Communication method, first network function, second network function, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a communication method, a first network function, a second network function, a communication system and a storage medium. The method is executed by the first network function. The method comprises: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information is used for requesting location based on artificial intelligence (AI). A communication mechanism of the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can adapt to an AI-enhanced location mechanism.

Description

Communication method, first network function, second network function, communication system and storage medium Technical Field

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

[0002] In the field of communication technology, artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced positioning mechanisms have been introduced. After the introduction of AI-enhanced positioning mechanisms, the communication mechanisms in related technologies need to be adjusted accordingly.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] After the introduction of AI-enhanced positioning mechanism, the communication mechanism needs to be adjusted.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network function, a second network function, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, where the method is performed by a first network function, and the method includes:

[0007] sending the first information to the second network function;

[0008] The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0009] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, where the method is performed by a second network function, and the method includes:

[0010] receiving first information sent by the first network function;

[0011] The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0012] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0013] The first network function sends first information to the second network function;

[0014] The second network function receives the first information sent by the first network function;

[0015] The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network function is provided, where the first network function includes:

[0017] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0018] sending the first information to the second network function;

[0019] The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0020] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network function is provided, where the second network function includes:

[0021] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0022] receiving first information sent by the first network function;

[0023] The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0024] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising a first network function and a second network function, wherein the first network function is configured to implement the communication method provided by the first aspect, and the second network function is configured to implement the communication method provided by the second aspect.

[0025] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network function is provided, where the first network function includes:

[0026] one or more processors;

[0027] The terminal is used to execute the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0028] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network function is provided, wherein the second network function includes:

[0029] one or more processors;

[0030] The second network function is used to execute the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0031] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method provided by the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0032] The communication mechanism of the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be adapted to the AI-enhanced positioning mechanism.

[0033] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] FIG1a is a schematic diagram showing an architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] FIG1b is a schematic diagram showing backscattering according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0037] FIG2a is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] FIG3a is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] FIG3 b is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0040] FIG4a is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0041] FIG4b is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0042] FIG5a is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0043] FIG6a is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0044] FIG7a is a schematic structural diagram of a first network function according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0045] FIG7b is a schematic structural diagram of a second network function according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] FIG8a is a schematic structural diagram of a UE according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 8b is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0049] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, where the method is performed by a first network function, and the method includes:

[0050] sending the first information to the second network function;

[0051] The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0052] In the above embodiment, the first information may be used to request the second network function to perform positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI) positioning.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes an identifier for requesting AI positioning, and the identifier is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence AI by the second network function.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the second network function may be requested to perform positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI) positioning through the identifier included in the first information.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function is an access and mobility management function AMF, and the second network function is a positioning management function LMF.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before sending the first information to the second network function, the method further includes one of the following:

[0057] receiving second information sent by the terminal, wherein the second information is used to request execution of positioning of the terminal based on AI positioning;

[0058] Receive third information sent by a third network device, wherein the third information is used to request the terminal to be positioned based on AI positioning.

[0059] In the above embodiment, information for requesting the terminal to be positioned based on AI positioning may be acquired from different subjects.

[0060] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third network function is a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC).

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0062] Determine whether the terminal has signed up for the AI ​​positioning service.

[0063] In the above embodiment, before executing AI positioning, it is determined whether the terminal has subscribed to the AI ​​positioning service.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0065] Determining whether to allow the AI-based positioning to be performed.

[0066] In the above embodiment, before executing AI positioning, it is determined whether execution of the AI-based positioning is permitted.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to allow the AI-based positioning includes:

[0068] Determine whether to allow the AI-based positioning based on the terminal subscription information.

[0069] In the above embodiment, before executing AI positioning, it is determined whether the execution of the AI-based positioning is allowed based on the terminal contract information.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information to the second network function includes:

[0071] Determining that the AI-based positioning is allowed, and sending the first information to the second network function.

[0072] In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the AI-based positioning is allowed, a request to the second network function to perform the AI-based positioning is sent through the first information.

[0073] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in the above embodiment, the method further includes:

[0074] determining the second network function;

[0075] Among them, the second network function is a network function that supports the AI ​​positioning.

[0076] In the above embodiment, a second network function that supports positioning the terminal based on the AI ​​is determined.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the second network function includes:

[0078] determining the second network function based on fourth information;

[0079] The fourth information includes at least one of the following:

[0080] policy information stored in the first network function;

[0081] configuration information stored in the first network function;

[0082] identification information, where the identification information indicates an address of the second network function;

[0083] Terminal contract information obtained from the unified data management (UDM).

[0084] In the above embodiment, the manner of determining the second network function is more flexible.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0086] Sending fifth information to the fourth network function, wherein the fifth information is used to request the identification information;

[0087] Receive the identification information sent by the third network function.

[0088] In some embodiments, the fifth information includes information that the second network function needs to support positioning based on the AI.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the identification information may be requested from the third network function through the fifth message.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0091] receiving sixth information sent by the second network function;

[0092] The sixth information is used to indicate the location of the terminal, and the location is a positioning result obtained by performing positioning based on the AI.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the positioning result obtained by the AI-based positioning may be obtained from the second network function.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0095] Sending the sixth information to the positioning service LCS end;

[0096] The LCS end includes at least one of the following: an LCS client; a terminal; a network function NF; and an application function AF.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the sixth information may be sent to at least one of the LCS client, the terminal, the NF, and the AF.

[0098] In the above embodiment, in a second aspect, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is performed by a second network function, and includes:

[0099] receiving first information sent by the first network function;

[0100] The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0101] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes an identifier for requesting AI positioning, and the identifier is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence AI by the second network function.

[0102] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function is an access and mobility management function AMF, and the second network function is a positioning management function LMF.

[0103] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0104] Determines whether to perform AI-based positioning.

[0105] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining to use AI-based positioning includes one of the following:

[0106] Determining, based on the first information, to use the AI-based positioning;

[0107] Determining to use the AI-based positioning based on the terminal contract information;

[0108] Determining, based on the policy information in the second network function, to use the AI-based positioning;

[0109] Based on the configuration information in the second network function, determine to use the AI-based positioning.

[0110] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0111] Based on the seventh information, determining the location of the terminal through AI positioning;

[0112] The seventh information includes a positioning measurement value obtained by performing positioning.

[0113] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0114] Receive the seventh information sent by the terminal and / or access network device.

[0115] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0116] sending sixth information to the first network function;

[0117] The sixth information is used to indicate the location of the terminal.

[0118] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0119] The first network function sends first information to the second network function;

[0120] The second network function receives the first information sent by the first network function;

[0121] The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0122] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network function, where the first network function includes:

[0123] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0124] sending the first information to the second network function;

[0125] The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0126] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network function, where the second network function includes:

[0127] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0128] receiving first information sent by the first network function;

[0129] The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0130] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information indication system, wherein the communication system includes a first network function and a second network function, the first network function is configured to implement the communication method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, and the second network function is configured to implement the communication method described in the optional implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0131] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network function, the first network function including:

[0132] one or more processors;

[0133] The first network function is used to execute the communication method provided by the first aspect.

[0134] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network function, where the second network function includes:

[0135] one or more processors;

[0136] The second network function is used to execute the communication method provided by the second aspect.

[0137] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the communication method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0138] In a 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 the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0139] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0140] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, wherein the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects above.

[0141] It is understandable that the first network function, the second network function, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip, or the chip system are all used to perform 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.

[0142] The present disclosure provides a communication method, a first network function, a second network function, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method are interchangeable, and the terms communication system, information processing system, and the like are interchangeable.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0147] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0148] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0156] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0157] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or 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)", etc.

[0158] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "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.

[0159] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0160] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0161] 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.

[0162] FIG1a is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 1 a , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 , an access network device 102 , and a core network device 103 .

[0164] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may include a first network function and a second network function.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first network function may be an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0166] In some embodiments, the second network function may be a Location Management Function (LMF).

[0167] 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.

[0168] In some embodiments, the access network device may be, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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).

[0172] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0173] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1a, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1a are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or a portion of the entities shown in FIG1a, or may include other entities other than those shown in FIG1a. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0174] 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).

[0175] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1b, a Location Service (LCS) architecture is shown. The LCS architecture includes an AMF, a LMF, and a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), wherein the AMF and the NWDAF are connected to the LMF respectively.

[0176] Figure 2a is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a first network function, the method comprising:

[0177] Step S2101: The terminal sends second information to the first network function.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first network function receives second information sent by the terminal.

[0179] In some embodiments, the second information is used to request the terminal to be positioned based on AI positioning. For example, the second information may be an AI positioning indication. The second information may be sent via a terminal-initiated location request (MO-LR, Mobile Originated Location Request).

[0180] In some embodiments, the first network function is AMF.

[0181] Step S2102: The third network device sends second information to the first network function.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first network function receives second information sent by the third network function.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second information is used to request that the terminal be positioned based on AI positioning. For example, the second information may be an AI positioning indication. The second information may be sent via a Mobile Terminated Location Request (MT-LR).

[0184] In some embodiments, the third network function is a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC).

[0185] Step S2103: The first network function determines whether the terminal has signed a contract for the AI ​​positioning service.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first network function determines whether to subscribe to the AI ​​positioning service based on the terminal subscription information.

[0187] In some embodiments, the terminal subscription information may be obtained from Unified Data Management (UDM).

[0188] Step S2104: The first network function determines whether to allow the AI-based positioning to be performed.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first network function determines whether to allow AI positioning based on the terminal subscription information.

[0190] In some embodiments, the terminal subscription information may be obtained from the UDM.

[0191] In some embodiments, if the terminal subscription information indicates that AI-based positioning is allowed, the first network function determines that AI-based positioning is allowed.

[0192] Step S2105: The first network function sends fifth information to the third network function.

[0193] In some embodiments, the third network function receives the fifth information sent by the first network function.

[0194] In some embodiments, the third network function is a network repository function (NRF).

[0195] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to request the identification information. Here, the identification information indicates the address of the second network function.

[0196] In some embodiments, the fifth information includes information (which may be a capability parameter) indicating that the second network function needs to support positioning based on the AI.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first network function receives the identification information sent by the third network function.

[0198] Step S2106: The first network function determines the second network function.

[0199] In some embodiments, the second network function is a network function that supports artificial intelligence (AI)-based positioning.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first network function is AMF and the second network function is LMF.

[0201] In some embodiments, the second network function is determined based on fourth information.

[0202] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes at least one of the following:

[0203] policy information stored in the first network function;

[0204] configuration information stored in the first network function;

[0205] Identification information;

[0206] Terminal contract information obtained from Unified Data Management (UDM).

[0207] In some embodiments, the identification information may be address information, such as a domain name address.

[0208] Step S2107: The first network function sends the first information to the second network function.

[0209] In some embodiments, the second network function receives the first information sent by the first network function.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first network function determines to perform positioning based on the AI, and the first network function sends first information to the second network function.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first information is used to request the second network function to perform positioning based on the AI.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first information includes an identifier for requesting AI positioning, and the identifier is used to request the second network function to perform terminal positioning based on artificial intelligence AI positioning.

[0213] Step S2108: The second network function determines whether to perform positioning based on the AI.

[0214] In some embodiments, the second network function determines whether to perform positioning based on the AI ​​based on the terminal subscription information.

[0215] In some embodiments, the terminal subscription information may be obtained from the UDM.

[0216] In some embodiments, if the terminal subscription information indicates that AI-based positioning is allowed, the second network function determines to perform AI-based positioning.

[0217] In some embodiments, based on policy information in the second network function, the second network function determines to perform the AI-based positioning.

[0218] In some embodiments, based on configuration information in the second network function, the second network function determines to perform positioning based on the AI.

[0219] In some embodiments, if the first information is received, the second network function determines the location of the executing AI.

[0220] Step S2109: The second network function sends sixth information to the first network function.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first network function receives sixth information sent by the second network function.

[0222] In some embodiments, the sixth information is used to indicate the location of the terminal, where the location is a positioning result obtained by performing positioning based on the AI.

[0223] In some embodiments, based on the seventh information, the second network function determines the location of the terminal through AI positioning.

[0224] In some embodiments, the seventh information includes positioning measurement values ​​obtained by performing positioning.

[0225] In some embodiments, based on the seventh information, the second network function calculates the location of the terminal using an AI model. The AI ​​model may also be a machine learning (ML) model.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second network function receives the sixth information sent by the terminal and / or the access network device.

[0227] Step S2110: The first network function sends the sixth information to the positioning service LCS end.

[0228] In some embodiments, the LCS receives sixth information sent by the first network function.

[0229] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth information, the first network function sends the sixth information to the positioning service LCS end; wherein the LCS end includes at least one of the following: LCS client; terminal; network function NF; application function AF.

[0230] It should be noted that the LCS end can be replaced by the LCS consumer in some scenarios, which is not limited here.

[0231] In the present disclosure, network functions may be replaced by network elements.

[0232] It should be noted that in this disclosure, "execution" and "use" can be interchangeable in certain scenarios, which is not limited here.

[0233] In some embodiments, the term "information" can be interchangeable with terms such as "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "field", and "data".

[0234] In some embodiments, the term "send" can be interchanged with terms such as "transmit", "report", and "transmit".

[0235] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2110. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2107 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2108 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2109 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2110 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2101 combined with step S2106, step S2107, step S2108, step S2109, and step S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 combined with step S2106, step S2107, step S2108, step S2109, and step S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2103 combined with step S2106, step S2107, step S2108, step S2109, and step S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. In the implementation, step S2104 combined with step S2106, step S2107, step S2108, step S2109, and step S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2106 combined with step S2107, step S2108, step S2109, and step S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2105 combined with step S2106, step S2107, step S2108, step S2109, and step S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited to this. It should be noted that each step can be implemented independently, or, if there is no contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily changed and freely combined for implementation.

[0236] Figure 3a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a first network function, and the method includes:

[0237] Step S3101: Receive the second information sent by the terminal.

[0238] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0239] Step S3102: Receive second information sent by the third network function;

[0240] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0241] Step S3103: Determine whether the terminal has signed up for the AI ​​positioning service.

[0242] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0243] Step S3104: Determine whether to allow the AI-based positioning to be performed.

[0244] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] Step S3105: Receive fifth information sent by the first network function.

[0246] The optional implementation of step S3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0247] Step S3106: Determine the second network function.

[0248] The optional implementation of step S3106 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0249] Step S3107: Send the first information to the second network function.

[0250] The optional implementation of step S3107 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0251] Step S3108: Receive sixth information sent by the second network function.

[0252] The optional implementation of step S3108 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0253] Step S3109: Send the sixth information to the positioning service LCS end.

[0254] The optional implementation of step S3109 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0255] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3109. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3107 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3108 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3109 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3101 combined with step S3106, step S3107, step S3108, and step S3109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 combined with step S3106, step S3107, step S3108, and step S3109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3103 combined with step S3106, step S3107, step S3108, and step S3109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3104 combined with step S3106, step S3107, step S3108, and step S3109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3106 combined with step S3107, step S3108, and step S3109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3105 combined with step S3106, step S3107, step S3108, and step S3109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited to this. It should be noted that each step can be implemented independently, or, if there is no contradiction, the order of the steps can be arbitrarily changed and they can be freely combined for implementation.

[0256] Figure 3b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a first network function, and the method includes:

[0257] Step S3201: Send first information to the second network function.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0259] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first information includes an identifier for requesting AI positioning, and the identifier is used to request the second network function to perform terminal positioning based on artificial intelligence AI positioning.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first network function is an access and mobility management function AMF, and the second network function is a positioning management function LMF.

[0262] In some embodiments, before sending the first information to the second network function, the method further includes one of the following:

[0263] receiving second information sent by the terminal, wherein the second information is used to request execution of positioning of the terminal based on AI positioning;

[0264] Receive third information sent by a third network device, wherein the third information is used to request the terminal to be positioned based on AI positioning.

[0265] In some embodiments, the third network function is a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC).

[0266] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0267] Determine whether the terminal has signed up for the AI ​​positioning service.

[0268] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0269] Determining whether to allow the AI-based positioning to be performed.

[0270] In some embodiments, determining whether to allow the AI-based positioning includes:

[0271] Determine whether to allow the AI-based positioning based on the terminal subscription information.

[0272] In some embodiments, sending the first information to the second network function includes:

[0273] Determining that the AI-based positioning is allowed, and sending the first information to the second network function.

[0274] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0275] determining the second network function;

[0276] Among them, the second network function is a network function that supports the AI ​​positioning.

[0277] In some embodiments, determining the second network function includes:

[0278] determining the second network function based on fourth information;

[0279] The fourth information includes at least one of the following:

[0280] policy information stored in the first network function;

[0281] configuration information stored in the first network function;

[0282] identification information, where the identification information indicates an address of the second network function;

[0283] Terminal contract information obtained from the unified data management (UDM).

[0284] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0285] Sending fifth information to the fourth network function, wherein the fifth information is used to request the identification information;

[0286] Receive the identification information sent by the third network function.

[0287] In some embodiments, the fifth information includes information that the second network function needs to support positioning based on the AI.

[0288] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0289] receiving sixth information sent by the second network function;

[0290] The sixth information is used to indicate the location of the terminal, and the location is a positioning result obtained by performing positioning based on the AI.

[0291] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0292] Sending the sixth information to the positioning service LCS end;

[0293] The LCS end includes at least one of the following: an LCS client; a terminal; a network function NF; and an application function AF.

[0294] Figure 4a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a second network function, and the method includes:

[0295] Step S4101: Receive first information sent by a first network function.

[0296] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] Step S4102: Determine whether to perform positioning based on the AI.

[0298] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0299] Step S4103: Send sixth information to the first network function.

[0300] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0301] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4103. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4101 combined with step S4102 and step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4101 combined with step S4102 and step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited to this. It should be noted that each step can be implemented independently, or, if there is no contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily permuted and freely combined for implementation.

[0302] Figure 4b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4b, the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which is performed by a second network function, and the method includes:

[0303] Step S4201: Receive first information sent by a first network function.

[0304] In some embodiments, the first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0305] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0306] In some embodiments, the first information includes an identifier for requesting AI positioning, and the identifier is used to request the second network function to perform terminal positioning based on artificial intelligence AI positioning.

[0307] In some embodiments, the first network function is an access and mobility management function AMF, and the second network function is a positioning management function LMF.

[0308] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0309] Determines whether to perform AI-based positioning.

[0310] In some embodiments, the determining to perform AI-based positioning includes one of the following:

[0311] Determining, based on the first information, to perform the AI-based positioning;

[0312] Determining to execute the AI-based positioning based on the terminal contract information;

[0313] Determining, based on the policy information in the second network function, to perform the AI-based positioning;

[0314] Based on the configuration information in the second network function, determine to perform the AI-based positioning.

[0315] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0316] Based on the seventh information, determining the location of the terminal through AI positioning;

[0317] The seventh information includes a positioning measurement value obtained by performing positioning.

[0318] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0319] Receive the seventh information sent by the terminal and / or access network device.

[0320] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0321] sending sixth information to the first network function;

[0322] The sixth information is used to indicate the location of the terminal.

[0323] Figure 5a is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is used in a communication system 100. The method includes one of the following steps:

[0324] Step S5101: The first network function sends first information to the second network function.

[0325] In some embodiments, the second network function receives the first information sent by the first network function.

[0326] In some embodiments, the first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0327] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of the steps in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0328] In some embodiments, the above method may include the methods of the above-mentioned communication system side, first network function side, second network function side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0329] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is further described below through some exemplary embodiments:

[0330] In some embodiments, the LMF may determine the positioning method and / or process based on at least one of the following information:

[0331] Terminal capabilities;

[0332] Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) capabilities;

[0333] Quality of Service (QoS);

[0334] Terminal connection status for each access type;

[0335] LCS client type;

[0336] Coordinate type;

[0337] Optional service types;

[0338] A reliable terminal position is required.

[0339] In some embodiments, the LMF may calculate or verify the final position and any velocity estimates, and may estimate the accuracy achieved by calculating the UE position.

[0340] In some embodiments, the LMF may determine positioning using AI.

[0341] In some embodiments, LMF supports AI model reasoning to calculate the final position.

[0342] In some embodiments, the AMF may enhance the selection of supporting AI-based LMF based on policy or terminal subscription information.

[0343] In some embodiments, referring to FIG6a , a communication method is shown, including:

[0344] Step S6101a: The UE initiates an MO-LR request (corresponding to the first information) to the AMF, including an AI positioning indication, for requesting AI positioning;

[0345] Step S6101b: The LCS client sends an MT-LR request (corresponding to the first information) including an AI positioning indication to the GMLC, requesting AI positioning;

[0346] Step S6102a: The AMF and UDM check whether the UE has subscribed to the AI ​​positioning service.

[0347] Step S6102b: AMF and UDM check whether AI positioning service is allowed;

[0348] Step S6103: GMLC sends a Namf_Location ProvidePositioningInfo request (AI positioning indication);

[0349] Step S6104: The AMF selects an LMF that supports AI positioning according to the AI ​​positioning indication;

[0350] Step S6105: The AMF sends a positioning request to the LMF, including an AI positioning indication;

[0351] Step S6106: The LMF determines to use the AI ​​positioning method based on the AI ​​positioning indication received from the AMF;

[0352] Step S6107: The UE / gNB reports the positioning measurement results to the LMF, and the LMF performs AI model inference to calculate the final UE position.

[0353] Step S6108: The LMF sends a response including the final location of the UE to the AMF;

[0354] Step S6109: AMF sends the location to the UE (in the case of MO-LR) and to the LCS client via the GMLC (in the case of MT-LR).

[0355] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0356] 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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.

[0359] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network function 7100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7a, the first network function 7100 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 7101 and a processing module 7102. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is used to receive the first information. Optionally, the transceiver module 7101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network function 7100 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module 7102 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first network function 7100 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0360] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network function 7200 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7b, the second network function 7200 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 7201 and a processing module 7202. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 is used to send the first information. Optionally, the transceiver module 7201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 7200 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module, and the sending module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module 7201 may be interchangeable with a transceiver. Optionally, the processing module 7202 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the second network function 7200 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0361] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules each execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0362] Figure 8a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 8100 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 8100 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.

[0363] As shown in Figure 8a, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, baseband chip, terminal device, terminal device chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 8100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0364] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0365] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceiver 8103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0366] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0367] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102. The interface circuit 8104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 may read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0368] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG. 8a. 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.

[0369] FIG8b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, reference can be made to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 shown in FIG8b, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0370] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201 , and the chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0371] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to the memory 8203. The interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in the memory 8203 and send the instructions to the processor 8201.

[0372] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0373] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0374] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8203 may be outside the chip 8200.

[0375] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 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.

[0376] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 8100, enables the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0377] 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 communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first network function, and the method includes: sending the first information to the second network function; The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information includes an identifier for requesting AI positioning, and the identifier is used to request the second network function to perform positioning based on artificial intelligence AI.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first network function is the access and mobility management function AMF, and the second network function is the positioning management function LMF.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before sending the first information to the second network function, the method further includes one of the following: receiving second information sent by the terminal, wherein the second information is used to request execution of positioning of the terminal based on AI positioning; Receive third information sent by a third network device, wherein the third information is used to request the terminal to be positioned based on AI positioning.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The third network function is the Gateway Mobile Location Center GMLC.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine whether the terminal has signed up for the AI positioning service.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determining whether to allow the AI-based positioning to be performed.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The determining whether to allow the AI-based positioning includes: Determine whether to allow the AI-based positioning based on the terminal subscription information.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The sending the first information to the second network function includes: Determining that the AI-based positioning is allowed, and sending the first information to the second network function.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: determining the second network function; Among them, the second network function is a network function that supports the AI positioning.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The determining the second network function includes: determining the second network function based on fourth information; The fourth information includes at least one of the following: policy information stored in the first network function; configuration information stored in the first network function; identification information, where the identification information indicates an address of the second network function; Terminal contract information obtained from the unified data management (UDM).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending fifth information to the third network function, wherein the fifth information is used to request the identification information; Receive the identification information sent by the third network function.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The fifth information includes information that the second network function needs to support the AI-based positioning.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: receiving sixth information sent by the second network function; The sixth information is used to indicate the location of the terminal, and the location is a positioning result obtained by performing positioning based on the AI.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending the sixth information to the positioning service LCS end; The LCS end includes at least one of the following: an LCS client; a terminal; a network function NF; and an application function AF.

16. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a second network function, and the method includes: receiving first information sent by the first network function; The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The first information includes an identifier for requesting AI positioning, and the identifier is used to request the second network function to perform positioning based on artificial intelligence AI.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The first network function is the access and mobility management function AMF, and the second network function is the positioning management function LMF.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein The method further comprises: Determines whether to perform AI-based positioning.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The determination to perform AI-based positioning includes one of the following: Determining, based on the first information, to perform the AI-based positioning; Determining to execute the AI-based positioning based on the terminal contract information; Determining, based on the policy information in the second network function, to perform the AI-based positioning; Based on the configuration information in the second network function, determine to perform the AI-based positioning.

21. The method according to claim 16, wherein The method further comprises: Based on the seventh information, determining the location of the terminal through AI positioning; The seventh information includes a positioning measurement value obtained by performing positioning.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive the seventh information sent by the terminal and / or access network device.

23. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: sending sixth information to the first network function; The sixth information is used to indicate the location of the terminal.

24. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first network function sends first information to the second network function; The second network function receives the first information sent by the first network function; The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

25. A first network function, characterized in that The first network function includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: sending the first information to the second network function; The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

26. A second network function, characterized in that The second network function includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: receiving first information sent by the first network function; The first information is used to request positioning based on artificial intelligence (AI).

27. A terminal, characterized in that: The terminal includes: one or more processors; The terminal is configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

28. An access network device, wherein: The access network equipment includes: one or more processors; The access network device is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 23.

29. A storage medium, wherein: The storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device executes the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and claims 16 to 23.

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