Request sending method, request receiving method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications, and in particular to a request sending method, a request receiving method, and a storage medium. The request sending method comprises: sending request information to a first network element of a core network, wherein the request information is used for requesting a positioning method for positioning a terminal; and determining the positioning method on the basis of an indication of the first network element. According to the present disclosure, the positioning method required by the location management function can be determined more effectively and accurately.

Description

Request sending method, request receiving method and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a request sending method, a request receiving method, a positioning management function, a first network element, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In related technologies, the core network can participate in the positioning operation of the terminal. For example, the Location Management Function (LMF) in the core network can determine the location of the terminal based on the relevant data measured during the positioning process. However, the above positioning operation still has some technical problems.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a request sending method, a request receiving method, and a storage medium to solve technical problems in related technologies.

[0005] According to the first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a request sending method is proposed, which is executed by a location management function of a core network. The method includes: sending request information to a first network element of the core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for locating a terminal; and receiving a positioning method indicated by the first network element.

[0006] According to the second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a request receiving method is proposed, which is executed by a first network element of a core network. The method includes: receiving request information sent by a location management function of the core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for locating a terminal; and indicating the positioning method to the location management function.

[0007] According to the third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a location management function is proposed, which includes: a sending module, configured to send request information to a first network element of a core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for locating a terminal; and a receiving module, configured to receive the positioning method indicated by the first network element.

[0008] According to the fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is proposed, which includes: a receiving module, configured to receive request information sent by a location management function of a core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for locating a terminal; and a sending module, configured to indicate the positioning method to the location management function.

[0009] According to the fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a request sending method is proposed, including: a location management function sends request information to a first network element of a core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for locating a terminal; the first network element indicates the positioning method to the location management.

[0010] According to the sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a location management function is proposed, including: one or more processors; a memory coupled to the one or more processors, on which executable instructions are stored, and when the executable instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the location management function executes the request sending method described in the first aspect above.

[0011] According to the seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; a memory coupled to the one or more processors, wherein the memory stores executable instructions, and when the executable instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the first network element executes the request receiving method described in the second aspect above.

[0012] According to the eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, comprising a location management function and a first network element, wherein the location management function is configured to implement the request sending method described in the first aspect above, and the first network element is configured to implement the request receiving method described in the second aspect above.

[0013] According to the ninth 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 request sending method described in the first aspect above, and / or the request receiving method described in the second aspect above.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the positioning management function can send a request message to the first network element and determine the positioning method for locating the terminal based on the instructions of the first network element, without the positioning management function having to determine the positioning method. Because the positioning management function not only performs calculation functions but also needs to handle other positioning-related operations, if the positioning management function is used to determine the positioning method on this basis, it will place a heavy burden on the positioning management function and will not be conducive to the positioning management function effectively handling other positioning-related operations. Compared with determining the positioning method through the positioning management function, this embodiment maintains the positioning method through the first network element that is dedicated to calculation and has powerful calculation functions, which is conducive to more efficient and accurate determination of the positioning method required by the positioning management function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0016] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG2 is an interactive diagram illustrating a request sending method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG3 is a schematic flowchart of a request sending method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG4 is a schematic flowchart of a request receiving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing a core network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG6 is an interactive diagram illustrating a request sending method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG7 is a schematic block diagram showing a location management function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG8 is a schematic block diagram of a first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG9A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG9B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a request sending method, a request receiving method, and a storage medium.

[0027] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a request sending method, which is executed by the location management function of the core network. The method includes: sending request information to a first network element of the core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for locating the terminal; and receiving the positioning method indicated by the first network element.

[0028] In the above embodiment, the positioning management function can send a request message to the first network element and determine the positioning method for locating the terminal based on the instructions of the first network element, without the positioning management function having to determine the positioning method. Because the positioning management function not only performs calculations but also needs to handle other positioning-related operations, if the positioning management function were to determine the positioning method on this basis, it would place a heavy burden on the positioning management function and hinder the positioning management function from effectively handling other positioning-related operations. Compared to determining the positioning method through the positioning management function, this embodiment maintains the positioning method through the first network element, which is specialized for calculations and has powerful calculation capabilities. This facilitates more efficient and accurate determination of the positioning method required by the positioning management function.

[0029] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the request information includes first auxiliary information, and the first network element determines the positioning method through the first auxiliary information.

[0030] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: capabilities of the terminal; capabilities of the network where the terminal is located; positioning service quality parameters; terminal connection status of each access type; positioning service terminal type; and coordinate type.

[0031] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining whether to call the first network element according to the positioning method.

[0032] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to call the first network element according to the positioning method includes: if the computing power required by the positioning method is greater than a capability threshold, determining to call the first network element; and if the computing power required by the positioning method is less than or equal to the capability threshold, determining not to call the first network element.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining not to call the first network element, and determining a positioning result according to the positioning service measurement data and the positioning method.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining to call the first network element, and sending positioning service measurement data to the first network element.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a positioning result determined by the first network element according to the positioning service measurement data.

[0036] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the positioning method includes at least one of the following: a hybrid positioning method; an independent positioning method.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the type of positioning includes at least one of the following: positioning service, ranging, and direct link positioning.

[0038] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a request receiving method, which is executed by a first network element of the core network, and the method includes: receiving request information sent by a location management function of the core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for locating the terminal; and indicating the positioning method to the location management function.

[0039] In the above-described embodiment, during the terminal positioning process, the access network device may receive measurement data from the terminal during the positioning process and transmit the measurement data to the positioning management function of the core network. The positioning management function may then transmit a request message to the first network element. Based on the request, the first network element may indicate to the positioning management function the positioning method to be used for positioning. Thus, the positioning management function need not determine the positioning method. Because the positioning management function, in addition to performing calculations, also needs to handle other positioning-related operations, determining the positioning method through the positioning management function would place a significant burden on the positioning management function and hinder the positioning management function from effectively handling other positioning-related operations. In contrast to determining the positioning method through the positioning management function, this embodiment utilizes a first network element that is specialized for calculations and has powerful calculation capabilities to maintain the positioning method, facilitating more efficient and accurate determination of the positioning method required by the positioning management function.

[0040] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the request information includes first auxiliary information, and the first network element determines the positioning method through the first auxiliary information.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: capabilities of the terminal; capabilities of the network where the terminal is located; positioning service quality parameters; terminal connection status of each access type; positioning service terminal type; and coordinate type.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving positioning service measurement data sent by the location management function.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: determining a positioning result based on the positioning service measurement data; and sending the positioning result to the location management function.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: determining whether to call a second network element of the core network according to the positioning method.

[0045] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, determining whether to call a second network element of the core network according to the positioning method includes: if the input data required by the positioning method includes data other than positioning service measurement data, and / or the input data required by the positioning method includes data stored by the second network element, determining to call the second network element; if the input data required by the positioning method does not include data other than positioning service measurement data, and / or the input data required by the positioning method does not include data stored by the second network element, determining not to call the second network element;

[0046] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining to call the second network element, and requesting second auxiliary information from the second network element.

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: determining a positioning result according to the positioning service measurement data and the second auxiliary information; and sending the positioning result to the location management function.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: three-dimensional map information; and access network device location information.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the positioning method includes at least one of the following: a hybrid positioning method; an independent positioning method.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the type of positioning includes at least one of the following: positioning service, ranging, and direct link positioning.

[0051] On the third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a location management function, which includes: a sending module, configured to send request information to a first network element of the core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for locating the terminal; and a receiving module, configured to receive the positioning method indicated by the first network element.

[0052] In the fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first network element, which includes: a receiving module, configured to receive request information sent by a location management function of the core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for locating the terminal; and a sending module, configured to indicate the positioning method to the location management function.

[0053] In the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a request sending method, including: a location management function sends a request message to a first network element of a core network, wherein the request message is used to request a positioning method for locating a terminal; the first network element indicates the positioning method to the location management function.

[0054] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a location management function, including: one or more processors; a memory coupled to the one or more processors, on which executable instructions are stored, and when the executable instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the location management function executes the request sending method described in any one of the first aspect and the optional embodiments of the first aspect.

[0055] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first network element, comprising: one or more processors; a memory coupled to the one or more processors, on which executable instructions are stored, and when the executable instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the first network element executes the request receiving method described in any one of the second aspect and the optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0056] In the eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, including a location management function and a first network element, wherein the location management function is configured to implement the request sending method described in any one of the first aspect and the optional embodiments of the first aspect, and the first network element is configured to implement the request receiving method described in any one of the second aspect and the optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0057] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the request sending method described in any one of the first aspect and the optional embodiments of the first aspect, and / or the request receiving method described in any one of the second aspect and the optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0058] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes any one of the methods in the first aspect, the optional embodiment of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0059] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the methods described in the first aspect, the optional embodiment of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0060] It is understandable that the above-mentioned positioning management function, first network element, communication system, storage medium, program product, and computer program are all used to execute the method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0061] The present disclosure provides a request sending method, a request receiving method, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "request sending method," "request receiving method," "information processing method," and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "positioning management function," "first network element," "information processing device," and "communication device" are interchangeable; and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "aforementioned", "this", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc.

[0066] For example, when using articles such as “a”, “an”, and “the” in English in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0067] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0068] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description objects, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restrictions should be constituted due to the use of prefixes.

[0072] For example, if the description object is "field," the ordinal number preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" does not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the modified "fields" are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of the "first field" and "second field." For another example, if the description object is "level," the ordinal number preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" does not restrict the priority of the "levels." For another example, the number of description objects is not restricted by the ordinal number and can be one or more. For example, in the case of "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device," "first device" and "second device" can be the same or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. For another example, if the description object is "information," "first information" and "second information" can be the same or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0077] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0078] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0079] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0080] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0081] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0082] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0083] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0084] 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.

[0085] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a positioning management function 101 and a first network element 102 in the core network, wherein the positioning management function can participate in the terminal positioning process, and the terminal can send the data measured during the positioning process to the positioning management function through the access network equipment.

[0087] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, 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 a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, 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.

[0089] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a device including one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the one or more network elements. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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. 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 illustrative only. 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 relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0094] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0095] FIG2 is an interactive diagram illustrating a request sending method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] As shown in FIG2 , the request sending method includes the following steps:

[0097] Step S201: The location management function sends a request message to the first network element.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the request information.

[0099] In some embodiments, the request information is used to request a positioning method for positioning the terminal;

[0100] In some embodiments, the location management function determines the positioning method according to the first network element indication.

[0101] In some embodiments, the request information includes first auxiliary information, and the first network element determines the positioning method through the first auxiliary information.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: capabilities of the terminal; capabilities of the network where the terminal is located; positioning service quality parameters; terminal connection status of each access type; positioning service terminal type; coordinate type.

[0103] In some embodiments, the location management function determines whether to call the first network element according to the positioning method.

[0104] In some embodiments, the computing power required by the positioning method is greater than a capacity threshold, and the location management function determines to call the first network element.

[0105] In some embodiments, the computing power required by the positioning method is less than or equal to a capacity threshold, and the location management function determines not to call the first network element.

[0106] In some embodiments, the location management function determines not to call the first network element, and determines a positioning result based on the positioning service measurement data and the positioning method.

[0107] In some embodiments, the location management function determines to call the first network element and sends the positioning service measurement data to the first network element.

[0108] In some embodiments, the positioning method includes at least one of the following: a hybrid positioning method; an independent positioning method.

[0109] In some embodiments, the location management function obtains positioning service measurement data from the terminal and / or access network equipment.

[0110] In some embodiments, the location management function sends the traffic measurement data to the first network element.

[0111] Step S202: The first network element indicates a positioning method to the location management function.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first network element sends feedback information to the location management function, where the feedback information is used to indicate the positioning method.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the positioning service measurement data sent by the location management function.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first network element determines a positioning result based on the positioning service measurement data.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first network element sends the positioning result to the location management function.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first network element determines whether to call the second network element of the core network according to the positioning method.

[0117] In some embodiments, the input data required by the positioning method includes data other than positioning service measurement data, and / or data stored by the second network element, and the first network element determines to call the second network element;

[0118] In some embodiments, the input data required by the positioning method does not include data other than positioning service measurement data and / or does not include data stored by the second network element, and the first network element determines not to call the second network element;

[0119] In some embodiments, the first network element determines to call the second network element and requests second auxiliary information from the second network element.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first network element determines a positioning result based on the positioning service measurement data and the second auxiliary information; and sends the positioning result to the location management function.

[0121] In some embodiments, the second auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: three-dimensional map information; access network device location information.

[0122] In some embodiments, the positioning method includes at least one of the following: a hybrid positioning method; an independent positioning method.

[0123] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S201 to S202. For example, step S201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S201+S202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0124] In some embodiments, steps S201 and S202 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0125] In some embodiments, step S201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0126] In some embodiments, step S202 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0127] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0128] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for sending a request. FIG3 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a method for sending a request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method for sending a request illustrated in this embodiment may be executed by a location management function (LMF) of a core network.

[0129] As shown in FIG3 , the request sending method may include the following steps:

[0130] In step S301, a request message is sent to a first network element of a core network, wherein the request message is used to request a positioning method for positioning a terminal;

[0131] In step S302, a positioning method indicated by a first network element is received.

[0132] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 can be implemented independently or in combination with at least one other embodiment in the present disclosure. The specific selection can be made as needed and the present disclosure does not limit it.

[0133] In some embodiments, during the terminal positioning process, the access network device (such as a 5G base station, a 4G base station, etc.) can receive the measurement data of the terminal during the positioning process and send the measurement data to the LMF of the core network.

[0134] In some embodiments, the type of positioning includes at least one of the following: Location Service (LCS), Ranging, and Sidelink Positioning.

[0135] LCS is a service concept in the standardization of systems (eg, communication systems) that specifies all necessary network elements and entities, their functions, interfaces, and communication messages to implement positioning functions in cellular networks.

[0136] Ranging refers to determining (eg, via a PC interface) the distance between two or more terminals and / or the direction from one terminal (eg, a reference terminal) to another terminal (eg, a target terminal).

[0137] Sidelink Positioning means that the Sidelink terminal obtains absolute position, relative position or distance information through PC5.

[0138] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element may be defined in a core network, and the first network element may have at least one of the following capabilities:

[0139] For collaborative computing tasks of multiple terminals and / or access network devices, the first network element can schedule resources of each computing node (e.g., terminal, access network device) and have AI (Artificial Intelligence) analysis and / or calculation and / or prediction capabilities;

[0140] For sensing and / or positioning services, the first network element may use the network's computing power and stored auxiliary information to provide higher quality services;

[0141] Ability to provide specific AI computing services.

[0142] It can be seen that the first network element has strong computing capabilities. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the LMF can send a request message to the first network element and determine the positioning method for locating the terminal according to the indication of the first network element (for example, it can include an identifier of the positioning method for indicating the positioning method, or it can include a specific positioning method), without the need for the LMF to determine the positioning method. Since the LMF has other positioning-related operations to be processed in addition to realizing the computing function, if the positioning method is determined by the LMF on this basis, it will bring more burdens to the LMF, which is not conducive to the LMF to effectively process other positioning-related operations. Compared with determining the positioning method by the LMF, this embodiment uses a first network element that is specifically used for computing and has powerful computing functions to maintain the positioning method, which is conducive to more effectively and accurately determining the positioning method required by the LMF.

[0143] It should be noted that the first network element may be a newly introduced network element in the core network, for example, a calculating function (CF), or the first network element may be one or more network elements already in the core network with computing capabilities. Furthermore, the operation of providing the positioning method to the LMF and the operation of calculating the positioning result in subsequent embodiments may be implemented by the same entity in the first network element or by different entities in the first network element. Furthermore, the execution of computing operations such as calculating the positioning result may be implemented by one or more entities in the first network element.

[0144] In some embodiments, the positioning method includes at least one of the following: a hybrid positioning method; an independent positioning method.

[0145] Among them, the hybrid positioning method can use multiple positioning methods, and the independent positioning method can be autonomous positioning without network assistance, and can include one or more positioning methods. For example, the positioning method includes existing positioning methods and positioning methods to be added in the future. The positioning method can refer to the positioning method defined in 3GPP TS 38.305, such as Assisted Global Navigation Satellite System (A-GNSS) positioning, Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) positioning, Enhanced Cell-ID (E-CID) positioning, sensor positioning, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) positioning, Bluetooth (BT) positioning, downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) positioning, downlink angle of departure (DL-AoD (Angle of Departure)) positioning, multi-round-trip time (Multi-RTT (Round-Trip Time)) positioning, uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) positioning, uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA (Angle of Arrival)) positioning, etc., which will not be repeated in this disclosure.

[0146] In some embodiments, the request information includes first auxiliary information, and the first network element determines the positioning method through the first auxiliary information.

[0147] In addition to being used by the LMF to request a positioning method for locating the terminal from the first network element, the request information may also include first auxiliary information, which may assist the first network element in determining the positioning method required by the LMF.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: terminal capabilities; capabilities of the network (e.g., PLMN) where the terminal is located; positioning service quality parameters; terminal connection state per access type (UE connectivity state per access type); positioning service terminal type (LCS client type); coordinate type.

[0149] For example, the capabilities of the terminal include the positioning methods supported by the terminal; the capabilities of the network include the positioning methods supported by the network; the access type may include at least one of the following: 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) and non-3GPP; the terminal connection state may include at least one of the following: connected state, idle state, inactive state; the positioning service terminal type may include at least one of the following: emergency service, value added service, PLMN operator service, lawful intercept service; the coordinate type includes at least one of the following: two-dimensional coordinates, three-dimensional coordinates.

[0150] It should be noted that for different types of positioning, the first auxiliary information may be different, and the positioning method provided by the first network element to the LMF may be the same or different. The present disclosure does not limit this. For example, the positioning method determined by the first network element when the positioning is LCS may be different from the positioning method determined by the first network element when the positioning is Ranging or Sidelink Positioning.

[0151] In some embodiments, the request sending method further includes: determining whether to call the first network element according to the positioning method.

[0152] After the LMF requests a positioning method from the first network element, some requirements for performing calculations based on the positioning method are difficult for the LMF to meet, such as computing power and services. Therefore, the LMF can determine whether to call the first network element based on the positioning method. For example, if it is determined to call the first network element, the positioning service measurement data can be sent to the first network element, and the first network element inputs the positioning service measurement data into the positioning method to calculate and obtain a positioning result, thereby meeting the requirements of the positioning method. For example, if it is determined not to call the first network element, the LMF positioning service measurement data can be input into the positioning method to calculate and obtain a positioning result. During this process, there is no need for the LMF to further interact with the first network element, which is conducive to determining the positioning result as soon as possible.

[0153] In some embodiments, determining whether to call the first network element based on the positioning method can be based on at least one of the following: input of the positioning method, output of the positioning method, services involved in the positioning method, and computing power required by the positioning method.

[0154] In some embodiments, the request sending method further includes: determining not to call the first network element, and determining a positioning result according to the positioning service measurement data and the positioning method.

[0155] Positioning service parameters can be measured by the terminal and / or access network equipment and sent to the LMF. Positioning service parameters can vary for different types of positioning and / or services, and this disclosure does not limit this. For example, for one type of positioning, positioning service parameters include relative position and angle, while for another type of positioning, positioning service parameters include absolute position.

[0156] In some embodiments, the request sending method further includes: determining to call a first network element, and sending the positioning service measurement data to the first network element.

[0157] In some embodiments, the request sending method further includes: receiving a positioning result determined by the first network element according to the positioning service measurement data.

[0158] When the LMF determines not to call the first network element, the first network element is not needed to calculate the positioning result. Instead, the positioning result can be calculated by the LMF. The positioning result can be obtained by inputting the positioning service parameters into the positioning method for calculation.

[0159] When the LMF determines to call the first network element, the first network element is also required to calculate the positioning result. Then the LMF can send the positioning service parameters to the first network element. The first network element can obtain the positioning result by inputting the positioning service parameters into the positioning method and send the positioning result to the LMF. Based on this, the LMF can determine the position of the terminal. The LMF can also send the positioning result to the terminal and / or access network equipment.

[0160] For example, taking the services involved in the positioning method as an example, when the LMF determines that the positioning method involves AI computing services, it can be determined that the first network element needs to be called, and the first network element calculates the positioning result based on the positioning algorithm; when the LMF determines that the positioning method does not involve AI computing services, it can be determined that the first network element does not need to be called, and the LMF calculates the positioning result based on the positioning algorithm.

[0161] For example, taking the computing power required by the positioning method as an example, whether to call the first network element is determined according to the positioning method, including: if the computing power required by the positioning method is greater than the capability threshold, it is determined to call the first network element, and the first network element calculates the positioning result based on the positioning algorithm; if the computing power required by the positioning method is less than or equal to the capability threshold, it is determined not to call the first network element, and LMF calculates the positioning result based on the positioning algorithm.

[0162] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a request receiving method. Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a request receiving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The request receiving method illustrated in this embodiment may be executed by a first network element of a core network.

[0163] As shown in FIG4 , the request receiving method may include the following steps:

[0164] In step S401, a request message sent by a location management function of a core network is received, wherein the request message is used to request a positioning method for positioning a terminal;

[0165] In step S402, the positioning method is indicated to the location management function.

[0166] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 can be implemented independently or in combination with at least one other embodiment in the present disclosure. The specific selection can be made as needed and the present disclosure does not limit it.

[0167] In some embodiments, the type of positioning includes at least one of the following: location service (LCS), ranging, and sidelink positioning.

[0168] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element may be defined in a core network, and the first network element may have at least one of the following capabilities:

[0169] For collaborative computing tasks of multiple terminals and / or access network devices, the first network element can schedule resources of each computing node (e.g., terminal, access network device) and have AI analysis and / or computing and / or prediction capabilities;

[0170] For sensing and / or positioning services, the first network element may use the network's computing power and stored auxiliary information to provide higher quality services;

[0171] Ability to provide specific AI computing services.

[0172] It can be seen that the first network element has a strong computing capability. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, during the terminal positioning process, the access network device (such as a 5G base station, a 4G base station, etc.) can receive the measurement data of the terminal during the positioning process, and send the measurement data to the LMF of the core network. The LMF can send a request message to the first network element, and the first network element can indicate the positioning method used for positioning to the LMF according to the request. Accordingly, the LMF does not need to determine the positioning method. Since the LMF has other positioning-related operations to be processed in addition to the calculation function, if the positioning method is determined by the LMF on this basis, it will bring more burdens to the LMF, which is not conducive to the LMF to effectively process other positioning-related operations. Compared with determining the positioning method by the LMF, this embodiment uses a first network element that is specifically used for calculation and has powerful computing functions to maintain the positioning method, which is conducive to more effectively and accurately determining the positioning method required by the LMF.

[0173] It should be noted that the first network element may be a newly introduced network element in the core network, for example, a computing function (CF), or the first network element may be one or more existing network elements with computing capabilities in the core network. Furthermore, the operation of providing the positioning method to the LMF and the operation of calculating the positioning result in subsequent embodiments may be implemented by the same entity in the first network element or by different entities in the first network element. Furthermore, the execution of computing operations such as calculating the positioning result may be implemented by one or more entities in the first network element.

[0174] In some embodiments, the positioning method includes at least one of the following: a hybrid positioning method; an independent positioning method.

[0175] The hybrid positioning method can use multiple positioning methods, while the independent positioning method can be autonomous positioning without network assistance and can include one or more positioning methods. For example, the positioning method includes existing positioning methods and future new positioning methods. The existing positioning methods can refer to the positioning methods defined in 3GPP TS 38.305, and are not further described in this disclosure.

[0176] In some embodiments, the request information includes first auxiliary information, and the first network element determines the positioning method through the first auxiliary information.

[0177] In addition to being used by the LMF to request a positioning method for locating the terminal from the first network element, the request information may also include first auxiliary information, which may assist the first network element in determining the positioning method required by the LMF.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: terminal capabilities; capabilities of the network where the terminal is located; positioning service quality parameters; terminal connection status of each access type; positioning service terminal type; coordinate type.

[0179] For example, the access type may include at least one of the following: 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) and non-3GPP; the terminal connection state may include at least one of the following: connected state, idle state, and inactive state; the positioning service terminal type may include at least one of the following: emergency service, value-added service, PLMN operator service, and lawful intercept service; the coordinate type may include at least one of the following: two-dimensional coordinates and three-dimensional coordinates.

[0180] It should be noted that for different types of positioning, the first auxiliary information may be different, and the positioning method provided by the first network element to the LMF may be the same or different. This disclosure does not limit this. For example, the positioning method determined by the first network element when the positioning is LCS may be different from the positioning method determined by the first network element when the positioning is Ranging or Sidelink Positioning.

[0181] In some embodiments, the request receiving method further includes: receiving positioning service measurement data sent by the location management function.

[0182] In some embodiments, the request receiving method further includes: determining a positioning result based on the positioning service measurement data; and sending the positioning result to the location management function.

[0183] After requesting the positioning method from the first network element, LMF can call the first network element to calculate the positioning result based on the positioning method, or LMF itself can calculate the first result based on the positioning method. Whether it is necessary to call the first network element to calculate the positioning result can be determined based on the positioning method.

[0184] In some embodiments, determining whether to call the first network element based on the positioning method can be based on at least one of the following: input of the positioning method, output of the positioning method, services involved in the positioning method, and computing power required by the positioning method.

[0185] If the LMF determines not to invoke the first network element, the LMF may determine the positioning result based on the positioning service measurement data and the positioning method. Positioning service parameters may be measured by the terminal and / or access network equipment and sent to the LMF. Positioning service parameters may vary for different types of positioning and / or services, and this disclosure does not limit this. For example, for one type of positioning, positioning service parameters may include relative position and angle, while for another type of positioning, positioning service parameters may include absolute position.

[0186] When LMF determines to call the first network element, LMF can send the positioning service parameters to the first network element. The first network element can obtain the positioning result by inputting the positioning service parameters into the positioning method and send the positioning result to LMF. LMF can determine the position of the terminal based on this. LMF can also send the positioning result to the terminal and / or access network equipment.

[0187] In some embodiments, the request receiving method further includes: determining whether to call a second network element of the core network according to the positioning method.

[0188] In some embodiments, determining whether to call a second network element of the core network according to the positioning method includes:

[0189] The input data required by the positioning method includes data other than the positioning service measurement data, and / or the input data required by the positioning method includes data stored in the second network element, and determining to call the second network element;

[0190] The input data required by the positioning method does not include data other than the positioning service measurement data, and / or the input data required by the positioning method does not include data stored in the second network element, and determining not to call the second network element;

[0191] In some embodiments, when the first network element determines that it needs to calculate the positioning result according to the positioning algorithm, in addition to using the positioning service parameters as the input of the positioning algorithm, the first network element may also need other data (i.e., data other than the service measurement data) in some cases. When the first network element does not store the other data, it is necessary to call a second network element in the core network that stores the other data, so as to obtain the other data from the second network element, and then accurately calculate the positioning result based on the other data.

[0192] In some embodiments, the request receiving method further includes: determining to call a second network element, and requesting second auxiliary information from the second network element.

[0193] When the first network element determines that it needs to call the second network element, it may determine other data other than the positioning service parameters required to calculate the positioning result, for example, by requesting the second network element in the form of second auxiliary information. After receiving the request from the first network element, the second network element may send the second auxiliary information to the first network element. For example, the second auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: three-dimensional map information; access network device location information (e.g., base station absolute location, base station relative location, etc.).

[0194] In some embodiments, the request receiving method further includes: determining a positioning result based on the positioning service measurement data and the second auxiliary information; and sending the positioning result to the location management function.

[0195] After the first network element receives the second auxiliary information, it can calculate the positioning result based on the positioning service measurement data from the LMF and the second auxiliary information. For example, the positioning service measurement data and the second auxiliary information can be input into the positioning method, and the positioning result can be calculated based on the calculation method.

[0196] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element may be defined in the core network, and the second network element may have the following capabilities:

[0197] For scenarios such as perception and positioning, the second network element, in addition to the traditional storage function, can also store perception node information, skill capability node information, positioning auxiliary information (such as the above-mentioned three-dimensional map information; access network equipment location information), etc.

[0198] It should be noted that the second network element can be a newly introduced network element in the core network, for example, it can be called a data storage function (DSF), or the second network element can be one or more network elements with storage capabilities already in the core network, such as a network storage function (NRF), a user data register (UDR), and a unified data management (UDM).

[0199] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing a core network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] As shown in FIG5 , the terminal can communicate with network elements in the core network through the Radio Access Network (RAN).

[0201] For example, the network elements in the core network may include Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Session Management Function (SMF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Location Management Function (LMF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and Application Function (AF).

[0202] At least one of the above functions in the core network may be communicatively connected to a data network (DN) via a gateway (GW).

[0203] On this basis, based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network element can be defined in the core network, for example, called a calculating function (CF), and a second network element can be defined, for example, called a data storage function (DSF). A third network element can also be defined, for example, called a data collection function (DCF).

[0204] Regarding the limitations of the first network element and the second network element, please refer to the previous embodiments and will not be repeated here. As for the third network element, it can obtain real-time network information, collect data and information provided by network functions (NF) and / or terminals and / or access network devices, and can also format the obtained data and information.

[0205] FIG6 is an interactive diagram illustrating a request sending method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] As shown in FIG6 , the positioning operation may include the following steps:

[0207] Step S1a: triggering MO-LR (Mobile Originating Location Request).

[0208] Step S1b: triggering MT-LR (Mobile Terminated Location Request).

[0209] Step S2: Based on the messages received in steps 1a and 1b, the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) may select an LMF from one or more LMFs and call the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation service operation to the selected LMF.

[0210] Step S3: The LMF selects a first network element, such as a computation function (CF), and sends a request to the first network element to request a positioning method. The request may include terminal capabilities, capabilities of the network where the terminal is located (e.g., PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network)), positioning quality of service (QoS) parameters, terminal connection status for each access type, LCS terminal type, coordinate type, etc.

[0211] Step S4: The first network element feeds back a positioning method to the LMF, where the positioning method may include hybrid positioning using multiple methods, or independent positioning using one or more methods (e.g., autonomously, without network assistance). The positioning method includes existing positioning methods and future newly added positioning methods. The existing positioning method may refer to the positioning method defined in 3GPP TS 38.305.

[0212] Step S5: The LMF triggers terminal positioning and collects measurement data based on the determined method, for example, measurement data may be collected according to input quantities required by the positioning method.

[0213] Next, LMF can determine whether it is necessary to call the first network element based on the positioning method. If it is not necessary to call the first network element, LMF can calculate the positioning result based on the positioning method and skip obtaining steps S6 to S9. If it is necessary to call the first network element, execute step S6.

[0214] Step S6: LMF calls a positioning calculation service operation to the first network element. The service operation may include measurement data for the positioning service. For example, LMF sends a positioning calculation request to the first network element. The positioning calculation request includes the above-mentioned collected measurement data.

[0215] Step S7: The first network element can determine whether it is necessary to call the second network element based on the positioning method, such as the data storage function SDF. If it is not necessary to call the second network element, execute step S8. If it is necessary to call the second network element, the first network element can call the calculation auxiliary information retrieval service operation to the second network element. For example, the second network element can send second auxiliary information to the first network element. The second auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: three-dimensional map information; access network device location information.

[0216] Step S8: The first network element may calculate a positioning result based on the measurement data and, optionally, the second auxiliary information. For example, the measurement data and the second auxiliary information may be input into a positioning algorithm to perform a calculation operation.

[0217] Step S9: The first network element sends the calculation result to the LMF.

[0218] Step S10a: LMF returns Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response to AMF, and the positioning result has been returned.

[0219] Step S10b: The LMF returns an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response to the AMF, indicating the positioning result. The above S10a and S10b are for feedback from the MO-LR and the MT-LR, respectively.

[0220] Step S11a: AMF reports the terminal positioning result to at least one of the following: GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Center), terminal, AF, NEF.

[0221] Step S11b: AMF returns the MT-LR response to at least one of the following: GMLC, terminal, AF, NEF.

[0222] Step S12: The AMF returns an MR-LR response to the terminal.

[0223] 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.

[0224] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "uplink", "physical uplink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "downlink", "downlink", "physical downlink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "side", "sidelink", "side communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", "direct link communication" can be interchangeable with each other.

[0225] 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.

[0226] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0227] It should be noted that for other contents involved in this embodiment, please refer to the description of the relevant contents in the previous embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0228] Corresponding to the aforementioned embodiments of the request sending method and the request receiving method, the present disclosure also provides embodiments of a location management function and a first network element.

[0229] FIG7 is a schematic block diagram of a location management function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7 , the location management function includes:

[0230] The sending module 701 is configured to send a request message to a first network element of a core network, wherein the request message is used to request a positioning method for positioning a terminal;

[0231] The receiving module 702 is configured to receive the positioning method indicated by the first network element.

[0232] In some embodiments, the request information includes first auxiliary information, and the first network element determines the positioning method through the first auxiliary information.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: capabilities of the terminal; capabilities of the network where the terminal is located; positioning service quality parameters; terminal connection status of each access type; positioning service terminal type; coordinate type.

[0234] In some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to determine whether to call the first network element according to the positioning method.

[0235] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to, if the computing power required by the positioning method is greater than a capability threshold, determine to call the first network element; if the computing power required by the positioning method is less than or equal to the capability threshold, determine not to call the first network element.

[0236] In some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to determine not to call the first network element, and determine a positioning result according to the positioning service measurement data and the positioning method.

[0237] In some embodiments, the sending module is further configured to determine to call the first network element and send the positioning service measurement data to the first network element.

[0238] In some embodiments, the location management function further includes: a receiving module configured to receive a positioning result determined by the first network element according to the positioning service measurement data.

[0239] In some embodiments, the positioning method includes at least one of the following: a hybrid positioning method; an independent positioning method.

[0240] In some embodiments, the type of positioning includes at least one of the following: positioning service, ranging, and direct link positioning.

[0241] FIG8 is a schematic block diagram of a first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8 , the first network element includes:

[0242] The receiving module 801 is configured to receive a request message sent by a location management function of the core network, wherein the request message is used to request a positioning method for positioning the terminal;

[0243] The sending module 802 is configured to indicate the positioning method to the location management function.

[0244] In some embodiments, the request information includes first auxiliary information, and the first network element determines the positioning method through the first auxiliary information.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: capabilities of the terminal; capabilities of the network where the terminal is located; positioning service quality parameters; terminal connection status of each access type; positioning service terminal type; coordinate type.

[0246] In some embodiments, the receiving module is further configured to receive positioning service measurement data sent by the location management function.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first network element further comprises: a processing module configured to determine a positioning result based on the positioning service measurement data; wherein the sending module is further configured to send the positioning result to the location management function.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first network element further includes: a processing module configured to determine whether to call a second network element of the core network according to the positioning method.

[0249] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to, if the input data required by the positioning method includes data other than positioning service measurement data and / or data stored by the second network element, determine to call the second network element; if the input data required by the positioning method does not include data other than positioning service measurement data and / or does not include data stored by the second network element, determine not to call the second network element;

[0250] In some embodiments, the sending module is further configured to determine to call the second network element and request the second auxiliary information from the second network element.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first network element further includes: a processing module configured to determine a positioning result based on the positioning service measurement data and the second auxiliary information; wherein the sending module is further configured to send the positioning result to the location management function.

[0252] In some embodiments, the second auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: three-dimensional map information; access network device location information.

[0253] In some embodiments, the positioning method includes at least one of the following: a hybrid positioning method; an independent positioning method.

[0254] In some embodiments, the type of positioning includes at least one of the following: positioning service, ranging, and direct link positioning.

[0255] For the device embodiment, since it basically corresponds to the method embodiment, the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiment. The device embodiment described above is merely illustrative, wherein the modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the scheme of this embodiment. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without paying any creative work.

[0256] 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 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, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0257] 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), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0258] 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 the 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 and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0259] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 9100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 9100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 9100 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.

[0260] As shown in Figure 9A, the communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 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 9100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 9101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0261] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9102. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9102, the transceiver 9102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, steps S201 and S202, but not limited thereto), and the processor 9101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S201 and S202, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface may be interchangeable, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be interchangeable, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be interchangeable.

[0262] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 9103 may be located outside the communication device 9100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 9100 may include one or more interface circuits 9104. Optionally, the interface circuits 9104 are connected to the memory 9102 and may be configured to receive data from the memory 9102 or other devices, or to send data to the memory 9102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 9104 may read data stored in the memory 9102 and send the data to the processor 9101.

[0263] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 may not be limited by FIG. 9A. 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.

[0264] 9B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 9200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 9100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 9200 shown in FIG9B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0265] The chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201. The chip 9200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0266] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202. Terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 9203 may be located external to chip 9200. Optionally, interface circuit 9202 is connected to memory 9203 and may be used to receive data from memory 9203 or other devices, or may be used to send data to memory 9203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 9202 may read data stored in memory 9203 and send the data to processor 9201.

[0267] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 9202 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201 and S202, but not limited thereto) in the above method. For example, the interface circuit 9202 performing the communication steps (e.g., steps S201 and S202) in the above method means that the interface circuit 9202 performs data exchange between the processor 9201, chip 9200, memory 9203, or a transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 9201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S201 and S202, but not limited thereto).

[0268] 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.

[0269] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 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.

[0270] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 9100, enables the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0271] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. A request sending method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a location management function of a core network, and includes: Sending a request message to a first network element of a core network, wherein the request message is used to request a positioning method for positioning the terminal; Receive the positioning method indicated by the first network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The request information includes first auxiliary information, and the first network element determines the positioning method through the first auxiliary information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: the capabilities of the terminal; The capability of the network where the terminal is located; Positioning service quality parameters; Terminal connection status for each access type; Positioning service terminal type; The coordinate type.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine whether to call the first network element according to the positioning method.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The determining whether to call the first network element according to the positioning method includes: The computing capability required by the positioning method is greater than the capability threshold, and determining to call the first network element; The computing power required by the positioning method is less than or equal to the capacity threshold, and it is determined not to call the first network element.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: It is determined not to call the first network element, and a positioning result is determined according to the positioning service measurement data and the positioning method.

7. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Determine to call the first network element, and send positioning service measurement data to the first network element.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive a positioning result determined by the first network element according to the positioning service measurement data.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The positioning method includes at least one of the following: Hybrid positioning methods; Independent positioning method.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The types of positioning include at least one of the following: Positioning services, ranging, and direct link positioning.

11. A request receiving method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first network element of a core network, and includes: Receiving request information sent by a location management function of a core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for positioning a terminal; The positioning method is indicated to the location management function.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The request information includes first auxiliary information, and the first network element determines the positioning method through the first auxiliary information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: the capabilities of the terminal; The capability of the network where the terminal is located; Positioning service quality parameters; Terminal connection status for each access type; Positioning service terminal type; The coordinate type.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive the positioning service measurement data sent by the location management function.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine a positioning result according to the positioning service measurement data; The positioning result is sent to the location management function.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine whether to call the second network element of the core network according to the positioning method.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The determining whether to call a second network element of a core network according to the positioning method includes: The input data required by the positioning method includes data other than positioning service measurement data, and / or the input data required by the positioning method includes data stored in the second network element, and determining to call the second network element; The input data required by the positioning method does not include data other than positioning service measurement data, and / or the input data required by the positioning method includes but does not include data stored in the second network element, and it is determined not to call the second network element.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine to call the second network element and request second auxiliary information from the second network element.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine a positioning result according to the positioning service measurement data and the second auxiliary information; The positioning result is sent to the location management function.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The second auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: 3D map information; Access network equipment location information.

21. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that The positioning method includes at least one of the following: Hybrid positioning method; Independent positioning method.

22. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 21, characterized in that The types of positioning include at least one of the following: Positioning services, ranging, and direct link positioning.

23. A location management function, characterized in that: The location management function includes: A sending module, configured to send request information to a first network element of a core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for positioning a terminal; The receiving module is configured to receive the positioning method indicated by the first network element.

24. A first network element, characterized in that: The first network element includes: A receiving module, configured to receive request information sent by a location management function of a core network, wherein the request information is used to request a positioning method for positioning a terminal; The sending module is configured to indicate the positioning method to the location management function.

25. A request sending method, characterized in that: include: The location management function sends a request message to the first network element of the core network, wherein the request message is used to request a positioning method for positioning the terminal; The first network element indicates a positioning method to the location management function.

26. A location management function, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; A memory coupled to the one or more processors, wherein executable instructions are stored in the memory, and when the executable instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the location management function executes the request sending method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

27. A first network element, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; A memory coupled to the one or more processors, wherein executable instructions are stored in the memory, and when the executable instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the first network element executes the request receiving method according to any one of claims 10 to 20.

28. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes a location management function and a first network element, wherein the location management function is configured to implement the request sending method described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and the first network element is configured to implement the request receiving method described in any one of claims 11 to 22.

29. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device executes the request sending method described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and / or the request receiving method described in any one of claims 11 to 22.

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