] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0184] Sending fourth information, where the fourth information is used by the first network element to trigger stopping of the positioning process.

[0185] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, sending the fourth information includes at least one of the following:

[0186] Sending the fourth information to a second network element, where the second network element is a network element having an access and mobility management function;

[0187] The fourth information is sent to the terminal device.

[0188] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first network element is a positioning management function LMF, and the second network element is an access and mobility management function AMF.

[0189] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, which is performed by an access network device. The method includes:

[0190] A positioning reference signal PRS is sent, where the PRS is used by the terminal device to obtain measurement information according to the PRS.

[0191] In the above embodiment, a method in which a terminal triggers a positioning process to collect data during the positioning process can be implemented, thereby improving the flexibility of data collection during the positioning process.

[0192] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0193] receiving PRS configuration information;

[0194] The sending of a positioning reference signal PRS includes:

[0195] The PRS is sent according to the PRS configuration information.

[0196] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, which is executed by a server. The method includes:

[0197] Sending second information, wherein the second information instructs the terminal device to collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0198] In the above embodiment, a method in which a terminal triggers a positioning process to collect data during the positioning process can be implemented, thereby improving the flexibility of data collection during the positioning process.

[0199] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0200] Type of measurement information;

[0201] Whether to collect positioning coordinates;

[0202] Whether to collect quality indicators corresponding to positioning coordinates;

[0203] Whether to collect the timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0204] The number of positioning data samples collected;

[0205] Quality of service (QoS) information for data collection;

[0206] Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration information for data collection;

[0207] A positioning data collection node includes a terminal device and / or a first network element, and the first network element is a network element with a positioning function.

[0208] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0209] Receive data collected by the terminal device.

[0210] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, which is performed by a core network device, wherein the core network device includes a first network element and a second network element, wherein the first network element is a network element having a positioning management function, and the second network element is a network element having an access and mobility management function; the method includes:

[0211] The second network element receives first information, where the first information is used to trigger a positioning process;

[0212] The second network element sends fifth information to the first network element, where the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to perform a positioning process;

[0213] The first network element executes a positioning process.

[0214] In the above embodiment, a method in which a terminal triggers a positioning process to collect data during the positioning process can be implemented, thereby improving the flexibility of data collection during the positioning process.

[0215] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, which is performed by a communication system, wherein the communication system includes a terminal device, an access network device, a core network device, and a server, wherein the core network device includes a first network element and a second network element, wherein the first network element is a network element having a positioning management function, and the second network element is a network element having an access and mobility management function; the method includes:

[0216] The terminal device sends first information, where the first information is used to trigger a positioning process;

[0217] The second network element receives the first information and sends fifth information to the first network element, where the first information is used to trigger the positioning process, and the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to perform the positioning process;

[0218] The first network element executes a positioning process;

[0219] The access network device sends a positioning reference signal PRS;

[0220] The terminal device collects data generated during the positioning process.

[0221] In the above embodiment, a method in which a terminal triggers a positioning process to collect data during the positioning process can be implemented, thereby improving the flexibility of data collection during the positioning process.

[0222] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a terminal device, which may include at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the terminal device can be used to execute the optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0223] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first network element, which may include at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the second network element may be used to execute the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0224] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a third network element, which may include at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the first network element may be used to execute an optional implementation method of the third aspect.

[0225] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an access network device, which may include at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the access network device can be used to execute the optional implementation method of the fourth aspect.

[0226] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a server, which may include at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the server can be used to execute the optional implementation method of the fifth aspect.

[0227] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a core network device, which may include a first network element and a second network element; wherein, the first network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the third aspect, and the second network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0228] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which may include a terminal device, an access network device, a core network device and a server, and the core network device includes a first network element and a second network element; wherein, the terminal device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the access network device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the first network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the third aspect, the second network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the second aspect, and the server is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the fifth aspect.

[0229] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device, which may include: one or more processors; wherein the communication device can be used to execute optional implementation methods of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

[0230] In the sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium storing instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, enables the communication device to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

[0231] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product, which, when executed by a communication device, enables the communication device to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

[0232] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects.

[0233] In a nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, wherein the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the fifth aspect.

[0234] It is understandable that the above-mentioned terminal devices, network devices (access network devices, first network elements, second network elements), servers, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems can all be used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0235] The present disclosure provides a positioning method, device, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms positioning method, information processing method, and communication method are interchangeable; the terms positioning device, information processing device, communication device, and communication equipment are interchangeable; and the terms information processing system, communication system, and so on are interchangeable.

[0236] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0237] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0238] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0239] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0240] In some embodiments, "plurality" may refer to two or more.

[0241] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0242] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0243] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0244] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. For another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0245] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0246] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0247] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0248] In some embodiments, devices and the like can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as "device," "equipment," "device," "circuit," "network element," "node," "function," "unit," "section," "system," "network," "chip," "chip system," "entity," and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0249] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, network equipment, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0250] In some embodiments, the network device may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0251] In some embodiments, the terms "Access Network Device (AN Device)", "Radio Access Network Device (RAN Device)", "Base Station (BS)", "Radio Base Station (Radio Base Station)", "Fixed Station (Fixed Station)", "Node (Node)", "Access Point (Access Point)", "Transmission Point (TP)", "Reception Point (RP)", "Transmission and / or Reception Point (TRP))", "Panel (Panel)", "Antenna Panel (Antenna Panel)", "Antenna Array (Antenna Array)" "Cell (Cell)", "Macro Cell (Macro Cell)", "Small Cell (Small Cell)", "Femto Cell (Femto Cell)", "Pico Cell (Pico Cell)" "Sector (Sector)", "Cell Group (Cell Group)", "Serving Cell (Cell)", "Carrier (Carrier)", "Component Carrier (Component Carrier)", "Bandwidth Part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0252] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "terminal side device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station (Subscriber Station), mobile unit (Mobile Unit), subscriber unit (Subscriber Unit), wireless unit (Wireless Unit), remote unit (Remote Unit), mobile device (Mobile Device), wireless device (Wireless Device), wireless communication device (Wireless Communication Device), remote device (Remote Device), mobile subscriber station (Mobile Subscriber Station), access terminal (Access Terminal), mobile terminal (Mobile Terminal), wireless terminal (Wireless Terminal), remote terminal (Remote Terminal), handset (Handset), user agent (User Agent), mobile client (Mobile Client), client (Client) and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0253] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal device. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal device is replaced by the communication between multiple terminal devices (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal device has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminal devices (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels or direct channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links or direct links.

[0254] In some embodiments, the terminal device may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0255] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0256] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0257] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0258] FIG1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , the communication system 100 may include a terminal device 101 , an access network device 102 , and a core network device 103 .

[0259] In some embodiments, the terminal device 101 may include at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in smart city, and a wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0260] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a node or device that accesses the terminal device to the wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0261] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0262] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit (Control Unit). The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0263] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a single device including a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, etc., or may be a plurality of devices or a device group including all or part of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, etc. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network device may include at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), a next generation core (NGC), or other core network devices.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may have a location management function (LMF).

[0265] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be a network element with a positioning management function, but the name is not limited thereto.

[0266] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0267] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be a network element having access and mobility management functions, but the name is not limited thereto.

[0268] In some embodiments, the communication system may further include a server 104 .

[0269] In some embodiments, the server 104 may be used to manage the terminal device, such as triggering the collection of positioning data and receiving data sent by the terminal device.

[0270] In some embodiments, the server 104 may be independent of the core network device 103 .

[0271] In some embodiments, the server 104 may be part of the core network device 103 .

[0272] In some embodiments, the server 104 may be a server of the operator, or a server of a third party other than the operator, such as a vendor server.

[0273] In some embodiments, the server can be connected to the terminal device. For example, the server can establish a connection with the terminal device through a network device (including a core network device and / or an access network device), and the connection can be a connection established based on a first protocol, and the first protocol can be any one of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP, Transmission Control Protocol), User Datagram Protocol (UDP, User Datagram Protocol), Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP, Stream Control Transmission Protocol) or other protocols. The server and the terminal device can communicate through the connection. For example, the server can send the second information to the terminal device through the connection. Optionally, the server and the terminal device can also establish a connection through other devices, for example, through a wireless network such as Wi-Fi or a wired network.

[0274] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0275] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are examples. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the entities is an example. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0276] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.17 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.18 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.19 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.21 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.22 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.23 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.24 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.25 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.26 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.27 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.28 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.29 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.30 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.31 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.32 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.33 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0277] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned communication system can support the application of artificial intelligence technology. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be introduced into the communication system. For example, events can be predicted based on AI technology to obtain more accurate prediction results. For example, the communication system can implement applications such as AI-based channel state information (CSI) enhancement, AI-based beam management, and AI-based positioning.

[0278] In some embodiments, in order to achieve AI-based positioning, data collection is required. The collected data can be used, for example, for training, testing, evaluation or performance monitoring of AI models. The data that needs to be collected may include at least one of the following: measurement data for PRS (such as signal strength, channel impulse response, power delay spectrum, etc.), positioning coordinates, quality indicators corresponding to positioning coordinates (quality indicator), timestamps (time stamp) corresponding to positioning coordinates, and other data. Collecting this data requires initiating a positioning process and interactively collecting data, but the process in the relevant technology does not support this requirement.

[0279] FIG2 is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 , the method can be performed by the above-mentioned communication system, and the method may include:

[0280] Step S2101: The server sends the second information.

[0281] In some embodiments, the server may send the second information to the terminal device. Similarly, the terminal device may receive the second information. For example, the terminal device may receive the second information sent by the server. For another example, the terminal device may also receive the second information sent by another entity.

[0282] For example, the server can establish a connection with the terminal device through a network device (including a core network device and / or an access network device), and the connection can be a connection established based on a first protocol, and the first protocol can be any one of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) or other protocols. The server and the terminal device can communicate through the connection. For example, the server can send the second information to the terminal device through the connection. Optionally, the server and the terminal device can also establish a connection through other devices, for example, through a wireless network such as Wi-Fi or a wired network.

[0283] In some embodiments, the server may be a server of an operator corresponding to the communication system, or a server of a third party other than the operator, such as a vendor server.

[0284] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to instruct the terminal device to trigger a positioning process.

[0285] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to instruct the terminal device to collect data generated during the positioning process. Optionally, the data may be used to train, test, or evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI) model.

[0286] In some embodiments, the second information can be used to instruct the terminal device to trigger a positioning process and collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0287] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate a need to collect data.

[0288] In some embodiments, the name of the second information is not limited, and may be, for example, "demand for collecting data", "data collection requirement", "data collection information", etc.

[0289] In some embodiments, the second information may be used only to instruct the terminal device to collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0290] In other embodiments, the second information may also be used to indicate the content of the collected data.

[0291] For example, the second information may include at least one of the following:

[0292] Measurement Information Type: The measurement information type may be used to indicate the type of measurement information collected through the positioning process.

[0293] Whether to collect positioning coordinates: The positioning coordinates may be the latitude and longitude coordinates or other map coordinates corresponding to the location of the terminal device. The positioning coordinates may be the location coordinates calculated by the terminal device or the location coordinates calculated by the first network element;

[0294] Whether to collect a quality indicator corresponding to the positioning coordinates: The quality indicator can be used to indicate the accuracy, error, or reliability of the positioning coordinates. For example, the reliability of the positioning coordinates can be any value between 0% and 100%;

[0295] Whether to collect the timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates: the timestamp can be the time when the positioning coordinates are collected. The time can be absolute time or relative time, which is not limited in the present embodiment;

[0296] The number of collected positioning data samples: the positioning data samples include the above positioning coordinates, and the number can be any positive integer;

[0297] Quality of Service (QoS) information for data collection;

[0298] Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration information for data collection;

[0299] The positioning data collection node may include a terminal device and / or a first network element. The first network element is a network element with a positioning function, such as a LMF.

[0300] In one implementation, the QoS information may include a latency requirement. For example, the latency requirement may be real-time, quasi-real-time, or no latency requirement.

[0301] In one implementation, the PRS configuration information may be used to determine PRS-related information, such as the number of transmission reception points (TRPs) used to transmit PRS information and the PRS pattern used to transmit PRS. Optionally, the TRP may be an access network device.

[0302] In one implementation, the positioning data collection node may be a terminal device. Thus, the terminal device may perform PRS measurements and calculate positioning coordinates. Optionally, the terminal device may also report measurement data to the server. The measurement data may include at least one of the positioning coordinates, a quality indicator, and a timestamp.

[0303] In another implementation, the positioning data collection node may be a first network element (e.g., LMF). In this way, the terminal device may perform PRS measurements and report the measurement results to the LMF, which may then calculate the positioning coordinates. Optionally, the LMF may send information such as the positioning coordinates, quality indicator, and timestamp to the terminal device, which then reports the measurement data to the server.

[0304] In some embodiments, step S2101 may be omitted, and the terminal device may autonomously implement the function indicated by the second information. For example, the terminal device may autonomously obtain the second information and execute the subsequent step S2102.

[0305] Step S2102: The terminal device sends the first information.

[0306] In some embodiments, the terminal device may send the first information to the second network element. Similarly, the second network element may receive the first information. For example, the second network element may receive the first information sent by the terminal device. For another example, the second network element may also receive the first information sent by another entity.

[0307] In some embodiments, the second network element may be an AMF, and the terminal device may send the first information to the AMF through the access network device.

[0308] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to trigger a positioning procedure.

[0309] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to initiate a positioning request.

[0310] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, and may be, for example, "positioning request", "positioning request information", "positioning request message", etc.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following:

[0312] Positioning request indication: This positioning request indication can be used to trigger a positioning process or initiate a positioning request;

[0313] Positioning request reason: The positioning request reason is used to indicate that the purpose of triggering the positioning process is to collect the above data;

[0314] The above-mentioned second information: The specific content of the second information can refer to the description in the above-mentioned step S2101, which will not be repeated here.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first information may be used only to trigger a positioning process or initiate a positioning request. For example, the first information may only include the positioning request indication.

[0316] In other embodiments, the first information may also be used to indicate the content of the positioning data collected, indicating that the purpose of the positioning process is data collection. For example, the first information may include the above-mentioned positioning request reason, or the first information may include the above-mentioned positioning request indication and the positioning request reason.

[0317] In some other embodiments, the second information may also be used to indicate the configuration expected by the terminal device, QoS information of data collection, etc. For example, the first information may include at least one item of the above-mentioned second information.

[0318] Step S2103: The second network element determines the first network element.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first network element may be an LMF and the second network element may be an AMF.

[0320] There may be one or more first network elements in the communication system, and the second network element may determine one of the first network elements according to the network element information of the first network elements.

[0321] Optionally, the network element information may include at least one of the following information: location, load, delay, etc. of the first network element. For example, the first network element with the lightest load among multiple first network elements may be determined.

[0322] In this way, the AMF can select the appropriate LMF.

[0323] Step S2104: The second network element sends the fifth information.

[0324] In some embodiments, the second network element may send the fifth information to the first network element. For example, the second network element may send the fifth information to the first network element determined in step S2103. Similarly, the first network element may receive the fifth information. For example, the first network element may receive the second information sent by the second network element. For another example, the first network element may also receive the second information sent by another entity.

[0325] In some embodiments, the second network element sends fifth information to the first network element based on the first information. For example, the fifth information may carry part or all of the first information.

[0326] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used to instruct the first network element to perform a positioning procedure.

[0327] In some embodiments, the fifth information may include configuration information for the first network element to perform a positioning procedure.

[0328] In some embodiments, the name of the fifth information is not limited, and may be, for example, "configuration information", "positioning configuration information", "positioning request", "positioning request information", "positioning request message", etc.

[0329] In some embodiments, the fifth information may include at least one of the following:

[0330] The serving cell of the terminal device;

[0331] The client type of the terminal device;

[0332] Reason for the positioning request;

[0333] The second information mentioned above.

[0334] In one implementation, if the first information received by the second network element includes the above-mentioned positioning request reason, the fifth information may also include the positioning request reason.

[0335] For example, if the first information sent by the terminal device to the second network element includes the reason for the positioning request (that is, the purpose of data collection), the fifth information sent by the second network element to the first network element may also include the reason for the positioning request. The reason for the positioning request may be an indicator information (Indicator) used to indicate whether the terminal device requires data collection.

[0336] In one implementation, if the first information received by the second network element includes the second information, the fifth information may also include the second information.

[0337] For example, if the first information sent by the terminal device to the second network element contains the second information (that is, the expected configuration of the terminal device for data collection), the fifth information sent by the second network element to the first network element may also include the second information, for example, the data collection method, data collection configuration information, etc.

[0338] Step S2105: The first network element determines an access network device.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first network element may determine one or more access network devices based on the fifth information.

[0340] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a transmit / receive point TRP.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first network element can initiate the execution of the corresponding positioning process based on the fifth information (configuration information for data collection), including configuring the corresponding access network device to send PRS, calculating the positioning coordinates based on the feedback from the terminal device, etc.

[0342] Step S2106: The first network element sends PRS configuration information.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first network element may send PRS configuration information to the access network device. Similarly, the access network device may receive PRS configuration information. For example, the access network device may receive PRS configuration information sent by the first network element. For another example, the access network device may also receive PRS configuration information sent by another entity.

[0344] In some embodiments, the PRS configuration information may include information such as resources and periods for sending the PRS.

[0345] In some embodiments, step S2106 may be omitted, and the access network device may autonomously determine the PRS configuration information.

[0346] Step S2107: The access network device sends a PRS.

[0347] In some embodiments, the access network device may send a PRS to the terminal device. Similarly, the terminal device may receive a PRS. For example, the access network device may receive a PRS sent by the access network device. For another example, the terminal device may also receive a PRS sent by another entity.

[0348] In some embodiments, the access network device may proactively send the PRS.

[0349] In some embodiments, the access network device may send the PRS according to the PRS configuration information.

[0350] Step S2108: The terminal device obtains measurement information.

[0351] In some embodiments, the terminal device can measure and process the PRS to obtain measurement information.

[0352] In some embodiments, the measurement information may include at least one of the following: measurement data, a quality indicator corresponding to the measurement data, and a timestamp corresponding to the measurement data.

[0353] Optionally, the measurement data may include data such as signal strength, channel impulse response, and power delay spectrum.

[0354] Step S2109: The terminal device obtains positioning information based on the measurement information.

[0355] In some embodiments, the positioning information may include at least one of the following: positioning coordinates, a quality indicator corresponding to the positioning coordinates, and a timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates.

[0356] In some embodiments, performing calculations on the measurement data to obtain the location coordinates of the terminal device;

[0357] In other embodiments, the terminal device may send the measurement data to the first network element, and receive the positioning coordinates sent by the first network element based on the measurement data.

[0358] For example, the first network element may receive measurement information sent by the terminal device, determine positioning information based on the measurement information, and send the positioning information to the terminal device. The measurement information may be information obtained by the terminal device after measuring and processing the PRS.

[0359] Optionally, the measurement information may include at least one of the following: measurement data, a quality indicator corresponding to the measurement data, and a timestamp corresponding to the measurement data.

[0360] Optionally, the positioning information may include at least one of the following: positioning coordinates, a quality indicator corresponding to the positioning coordinates, and a timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0361] In some embodiments, the above steps S2105 to S2109 may be steps in which the first network element, the access network device and the terminal device execute the positioning process.

[0362] In some embodiments, the first network element may initiate execution of the positioning process according to the fifth information.

[0363] Step S2110: The terminal device collects data generated during the positioning process.

[0364] In some embodiments, the data can be used to train, test, or evaluate artificial intelligence (AI) models.

[0365] In some embodiments, the information included in the data can be determined based on the second information.

[0366] In some embodiments, the terminal device may obtain the data based on the aforementioned measurement information or positioning information. The data generated during the positioning process may include measurement information and / or positioning information. For example, measurement information may be used as data generated during the positioning process. For another example, positioning information may be used as data generated during the positioning process. For another example, both measurement information and positioning information may be used as data generated during the positioning process.

[0367] Step S2111: The terminal device sends the collected data.

[0368] In some embodiments, the terminal device may send the collected data to the server. Similarly, the server may receive data. For example, the server may receive data sent by the terminal device. For another example, the server may also receive data sent by other entities.

[0369] For example, the terminal device may send the data to the server through the connection between the terminal device and the server.

[0370] Step S2112: The terminal device or the first network element stops the positioning process.

[0371] The terminal device can proactively stop the positioning process. For example, when the terminal device has collected data that meets its needs, or when the terminal device wishes to stop collecting data, the positioning process can be stopped.

[0372] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, there are multiple ways for a terminal device to stop the positioning process, for example:

[0373] For example, the terminal device may send third information, where the third information is used by the terminal device to trigger the stopping of the positioning process.

[0374] Optionally, the name of the third information is not limited, for example, it can be "termination message", "positioning termination message", "termination positioning process message", "positioning termination confirmation message", "termination information", "positioning termination information", "termination positioning process information", "positioning termination confirmation information", etc.

[0375] In one implementation, the terminal device may send third information (eg, a termination message) to the second network element, and the second network element may notify the first network element to stop the positioning process. For example, the second network element may send the third information to the first network element.

[0376] In another implementation, the terminal device can send third information (e.g., a message to terminate the positioning process) to the first network element, the first network element can notify the second network element to send a response message (e.g., a response to positioning termination), and the second network element sends the confirmation message (e.g., positioning termination confirmation) to the terminal device.

[0377] Optionally, the terminal device or the first network element may also send a third message to the access network device to notify the access network device to stop the positioning process.

[0378] Likewise, optionally, the terminal device or the first network element may also send a third message to the server to notify the server to stop the positioning process.

[0379] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first network element may proactively stop the positioning process, for example, when data that meets the terminal's requirements cannot be collected, or when the first network element desires to stop collecting data.

[0380] There are also multiple ways for the first network element to stop the positioning process, for example:

[0381] In some embodiments, the first network element may send fourth information, and the fourth information may be used by the first network element to trigger the stopping of the positioning process.

[0382] Optionally, the name of the fourth information is not limited, for example, it can be "termination message", "positioning termination message", "termination positioning process message", "positioning termination confirmation message", "termination information", "positioning termination information", "termination positioning process information", "positioning termination confirmation information", etc.

[0383] In one implementation, the first network element may send fourth information (e.g., termination information) to the terminal device, and the terminal device may send a reply message to the second network element. Optionally, the reply message may be used to confirm the termination of the positioning process, or the reply message may be used to instruct the second network element to select other first network elements to execute the positioning process to continue data collection.

[0384] In another implementation, the first network element may send fourth information (eg, a message to terminate the positioning process) to the second network element, and the second network element may notify the terminal device to stop the positioning process, for example, the second network element may send the fourth information to the terminal device.

[0385] In another implementation, the first network element may send fourth information (eg, a positioning data collection termination message) to the first network element and the second network element respectively, and the first network element and the second network element may stop the positioning process in response to the fourth information.

[0386] Optionally, the first network element may further send a fourth message to the access network device to notify the access network device to stop the positioning process.

[0387] Likewise, optionally, the first network element may further send a fourth message to the server to notify the server to stop the positioning process.

[0388] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the above steps S2101 to S2112. For example, steps S2102 + S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2102 + S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2104 + S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2104 + S2105 + S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0389] In some embodiments, the above steps S2101 to S2112 can be executed in a swapped order or simultaneously. For example, steps S2111 and S2112 can be executed in a swapped order or simultaneously.

[0390] In some embodiments, the above steps S2101 to S2112 are all optional steps.

[0391] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0392] The above method sends first information to trigger the positioning process and collects data generated during the positioning process. This allows the terminal to trigger the positioning process to collect data during the positioning process, thereby improving the flexibility of data collection during the positioning process.

[0393] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0394] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0395] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0396] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0397] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0398] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0399] FIG3A is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a terminal device. The method may include:

[0400] Step S3101: Obtain second information.

[0401] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0402] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive the second information sent by the server, but is not limited thereto. The terminal device may also receive the second information sent by other entities.

[0403] In some embodiments, the terminal device may obtain second information specified by the protocol.

[0404] In some embodiments, the terminal device may obtain the second information from upper layer(s).

[0405] In some embodiments, the terminal device may perform processing to obtain the second information.

[0406] In some embodiments, step S3101 may be omitted, and the terminal device may autonomously implement the function indicated by the second information, or the above function may be default or by default.

[0407] Step S3102: Send the first information.

[0408] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0409] In some embodiments, the terminal device can send the first information to the second network element. For example, the terminal device can send the first information to the second network element through the access network device, but is not limited to this. The terminal device can also send the first information to other entities.

[0410] Step S3103: Obtain PRS.

[0411] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0412] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive a PRS sent by an access network device, but is not limited thereto. The terminal device may also receive a PRS sent by other entities.

[0413] Step S3104: Obtain measurement information.

[0414] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0415] In some embodiments, the terminal device may measure and process the PRS to obtain the measurement information.

[0416] Step S3105: Acquire positioning information based on the measurement information.

[0417] The optional implementation of step S3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0418] Step S3106: Collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0419] The optional implementation of step S3106 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0420] Step S3107: Send the collected data.

[0421] The optional implementation of step S3107 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2111 in FIG2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0422] In some embodiments, the terminal device may send the first information to the server. For example, the terminal device may send the first information to the server through an access network device, but is not limited thereto. The terminal device may also send the first information to other entities.

[0423] Step S3108: Stop the positioning process.

[0424] The optional implementation of step S3108 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2112 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0425] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the above steps S3101 to S3108. For example, steps S3102 and S3106 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0426] In some embodiments, the above steps S3101 to S3108 can be executed in a swapped order or simultaneously. For example, steps S3107 and S3108 can be executed in a swapped order or simultaneously.

[0427] In some embodiments, the above steps S3101 to S3108 are all optional steps.

[0428] FIG3B is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a terminal device. The method may include:

[0429] Step S3201: Send the first information.

[0430] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in step S2102 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3102 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0431] Step S3202: Collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0432] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in step S2110 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3106 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0433] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional steps.

[0434] FIG3C is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3C , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a terminal device. The method may include:

[0435] Step S3301: Obtain second information.

[0436] The optional implementation of step S3301 can be found in step S2101 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3101 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0437] Step S3302: Send the first information.

[0438] The optional implementation of step S3302 can be found in step S2102 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3102 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0439] Step S3303: Collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0440] The optional implementation of step S3203 can be found in step S2110 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3106 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0441] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional steps.

[0442] FIG3D is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3D , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a terminal device. The method may include:

[0443] Step S3401: Obtain PRS.

[0444] The optional implementation of step S3401 can be found in step S2107 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3103 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0445] Step S3402: Obtain measurement information.

[0446] The optional implementation of step S3402 can be found in step S2108 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3104 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0447] In some embodiments, the terminal device may measure and process the PRS to obtain the measurement information.

[0448] Step S3403: Acquire positioning information based on the measurement information.

[0449] The optional implementation of step S3403 can be found in step S2109 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3105 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0450] Step S3404: Collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0451] The optional implementation of step S3404 can be found in step S2110 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3106 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0452] Step S3405: ​​Send the collected data.

[0453] The optional implementation of step S3405 can be found in step S2111 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3107 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0454] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional steps.

[0455] FIG3E is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3E , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a terminal device. The method may include:

[0456] Step S3501: Collect data generated during the positioning process.

[0457] The optional implementation of step S3501 can be found in step S2110 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3106 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0458] Step S3502: Send the collected data.

[0459] The optional implementation of step S3502 can be found in step S2111 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3107 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0460] Step S3503: Stop the positioning process.

[0461] The optional implementation of step S3503 can be found in step S2112 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3108 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0462] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional steps.

[0463] FIG4A is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a second network element. The method includes:

[0464] Step S4101: Obtain first information.

[0465] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0466] In some embodiments, the second network element may receive the first information sent by the terminal device, but is not limited thereto. The second network element may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

[0467] In some embodiments, the second network element may obtain first information specified by the protocol.

[0468] In some embodiments, the second network element may perform processing to obtain the first information.

[0469] In some embodiments, step S4101 may be omitted, and the second network element may autonomously implement the function indicated by the first information, or the above function may be default or by default.

[0470] Step S4102: Determine the first network element.

[0471] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0472] Step S4103: Send the fifth information.

[0473] The optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0474] In some embodiments, the second network element may send the fifth information to the first network element, but is not limited thereto. The second network element may also send the fifth information to other entities.

[0475] Step S4104: Stop the positioning process.

[0476] The optional implementation of step S4104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2112 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0477] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the above steps S4101 to S4104. For example, steps S4101+S4103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0478] In some embodiments, the above steps S4101 to S4104 can be executed in a swapped order or simultaneously.

[0479] In some embodiments, the above steps S4101 to S4104 are all optional steps.

[0480] FIG4B is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a second network element. The method may include:

[0481] Step S4201: Obtain first information.

[0482] The optional implementation of step S4201 can be found in step S2102 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S4101 of FIG. 4A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0483] Step S4202: Send the fifth information.

[0484] The optional implementation of step S4202 can be found in step S2104 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S4103 of FIG. 4A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0485] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional steps.

[0486] FIG4C is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4C , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a second network element. The method may include:

[0487] Step S4301: Obtain first information.

[0488] The optional implementation of step S4301 can be found in step S2102 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S4101 of FIG. 4A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0489] Step S4302: Determine the first network element.

[0490] The optional implementation of step S4302 can be found in step S2103 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S4102 of FIG. 4A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0491] Step S4303: Send the fifth information.

[0492] The optional implementation of step S4303 can be found in step S2104 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S4103 of FIG. 4A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0493] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional steps.

[0494] FIG5A is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5A , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a first network element. The method may include:

[0495] Step S5101: Obtain the fifth information.

[0496] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0497] In some embodiments, the first network element may receive the fifth information sent by the second network element, but is not limited thereto. The first network element may also receive the fifth information sent by other entities.

[0498] In some embodiments, the first network element may obtain fifth information specified by a protocol or preset.

[0499] In some embodiments, the first network element may perform processing to obtain the fifth information.

[0500] In some embodiments, step S5101 may be omitted, and the first network element may autonomously implement the function indicated by the fifth information, or the above function may be default or by default.

[0501] Step S5102: Determine the access network device.

[0502] The optional implementation of step S5102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0503] Step S5103: Send PRS configuration information.

[0504] The optional implementation of step S5103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in FIG2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0505] In some embodiments, the first network element may send the PRS configuration information to the access network device, but is not limited thereto. The first network element may also send the PRS configuration information to other entities.

[0506] Step S5104: Stop the positioning process.

[0507] The optional implementation of step S5104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2112 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0508] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the above steps S5101 to S5104. For example, steps S5101+S5102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0509] In some embodiments, the above steps S5101 to S5104 can be executed in a swapped order or simultaneously.

[0510] In some embodiments, the above steps S5101 to S5104 are all optional steps.

[0511] FIG5B is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a first network element. The method may include:

[0512] Step S5201: Obtain the fifth information.

[0513] The optional implementation of step S5201 can be found in step S2104 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S5101 of FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0514] Step S5202: Execute the positioning process.

[0515] The optional implementation of step S5202 can be found in steps S2105+S2106 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of steps S5102+S5103 of FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A , which will not be repeated here.

[0516] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional steps.

[0517] FIG5C is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5C , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a first network element. The method may include:

[0518] Step S5301: Obtain the fifth information.

[0519] The optional implementation of step S5301 can be found in step S2104 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S5101 of FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0520] Step S5302: Send PRS configuration information.

[0521] The optional implementation of step S5302 can be found in step S2106 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S5103 of FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0522] Step S5303: Stop the positioning process.

[0523] The optional implementation of step S5303 can be found in step S2112 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S5104 of FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0524] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional steps.

[0525] FIG6A is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be executed by an access network device. The method includes:

[0526] Step S6101: Obtain PRS configuration information.

[0527] The optional implementation of step S6101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0528] In some embodiments, the access network device may receive PRS configuration information sent by the first network element, but is not limited thereto. The access network device may also receive PRS configuration information sent by other entities.

[0529] In some embodiments, the access network device may obtain PRS configuration information specified by the protocol.

[0530] In some embodiments, the access network device may obtain PRS configuration information from upper layer(s).

[0531] In some embodiments, the access network device may perform processing to obtain the PRS configuration information.

[0532] In some embodiments, step S6102 may be omitted, and the access network device may autonomously implement the function indicated by the PRS configuration information, or the above function may be default or acquiescent.

[0533] Step S6102: Send PRS.

[0534] The optional implementation of step S6102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0535] In some embodiments, the access network device may send the PRS to the terminal device, but is not limited thereto. The access network device may also send the PRS to other entities.

[0536] Optionally, the PRS is used by the terminal device to perform a positioning process and obtain measurement information. Optional implementations thereof can be found in the optional implementations of step S2108 of FIG. 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0537] Step S6103: Stop the positioning process.

[0538] The optional implementation of step S6103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2112 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0539] In some embodiments, the above steps S6101 to S6103 are all optional steps.

[0540] FIG6B is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6B , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by an access network device. The method may include:

[0541] Step S6201: Send PRS.

[0542] The optional implementation of step S6201 can be found in step S2107 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S6102 of FIG. 6A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0543] FIG7A is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be executed by a server, and the method includes:

[0544] Step S7101: Send the second information.

[0545] The optional implementation of step S7101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0546] In some embodiments, the server may send the second information to the terminal device, but is not limited thereto. The server may also send the second information to other entities.

[0547] Step S7102: Receive data collected by the terminal device.

[0548] The optional implementation of step S7102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2111 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0549] In some embodiments, the server may receive data sent by a terminal device, but is not limited thereto, and the server may also receive data sent by other entities.

[0550] Step S7103: Stop the positioning process.

[0551] The optional implementation of step S7103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2112 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0552] In some embodiments, the above steps S7101 to S7103 are all optional steps.

[0553] FIG7B is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be executed by a server. The method may include:

[0554] Step S7201: Send the second information.

[0555] The optional implementation of step S7201 can be found in step S2101 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S7101 of FIG. 7A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0556] FIG7C is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7C , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be executed by a server. The method may include:

[0557] Step S7301: Receive data collected by the terminal device.

[0558] The optional implementation of step S7301 can be found in step S2111 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S7102 of FIG. 7A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0559] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional steps.

[0560] FIG8A is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8A , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a core network device and can include:

[0561] Step S8101: The second network element obtains first information.

[0562] The optional implementation of step S8101 can be found in step S2102 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S4101 of FIG. 4A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0563] Step S8102: The second network element sends fifth information to the first network element.

[0564] Optional implementations of step S8102 may refer to step S2104 of FIG. 2 , step S4103 of FIG. 4A , step S5101 of FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 , FIG. 4A or FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0565] Step S8103: The first network element executes the positioning process.

[0566] The optional implementation of step S8103 can be found in steps S2105+S2106 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of steps S5102+S5103 of FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A , which will not be repeated here.

[0567] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the embodiments of the above communication system, first network element, second network element, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0568] FIG8B is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8B , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a communication system and can include:

[0569] Step S8202: The second network element sends fifth information to the first network element.

[0570] Optional implementations of step S8202 may refer to step S2104 of FIG. 2 , step S4103 of FIG. 4A , step S5101 of FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 , FIG. 4A or FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0571] Step S8203: The first network element executes the positioning process.

[0572] The optional implementation of step S8203 may be the optional implementation of steps S2105+S2106 in FIG2 , steps S5102+S5103 in FIG5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2 and FIG5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0573] Step S8204: The access network device sends a positioning reference signal PRS.

[0574] The optional implementation of step S8204 can be found in step S2107 of FIG. 2 , step S3103 of FIG. 3A , the optional implementation of step S6102 of FIG. 6A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 , FIG. 3A or FIG. 6A , which will not be repeated here.

[0575] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the embodiments of the above communication system, access network equipment, first network element, second network element, server, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0576] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by a communication system and can include:

[0577] Step S9101: In response to the terminal device's need to collect data, the terminal device initiates a positioning request to the AMF.

[0578] In some embodiments, the demand may come from a terminal-related server, such as a Vendor server. The Vendor server may further indicate the content of the positioning data collection, such as the type of measurement information collected, whether to collect positioning coordinates, whether to collect the quality indicator corresponding to the positioning coordinates, whether to collect the time stamp corresponding to the data sample, the number of data samples, and the QoS of the data collection samples. Requirements such as latency requirements. For example, latency requirements may be real-time, (Near) real-time, no latency requirement, configuration information of the PRS configuration during data collection, such as how many TRPs send information and what the PRS pattern sent is. At the same time, the corresponding positioning data collection node may be further indicated, for example:

[0579] In one implementation, the terminal can measure the PRS and calculate the positioning coordinates on the terminal side, and can also request reporting of the measurement value and the corresponding quality indicator or time stamp.

[0580] In another implementation, the terminal performs PRS measurements and the LMF calculates the positioning coordinates. It can also request reporting of the measurement value and the corresponding quality indicator or time stamp information.

[0581] In some embodiments, there are multiple ways for the terminal device to initiate a positioning request to the AMF, for example:

[0582] In one implementation, the terminal device may only initiate a positioning request to the AMF.

[0583] In another implementation, the terminal device may initiate a positioning request to the AMF, while further indicating that the purpose of the positioning process is data collection.

[0584] In another implementation, the terminal device may further indicate the configuration expected by the terminal during data collection, the QoS requirements for data collection, etc. (For specific information, please refer to the above requirements).

[0585] Step S9102: AMF determines the target LMF.

[0586] In some embodiments, the AMF may select a suitable LMF as a target LMF.

[0587] Optionally, the AMF may be the second network element, and the LMF may be the first network element.

[0588] Step S9103: AMF sends configuration information to the target LMF.

[0589] The configuration information may include information such as a serving cell and a client type of the terminal.

[0590] In some embodiments, if the terminal device indicates the purpose of data collection to the AMF, the message sent by the AMF to the LMF will also include an Indicator to indicate whether the terminal device requires data collection.

[0591] In some embodiments, if the terminal device further specifies the expected configuration of data collection, the message sent by the AMF to the LMF will also include the data collection method and the configuration information of the data collection.

[0592] Step S9104: LMF starts the positioning process.

[0593] For example, LMF starts the corresponding positioning process based on the configuration information collected by the data, and can configure the corresponding TRP to send PRS, calculate the positioning coordinates based on the terminal feedback, etc.

[0594] Step S9105: Terminate the data collection task.

[0595] In some embodiments, when the terminal device collects data that meets the requirements, or when the terminal device wants to terminate the positioning data, the terminal device can stop the data collection task, for example:

[0596] In one implementation, the terminal device may send a corresponding termination message to the AMF, and the AMF then notifies the LMF to stop the corresponding operation.

[0597] In another implementation, the terminal device may send a corresponding termination positioning process message to the LMF, and the LMF sends a positioning termination response to the AMF. The AMF sends a positioning termination confirmation to the terminal device.

[0598] In other embodiments, the LMF may trigger the termination of positioning (for example, if data that meets the terminal's requirements cannot be collected). For example:

[0599] In one implementation, the LMF sends an indication to the terminal device that positioning data collection has terminated. The terminal device responds to the AMF, for example, by confirming the termination of positioning or selecting another LMF for data collection.

[0600] In another implementation, the LMF sends an indication of the termination of location collection to the AMF. The AMF sends an indication of the termination of positioning data to the terminal device.

[0601] In another implementation, the LMF sends an indication of the termination of positioning data collection to the terminal device and the AMF respectively.

[0602] By adopting the above method, a method for triggering a positioning process by a terminal to collect data during the positioning process can be implemented, thereby improving the flexibility of data collection during the positioning process.

[0603] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, which may include a first network element and a second network element, the first network element being a network element having a positioning management function, and the second network element being a network element having an access and mobility management function; wherein the first network element may be configured to execute the positioning method executed by the first network element in the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure; and the second network element may execute the positioning method executed by the second network element in the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0604] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, which may include a terminal device, an access network device, a core network device and a server, the core network device including a first network element and a second network element, the first network element being a network element with a positioning management function, and the second network element being a network element with an access and mobility management function; wherein the terminal device may be configured to execute the positioning method executed by the terminal device in the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure; the access network device may be configured to execute the positioning method executed by the access network device in the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure; the first network element may be configured to execute the positioning method executed by the first network element in the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure; the second network element may execute the positioning method executed by the second network element in the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure; and the server may be configured to execute the positioning method executed by the server in the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0605] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal device in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, a server, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0606] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of some or all of the above units or modules are realized by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0607] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of a hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document to implement the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0608] Figure 10A is a structural diagram of a terminal device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10A, the terminal device 101 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 21101, a processing module 21102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 21101 is configured to send a first information, and the first information is used to trigger the positioning process; the processing module 21102 is configured to collect data generated during the positioning process. Optionally, the transceiver module 21101 can be used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (for example, step S2101, step S2102, step S2104, step S2106, step S2107, step S2111, step S2112, but not limited to this) performed by the terminal device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module 21102 can be used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S2103, step S2108, step S2109, step S2110, step S2112, but not limited to these) performed by the terminal device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0609] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to obtain second information, where the second information instructs the terminal device to collect data generated during the positioning process; and send the first information according to the second information.

[0610] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0611] Type of measurement information;

[0612] Whether to collect positioning coordinates;

[0613] Whether to collect quality indicators corresponding to positioning coordinates;

[0614] Whether to collect the timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0615] The number of positioning data samples collected;

[0616] Quality of service (QoS) information for data collection;

[0617] Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration information for data collection;

[0618] The positioning data collection node includes a terminal device and / or a first network element, and the first network element is a network element with a positioning management function.

[0619] In some embodiments,

[0620] The positioning coordinates are coordinates calculated by the terminal device for determining the location of the terminal device; or,

[0621] The positioning coordinates are the coordinates calculated by the first network element for determining the location of the terminal device.

[0622] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0623] Positioning request indication;

[0624] Reason for the positioning request;

[0625] The second information.

[0626] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send the collected data.

[0627] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send third information, and the third information is used by the terminal device to trigger the stop of the positioning process.

[0628] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to send the third information to a first network element; or, to send the third information to a second network element, where the second network element is a network element having access and mobility management functions.

[0629] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive fourth information, where the fourth information is used by the first network element to trigger the stopping of the positioning process.

[0630] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to receive the fourth information sent by the second network element; or, to receive the fourth information sent by the first network element.

[0631] In some embodiments, the first network element is a positioning management function LMF, and the second network element is an access and mobility management function AMF.

[0632] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to receive a positioning reference signal PRS;

[0633] The processing module is configured to measure and process the PRS to obtain measurement information, the measurement information including at least one of the following: measurement data, a quality indicator corresponding to the measurement data, and a timestamp corresponding to the measurement data; and obtain positioning information based on the measurement information, the positioning information including at least one of the following: positioning coordinates, a quality indicator corresponding to the positioning coordinates, and a timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0634] The data generated during the positioning process includes the measurement information and / or the positioning information.

[0635] In some embodiments, the terminal device further includes:

[0636] a calculation module, configured to perform calculation processing on the measurement data to obtain the positioning coordinates of the terminal device;

[0637] The transceiver module is configured to send the measurement data to the first network element and receive the positioning coordinates sent by the first network element according to the measurement data.

[0638] Optionally, the calculation module and the processing module may be different modules or the same module.

[0639] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10B, the access network device 102 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 21201 and a processing module 21202. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 21201 is configured to send a positioning reference signal (PRS), which is used by a terminal device to obtain measurement information based on the PRS. Optionally, the transceiver module 21201 can be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the access network device in any of the above methods (for example, step S2101, step S2102, step S2104, step S2106, step S2107, step S2111, step S2112, but not limited thereto), which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module 21202 can be used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S2103, step S2108, step S2109, step S2110, step S2112, but not limited to these) performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0640] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0641] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules each execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module and the processor can be interchangeable.

[0642] Figure 10C is a schematic structural diagram of a first network element proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10C, the first network element 1031 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 21201, a processing module 21202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 21201 is configured to receive fifth information, and the fifth information is used to instruct the first network element to perform a positioning process; the processing module 21202 is configured to perform a positioning process. Optionally, the transceiver module 21201 can be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element in any of the above methods (for example, step S2101, step S2102, step S2104, step S2106, step S2107, step S2111, step S2112, but not limited thereto), which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module 21202 can be used to execute at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2103, step S2108, step S2109, step S2110, step S2112, but not limited to these) performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0643] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0644] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules each execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module and the processor can be interchangeable.

[0645] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine an access network device for sending a positioning reference signal PRS;

[0646] The transceiver module is configured to send PRS configuration information to the access network device.

[0647] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to receive measurement information; the measurement information is information obtained after the terminal device measures and processes the PRS, and the measurement information includes at least one of the following: measurement data, a quality indicator corresponding to the measurement data, and a timestamp corresponding to the measurement data;

[0648] a processing module configured to determine positioning information based on the measurement information, the positioning information comprising at least one of the following: positioning coordinates, a quality indicator corresponding to the positioning coordinates, and a timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0649] The transceiver module is configured to send the positioning information to the terminal device.

[0650] In some embodiments, the fifth information includes at least one of the following:

[0651] The service cell of the terminal device;

[0652] The client type of the terminal device;

[0653] Reason for the positioning request;

[0654] Second information.

[0655] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0656] Type of measurement information;

[0657] Whether to collect positioning coordinates;

[0658] Whether to collect quality indicators corresponding to positioning coordinates;

[0659] Whether to collect the timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0660] The number of positioning data samples collected;

[0661] Quality of service (QoS) information for data collection;

[0662] Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration information for data collection;

[0663] A positioning data collection node, wherein the positioning data collection node includes a terminal device and / or a first network element.

[0664] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive third information;

[0665] The processing module is configured to stop the positioning process according to the third information.

[0666] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send fourth information, where the fourth information is used by the first network element to trigger the stopping of the positioning process.

[0667] In some embodiments, the first network element is a location management function LMF.

[0668] Figure 10D is a schematic structural diagram of a second network element proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10D, the second network element 1032 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 21201, a processing module 21202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 21201 is configured to receive first information, which is used to trigger a positioning process; and send fifth information, which is used to instruct the first network element to perform a positioning process. Optionally, the transceiver module 21201 can be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element in any of the above methods (for example, step S2101, step S2102, step S2104, step S2106, step S2107, step S2111, step S2112, but not limited thereto), which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module 21202 can be used to execute at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2103, step S2108, step S2109, step S2110, step S2112, but not limited to these) performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0669] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0670] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules each execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module and the processor can be interchangeable.

[0671] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0672] Positioning request indication;

[0673] Reason for the positioning request;

[0674] Second information.

[0675] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0676] Type of measurement information;

[0677] Whether to collect positioning coordinates;

[0678] Whether to collect quality indicators corresponding to positioning coordinates;

[0679] Whether to collect the timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0680] The number of positioning data samples collected;

[0681] Quality of service (QoS) information for data collection;

[0682] Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration information for data collection;

[0683] The positioning data collection node includes a terminal device and / or a first network element, and the first network element is a network element with a positioning management function.

[0684] In some embodiments, the fifth information includes at least one of the following:

[0685] The service cell of the terminal device;

[0686] The client type of the terminal device;

[0687] The positioning request reason;

[0688] The second information.

[0689] In some embodiments, the first network element further includes:

[0690] A processing module, configured to determine a first network element;

[0691] The transceiver module is configured to send the fifth information to the first network element.

[0692] In some embodiments, the first network element is a positioning management function LMF, and the second network element is an access and mobility management function AMF.

[0693] Figure 10E is a schematic diagram of the structure of a server proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10E, the server 104 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 21201, a processing module 21202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 21201 is configured to send a second message, wherein the second message instructs the terminal device to collect data generated during the positioning process. Optionally, the transceiver module 21201 can be used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the server in any of the above methods (for example, step S2101, step S2102, step S2104, step S2106, step S2107, step S2111, step S2112, but not limited to this), which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module 21202 can be used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S2103, step S2108, step S2109, step S2110, step S2112, but not limited to these) performed by the server in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0694] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0695] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules each execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module and the processor can be interchangeable.

[0696] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0697] Type of measurement information;

[0698] Whether to collect positioning coordinates;

[0699] Whether to collect quality indicators corresponding to positioning coordinates;

[0700] Whether to collect the timestamp corresponding to the positioning coordinates;

[0701] The number of positioning data samples collected;

[0702] Quality of service (QoS) information for data collection;

[0703] Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration information for data collection;

[0704] A positioning data collection node includes a terminal device and / or a first network element, and the first network element is a network element with a positioning function.

[0705] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive data collected by the terminal device.

[0706] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 22100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 22100 can be any device in a communication system, such as a terminal device, access network device, core network device, network device, or server. It can also be a chip, chip system, or processor in the communication system that implements any of the above methods. Communication device 22100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0707] As shown in Figure 11A, the communication device 22100 includes one or more processors 22101. The processor 22101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 22100 can be used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 22101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 22100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0708] In some embodiments, the communication device 22100 may further include one or more transceivers 22102. When the communication device 22100 includes one or more transceivers 22102, the transceiver 22102 may perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S2101, step S2102, step S2104, step S2106, step S2107, step S2111, step S2112, but not limited thereto), and the processor 22101 may perform at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2103, step S2108, step S2109, step S2110, step S2112, but not limited thereto).

[0709] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0710] In some embodiments, the communication device 22100 further includes one or more memories 22103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 22103 may be located outside the communication device 22100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 22100 may include one or more interface circuits 22104. Optionally, the interface circuits 22104 are connected to the memories 22103 and may be configured to receive data from the memories 22103 or other devices, or to send data to the memories 22103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 22104 may read data stored in the memories 22103 and send the data to the processor 22101.

[0711] The communication device 22100 described in the above embodiments may be a terminal device, an access network device, a core network device, a network device, or a server, but the scope of the communication device 22100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 22100 may not be limited by FIG. 11A . The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0712] FIG11B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 22200 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 22100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 22200 shown in FIG11B, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0713] The chip 22200 includes one or more processors 22201, and the chip 22200 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0714] In some embodiments, chip 22200 further includes one or more interface circuits 22204. Alternatively, the terms interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 22200 further includes one or more memories 22203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memories 22203 may be located external to chip 22200.

[0715] Optionally, the interface circuit 22204 is connected to the memory 22203. The interface circuit 22204 can be used to receive data from the memory 22203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 22204 can be used to send data to the memory 22203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 22204 can read data stored in the memory 22203 and send the data to the processor 22201.

[0716] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 22204 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2104, S2106, S2107, S2111, and S2112) of the aforementioned method. The interface circuit 22204 performing the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2104, S2106, S2107, S2111, and S2112) of the aforementioned method, for example, means that the interface circuit 22204 performs data exchange between the processor 22201, the chip 22200, the memory 22203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 22201 may perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2103, S2108, S2109, S2110, and S2112, but not limited thereto).

[0717] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0718] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 22100, the communication device 22100 is caused to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0719] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 22100, enables the communication device 22100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product may be a computer program product.

[0720] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the above methods.

Images