Positioning method and positioning apparatus

Abstract

A positioning method and a positioning apparatus. The method comprises: receiving first positioning information sent by a first network device, wherein the first positioning information comprises configuration information of a first positioning reference signal (PRS), configuration information of a second PRS and first instruction information, the first instruction information is used for instructing a terminal device to measure a PRS corresponding to a serving cell, or the first instruction information is used for instructing the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell and a PRS corresponding to a non-serving cell; on the basis of the configuration information of the first PRS and the first instruction information, determining a first measurement amount, wherein the first measurement amount is used for indicating a transmission-reception time difference corresponding to the first PRS; and when the serving cell of the terminal device is handed over from a first cell to a second cell, on the basis of the configuration information of the second PRS, determining a second measurement amount, wherein the second measurement amount is used for indicating a transmission-reception time difference corresponding to the second PRS. By means of the method, after a serving cell handover occurs, a terminal device can measure a PRS in a targeted manner, so that signaling overheads on a network side can be reduced, and the energy consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

Description

Positioning method and positioning device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on February 18, 2024, with application number 202410183248.X and application name “Positioning Method and Positioning Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly, to a positioning method and a positioning device. Background Art

[0003] Satellite networks are a hot topic of research in the world today. Satellite communication technology has become increasingly mature. For example, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) use radio frequency networks or network segments onboard satellites to achieve communication, which can provide wider coverage. Satellite base stations are also less susceptible to damage from natural disasters or external forces.

[0004] However, in the scenario of single-satellite positioning, the terminal device needs to measure the positioning reference signal (PRS) from a single satellite to achieve positioning or position verification of the terminal device. If the network side configures multiple PRSs to the terminal device at the same time, the terminal device will default to measuring all PRSs simultaneously during positioning, which will increase the energy consumption of the terminal device. In addition, in the cell handover scenario where the physical cell identity (PCI) has not changed, the network side needs to reconfigure and send the PRS after the cell handover occurs, which will increase the signaling overhead and positioning delay. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a positioning method and a positioning device. After a serving cell switch occurs, a terminal device can specifically measure the PRS, which can reduce network-side signaling overhead and reduce the energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0006] In a first aspect, a positioning method is provided, which is applied to a terminal device, where the service cell of the terminal device is a first cell, and the method includes: receiving first positioning information sent by a first network device, the first positioning information including configuration information of a first positioning reference signal PRS, configuration information of a second PRS, and first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell, or the first indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell and a non-service cell; determining a first measurement amount based on the configuration information of the first PRS and the first indication information, the first measurement amount being used to indicate a transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS; and determining a second measurement amount based on the configuration information of the second PRS when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, the second measurement amount being used to indicate a transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first PRS corresponds to the first cell, and the configuration information of the second PRS corresponds to the second cell.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the relationship between the configuration information of the first PRS and the first cell and the configuration information of the second PRS and the second cell can be configured by the first network device. For example, the PCI sent by the network device to the terminal device can carry the above correspondence.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present application, by adding first indication information to the first positioning information, each time a service cell switch occurs, the terminal device can determine the PRS that needs to be measured based on the content indicated by the first indication information. In this way, the network side does not need to reconfigure positioning assistance information for the terminal device, which can save signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal device does not need to measure multiple PRSs at the same time after the service cell is switched, thereby reducing energy consumption on the terminal device side.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information is bit information, and when the bit information is a first value, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, by setting corresponding bit information in the first indication information to indicate the specific content of the information, the terminal device can identify the content of the first indication information based on the value of the bit information, thereby performing data processing or decision-making more accurately.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information is bit information, and when the bit information is a second value, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell and the non-serving cell.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present application, by setting corresponding bit information in the first indication information to indicate the specific content of the information, the terminal device can identify the content of the first indication information based on the value of the bit information, thereby performing data processing or decision-making more accurately.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending the first measurement value to the first network device, and / or sending the second measurement value to the first network device.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, after the terminal device determines the first measurement value and / or the second measurement value, the first measurement value and / or the second measurement value can be sent to the first network device, so that the first network device can locate the terminal device based on the first measurement value and / or the second measurement value.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell; before determining the second measurement amount based on the configuration information of the second PRS, the method further includes: receiving second indication information sent by the first network device, the second indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the second PRS.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present application, when the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure only the PRS corresponding to the service cell, and after the service cell is switched, the first network device can instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the new service cell (i.e., the second PRS) through the second indication information. In this way, it can be ensured that the terminal device measures the PRS in a timely manner, which is conducive to reducing the positioning delay.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first measurement amount also includes: a first downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS, and the second measurement amount also includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0020] Optionally, the second network device and the third network device may be the same network device or different network devices. Further optionally, the second network device and the third network device may be satellites or DUs.

[0021] In a second aspect, a positioning method is provided, which is applied to a terminal device, where the serving cell of the terminal device is a first cell. The method includes: receiving second positioning information sent by a first network device, the second positioning information including configuration information of a first PRS, configuration information of a second PRS, first identification information, and second identification information, the configuration information of the first PRS being associated with the first identification information, and the configuration information of the second PRS being associated with the second identification information; determining a first measurement amount based on the configuration information of the first PRS and the first identification information, the first measurement amount being used to indicate a transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS; and determining a second measurement amount based on the configuration information of the second PRS and the second identification information when the serving cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, the second measurement amount being used to indicate a transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present application, by adding the association relationship between the configuration information and the identification information of the PRS in the second positioning information, each time the service cell is switched, the terminal device can determine the PRS that needs to be measured based on the association relationship between the configuration information and the identification information of the PRS. In this way, the network side does not need to reconfigure the positioning assistance information for the terminal device, which can save signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal device does not need to measure multiple PRSs at the same time after the service cell is switched, thereby reducing energy consumption on the terminal device side.

[0023] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first identification information is identification information corresponding to the second network device, and the cell where the second network device is located is the first cell, and the second identification information is identification information corresponding to the third network device, and the cell where the third network device is located is the second cell.

[0024] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first identification information is used to identify a first time period, the second identification information is used to identify a second time period, and the start time of the second time period is later than the end time of the first time period; determining the first measurement amount according to the configuration information of the first PRS and the first identification information includes: measuring the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS within the first time period to obtain the first measurement amount; determining the second measurement amount according to the configuration information of the second PRS and the second identification information includes: measuring the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS within the second time period to obtain the second measurement amount.

[0025] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first identification information is used to identify a first preset distance, and the second identification information is used to identify a second preset distance; determining the first measurement amount according to the configuration information of the first PRS and the first identification information includes: when the distance between the terminal device and the second network device is less than or equal to the first preset distance, measuring the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS to obtain the first measurement amount, and the cell where the second network device is located is the first cell; determining the second measurement amount according to the configuration information of the second PRS and the second identification information includes: when the distance between the terminal device and the second network device is greater than the first preset distance, and / or the distance between the terminal device and the third network device is less than or equal to the second preset distance, measuring the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain the second measurement amount, and the cell where the third network device is located is the second cell.

[0026] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending the first measurement value to the first network device, and / or sending the second measurement value to the first network device.

[0027] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first measurement amount also includes: a first downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS, and the second measurement amount also includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0028] In a third aspect, a positioning method is provided, which is applied to a terminal device, where the service cell of the terminal device is a first cell. The method includes: receiving third positioning information sent by a first network device, where the third positioning information includes configuration information of a first PRS; measuring the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS to obtain a first measurement amount, where the first measurement amount is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the first PRS; and stopping measuring the first PRS when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell.

[0029] When the first network device is configured with only one PRS configuration information, in a switching scenario where the PCI is not changed, a new PRS (for example, a second PRS) cannot be configured directly, and it is necessary to wait for the first network device to trigger a related positioning process. In an embodiment of the present application, after the cell is switched, the terminal device may stop measuring the first PRS so that the terminal device can measure the second PRS after receiving the configuration information of the second PRS, thereby improving the positioning accuracy.

[0030] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving fourth positioning information sent by the first network device, the fourth positioning information including configuration information of the second PRS; measuring the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain a second measurement amount, and the second measurement amount is used to indicate the sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0031] In the embodiment of the present application, after the cell switching, the terminal device may stop measuring the first PRS, and then measure the second PRS after receiving the configuration information of the second PRS, thereby improving the positioning accuracy.

[0032] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: sending the first measurement value to the first network device, and / or sending the second measurement value to the first network device.

[0033] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first measurement amount also includes: a first downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS, and the second measurement amount also includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0034] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0035] In a fourth aspect, a positioning method is provided, which is applied to a fourth network device, wherein the fourth network device establishes a communication connection with a terminal device, and the service cell of the terminal device is a first cell. The method includes: when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, sending a third indication information to the first network device, wherein the third indication information is used to instruct the first network device to configure the configuration information of the second PRS.

[0036] When the first network device is configured with only one PRS configuration information, in a switching scenario where the PCI is not changed, a new PRS (for example, a second PRS) cannot be directly configured, and it is necessary to wait for the first network device to trigger a related positioning process. In an embodiment of the present application, after the cell is switched, the fourth network device can send a third indication information to the first network device, requesting the first network device to directly configure a new PRS (for example, a second PRS). In this way, the positioning delay can be reduced.

[0037] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0038] In the fifth aspect, a positioning method is provided, which is applied to a first network device, wherein the first network device establishes a communication connection with a terminal device, and the service cell of the terminal device is a first cell. The method includes: receiving third indication information sent by a fourth network device, wherein the third indication information is used to instruct the first network device to configure the configuration information of the second PRS; configuring the configuration information of the second PRS according to the third indication information; and sending fourth positioning information to the terminal device, wherein the fourth positioning information includes the configuration information of the second PRS.

[0039] When the first network device is configured with only one PRS configuration information, in a switching scenario where the PCI is not changed, a new PRS (for example, a second PRS) cannot be configured directly, and it is necessary to wait for the first network device to trigger a related positioning process. In an embodiment of the present application, after the cell is switched, the first network device can receive the fourth positioning information sent by the first network device, and configure a new PRS (for example, a second PRS) based on the fourth positioning information. In this way, the positioning delay can be reduced.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, a positioning device is provided, wherein the service cell of the device is a first cell, and the device includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the transceiver unit is used to receive first positioning information sent by a first network device, the first positioning information includes configuration information of a first positioning reference signal PRS, configuration information of a second PRS and first indication information, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell, or the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell and the non-service cell; the processing unit is used to: determine a first measurement amount according to the configuration information of the first PRS and the first indication information, the first measurement amount is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the first PRS; when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, determine a second measurement amount according to the configuration information of the second PRS, the second measurement amount is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0041] In combination with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first indication information is bit information, and when the bit information is a first value, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell,

[0042] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first indication information is bit information, and when the bit information is a second value, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell and the non-serving cell.

[0043] In combination with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send the first measurement amount to the first network device, and / or send the second measurement amount to the first network device.

[0044] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell; the transceiver unit is also used to receive second indication information sent by the first network device, and the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the second PRS.

[0045] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first measurement amount also includes: a first downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS, and the second measurement amount also includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0046] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0047] In the seventh aspect, a positioning device is provided, wherein the service cell of the device is a first cell, and the device includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the transceiver unit is used to receive second positioning information sent by a first network device, the second positioning information including configuration information of a first PRS, configuration information of a second PRS, first identification information, and second identification information, the configuration information of the first PRS is associated with the first identification information, and the configuration information of the second PRS is associated with the second identification information; the processing unit is used to: determine a first measurement amount based on the configuration information of the first PRS and the first identification information, the first measurement amount being used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the first PRS; when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, determine a second measurement amount based on the configuration information of the second PRS and the second identification information, the second measurement amount being used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0048] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the first identification information is identification information corresponding to the second network device, and the cell where the second network device is located is the first cell, and the second identification information is identification information corresponding to the third network device, and the cell where the third network device is located is the second cell.

[0049] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the first identification information is used to identify a first time period, the second identification information is used to identify a second time period, and the start time of the second time period is later than the end time of the first time period; the processing unit is specifically used to: measure the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS within the first time period to obtain the first measurement amount; and measure the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS within the second time period to obtain the second measurement amount.

[0050] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the first identification information is used to identify a first preset distance, and the second identification information is used to identify a second preset distance; the processing unit is specifically used to: when the distance between the terminal device and the second network device is less than or equal to the first preset distance, measure the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS to obtain the first measurement amount, and the cell where the second network device is located is the first cell; when the distance between the terminal device and the third network device is greater than the first preset distance, and / or the distance between the terminal device and the third network device is less than or equal to the second preset distance, measure the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain the second measurement amount, and the cell where the third network device is located is the second cell.

[0051] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send the first measurement amount to the first network device, and / or send the second measurement amount to the first network device.

[0052] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the first measurement quantity also includes: a first downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS, and the second measurement quantity also includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0053] In the eighth aspect, a positioning device is provided, wherein the service cell of the device is a first cell, and the device includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the transceiver unit is used to receive third positioning information sent by a first network device, and the third positioning information includes configuration information of a first PRS; the processing unit is used to: measure the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS to obtain a first measurement amount, and the first measurement amount is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the first PRS; when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, stop measuring the first PRS.

[0054] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to receive fourth positioning information sent by the first network device, and the fourth positioning information includes configuration information of the second PRS; the processing unit is further used to measure the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain a second measurement amount, and the second measurement amount is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0055] In combination with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send the first measurement amount to the first network device, and / or send the second measurement amount to the first network device.

[0056] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the first measurement quantity also includes: a first downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS, and the second measurement quantity also includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0057] In the ninth aspect, a positioning device is provided, which establishes a communication connection with a terminal device, and the service cell of the terminal device is a first cell. The device includes a transceiver unit; the transceiver unit is used to send third indication information to the first network device when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, and the third indication information is used to instruct the first network device to configure the configuration information of the second PRS.

[0058] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0059] In the tenth aspect, a positioning device is provided, which establishes a communication connection with a terminal device, and the service cell of the terminal device is a first cell. The device includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the transceiver unit is used to receive third indication information sent by a fourth network device, and the third indication information is used to instruct the first network device to configure the configuration information of the second PRS; the processing unit is used to configure the configuration information of the second PRS according to the third indication information; the transceiver unit is also used to send fourth positioning information to the terminal device, and the fourth positioning information includes the configuration information of the second PRS.

[0060] In an eleventh aspect, a positioning device is provided, comprising: at least one processor, configured to enable the device to implement the method in any one of the implementations of the first to fifth aspects above.

[0061] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the device also includes a memory, and the at least one processor is coupled to the memory for reading and executing instructions in the memory, so that the device implements the method in any one of the implementations of the first to fifth aspects above.

[0062] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the apparatus further includes a communication interface, and the at least one processor is coupled to the communication interface for controlling communication between the communication interface and other devices.

[0063] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the communication interface is a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0064] In a twelfth aspect, a chip is provided, which includes a circuit for executing the method in any one of the implementation modes of the first to fifth aspects above.

[0065] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the circuit is a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0066] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the chip further includes: an input / output interface, and the circuit is used to control the input / output interface to achieve communication with other devices.

[0067] In the thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a program code, and when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer executes the method in any one of the implementation methods of the first to fifth aspects above.

[0068] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is run, the computer executes the method in any one of the implementation methods of the first to fifth aspects above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-cell round-trip delay positioning technology provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG2 is a system architecture applicable to the positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG7 is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG8 is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG9 is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG10 is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a positioning device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of another positioning device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0083] In the embodiments of this application, prefixes such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different description objects and have no limiting effect on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the described objects. The use of prefixes such as ordinal numbers in the embodiments of this application to distinguish description objects does not constitute a limitation on the described objects. For a statement of the described objects, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and the use of such prefixes should not constitute an unnecessary limitation.

[0084] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR) and future communication systems.

[0085] The terminal equipment (UE) in the embodiments of the present application may refer to user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device. The terminal equipment may also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network, a terminal device in a future communication network or a terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0086] The network device in the embodiments of the present application may be a device for communicating with a terminal device, and the network device may be a device in a radio access network (RAN) that provides wireless communication functions for the terminal device, and is referred to as a RAN device. For example, the network device may be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system; it may also be a module or unit that performs part of the functions of a base station, for example, a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The CU here completes the functions of the radio resource control protocol and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also complete the function of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU completes the functions of the radio link control layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also complete the functions of part of the physical layer or all of the physical layer. For the specific description of the above-mentioned protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The network device can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network device.

[0087] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes implement part of the functions of the base station respectively. For example, the RAN node can be a CU, DU, CU-control plane (CP), CU-user plane (UP), or radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0088] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application takes CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0089] In the embodiments of the present application, the functions of the network device may also be performed by a module (such as a chip) in the network device, or by a control subsystem that includes the network device functions. The control subsystem that includes the network device functions here may be a control center in the above-mentioned application scenarios such as smart grid, industrial control, smart transportation, and smart city. The functions of the terminal device may also be performed by a module (such as a chip or a modem) in the terminal device, or by a device that includes the terminal device functions.

[0090] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, first, a brief introduction to the concepts and technologies involved in the embodiments of the application is given.

[0091] (1) Transmission-reception point (TRP): A group of geographically co-located antennas (e.g., an antenna array (having one or more antenna elements)) that supports transmission point (TP) and / or reception point (RP) functionality. In NTN scenarios, TRPs can be deployed on satellites, drones, airships, high-altitude platforms, etc.; they can also be deployed on base stations, NTN gateways, ground stations, etc., but this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0092] (2) Downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA): The downlink signal used for DL-TDOA positioning is the PRS. The UE measures the time difference between the reception of PRSs from different TRPs or gNBs and reports it to the positioning server. The positioning server then calculates the UE's position using the known TRP or gNB location and the PRS reception time difference.

[0093] (3) Uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA): The UE sends a first sounding reference signal (SRS). Multiple TRPs receive the SRS and report the relative time difference of arrival (TDOA) to the positioning server. The positioning server then uses the TDOA of the reference signal and the known positions of the TRPs to estimate the UE's position.

[0094] (4) Multi-cell round trip time (multi-RTT): In multi-RTT positioning technology, the UE and gNB measure the time difference between the transmission and reception of PRS and SRS and report the corresponding measurement value to the positioning server. The positioning server calculates the UE's position based on the known TRP or gNB location. For example, as shown in Figure 1, when the satellite moves to different locations, the RTT between the terminal and the base station is measured by the time difference between the transmission and reception of PRS and SRS. The network side can consider the satellites at different locations to be equivalent to multiple gNBs, thereby achieving terminal positioning based on the known satellite position and multiple measured RTTs.

[0095] The following introduces the technical problems to be solved by this application and the technical solutions adopted.

[0096] Compared to terrestrial communications, satellite communications have been widely used in aviation, energy and other fields due to their wide coverage, freedom from geographical restrictions and high reliability. Currently, satellite communications, as an extremely important communication scenario in 5G communications, has been introduced by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) under the name of NTN. Satellite communications can provide communication services to areas where terrestrial networks cannot cover or have insufficient coverage; they can also provide stable emergency communications in situations such as natural disasters or large-scale events; they can also provide high-quality communication services to users on vehicles such as trains, ships and airplanes; and they can also provide specialized services to government and corporate users to meet specific business needs.

[0097] In satellite communications, satellite cells typically cover large areas and may span borders, encompassing multiple countries and regions. Therefore, when satellites provide communication services such as disaster warnings, emergency calls, and toll collection services, while complying with national or regional laws and regulations, they often need to know the location of terminal devices. While ground-based terminal devices can obtain their own location using positioning systems, the location information reported by ground-based terminal devices may be tampered with or subject to interference, resulting in significant errors. Therefore, the network typically needs to locate ground-based terminal devices or verify the reported location information.

[0098] Currently, in terrestrial networks, there are multiple methods for locating terminal devices, such as uplink arrival time difference, downlink arrival time difference, or multi-cell round-trip delay.

[0099] However, in the scenario of single-satellite positioning, the terminal device needs to measure the PRS signal from a single satellite to achieve positioning or position verification of the terminal device. If the network side configures multiple PRSs to the terminal device at the same time, the terminal device will default to measuring all PRSs at the same time when positioning, which will increase the energy consumption of the terminal device. If the network side only configures one PRS, then after a cell handover occurs, the network side needs to reconfigure the PRS and send it down, which will increase the signaling overhead and positioning delay. In addition, in the scenario where the PCI has not changed, the network side is usually unable to directly configure the PRS. If the network side configures the PRS, the positioning-related process needs to be re-triggered, which will cause delays; and if the terminal device continues to measure the PRS of the source cell, the quality of the measured signal will be poor and the positioning accuracy will also be reduced.

[0100] The embodiments of the present application provide a positioning method and a positioning device. After a serving cell switch occurs, a terminal device can specifically measure the PRS, thereby reducing network-side signaling overhead and energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0101] FIG2 is a system architecture applicable to the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0102] As shown in Figure 2, the system architecture includes terminal devices, satellites, 5G base stations, a 5G core network, and ground stations. Terminal devices access the satellite network through the air interface and initiate calls or access the internet. Satellites establish connections with ground stations through Xn or NG interfaces, and the ground stations forward signaling and service data between the satellite and the 5G core network.

[0103] In one possible implementation, as shown in (a) of Figure 2, a 5G base station can be deployed on the ground and connected to a ground station. The ground station and the 5G base station can be connected to the core network through an NG interface.

[0104] In one possible implementation, as shown in (b) and (c) in Figure 2, a 5G base station or part of the base station functions of a 5G base station can be deployed on a satellite, and the ground station can be connected to the core network through an NG interface.

[0105] In this system architecture, there can be multiple satellites. When the 5G base station is deployed on the ground and the satellite can only realize the transparent transmission and forwarding function, only the transparent transmission and forwarding function is realized between satellites; when the base station or part of the base station function is deployed on the satellite, the satellites can complete the signaling interaction between base stations and the transmission of user data.

[0106] It should be understood that in the system architecture shown in Figure 2, the air interface can refer to the wireless link between the terminal device and the 5G base station, the Xn interface can refer to the interface between the 5G base station and other base stations, which is mainly used for signaling interaction such as cell switching; the NG interface can refer to the interface between the 5G base station and the core network, which mainly interacts with the core network's signaling and user service data. In the embodiment of the present application, the Xn interface can also be replaced by the X2 interface, and the NG interface can be replaced by the S1 interface.

[0107] It should also be understood that the system architecture shown in Figure 2 is only an exemplary illustration, and the system architecture can also be replaced with an architecture applicable to the long-term evolution system, LTE frequency-division duplex system, LTE time-division duplex system, universal mobile communications system, global interconnected microwave access communication system and future sixth-generation system.

[0108] FIG3 is a schematic flowchart of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 300 may include steps S301 to S305 .

[0109] S301: A terminal device receives first positioning information sent by a first network device.

[0110] The service cell of the terminal device is the first cell, and the first network device may be a location management function (LMF).

[0111] The first positioning information includes: configuration information of the first PRS, configuration information of the second PRS and first indication information, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell, or the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell and the non-service cell.

[0112] Optionally, the configuration information of the first PRS corresponds to a first cell, and the configuration information of the second PRS corresponds to a second cell, where the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the relationship between the configuration information of the first PRS and the first cell and the configuration information of the second PRS and the second cell can be configured by the first network device. For example, the PCI sent by the network device to the terminal device can carry the above correspondence.

[0114] Optionally, the second network device and the third network device may be the same network device or different network devices. Further optionally, the second network device and the third network device may be satellites or DUs.

[0115] Optionally, the configuration information of the first PRS and the configuration information of the second PRS may include one or more of: PRS-PointA information, PRS positioning scenario information, or PRS ID.

[0116] In a possible implementation, the first indication information may be bit information. When the bit information is a first value, the first indication information may be used to instruct the terminal device to only measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell.

[0117] For example, when the bit information is 1, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to only measure the first PRS corresponding to the serving cell.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the first indication information may be bit information. When the bit information is a first value, the first indication information may be used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell. When the bit information is a second value, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell and the non-service cell.

[0119] For example, when the bit information is 1, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to measure the first PRS corresponding to the serving cell, or when the bit information is 0, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell and the non-serving cell.

[0120] S302: The terminal device determines a first measurement value according to configuration information of the first PRS and first indication information.

[0121] The first measurement value is used to indicate a sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the first PRS.

[0122] Optionally, the first measurement value further includes: a subframe offset of a first downlink timing offset and a receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the first PRS.

[0123] S303: The terminal device sends a first measurement value to the first network device.

[0124] Here, step S303 may be an optional step, that is, step S303 may not be performed in method 300 .

[0125] Optionally, after receiving the first measurement value, the first network device may locate the terminal device based on the first measurement value.

[0126] S304: The terminal device determines a second measurement value according to the configuration information of the second PRS.

[0127] Among them, step S304 can be executed after the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell.

[0128] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure only the PRS corresponding to the serving cell, the terminal device can measure the first cell based on the first indication information before the cell switching to determine the first measurement amount, and after the cell switching, the terminal device can measure the second cell based on the first indication information to determine the second measurement amount, without the need for the first network device to reconfigure the positioning assistance information (for example, the second indication information) for the terminal device after the cell switching.

[0129] The second measurement value is used to indicate the sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0130] Optionally, the second measurement value further includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of a transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0131] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information instructs the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell, the terminal device may continue to measure the first PRS after the serving cell is switched. After receiving the second indication information sent by the first network device, the terminal device may determine the second measurement value based on the configuration information of the second PRS. This ensures that the terminal device measures the PRS in a timely manner, which helps reduce positioning delay. The second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the second PRS.

[0132] S305: The terminal device sends a second measurement value to the first network device.

[0133] Here, step S305 may be an optional step, that is, step S303 may not be executed in method 300 .

[0134] Optionally, after receiving the second measurement value, the first network device may locate the terminal device based on the second measurement value.

[0135] In an embodiment of the present application, by adding first indication information to the first positioning information, each time a service cell switch occurs, the terminal device can determine the PRS that needs to be measured based on the content indicated by the first indication information. In this way, the network side does not need to reconfigure positioning assistance information for the terminal device, which can save signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal device does not need to measure multiple PRSs at the same time after the service cell is switched, thereby reducing energy consumption on the terminal device side.

[0136] FIG4 is a schematic flowchart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 400 may include steps S401 to S405 .

[0137] S401: The terminal device receives second positioning information sent by the first network device.

[0138] Among them, the service cell of the terminal device is the first cell, and the first network device can be LMF.

[0139] The second positioning information includes: configuration information of the first PRS, configuration information of the second PRS, first identification information and second identification information. The configuration information of the first PRS is associated with the first identification information, and the configuration information of the second PRS is associated with the second identification information.

[0140] Optionally, the configuration information of the first PRS corresponds to a first cell, and the configuration information of the second PRS corresponds to a second cell, where the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0141] Optionally, the second network device and the third network device may be the same network device or different network devices. Further optionally, the second network device and the third network device may be satellites or DUs.

[0142] In a possible implementation, the first identification information is identification information corresponding to the second network device, and the second identification information is identification information corresponding to the third network device.

[0143] In a possible implementation, the first identification information is used to identify a first time period, and the second identification information is used to identify a second time period. The start time of the second time period is later than the end time of the first time period.

[0144] In a possible implementation, the first identification information is used to identify a first preset distance, and the second identification information is used to identify a second preset distance.

[0145] S402: The terminal device determines a first measurement value according to configuration information of the first PRS and first identification information.

[0146] The first measurement value is used to indicate a sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the first PRS.

[0147] Optionally, the first measurement value further includes: a subframe offset of a first downlink timing offset and a receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the first PRS.

[0148] In a possible implementation, when the first identification information is identification information corresponding to the second network device, step S402 specifically includes: measuring the first PRS according to the identification information of the second network device and configuration information of the first PRS to obtain a first measurement value.

[0149] In a possible implementation, when the first identification information is used to identify the first time period, step S402 specifically includes: measuring the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS within the first time period to obtain a first measurement value.

[0150] In one possible implementation, when the first identification information is used to identify the first preset distance, step S402 specifically includes: when the distance between the terminal device and the second network device is less than or equal to the first preset distance, measuring the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS to obtain the first measurement value.

[0151] S403: The terminal device sends a first measurement value to the first network device.

[0152] Here, step S403 may be an optional step, that is, step S403 may not be performed in method 400 .

[0153] Optionally, after receiving the first measurement value, the first network device may locate the terminal device based on the first measurement value.

[0154] S404: The terminal device determines a second measurement value according to the configuration information of the second PRS and the second identification information.

[0155] Among them, step S404 can be executed after the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell.

[0156] The second measurement value is used to indicate the sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0157] Optionally, the second measurement value further includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of a transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0158] In a possible implementation, when the second identification information is identification information corresponding to the third network device, step S404 specifically includes: measuring the second PRS according to the identification information of the third network device and the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain a second measurement value.

[0159] In a possible implementation, when the second identification information is used to identify the second time period, step S404 specifically includes: measuring the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS within the second time period to obtain a second measurement value.

[0160] In one possible implementation, when the second identification information is used to identify a second preset distance, step S404 specifically includes: when the distance between the terminal device and the third network device is greater than the first preset distance, and / or the distance between the terminal device and the third network device is less than or equal to the second preset distance, measuring the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain a second measurement value.

[0161] S405: The terminal device sends a second measurement value to the first network device.

[0162] Here, step S405 may be an optional step, that is, step S405 may not be performed in method 400 .

[0163] Optionally, after receiving the second measurement value, the first network device may locate the terminal device based on the second measurement value.

[0164] In an embodiment of the present application, by adding the association relationship between the configuration information and the identification information of the PRS in the second positioning information, each time the service cell is switched, the terminal device can determine the PRS that needs to be measured based on the association relationship between the configuration information and the identification information of the PRS. In this way, the network side does not need to reconfigure the positioning assistance information for the terminal device, which can save signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal device does not need to measure multiple PRSs at the same time after the service cell is switched, thereby reducing energy consumption on the terminal device side.

[0165] It should be understood that in methods 300 and 400, the configuration information of two PRSs is used as an example for explanation. Methods 300 and 400 can also be applied to scenarios where the first network device configures configuration information of multiple PRSs, and can also be applied to scenarios where the configuration information of multiple SRSs is configured. This application will not go into details.

[0166] FIG5 is a schematic flowchart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 500 includes steps S501 to S509.

[0167] S501: The terminal device receives third positioning information sent by the first network device.

[0168] Among them, the service cell of the terminal device is the first cell, the first network device can be LMF, and the fourth network device can be gNB or TRP.

[0169] The third positioning information includes: configuration information of the first PRS, where the configuration information of the first PRS corresponds to the first cell, and the first cell may be the cell where the second network device is located.

[0170] S502: The terminal device measures the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS to obtain a first measurement value.

[0171] The first measurement value is used to indicate the sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the first PRS.

[0172] Optionally, the first measurement value further includes: a subframe offset of a first downlink timing offset and a receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the first PRS.

[0173] S503: The terminal device sends a first measurement value to the first network device.

[0174] Here, step S503 may be an optional step, that is, step S503 may not be performed in method 500.

[0175] Optionally, after receiving the first measurement value, the first network device may locate the terminal device based on the first measurement value.

[0176] S504: The terminal device stops measuring the first PRS.

[0177] Among them, step S504 can be executed after the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell.

[0178] S505: The fourth network device sends third indication information to the first network device.

[0179] The third indication information may be used to instruct the first network device to configure configuration information of the second PRS, where the configuration information of the second PRS corresponds to the second cell, where the second cell is where the third network device is located.

[0180] S506: The first network device configures configuration information of the second PRS.

[0181] Exemplarily, after receiving the third indication information, the first network device may configure the configuration information of the second PRS.

[0182] S507: The first network device sends configuration information of the second PRS to the terminal device.

[0183] Optionally, the first network device may send fourth positioning information to the terminal device, where the fourth positioning information includes the configuration information of the second PRS.

[0184] S508: The terminal device measures the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain a second measurement value.

[0185] The second measurement value is used to indicate the sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0186] Optionally, the second measurement value further includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of a transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0187] S509: The terminal device sends the second measurement value to the first network device.

[0188] Here, step S509 may be an optional step, that is, step S509 may not be performed in method 500 .

[0189] Optionally, after receiving the first measurement value, the first network device may locate the terminal device based on the second measurement value.

[0190] When the first network device is configured with only one PRS configuration information, in a switching scenario where the PCI is not changed, a new PRS (for example, a second PRS) cannot be configured directly, and it is necessary to wait for the first network device to trigger a related positioning process. In an embodiment of the present application, after the cell is switched, the terminal device may stop measuring the first PRS, and the fourth network device may send a third indication information to the first network device, instructing the first network device to directly configure the configuration information of the second PRS. After receiving the configuration information of the second PRS sent by the first network device, the terminal device measures the second PRS. In this way, the positioning accuracy can be improved.

[0191] FIG6 is a schematic flowchart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 600 may be a specific description of steps S301 to S305 in method 300 . Method 600 may include steps S601 to S604 .

[0192] S601, the terminal device is in a radio resource control (RRC) connection state.

[0193] Among them, this step can also be understood as the terminal device establishing an RRC connection, that is, the terminal device establishes a connection with the network device (for example, LMF) and can perform data transmission and communication services.

[0194] S602, LMF sends an LPP Provide Assistance Data message to the terminal device.

[0195] The LPP assistance data message may include any assistance data required for the terminal device to perform necessary DL-PRS measurements, and the LPP assistance data message may be the first positioning information in method 300 .

[0196] Exemplarily, the LPP assistance data message may include configuration information for multiple PRSs. For example, the LPP assistance data message includes two pieces of PRS configuration information, namely, configuration information for PRS#1 and PRS#2, where PRS#1 is associated with the cell corresponding to satellite#1, and PRS#2 is associated with the cell corresponding to satellite#2. The LPP assistance data message may also include indication information#1, which may be used to indicate whether the UE measures only the PRS of the current serving cell upon receiving the LPP assistance data message. PRS#1 may correspond to the first PRS in method 300, PRS#2 may correspond to the second PRS in method 300, satellite#1 may correspond to the second network device in method 300, satellite#2 may correspond to the third network device in method 300, and indication information#1 may correspond to the first indication information in method 300.

[0197] Alternatively, the LPP assistance data message may not include the indication information #1, that is, the indication information #1 may be delivered separately.

[0198] In a possible implementation, the indication information #1 may be 1-bit information. When the bit value is 1, it indicates that the terminal device only measures the PRS of the current serving cell.

[0199] In one possible implementation, the indication information #1 can be 1-bit information. When the bit value is 1, it instructs the terminal device to only measure the PRS of the current service cell; or, when the bit value is 0, it instructs the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the current service cell and the non-service cell.

[0200] S603, the terminal device receives PRS#1 according to the configuration information of PRS#1.

[0201] For example, the current service cell of the terminal device is the cell corresponding to satellite #1. After receiving the LPP assistance data message, the terminal device can receive and measure PRS #1 according to the configuration information of PRS #1, obtain the first measurement quantity, and report the first measurement quantity to the LMF. After receiving the first measurement quantity, the LMF can realize the positioning of the terminal device based on the first measurement quantity.

[0202] Optionally, the first measurement quantity may include: at least one of the Rx–Tx time difference of the terminal device corresponding to PRS#1, the subframe offset of the Rx–Tx time difference subframe offset of the terminal device, and the downlink timing drift.

[0203] Among them, the time difference between the terminal device's transmission and reception is defined as T in the standard protocol. UE-RX –T UE-TX , T UE-RX is the timing of the downlink subframe #i received by the terminal device from the TP, defined by the first detection path in time. UE-TX It is the UE transmission timing of the uplink subframe #j that is closest in time to the subframe #i received from the TP. Based on the instructions from the higher layer, multiple DL PRSs or channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) used for tracking resources can be used to determine the start of a subframe of the first arrival path of the TP.

[0204] The subframe offset of the terminal device's transmit and receive time difference can be the index of the subframe number between the uplink subframe #j and the uplink subframe #i, where the uplink subframe #j can be the time distance from the downlink subframe #i received from the TP, and i is the index of the downlink subframe in the terminal device's transmit and receive time difference.

[0205] The downlink timing offset can be the rate of change of the command link delay caused by Doppler on the service link during the measurement period of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device, and the unit can be ppm.

[0206] S604: After the serving cell is switched, the terminal device receives PRS#2 according to the configuration information of PRS#2.

[0207] For example, after the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the cell corresponding to satellite #1 to the cell corresponding to satellite #2, the terminal device can receive and measure PRS #2 according to the configuration information of PRS #2, obtain a second measurement amount, and report the second measurement amount to the LMF. After receiving the second measurement amount, the LMF can realize the positioning of the terminal device based on the second measurement amount.

[0208] Optionally, the second measurement quantity includes: at least one of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device corresponding to PRS#2, the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device, and the downlink timing offset.

[0209] In an embodiment of the present application, by adding indication information to the LPP assistance data message, the network side does not need to re-configure location assistance information for the terminal device after each service cell switch occurs, which can save signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal device does not need to measure multiple PRSs at the same time after the service cell switch occurs, thereby reducing energy consumption on the terminal device side.

[0210] FIG7 is a schematic flowchart of a positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 700 may be a specific description of steps S301 to S305 in method 300 , and method 700 may include steps S701 to S705 .

[0211] S701, the terminal device is in RRC connected state.

[0212] Among them, this step can also be understood as the terminal device establishing an RRC connection, that is, the terminal device establishes a connection with the network device (for example, LMF) and can perform data transmission and communication services.

[0213] S702, LMF sends an LPP assistance data message to the terminal device.

[0214] The LPP assistance data message may include any assistance data required for the terminal device to perform necessary DL-PRS measurements, and the LPP assistance data message may be the first positioning information in method 300 .

[0215] Exemplarily, the LPP assistance data message may include configuration information for multiple PRSs. For example, the LPP assistance data message includes two pieces of PRS configuration information, namely, configuration information for PRS#1 and PRS#2, where PRS#1 is associated with the cell corresponding to satellite#1, and PRS#2 is associated with the cell corresponding to satellite#2. The LPP assistance data message may also include indication information#1, which may be used to indicate whether the UE measures only the PRS of the current serving cell upon receiving the LPP assistance data message. PRS#1 may correspond to the first PRS in method 300, PRS#2 may correspond to the second PRS in method 300, satellite#1 may correspond to the second network device in method 300, satellite#2 may correspond to the third network device in method 300, and indication information#1 may correspond to the first indication information in method 300.

[0216] Alternatively, the LPP assistance data message may not include the indication information #1, that is, the indication information #1 may be delivered separately.

[0217] In a possible implementation, the indication information #1 may be 1-bit information. When the bit value is 1, it indicates that the terminal device only measures the PRS of the current serving cell.

[0218] In one possible implementation, the indication information #1 can be 1-bit information. When the bit value is 1, it instructs the terminal device to only measure the PRS of the current service cell; or, when the bit value is 0, it instructs the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the current service cell and the non-service cell.

[0219] S703, the terminal device receives PRS#1 according to the configuration information of PRS#1.

[0220] For example, the current service cell of the terminal device is the cell corresponding to satellite #1. After receiving the LPP assistance data message, the terminal device can receive and measure PRS #1 according to the configuration information of PRS #1, obtain the first measurement quantity, and report the first measurement quantity to the LMF. After receiving the first measurement quantity, the LMF can realize the positioning of the terminal device based on the first measurement quantity.

[0221] Optionally, the first measurement quantity includes: at least one of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device corresponding to PRS#1, the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device, and the downlink timing offset.

[0222] S704, LMF sends indication information #2 to the terminal device.

[0223] For example, after the serving cell of the terminal device is switched from the cell corresponding to satellite #1 to the cell corresponding to satellite #2, the LMF may send indication information #2 to the terminal device, where indication information #2 may be used to instruct the terminal device whether to start measuring PRS #2 using the configuration information of PRS #2. Indication information #2 may be the second indication information in method 300.

[0224] Optionally, the indication information #2 may also be carried in the cell switching command.

[0225] Optionally, after the serving cell is switched, when the terminal device does not receive the indication information #1, the terminal device may continue to use the configuration information of PRS#1 to measure PRS#1.

[0226] Optionally, the indication information #2 can be 1-bit information. When the bit value is 0, it can instruct the terminal device to continue using the configuration information of PRS#1 for measurement. When the bit value is 1, it can instruct the terminal device to use the configuration information of PRS#2 for measurement.

[0227] S705, the terminal device receives PRS#2 according to the configuration information of PRS#2.

[0228] Exemplarily, after the terminal device receives indication information #2, the terminal device receives PRS#2 according to the configuration information of PRS#2, obtains a second measurement quantity, and reports the second measurement quantity to the LMF. After receiving the second measurement quantity, the LMF can realize the positioning of the terminal device based on the second measurement quantity.

[0229] Optionally, the second measurement quantity includes: at least one of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device corresponding to PRS#2, the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device, and the downlink timing offset.

[0230] In the embodiment of the present application, by adding indication information #1 to the LPP assistance data message, the network side does not need to reconfigure auxiliary information for the terminal device each time a serving cell switch occurs, which can save signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal device does not need to measure multiple PRSs simultaneously after the serving cell switch occurs, thereby reducing energy consumption on the terminal device side. In addition, after the serving cell switch occurs, the LMF can instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS of the new serving cell through indication information #2, which can ensure that the terminal device performs PRS measurement in a timely manner, which is conducive to reducing positioning delay.

[0231] FIG8 is a schematic flowchart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 800 may be a specific description of steps S401 to S403 in method 400 . Method 800 may include steps S801 to S804 .

[0232] S801, the terminal device is in RRC connected state.

[0233] Among them, this step can also be understood as the terminal device establishing an RRC connection, that is, the terminal device establishes a connection with the network device (for example, LMF) and can perform data transmission and communication services.

[0234] S802, LMF sends an LPP assistance data message to the terminal device.

[0235] The LPP assistance data message may include any assistance data required for the terminal device to perform necessary DL-PRS measurements, wherein the LPP assistance data message may be the second positioning information in method 400 .

[0236] Exemplarily, the LPP assistance data message may include configuration information for multiple PRSs. For example, the LPP assistance data message includes two pieces of PRS configuration information, namely, configuration information for PRS#1 and PRS#2. PRS#1 is associated with the cell corresponding to satellite#1, and PRS#2 is associated with the cell corresponding to satellite#2. Furthermore, the LPP assistance data message may carry a binding relationship between a PRS ID and a satellite ID. PRS#1 may correspond to the first PRS in method 300, PRS#2 may correspond to the second PRS in method 300, satellite#1 may correspond to the second network device in method 300, and satellite#2 may correspond to the third network device in method 300.

[0237] Optionally, the binding relationship between the PRS ID and the satellite ID may not be included in the LPP assistance data message, and the LMF may separately send the binding relationship between the PRS ID and the satellite ID to the terminal device.

[0238] Alternatively, the binding relationship between the PRS ID and the satellite ID may be replaced by a binding relationship between the PRS ID and the TPR ID.

[0239] In one possible implementation, the satellite ID can be added to the NR-DL-PRS-AssistanceDataPerTRP. The sample code is as follows:

[0240] S803, the terminal device selects to receive PRS#1 according to the current satellite ID (satellite#1).

[0241] Exemplarily, the terminal device can select PRS#1 to receive and measure according to the satellite ID (satellite #1) corresponding to the current service cell, obtain a first measurement amount, and report the first measurement amount to the LMF. After receiving the first measurement amount, the LMF can locate the terminal device based on the first measurement amount.

[0242] Optionally, the first measurement quantity includes: at least one of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device corresponding to PRS#1, the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device, and the downlink timing offset.

[0243] S804: The terminal device selects to receive PRS#2 according to the current satellite ID (satellite#2).

[0244] For example, after the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the cell corresponding to satellite #1 to the cell corresponding to satellite #2, the terminal device can select to receive and measure PRS #2 according to the switched satellite ID (satellite #2), obtain a second measurement amount, and report the second measurement amount to the LMF. After receiving the second measurement amount, the LMF can realize the positioning of the terminal device based on the second measurement amount.

[0245] Optionally, the second measurement quantity includes: at least one of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device corresponding to PRS#2, the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device, and the downlink timing offset.

[0246] In an embodiment of the present application, by adding a binding relationship between the PRS ID and the satellite ID in the LPP assistance data message, the network side does not need to reconfigure auxiliary information for the terminal device each time a service cell switch occurs, which can save signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal device does not need to measure multiple PRSs at the same time after the service cell switch occurs, thereby reducing energy consumption on the terminal device side.

[0247] FIG9 is a schematic flowchart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0248] Among them, this step can also be understood as the terminal device establishing an RRC connection, that is, the terminal device establishes a connection with the network device (for example, LMF) and can perform data transmission and communication services.

[0249] S902, LMF sends an LPP assistance data message to the terminal device.

[0250] The LPP assistance data message may include any assistance data required for the terminal device to perform necessary DL-PRS measurements, wherein the LPP assistance data message may be the second positioning information in method 400 .

[0251] Exemplarily, the LPP assistance data message may include configuration information for multiple PRSs. For example, the LPP assistance data message includes two PRS configuration information items, namely, configuration information for PRS#1 and PRS#2. PRS#1 is associated with the cell corresponding to satellite#1, and PRS#2 is associated with the cell corresponding to satellite#2. Furthermore, the LPP assistance data message may carry a binding relationship between a PRS ID and a time period. Example code is as follows:

[0252] Optionally, PRS#1 can be bound to the time period [t1, t2], and PRS#2 can be bound to the time period [t3, t4], t3>t2, where the time period [t1, t2] can be the first time period in method 400, and the time period [t3, t4] can be the second time period in method 400.

[0253] Alternatively, the binding relationship between the PRS ID and the time period can also be replaced by the binding relationship between the PRS ID and the reference position. For example, when the distance between the terminal device and the reference position is less than or equal to the first preset distance, it can correspond to PRS#1; when the distance between the terminal device and the reference position is greater than the first preset distance, and / or the distance between the terminal device and the reference position is less than or equal to the second preset distance, it can correspond to PRS#2; for another example, when the distance between the terminal device and the reference position is greater than the third preset distance, it can correspond to PRS#1; when the distance between the terminal device and the reference position is greater than the fourth preset distance, it can correspond to PRS#2. For another example, when the distance between the terminal device and the reference is less than the fifth preset distance, it can correspond to PRS#1; when the distance between the terminal device and the reference is less than the sixth preset distance, it can correspond to PRS#2, wherein the above-mentioned reference position can be the location of satellite #1 and / or satellite #2.

[0254] Alternatively, the binding relationship between the PRS ID and the time period can also be replaced by the binding relationship between the PRS ID and the elevation angle or depression angle between the terminal device and the satellite. For example, when the elevation angle between the terminal device and satellite #1 is less than the first elevation angle, it can correspond to PRS#1, and when the elevation angle between the terminal device and satellite #2 is greater than the second elevation angle, it can correspond to PRS#2.

[0255] Alternatively, the binding relationship between the PRS ID and the time period can also be replaced by a binding relationship between the PRS ID and the remaining service time or remaining coverage time of the service cell. For example, when the remaining service time of the cell corresponding to the first satellite is less than the first time, it can correspond to PRS#1, and when the remaining service time of the cell corresponding to the second satellite is less than the second time, it can correspond to PRS#2.

[0256] S903, the terminal device selects to receive PRS#1 according to the current time period [t1, t2].

[0257] Exemplarily, the terminal device can select PRS#1 to receive and measure according to the current time period [t1, t2], obtain a first measurement quantity, and report the first measurement quantity to the LMF. After receiving the first measurement quantity, the LMF can locate the terminal device based on the first measurement quantity.

[0258] Optionally, the first measurement quantity includes: at least one of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device corresponding to PRS#1, the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device, and the downlink timing offset.

[0259] S904, the terminal device selects to receive PRS#2 according to the current time period [t3, t4].

[0260] For example, after the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the cell corresponding to satellite #1 to the cell corresponding to satellite #2, the terminal device can choose to receive PRS #2 and measure PRS #2 according to the current time period [t3, t4], obtain a second measurement amount, and report the second measurement amount to the LMF. After receiving the second measurement amount, the LMF can realize the positioning of the terminal device based on the second measurement amount.

[0261] Optionally, the second measurement quantity includes: at least one of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device corresponding to PRS#2, the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device, and the downlink timing offset.

[0262] In an embodiment of the present application, by adding a PRS ID and time period binding relationship in the LPP assistance data message, the network side does not need to reconfigure auxiliary information for the terminal device each time a service cell switch occurs, which can save signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal device does not need to measure multiple PRSs at the same time after the service cell switch occurs, thereby reducing energy consumption on the terminal device side.

[0263] FIG10 is a schematic flowchart of another positioning method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 1000 may be a specific description of steps S501 to S509 in method 500. Method 1000 may include steps S1001 to S1008.

[0264] S1001, the terminal device is in RRC connected state.

[0265] Among them, this step can also be understood as the terminal device establishing an RRC connection, that is, the terminal device establishes a connection with the network device (for example, LMF) and can perform data transmission and communication services.

[0266] S1002, LMF sends a first LPP assistance data message to the terminal device.

[0267] Exemplarily, the first LPP assistance data message may include configuration information of PRS#1, wherein PRS#1 is associated with the cell corresponding to satellite#1, wherein the first LPP assistance data message may be the third positioning information in method 500, and satellite#1 may correspond to the second network device in method 500.

[0268] S1003, the terminal device receives PRS#1 according to the configuration information of PRS#1.

[0269] For example, the current service cell of the terminal device is the cell corresponding to satellite #1. After receiving the LPP assistance data message, the terminal device can receive and measure PRS #1 according to the configuration information of PRS #1, obtain the first measurement quantity, and report the first measurement quantity to the LMF. After receiving the first measurement quantity, the LMF can realize the positioning of the terminal device based on the first measurement quantity.

[0270] Optionally, the first measurement amount may include: at least one of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device corresponding to PRS#1, the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device, and the downlink timing offset.

[0271] S1004: After the serving cell is switched, the terminal device stops measuring PRS#1.

[0272] Exemplarily, after the serving cell of the terminal device is switched from the cell corresponding to satellite #1 to the cell corresponding to satellite #2, the terminal device may stop measuring the PRS of the source cell.

[0273] Optionally, the LMF, gNB or TRP may send indication information #4 to the terminal device in the cell switching command, or before or after the cell switching, instructing the terminal device to stop measuring PRS #1.

[0274] S1005, gNB or TPR sends indication information #3 to LMF.

[0275] Exemplarily, the indication information is used to instruct the LMF to reconfigure PRS#2, where PRS#2 is associated with the cell corresponding to satellite#2. The indication information #3 may be the third indication information in method 500, satellite#2 may be the third network device in method 500, and the gNB or TPR may be the fourth network device in method 500.

[0276] S1006, LMF reconfigures configuration information PRS#2.

[0277] Exemplarily, after receiving indication information #3, LMF can reconfigure the configuration information of PRS #2.

[0278] S1007, LMF sends a second LPP assistance data message to the terminal device.

[0279] Exemplarily, the second LPP assistance data message includes configuration information of PRS#2, and the second LPP assistance data message may be the fourth positioning information in method 500.

[0280] S1008. The terminal device receives PRS#2 according to the configuration information of PRS#2.

[0281] Exemplarily, the terminal device can receive and measure PRS#2 according to the configuration information of PRS#2, obtain a second measurement quantity, and report the second measurement quantity to the LMF. After receiving the second measurement quantity, the LMF can locate the terminal device based on the second measurement quantity.

[0282] Optionally, the second measurement quantity includes: one or more of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device corresponding to PRS#2, the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference of the terminal device, and the downlink timing offset.

[0283] In an embodiment of the present application, when the network side only configures the configuration information of one PRS, in a switching scenario where the PCI is not changed, the new PRS (for example, PRS#2) cannot be configured directly, and it is necessary to wait for the LMF to trigger the relevant positioning process. After the cell switching, the gNB / TRP directly sends indication information #3 to the LMF, requesting the LMF to directly configure the new PRS, which can reduce the positioning delay.

[0284] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a positioning device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Device 1100 may include a transceiver unit 1110, a storage unit 1120, and a processing unit 1130. Transceiver unit 1110 is configured to transmit and receive corresponding instructions and / or data and may also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit. Storage unit 1120 is configured to implement corresponding storage functions and store corresponding instructions and / or data. Processing unit 1130 is configured to perform data processing to enable device 1100 to implement the aforementioned positioning method.

[0285] As a design, the device 1100 can be used to execute the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0286] In one embodiment, the service cell of the device 1100 is a first cell, and the device 1100 includes: a transceiver unit 1110 and a processing unit 1130; the transceiver unit 1110 is used to receive first positioning information sent by the first network device, the first positioning information includes configuration information of the first positioning reference signal PRS, configuration information of the second PRS and first indication information, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell, or the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the service cell and the non-service cell; the processing unit 1130 is used to: determine a first measurement amount based on the configuration information of the first PRS and the first indication information, the first measurement amount is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the first PRS; when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, determine a second measurement amount based on the configuration information of the second PRS, the second measurement amount is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0287] In a possible implementation, the first indication information is bit information. When the bit information is a first value, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell.

[0288] In a possible implementation, the first indication information is bit information. When the bit information is a second value, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell and the non-serving cell.

[0289] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1110 is further configured to send the first measurement value to the first network device, and / or send the second measurement value to the first network device.

[0290] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell; the transceiver unit 1110 is further used to receive second indication information sent by the first network device, and the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure a second PRS.

[0291] In one possible implementation, the first measurement quantity further includes: the first downlink timing offset and the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS, and the second measurement quantity further includes: the second downlink timing offset and the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0292] In a possible implementation, the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0293] In one embodiment, the service cell of the apparatus 1000 is a first cell, and the apparatus includes: a transceiver unit 1110 and a processing unit 1130; the transceiver unit 1110 is configured to receive second positioning information sent by a first network device, where the second positioning information includes configuration information of a first PRS, configuration information of a second PRS, first identification information, and second identification information, where the configuration information of the first PRS is associated with the first identification information, and the configuration information of the second PRS is associated with the second identification information; the processing unit 1130 is configured to: determine a first measurement amount based on the configuration information of the first PRS and the first identification information, where the first measurement amount is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the first PRS; and determine a second measurement amount based on the configuration information of the second PRS and the second identification information when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, where the second measurement amount is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0294] In one possible implementation, the first identification information is identification information corresponding to the second network device, and the cell where the second network device is located is the first cell; the second identification information is identification information corresponding to the third network device, and the cell where the third network device is located is the second cell.

[0295] In one possible implementation, the first identification information is used to identify a first time period, the second identification information is used to identify a second time period, and the start time of the second time period is later than the end time of the first time period; the processing unit 1130 is specifically configured to: measure the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS within the first time period to obtain a first measurement amount; and measure the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS within the second time period to obtain a second measurement amount.

[0296] In one possible implementation, the first identification information is used to identify a first preset distance, and the second identification information is used to identify a second preset distance; the processing unit 1130 is specifically configured to: when the distance between the terminal device and the second network device is less than or equal to the first preset distance, measure the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS to obtain a first measurement amount; when the distance between the terminal device and the third network device is greater than the first preset distance, and / or the distance between the terminal device and the third network device is less than or equal to the second preset distance, measure the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain a second measurement amount.

[0297] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1110 is further configured to send the first measurement value to the first network device, and / or send the second measurement value to the first network device.

[0298] In one possible implementation, the first measurement quantity further includes: the first downlink timing offset and the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS, and the second measurement quantity further includes: the second downlink timing offset and the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0299] In a possible implementation, the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0300] In one embodiment, the service cell of the device 1100 is a first cell, and the device includes: a transceiver unit 1110 and a processing unit 1130; the transceiver unit 1110 is used to receive third positioning information sent by the first network device, and the third positioning information includes configuration information of the first PRS; the processing unit 1130 is used to: measure the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS to obtain a first measurement amount, and the first measurement amount is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the first PRS; when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, stop measuring the first PRS.

[0301] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1110 is further used to receive fourth positioning information sent by the first network device, where the fourth positioning information includes configuration information of the second PRS; the processing unit 1130 is further used to measure the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain a second measurement quantity, where the second measurement quantity is used to indicate the receiving and transmitting time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0302] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1110 is further configured to send the first measurement value to the first network device, and / or send the second measurement value to the first network device.

[0303] In one possible implementation, the first measurement quantity further includes: the first downlink timing offset and the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS, and the second measurement quantity further includes: the second downlink timing offset and the subframe offset of the transmit and receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

[0304] In a possible implementation, the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0305] As a design, the apparatus 1100 may be used to execute the actions performed by the fourth network device in the above method embodiment.

[0306] In one embodiment, the device 1100 establishes a communication connection with the terminal device, the service cell of the terminal device is the first cell, and the device 1100 includes a transceiver unit 1110; the transceiver unit 1110 is used to send third indication information to the first network device when the service cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, and the third indication information is used to instruct the first network device to configure the configuration information of the second PRS.

[0307] As a design, the apparatus 1100 may be used to execute the actions performed by the first network device in the above method embodiment.

[0308] In one embodiment, the apparatus 1100 establishes a communication connection with a terminal device, the service cell of the terminal device is a first cell, and the apparatus 1100 includes: a transceiver unit 1110 and a processing unit 1130; the transceiver unit 1110 is used to receive third indication information sent by a fourth network device, the third indication information being used to instruct the first network device to configure configuration information of the second PRS; the processing unit 1130 is used to configure the configuration information of the second PRS according to the third indication information; the transceiver unit 1110 is also used to send fourth positioning information to the terminal device, the fourth positioning information including the configuration information of the second PRS.

[0309] In a possible implementation, the first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

[0310] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of another positioning device 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0311] The device 1200 includes a memory 1210, a processor 1220, and a communication interface 1230. The memory 1210, processor 1220, and communication interface 1230 are connected via an internal connection path. The memory 1210 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1220 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1210 to control the communication interface 1230 to obtain information or enable the device 1200 to implement the aforementioned positioning method. Optionally, the memory 1210 can be coupled to the processor 1220 via an interface or integrated with the processor 1220.

[0312] It should be noted that the communication interface 1230 may be a transceiver such as, but not limited to, a transceiver. The communication interface 1230 may also include an input / output interface.

[0313] The processor 1220 stores one or more computer programs, which include instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor 1220, the apparatus 1200 executes the positioning method in each of the above embodiments.

[0314] During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor 1220 or by instructions in the form of software. The method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory 1210, and the processor 1220 reads the information in the memory 1210 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0315] Optionally, the communication interface 1230 in FIG. 12 may implement the transceiver unit 1110 in FIG. 11 , and the processor 1220 in FIG. 12 may implement the processing unit 1130 in FIG. 11 .

[0316] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a program code. When the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer executes any one of the methods in FIG. 3 to FIG. 10 .

[0317] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the computer executes any one of the methods in Figures 3 to 10 above.

[0318] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, comprising: a circuit, wherein the circuit is used to execute any one of the methods in FIG. 3 to FIG. 10 above.

[0319] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0320] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0321] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0322] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0323] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0324] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0325] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a terminal device, where the serving cell of the terminal device is a first cell, and the method includes: Receive first positioning information sent by a first network device, where the first positioning information includes configuration information of a first positioning reference signal PRS, configuration information of a second PRS, and first indication information, where the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell, or the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell and the non-serving cell; Determine, according to the configuration information of the first PRS and the first indication information, a first measurement amount, where the first measurement amount is used to indicate a sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the first PRS; When the serving cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, a second measurement amount is determined according to the configuration information of the second PRS, where the second measurement amount is used to indicate the sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first indication information is bit information. When the bit information is a first value, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first indication information is bit information. When the bit information is a second value, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell and the non-serving cell.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The method further comprises: The first measurement value is sent to the first network device, and / or the second measurement value is sent to the first network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PRS corresponding to the serving cell; Before determining the second measurement amount according to the configuration information of the second PRS, the method further includes: Receive second indication information sent by the first network device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the second PRS.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The first measurement value further includes: a first downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of a transmit / receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS; the second measurement value further includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of a transmit / receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

8. A positioning method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a terminal device, where the serving cell of the terminal device is a first cell, and the method includes: receiving second positioning information sent by the first network device, where the second positioning information includes configuration information of the first PRS, configuration information of the second PRS, first identification information, and second identification information, where the configuration information of the first PRS is associated with the first identification information, and the configuration information of the second PRS is associated with the second identification information; Determine a first measurement amount according to the configuration information of the first PRS and the first identification information, where the first measurement amount is used to indicate a sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the first PRS; When the serving cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, a second measurement amount is determined according to the configuration information of the second PRS and the second identification information, where the second measurement amount is used to indicate the sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first identification information is identification information corresponding to the second network device, and the cell where the second network device is located is the first cell. The second identification information is identification information corresponding to the third network device, and the cell where the third network device is located is the second cell.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first identification information is used to identify a first time period, and the second identification information is used to identify a second time period, where the start time of the second time period is later than the end time of the first time period; The determining, according to the configuration information of the first PRS and the first identification information, a first measurement amount includes: measuring the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS within the first time period to obtain the first measurement amount; The determining the second measurement amount according to the configuration information of the second PRS and the second identification information includes: measuring the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS within the second time period to obtain the second measurement amount.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first identification information is used to identify a first preset distance, and the second identification information is used to identify a second preset distance; The determining, according to the configuration information of the first PRS and the first identification information, a first measurement amount includes: when a distance between the terminal device and the second network device is less than or equal to the first preset distance, measuring the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS to obtain the first measurement amount, where the cell where the second network device is located is the first cell; The determining, based on the configuration information of the second PRS and the second identification information, a second measurement amount includes: when a distance between the terminal device and the second network device is greater than the first preset distance, and / or a distance between the terminal device and a third network device is less than or equal to the second preset distance, measuring the second PRS according to the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain the second measurement amount, where the cell where the third network device is located is the second cell.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first measurement value is sent to the first network device, and / or the second measurement value is sent to the first network device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that The first measurement value further includes: a first downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of a transmit / receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS; the second measurement value further includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of a transmit / receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

14. A positioning method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a terminal device, where the serving cell of the terminal device is a first cell, and the method includes: receiving third positioning information sent by the first network device, where the third positioning information includes configuration information of the first PRS; Measuring the first PRS according to the configuration information of the first PRS to obtain a first measurement value, where the first measurement value is used to indicate a sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the first PRS; When the serving cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, the measurement of the first PRS is stopped.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The method further comprises: receiving fourth positioning information sent by the first network device, where the fourth positioning information includes configuration information of a second PRS; The second PRS is measured according to the configuration information of the second PRS to obtain a second measurement amount, where the second measurement amount is used to indicate a sending and receiving time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first measurement value is sent to the first network device, and / or the second measurement value is sent to the first network device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The first measurement value further includes: a first downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of a transmit / receive time difference corresponding to the first PRS; the second measurement value further includes: a second downlink timing offset and a subframe offset of a transmit / receive time difference corresponding to the second PRS.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein The first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

19. A positioning method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a fourth network device, the fourth network device establishes a communication connection with a terminal device, the serving cell of the terminal device is a first cell, and the method includes: When the serving cell of the terminal device is switched from the first cell to the second cell, third indication information is sent to the first network device, where the third indication information is used to instruct the first network device to configure configuration information of the second PRS.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The first cell is a cell where the second network device is located, and the second cell is a cell where the third network device is located.

21. A positioning method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a first network device, the first network device establishes a communication connection with a terminal device, and the serving cell of the terminal device is a first cell. The method includes: receiving third indication information sent by a fourth network device, where the third indication information is used to instruct the first network device to configure configuration information of a second PRS; Configure configuration information of the second PRS according to the third indication information; Send fourth positioning information to the terminal device, where the fourth positioning information includes configuration information of the second PRS.

22. A positioning device, characterized in that: The method comprises: a unit or module for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A positioning device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is coupled to the memory, the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21 is executed.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a program code, and when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

25. A chip, characterized in that: include: A circuit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer product comprises a computer program, which enables a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21 when the computer program is executed.

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