Communication method and device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and device, for use in solving the problem that positioning services cannot be implemented caused by nodes of different manufacturers in a network being unable to exchange channel measurement information. The method comprises: receiving a first message from one or more access nodes, wherein the first message comprises signal measurement information, and the one or more access nodes comprise a serving access node of a terminal and / or other access nodes near the terminal; determining position information of the terminal on the basis of the signal measurement information; and sending a second message to a first access node, wherein the second message comprises the position information.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410494442.X, filed on April 23, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] As communication technologies evolve towards higher security, scalability, high availability, and high-speed applications, location services have become an important research area. Current location services can be implemented through core network elements, such as the Location Management Function (LMF) element. The base station configures channel measurement resources for the terminal, which then sends measurement signals on these resources. The base station measures the signals to obtain channel measurement information and reports it to the LMF. The LMF can then estimate the terminal's location based on this reported channel measurement information.

[0004] However, considering that various network elements deployed in the network may come from different service providers, such as base stations and core network elements, the base station manufacturer cannot send the obtained channel measurement information to the core network elements of different service providers, such as LMF, which makes it impossible to realize the positioning service. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to solve the problem that nodes from different manufacturers in a network cannot exchange channel measurement information and thus cannot provide location services, thereby improving the user experience.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a network device or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) of the network device. For example, the network device can be a first device that includes a location service function of an access network. The method includes: receiving a first message from one or more access nodes, the first message including signal measurement information, the one or more access nodes including a serving access node of a terminal and / or other access nodes near the terminal; determining the location information of the terminal based on the signal measurement information; and sending a second message to the first access node, the second message including the location information.

[0008] In the above embodiments, the access node sends channel measurement results to the location service function on the access network side, such as the first device, so that the location information is estimated by the location service function on the access network side and the location service is implemented by the access network side. This avoids the need for the network elements of the access network and the core network to exchange the parameters required for positioning (such as signal measurement results), solves the problem that different service providers cannot exchange positioning data, and can flexibly implement the positioning service and improve communication efficiency.

[0009] In one implementation, the first message includes a message identifier and / or the identifier of the terminal. That is, when the access node sends signal measurement information to the first device, it can carry the terminal identifier to indicate which terminal the reported signal measurement information comes from, so that the location information of the terminal can be obtained based on the signal measurement information, and the terminal identifier can be associated. Alternatively, when the access node sends signal measurement information to the first device, it can use a message identifier to indicate that the first message is used to report signal measurement information to the first device to obtain a positioning result. The first device does not need to receive or store any form of terminal identifier, thereby saving the overhead of indication signaling and improving communication security.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first message further includes the Transmission Receiving Point (TRP) identifier of the one or more access nodes and / or the location information of the TRP. In the above embodiments, when an access node sends signal measurement information to the first device, it may also carry the TRP identifier and / or the TRP's location information, which can then be used for positioning calculations, improving positioning accuracy and efficiency.

[0011] In one implementation, the second message further includes a message identifier corresponding to the first message and / or the identifier of the terminal.

[0012] In the above embodiments, the first device sends the location information of the terminal to the access node (such as the first access node), thereby sending the positioning result obtained from the access network side to the node requesting the positioning service. The first message may carry an identifier of the terminal to uniquely identify which terminal the location information is associated with; or it may carry a message identifier of the first message to indicate that the location information included in the second message corresponds to the signal measurement information of the first message. As mentioned above, the first device does not need to receive or store any form of terminal identifier, which saves the overhead of indication signaling and improves communication security.

[0013] In one implementation, before receiving the first message, the method further includes: receiving a third message from a second access node for requesting to obtain the location information of the terminal, the third message including the identifier of the terminal.

[0014] In the above embodiments, any access node in the network can request a location service from the first device or forward a service request from the core network. For example, a second access node can send a third message to the first device to request the location information of the terminal. This enables the access network to provide a location service, solves the problem of different service providers being unable to exchange location data, and allows for flexible implementation of location services, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0015] In one implementation, before receiving the first message, the method further includes: sending a fourth message to one or more access nodes, the fourth message indicating a first resource, the fourth message being used to request the measurement of the terminal's signal through the first resource.

[0016] In the above embodiments, the first device can send a measurement configuration, such as a fourth message, to one or more access nodes, carrying a designated resource, such as a first resource, for measuring the terminal signal. This allows one or more access nodes to measure the terminal signal on the designated resource, obtain the signal measurement result, and use the location service function on the access network side to obtain the location result. This enables the access network side to implement the location service, solves the problem of different service providers being unable to exchange location data, and enables flexible implementation of the location service, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0017] In one implementation, the third message and / or the fourth message includes first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node; or, the first indication information includes the identifier of the first device, used to indicate that the positioning service node is the first device.

[0018] In the above embodiments, when any access node in the network sends a location service request to the first device, it may carry first indication information, that is, indicating that the current location method is the location method of the access network node, or carrying the identifier of the first device to indicate that the location service is implemented by the first device; or, when the first device sends a measurement configuration to the access node, it may carry the first indication information, so that the access node can implement the location service by feeding back the signal measurement results to the first device, thereby improving the security and convenience of data interaction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first indication information further includes an identifier of a second device, used to indicate that the first device is used to collect measurement information or forward measurement requests, and the second device is used to determine location information; or, the second device is used to collect measurement information, and the first device is used to determine location information; wherein the second device includes the location service function of the access network.

[0020] In the above embodiments, the location service of the access network can be implemented by more than one service node. For example, one service node is used to collect measurement information or forward location requests, while another service node can be used to calculate or determine location information. This enables distributed processing, avoids the problem of insufficient data processing capacity or communication congestion of a single service node, and improves resource utilization.

[0021] In one implementation, before sending a fourth message to one or more access nodes, the method further includes receiving a fifth message, the fifth message including the identifiers of the one or more access nodes.

[0022] In the above embodiments, the core network elements (such as access and mobility management functions) can send a fifth message to the first device to indicate the identifiers of one or more access nodes that perform this positioning measurement for the terminal. The first device can then send measurement configurations to the indicated one or more access nodes so that the access nodes can complete the signal measurement of the terminal and obtain the signal measurement results. Based on the signal measurement results, the location information can be calculated to realize the positioning service on the access network side, thereby improving communication efficiency and user experience.

[0023] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an access and mobility management function (AM) network element or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) of an AM network element. The method includes: receiving a location service request message, the location service request message being used to request the acquisition of location information of a terminal; sending a sixth message to a location management function (MMU) network element in the core network or a first access node, the sixth message being used to request the acquisition of the location information of the terminal, the sixth message including an identifier of the terminal and first indication information; wherein the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node; or, the first indication information includes an identifier of a first device, used to indicate that the positioning service node is the first device, the first device including the positioning service function of the access network.

[0024] In the above embodiments, by sending a location service request to the location management function network element of the core network or the access node, which may carry an indication of the location method on the access network side, and then forwarding the location service request to the location service function on the access network side, the location service can be implemented by the service node on the access network side. This avoids the need for network elements of the access network and the core network to exchange the parameters required for location (such as signal measurement results), solves the problem that different service providers cannot exchange location data, and enables flexible implementation of location services, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving a seventh message from a second access node, the seventh message including the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the terminal.

[0026] In one implementation, the method includes sending the terminal's location information to the terminal or a gateway mobile positioning center. That is, the core network side can receive the terminal's location information from the access network's service node (such as the first device) from the access node, and subsequently forward this location information to the node requesting the location service, such as the terminal or gateway mobile positioning center, to complete the location service response.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first indication information further includes an identifier of a second device, used to indicate that the first device is used to collect measurement information or forward a location request, and the second device is used to determine location information; or, the second device is used to collect measurement information, and the first device is used to determine location information; wherein the second device includes the location service function of the access network.

[0028] In the above embodiments, the location service of the access network can be implemented by more than one service node. For example, one service node is used to collect measurement information or forward location requests, while another service node can be used to calculate or determine location information. This enables distributed processing, avoids the problem of insufficient data processing capacity or communication congestion of a single service node, and improves resource utilization.

[0029] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, applied to a location management function network element of a core network. The method includes: receiving a location service request message for requesting to obtain the location information of a terminal; sending a measurement request message to one or more access nodes, wherein the measurement request message indicates a first resource for indicating that the signal of the terminal is measured through the first resource, and the measurement request message further includes first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node; or, the first indication information includes an identifier of a first device for indicating that the positioning service node is the first device, and the first device includes the positioning service function of the access network.

[0030] In one implementation, the location service request message includes first indication information.

[0031] In one implementation, the method further includes: receiving second indication information from an access and mobility management function network element, indicating that the location service is to be performed by an access network node.

[0032] Fourthly, a communication method is provided for use in a core network location management function element. The method includes receiving second indication information from an access and mobility management function element, indicating that the access network node shall complete the location service.

[0033] Fifthly, a communication method is provided for an access node, the method comprising: receiving a measurement request message, the measurement request message indicating a first resource; measuring a signal of a terminal through the first resource to obtain signal measurement information; and sending a first message to a first device, the first message including the signal measurement information, the first device including a positioning service function of an access network.

[0034] In one embodiment, the measurement request message includes first indication information; wherein the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method for the terminal is the positioning method of the access network node; or, the first indication information includes an identifier of a first device, used to indicate that the positioning service node is the first device.

[0035] In one implementation, the first message includes a message identifier and / or the identifier of the terminal.

[0036] In one implementation, the first message further includes the Transmission Receiver Point (TRP) identifier of the access node and / or the location information of the TRP.

[0037] In one embodiment, the method further includes: receiving a second message from the first device, the second message including the location information of the terminal.

[0038] In one implementation, the second message further includes a message identifier corresponding to the first message and / or the identifier of the terminal.

[0039] In one implementation, the method includes sending the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the terminal to an access and mobility management function.

[0040] A sixth aspect provides a communication method applied to an access node, the method comprising: receiving a second message from a first device, the second message including location information of a terminal, wherein the first device includes a location service function of an access network, and the first device is used to implement the location function of the access network node for the terminal.

[0041] In one embodiment, the method further includes sending the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the terminal to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0042] A seventh aspect provides a communication method, the method comprising: one or more access nodes sending a first message to a first device, the first message including signal measurement information corresponding to a terminal; wherein the one or more access nodes include a serving access node of the terminal and / or other access nodes near the terminal, the first device including a location service function of an access network; the first device determining location information of the terminal based on the signal measurement information; the first device sending a second message to a first access node, the second message including the location information.

[0043] In one implementation, before sending the first message, the method further includes: the first device receiving a fifth message, the fifth message including the identifiers of the one or more access nodes; the first device sending a fourth message to the one or more access nodes according to the fifth message, the fourth message indicating a first resource, the fourth message being used to request the measurement of the terminal's signal through the first resource.

[0044] Eighthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus may be a network device as described in the first to seventh aspects, or a node or device comprising the aforementioned network device, or a module within the aforementioned network device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of performing some or all of the functions.

[0045] The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the methods described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0046] In conjunction with the eighth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any of their possible implementations. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any of their possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0047] In conjunction with the eighth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending and receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations.

[0048] A ninth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor; the processor being coupled to a memory and, after reading instructions from the memory, executing the method as described in any of the preceding aspects according to the instructions. The communication device may be a network device as described in the first to seventh aspects, or a node or device comprising the network device, or a module in the network device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions.

[0049] In conjunction with the ninth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0050] In conjunction with the ninth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0051] A tenth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit being configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor being configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a network device as described in the first to seventh aspects, or a node or device comprising the aforementioned network device, or a module within the aforementioned network device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions.

[0052] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0053] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0054] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0055] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first device as described in the first aspect above, an access and mobility management function network element as described in the second aspect above, and at least one access node in any possible implementation of the fifth or sixth aspect above.

[0056] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a core network location management function network element as described in any of the possible implementations of the third or fourth aspect above.

[0057] The technical effects of any of the possible implementations in aspects 2 through 13 can be found in the technical effects of the different possible implementations in aspect 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0058] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0069] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0070] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0071] First, a brief introduction will be given to the implementation environment and application scenarios of the embodiments of this application.

[0072] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 illustrates the interaction relationship between network functions (NFs) and entities, as well as the corresponding interfaces, using the network service architecture of a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system as an example. The service-based architecture (SBA) of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) for 5G systems includes network functions and entities such as: user equipment (UE), at least one access network (AN) or radio access network (RAN) node, user plane function (UPF), data network (DN), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), policy control function (PCF), application function (AF), unified data management (UDM), network exposure function (NEF), unified data repository (UDR), network storage function (NRF), gateway mobile location center (GMLC), and LMF network elements.

[0073] In this context, UE, (R)AN node, UPF, and DN are generally referred to as user plane network functions and entities (or user plane network elements), while the others are generally referred to as control plane network functions and entities (or control plane network elements). Control plane network elements are defined by 3GPP as having processing functions within a network. They possess 3GPP-defined functional behaviors and interfaces. An NF can function as a network element running on proprietary hardware, a software instance running on proprietary hardware, or a virtual function instantiated on a suitable platform, such as being implemented in a cloud infrastructure.

[0074] The main functions of each network function are described in detail below.

[0075] The user plane network functions in the communication system include:

[0076] (R)AN Node: A (R)AN can be an AN, a RAN, or an access network device, RAN entity, or access node, etc., forming part of the communication system to help terminal devices access the communication network. For example, a (R)AN can be various types of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations, radio controllers, relay stations, access points, or network equipment in vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, or future public land mobile networks (PLMNs). The (R)AN is primarily responsible for air interface-side radio resource management, quality of service management, data compression, and encryption.

[0077] In addition, (R)AN nodes can also be access nodes in open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), cloud radio access network (CRAN), or wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, or access nodes in communication systems that integrate two or more of the above systems.

[0078] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6th-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, a donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0079] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0080] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0081] UE: Also known as a terminal, terminal device, terminal equipment, mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal device. For ease of description, the following embodiments of this application use only terminal devices as examples.

[0082] UPF: Primarily responsible for forwarding and receiving user plane data. The UPF can receive downlink data from the DN and then transmit that downlink data to the UE via (R)AN. The UPF can also receive uplink data from the UE via (R)AN and then forward that uplink data to the DN.

[0083] DN: For example, DN can be a carrier service network, Internet access, or a third-party service network. DN can exchange information with UE through PDU sessions. PDU sessions can be of various types, such as Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and IPv6.

[0084] In addition, the control plane network functions in the communication system include:

[0085] AMF (Automatic Management Function): Primarily responsible for processing control plane messages and managing the mobility of terminal devices, including mobility state management, assigning temporary user identities, and authenticating and authorizing users. Examples include access control, mobility management, registration and deregistration, and network element selection.

[0086] SMF: Primarily used for session management, session establishment, allocation and management of UE's (private) IP address, responsible for session establishment, modification and release, and quality of service (QoS) control, etc.

[0087] UDM (User Authentication and Authorization Manager): Primarily used for authentication and credit processing, it manages subscription data, user identification, access authorization, registration / mobility management, subscription management, and SMS management. For example, when a user's subscription data is modified, the UDM is responsible for notifying the relevant network elements.

[0088] LMF: Implements location services, mainly used for functions such as receiving and processing location requests or location-related data requests, selecting location algorithms, determining relevant location measurement information based on different location algorithms, calculating location information and estimating location accuracy.

[0089] GMLC: As the operation platform for the positioning business system, it is mainly used to complete functions such as user data management, business data management, business contract information management, service provider data management and billing, and authentication of value-added business applications.

[0090] Optionally, for location service scenarios, the communication system may further include a location service client (LCS client) for initiating location service requests and obtaining location information of one or more terminals. In one implementation, the LCS client may be a logical functional entity within the PLMN, or it may be a logical functional entity outside the PLMN, such as a third-party location server deployed by a non-operator.

[0091] The functions of the other network elements included in Figure 1 can be found in the relevant descriptions in conventional technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] It should be noted that the network architecture shown in Figure 1 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, other network elements or devices may be included, and the number of access network devices, terminal devices, and / or core network devices may be determined according to specific needs.

[0093] Optionally, each network element shown in Figure 1 can be a device, a functional module within a device, or a logical functional unit. It is understood that the above functions can be network components in hardware devices, such as communication chips in mobile phones, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0094] Currently, the implementation of location service functions mainly involves at least one of the following network elements: terminal, RAN, AMF, LMF, GMLC or LCS client, etc.

[0095] Location service requests can be initiated through different network elements, such as through a terminal or AMF. Alternatively, location service requests can be indirectly initiated through GMLC, such as GMLC processing location service requests initiated by LCS clients.

[0096] For example, the 3GPP protocol defines the following three types of positioning procedures:

[0097] Mobile originating location request (MO-LR): A terminal can send a location service request to the serving AMF through non-access stratum (NAS) messages. For example, it can request its own location information or request auxiliary data for a certain location method.

[0098] Mobile terminated location request (MT-LR): GMLC requests location services for a specific terminal from the service AMF, such as requesting the location information of a terminal.

[0099] Network-induced location request (NI-LR): A location service request is issued from within the PLMN that is providing services to the mobile terminal. For example, if the AMF needs to initiate an emergency call service for a terminal under its jurisdiction, it can initiate a location service request.

[0100] The following section, with reference to Figure 2, briefly describes the implementation process of the location service.

[0101] In one implementation, when the location service is initiated by the terminal, the terminal can send the location service request to the RAN via the Uu interface, and the RAN can send the location service request to the AMF via the N2 interface. Optionally, when the location service request is initiated by the LCS client, the LCS client can send the location service request to the GMLC via the Le interface, and the GMLC can send the location service request to the AMF via the NL2 interface.

[0102] 1. The AMF can send a location service request to the LMF via the NL1 interface. For example, if the location service request is initiated by the AMF, step 1 can be executed directly.

[0103] 2. After receiving a location service request, the LMF can send location assistance data to the terminal through the NL1, N2 or Uu interface, and query the terminal or RAN for signal measurement information. The LMF can then calculate the terminal's location information, i.e., the location result.

[0104] In one implementation, the LMF can select a positioning method based on at least one of the following information: the positioning method configured by the LMF, the positioning function activation flag of the cell where the terminal is located, the positioning capability of the terminal, or the quality of service (QoS) of the positioning service required by the application, such as positioning accuracy or positioning latency.

[0105] In one implementation, the LMF can send measurement configuration information to the RAN, the RAN can send measurement configuration to the UE, the RAN can measure the UE's uplink reference signal, and the RAN can return the measurement results to the LMF.

[0106] 3. The LMF can return the location results to the AMF via the NL1 interface. If the AMF is the initiator of the location function, the process ends; otherwise, proceed to the next step.

[0107] For example, the LMF can also send notification messages to the AMF, including location success, failure, and location error information.

[0108] 4. The AMF can send the location results to the entity that initiated the location service request, such as the terminal or the GMLC. For example, when the location service request is initiated by the LCS client, the GMLC then sends the obtained terminal location information to the LCS client that initiated the location request.

[0109] However, in the process of implementing the above-mentioned positioning service function, the access node and the core network element need to exchange signal measurement results. Considering that the various network elements deployed in the network may come from different service providers, such as the access node and the core network element, the access node may be unable or unwilling to send the obtained channel measurement information to the core network element of different service providers, such as LMF or AMF, which leads to the unavailability of the positioning service.

[0110] To address the above problems, this application provides a communication method and apparatus that implements positioning services through the positioning of access network nodes. In other words, signal measurement information is collected on the access network side and the location information of the terminal is obtained based on the signal measurement information to realize positioning services. This solves the problem that the access node and the network elements on the core network side cannot exchange signal measurement information, and flexibly realizes positioning services in the communication network.

[0111] It is understood that devices or network elements in the communication systems shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 can communicate directly or through forwarding by other devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0112] It is understood that Figure 2 above is merely a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solutions provided in this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementation processes, the communication system may include fewer devices or network elements than those shown in Figure 2, or the communication system may also include other devices or other network elements, and the number of devices or network elements in the communication system can be determined according to specific needs.

[0113] It should be noted that the communication system shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system may also include other devices or network elements, and the number of each network element may be determined according to specific needs.

[0114] Optionally, each network element in Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the embodiments of this application can be a functional module within a device. It is understood that the above functions can be network elements in hardware devices, such as communication chips in mobile phones, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., cloud platform).

[0115] For example, each network element in Figure 1 or Figure 2 can be implemented using the communication device 300 in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to embodiments of this application. The communication device 300 includes at least one processor 301, a communication line 302, a memory 303, and at least one communication interface 304.

[0116] The processor 301 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the program of the present application.

[0117] Communication line 302 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components, such as a bus.

[0118] Communication interface 304 uses any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet interface, RAN interface, wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, etc.

[0119] The memory 303 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or it may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor via communication line 302. The memory may also be integrated with the processor. The memory provided in the embodiments of this application may generally be non-volatile. The memory 303 is used to store computer execution instructions that are involved in the scheme of this application and is controlled by the processor 301 for execution. The processor 301 is used to execute computer execution instructions stored in the memory 303, thereby implementing the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0120] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0121] In a specific implementation, as one example, processor 301 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG3.

[0122] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 300 may include multiple processors, such as processor 301 and processor 307 in FIG. 3. Each of these processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. Here, a processor may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0123] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 300 may further include an output device 305 and an input device 306. The output device 305 communicates with the processor 301 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 305 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 306 communicates with the processor 301 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 306 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0124] The communication device 300 described above can be a general-purpose device or a dedicated device. In specific implementations, the communication device 300 can be a portable computer, a web server, a handheld digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal device, an embedded device, or a device with a similar structure to that shown in Figure 3. This application does not limit the type of communication device 300.

[0125] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0126] It should be noted that the message names between network elements or the names of parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of this application are just examples. Other names may be used in the specific implementation. This application does not limit them in this respect.

[0127] It is understood that some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other steps or variations thereof may also be performed in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the steps in the embodiments of this application.

[0128] As shown in Figure 4, this application provides a communication method applied to a first device, a terminal, and one or more access nodes. The first device may include the location service function of the access network. The method may include the following steps.

[0129] 401: One or more access nodes send a first message to the first device, including signal measurement information corresponding to the terminal.

[0130] Correspondingly, the first device receives a first message from one or more access nodes and obtains the signal measurement information corresponding to the terminal.

[0131] One or more access nodes may include the terminal's serving access node, such as the terminal's serving base station, or the RAN node that provides access services to the terminal; and / or, include at least one other access node near the terminal, such as the terminal's neighboring base station or RAN node.

[0132] Signal measurement information refers to the signal measurement results obtained by the access node when measuring the signals sent by the terminal. For example, signal measurement information may include information such as signal strength, delay, phase, or channel matrix.

[0133] For example, RAN nodes can send measurement resource configuration information to terminals, allowing terminals to select resources for transmitting uplink reference signals. One or more RAN nodes can then measure the uplink reference signals transmitted by the terminals. For instance, a terminal can transmit a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) on a configured resource, and RAN nodes can measure the terminal's SRS signal on that resource to obtain signal measurement information, which may include measurements of signal strength, delay, or phase.

[0134] Referring to Figure 5, for example, the first device can be a NodeC node, including an access network positioning service function (LMF*), which is used to implement positioning services on the access network side. The access node providing access services to the terminal can be a RAN node or a NodeB node, used to implement communication functions, while the NodeC node is used to implement service functions. For example, the NodeC node can be used to provide positioning, artificial intelligence (AI) computing, or sensing functions, etc.

[0135] Optionally, the first device, such as the NodeC node, may also include a proxy responsible for external information exchange, such as providing various services or business add-ons. Alternatively, the NodeC's functionality may be exposed to third-party applications through an application programming interface (API), allowing third-party applications to directly access relevant services through the NodeC's proxy via the API.

[0136] It should be understood that the communication structure shown in Figure 5 is only an example. NodeC LMF* and NodeC Proxy can be deployed on the same device or separately. This application does not limit this.

[0137] Optionally, the NodeC can adopt a service-oriented architecture similar to the core network, as shown in Figure 5. The NodeC's proxy is connected to the NodeB node CU, and the standardized interface can be named the Nx interface.

[0138] In one implementation, the interface between the first device NodeC and the access node RAN can be an Nx interface. One or more RANs near the terminal can send a first message to the NodeC through the Nx interface to report signal measurement information. For example, the first message can be similar to the existing NRPPa MEASUREMENT REPORT message or E-CID MEASUREMENT INITIATION REPORT message, which carries signal measurement information such as signal strength, delay, phase, or H-channel matrix.

[0139] In one implementation, the first message includes a message identifier. The message identifier (such as a transaction ID) corresponding to the first message indicates that the first message is used to report signal measurement information to the first device to obtain a positioning result (i.e., location information).

[0140] Optionally, the first message may also include the identifier of the terminal, such as the identifier of the terminal on the Nx interface, so that the first device can uniquely identify the corresponding terminal based on the identifier.

[0141] In one implementation, depending on the positioning method or algorithm selected by the first device, it may be necessary to calculate the terminal's location information based on the distance and angle information between the terminal and the transmission reception point (TRP) of the access node. Here, the TRP can be understood as the signal transmission and reception portion of the access node, such as the radio frequency (RF) portion.

[0142] Optionally, the first message may also include the TRP identifiers corresponding to one or more access nodes, and / or the location information of the TRPs.

[0143] For example, in the Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA) positioning algorithm, the terminal's location information needs to be calculated based on the propagation delay information between the terminal and the TRPs of the three access nodes. If the first device uses the UL-TDOA positioning algorithm, three or more access nodes near the terminal (which may or may not include the terminal's serving base station) can send a first message to the first device, including signal measurement information, the TRP identifier of the access node, and the location information of the TRP, etc. Therefore, the first device can calculate the terminal's location information based on the received information and the positioning algorithm.

[0144] It should be noted that, compared to the first message carrying the terminal's identifier, the advantage of the first message only carrying the message identifier is that the first device does not need to receive or store any form of terminal identifier. It only needs to calculate the location information of a terminal based on the received first message, without needing to know which terminal it is about.

[0145] 402: The first device determines the location information of the terminal based on the first message.

[0146] For example, the first device can obtain the location information of the terminal based on the signal measurement information included in the first message and other relevant information, according to a configured / selected positioning algorithm. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the positioning algorithm used; please refer to relevant technical descriptions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0147] For example, the first device can calculate the terminal's location information based on the AI ​​model. For instance, signal measurement information, TRP location information, etc., can be input into the AI ​​model, and the AI ​​model can output the location information.

[0148] 403: The first device sends a second message to the first access node, including the location information of the terminal.

[0149] For example, the first device can send a second message to the first access node via the Nx interface, wherein the second message includes the terminal's location information. For instance, the second message can specifically be a POSITIONING REPORT message.

[0150] In one embodiment, the first access node can be the RAN serving node of the terminal, or the first access node can be any access node that can be used to transmit location information. This application does not specifically limit the first access node.

[0151] Optionally, the second message may also include a message identifier corresponding to the first message, used to indicate that the location information included in the second message is the location information corresponding to / associated with the first message. In other words, the inclusion of the message identifier of the first message in the second message indicates that the location information included in the second message is the location information corresponding to the signal measurement information of the first message.

[0152] Optionally, the second message may also include a terminal identifier, which is associated with the location information in the second message and is used to indicate that the location information in the second message is the location information corresponding to the terminal.

[0153] Correspondingly, the first access node receives the second message from the first device.

[0154] Optionally, the terminal's location information can be placed in the message container of the second message. The first access node does not parse the second message and can directly pass the second message through to the network element of the core network, such as the AMF.

[0155] In one implementation, the first access node can send the terminal's location information to a core network element such as the AMF. For example, a new NGAP message, such as a POSITIONING REPORT message, can be introduced, which can carry the terminal's location information and the terminal's identifier, such as the terminal's NG interface identifier, UE NGAP ID.

[0156] Optionally, the AMF can send the terminal's location information to the network element that initiated the location request. For example, if the location request is initiated by the GMLC, the AMF can send a location response to the GMLC, carrying the terminal's location information.

[0157] Alternatively, the AMF can send a location response message to the LMF to provide the location result, indicating whether the location was successful or failed. If the location was successful, the message can also include the obtained terminal location information.

[0158] For example, the response message could specifically be a Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Response message, which could include the terminal's location information.

[0159] In the above implementation, the access node sends channel measurement results to the location service function on the access network side, thereby enabling the location service function on the access network side to estimate the location information and realize the location function on the access network side. This avoids the need for network elements of the access network and the core network to exchange the parameters (such as signal measurement results) required for location, solves the problem that different service providers cannot exchange location data, and can flexibly realize location services and improve communication efficiency.

[0160] In the embodiments of this application, depending on whether the LMF network element on the core network side participates in the implementation process of the positioning service, the following two implementation methods are included.

[0161] In the first implementation method, the LMF network element can participate in the implementation process of the location service of the access network. For example, during the location service process, the AMF can send a location request message to the LMF, and the location calculation process is implemented by the location service function on the access network side. For example, the first device (NodeC LMF*) obtains the location information of the terminal based on information such as signal measurement results.

[0162] In addition, after obtaining the positioning result, the first device can feed back the positioning result to the LMF, such as including the location information of the terminal; or, it can directly feed back the positioning result to the network element requesting the positioning service, such as the GMLC, through the AMF.

[0163] Alternatively, in the second implementation method, the LMF network element does not participate in the implementation process of the access network's positioning service. The AMF can send a positioning request to the access node, and the access node sends the positioning request to the access network's positioning service function, so that the positioning is achieved by the positioning service function on the access network side. For example, the first device (NodeC LMF*) obtains the terminal's location information based on information such as signal measurement results, and feeds back the positioning result to the node requesting the positioning service.

[0164] The following sections will describe these two different implementation methods in conjunction with specific implementation procedures; further details will not be provided here.

[0165] It should be noted that in the various embodiments described above in this application, the multiple access nodes involved may include access nodes (such as RAN nodes) that provide access services to the terminal, or neighboring RAN nodes of the terminal, or any possible access nodes.

[0166] For example, a RAN node providing access services to a terminal can be used to send measurement configuration information to the terminal, obtain the terminal's signal measurement results, or send messages related to the terminal. The terminal's nearest neighbor RAN nodes can be used to obtain signal measurement results about the terminal. Since the positioning algorithm may need to be based on multi-station positioning, the terminal's nearest neighbor RAN nodes can specify resources to measure only the terminal's SRS and send the signal measurement results to the first device; they may not need to obtain the terminal's identifier.

[0167] Any possible access node can be used to interact with network elements of the core network, such as forwarding location request messages from the core network, or forwarding location results from the first device to network elements of the core network. For example, in step 403 above, the first device can send the location results to the first access node, which can then forward the location results to network elements of the core network, such as AMF, GMLC, or LMF.

[0168] Alternatively, in one implementation, the first device may receive a location request message from the second access node before receiving the first message. Optionally, the method may further include the following steps.

[0169] The second access node sends a third message to the first device to request the location information of the terminal. The third message includes the identifier of the terminal.

[0170] For example, the third message can be a location request message, such as the NxAP_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Request message, which may include the terminal's identifier to indicate that a request is made to obtain the location result of the terminal.

[0171] In one implementation, the third message may include first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node.

[0172] Alternatively, the first indication information may include an identifier of the first device, used to indicate that the location service node is the first device.

[0173] In other words, the third message may include the identifier of the node that implements the location service on the access network side, such as the identifier of the first device, such as NodeC ID, NodeC Proxy ID, or NodeC LMF*ID.

[0174] Optionally, the first indication information may further include the identifier of the first device and the identifier of the second device, for indicating that the first device is used to request location services and the second device is used to determine location information; or, the second device is used to request location services and the first device is used to determine location information; wherein the second device includes the location service function of the access network.

[0175] In other words, the nodes implementing the positioning service on the access network side can include two or more nodes. For example, the service nodes implementing positioning on the access network side include NodeC#1 and NodeC#2. NodeC1 can be used to forward positioning request messages, and NodeC2 is used to calculate / obtain the positioning result (such as the terminal's location information) based on signal measurement results (such as signal measurement information). In this case, the third message may include NodeC#1ID and NodeC#2ID.

[0176] For example, the second access node can be the serving node (RAN) of the terminal, or it can be any access node that can be used to send or forward location request messages. For instance, the second access node can receive location request messages from core network elements (such as AMF) and then forward the location request messages to the first device. The second access node can be the same node as the first access node, or it can be a different node. This application does not specifically limit the second access node.

[0177] Correspondingly, the first device can receive the third message.

[0178] In one implementation, before receiving the first message, the first device may send configuration information for measurement resources to one or more access nodes. That is, the first device may send resource configuration for measuring signals to the terminal's serving RAN node and / or neighboring RAN nodes, so that the one or more access RAN nodes can obtain signal measurement results by measuring the terminal's signals using the indicated resources. Optionally, the method may further include the following steps.

[0179] The first device sends a fourth message to one or more access nodes, indicating the first resource.

[0180] The fourth message is used to request a signal from the first resource measurement terminal.

[0181] Optionally, the fourth message may include first indication information. The first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node; or, the first indication information includes an identifier of the first device, used to indicate that the positioning service node is the first device. For a description of the first indication information, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0182] In one implementation, the AMF can indicate the identifiers of one or more access nodes that will perform signal measurements on the terminal to the first device via access nodes. For example, via a fifth message, the network can indicate the identifiers (or TRP identifiers) of the terminal's serving base station and nearby base stations to the first device, so that the first device can determine which access nodes to send the measurement resource configuration information to.

[0183] In other words, before sending the fourth message, the first device can receive the fifth message, which includes the identifiers of one or more access nodes, to send configuration information of measurement resources to one or more access nodes. Therefore, the first device can send the fourth message to one or more access nodes based on the identifiers of the access nodes in the fifth message, instructing them to use the first resource to request the measurement of the terminal's signal through the first resource.

[0184] In one implementation, if the AMF does not send an indication message (such as a first indication message) to the LMF before the location service is executed, the AMF can send a notification message to the LMF after the location service ends, indicating that the location service is implemented by the location service function of the access network.

[0185] Below, taking the GMLC initiating a location request as an example, and combining the location service process shown in Figure 6, we will introduce the aforementioned implementation method one, namely the process of the core network element LMF participating in the location service.

[0186] 601: GMLC sends a location request message to AMF.

[0187] For example, GMLC can send a Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Request message to AMF.

[0188] 602: The AMF sends a location request message to the LMF.

[0189] This location request message can correspond to the sixth message mentioned above, and is used by the AMF to request the LMF to locate the terminal and request to obtain the terminal's location information.

[0190] For example, the AMF can send an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request message to the LMF.

[0191] Optionally, the location request message may carry first indication information, such as the current location method being the location method of the access network node, to indicate that the location information calculation of the terminal is performed by the access network node. Alternatively, the location request message may include the identifier of the service node, such as NodeC ID, NodeC Proxy ID, or NodeC LMF*ID.

[0192] Optionally, if the location service is performed by the service node (such as the first device) of the access network determined by the AMF, the first indication information or the identifier of the service node may be carried; otherwise, the first indication information and the identifier of the service node may not be carried.

[0193] 603: The LMF sends a measurement configuration message to the terminal's serving base station via the AMF.

[0194] For example, the LMF can send NRPPa messages for measurement configuration, such as the POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST message, to the terminal's serving gNB via the AMF.

[0195] The serving base station of the terminal determines the SRS resource (as described in the first resource above), configures the uplink SRS resource to the terminal via an RRC message, and activates the terminal to send SRS signals. Then, the serving base station of the terminal can send a POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE message to the LMF, carrying the indication information of the SRS resource (as described in the first resource above).

[0196] 604: The LMF sends a signal measurement request to one or more access nodes via the AMF.

[0197] For example, the LMF sends a Measurement Request NRPPa message, such as a MEASUREMENT REQUEST message or an E-CID MEASUREMENT INITIATION REQUEST message, to one or more access nodes near the terminal (which may or may not include the terminal's serving base station) through the AMF.

[0198] The measurement request message may carry the SRS resource mentioned in step 603 above, and the application indicates that the nearby access node can measure the terminal's signal on the SRS resource, such as obtaining measurement information such as signal strength, delay or phase.

[0199] Optionally, the measurement request message may also carry first indication information or the identifier of the service node. The definition of the first indication information or the identifier of the service node can be found in step 602.

[0200] 605: One or more access nodes send a measurement response message to the LMF.

[0201] Optionally, the access node near the terminal can send a measurement response NRPPa message, such as a MEASUREMENT RESPONSE message or an E-CID MEASUREMENT INITIATION RESPONSE message, to the LMF via the AMF.

[0202] In embodiments of this application, step 605 may be omitted, or the measurement response message may not include the signal measurement result.

[0203] Optionally, the measurement response message may also carry first indication information to indicate that the current positioning service is a positioning method for access network nodes. Optionally, the first indication information may be used to indicate that the measurement response message does not include signal measurement results because the current positioning service is a positioning method for access network nodes.

[0204] 606: One or more access nodes measure the SRS signal of the terminal.

[0205] 607: One or more access nodes send signal measurement information to NodeC.

[0206] Step 607 corresponds to step 401 in the aforementioned embodiment, where one or more access nodes send a first message to the first device.

[0207] For example, in this application, a new Nx interface message is introduced, in which a RAN node near the terminal can send signal measurement information to the NodeC, similar to sending an NRPPa MEASUREMENT REPORT message or an E-CID MEASUREMENT INITIATION REPORT message, carrying signal measurement information (such as signal strength, delay, phase or H channel matrix, etc.), as well as a message identifier (e.g., transaction ID) and / or the terminal's identifier on the Nx interface.

[0208] Optionally, the message may also carry a TRP identifier and / or TRP location information.

[0209] 608: NodeC obtains the terminal's location information.

[0210] For example, the LMF* in NodeC can obtain the terminal's location information based on signal measurement results and positioning algorithms.

[0211] 609: NodeC sends the terminal's location information to the first access node.

[0212] Step 607 corresponds to step 403 in the aforementioned embodiment, whereby the first device sends a second message to the first access node, including the location information of the terminal.

[0213] For example, in this application, a new Nx interface message is introduced, such as a POSITIONING REPORT message. The NodeC LMF* can send the terminal's location information to the terminal's serving base station, carrying a message identifier associated with the message identifier in the aforementioned step 607 (e.g., the same transaction ID as in step 607, or an associated transaction ID) and / or the terminal's identifier on the Nx interface.

[0214] 610: The first access node sends the terminal's location information to the AMF.

[0215] For example, this application introduces a new NGAP message, such as a POSITIONING REPORT message, which carries the terminal's location information and the terminal's identifier, such as the terminal's NG interface identifier UE NGAP ID.

[0216] Correspondingly, this message can correspond to the aforementioned seventh message, which is used by the access node to send the terminal's location information to the AMF.

[0217] 611: AMF sends the terminal's location information to GMLC.

[0218] Optionally, the AMF can send a Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Response message to the GMLC via the LMF to provide feedback on the terminal's location information.

[0219] 612: The AMF sends a notification message to the LMF, indicating that the current positioning method is the access network node positioning method.

[0220] Optionally, if the positioning request message sent by the AMF to the LMF in step 602 does not carry the first indication information, that is, the AMF does not inform the LMF that the positioning method this time is the positioning method of the access network node, the AMF can send a notification message to the LMF after the positioning is completed to indicate that the positioning method this time is the positioning method of the access network node.

[0221] Below, taking the GMLC initiating a location request as an example, and combining the location service process shown in Figure 7, we will introduce the aforementioned implementation method two, namely the process in which the core network element LMF does not participate in the location service.

[0222] 701: GMLC sends a location request message to AMF.

[0223] 702: AMF sends a location request message to the access node.

[0224] This location request message can correspond to the sixth message mentioned above, and is used by the AMF to request the first access node (such as the terminal's serving base station or other access node) to locate the terminal and request to obtain the terminal's location information.

[0225] For example, the AMF can send a location request message to the terminal's serving gNB, carrying the identifier of the terminal that needs to be located, such as the UE NGAP ID.

[0226] It should be understood that in the aforementioned Embodiment 1, the AMF can send a location request message to the LMF, while the scheme in Embodiment 2 does not require the participation of the LMF.

[0227] Optionally, the location request message may also carry first indication information, such as indicating that the current location method is the location method of the access network node, or carrying the node identifier of the access network node performing the location service, such as: NodeC ID, NodeC Proxy ID or NodeC LMF*ID.

[0228] Optionally, if the service nodes performing the location service in the access network node include a first location service node (e.g., NodeC1) and a second location service node (e.g., NodeC2), then the location request message includes the identifier of the first location service node and / or the identifier of the second location service node.

[0229] Optionally, if the NodeC is visible to the AMF, the location request message can carry the first indication information, allowing the AMF to directly locate the NodeC through a gNB connected to it (which may not necessarily be the UE's serving gNB). If the NodeC is not visible to the AMF, the first indication information can be omitted.

[0230] Optionally, the location request message may carry the identifiers of one or more access nodes (and / or TRPs) to indicate the UE's serving gNB (or TRP) and / or nearby gNBs (or TRPs). The AMF may carry this information in step 702, or as previously described, the AMF may send a fifth message to the access node carrying the identifiers of one or more access nodes (and / or TRPs) for the access node to inform the NodeC of the information of one or more access nodes performing signal measurements on the terminal in step 703.

[0231] 703: The access node sends a location request message to the NodeC.

[0232] In step 702, the serving base station of the terminal can send an interface message of a location request to the NodeC, carrying the terminal's identifier, such as the UE NxAP ID, which is the UE identifier on the newly introduced Nx interface.

[0233] Optionally, the location request message may also carry first indication information, such as the identifier of the node that provides the location service function of the access network, such as NodeC ID, NodeC Proxy ID, or NodeC LMF*ID.

[0234] Optionally, the node identifier for the location service function of the access network may include the identifier of NodeC1 and / or the identifier of NodeC2.

[0235] Optionally, the location request message may carry the identifiers of one or more access nodes (and / or TRPs) to indicate the UE's serving gNB (or TRP) and / or nearby gNBs (or TRPs).

[0236] 704: NodeC sends a measurement configuration message to the terminal's serving base station.

[0237] Similar to step 603 in Implementation 1 above, NodeC can send NRPPa messages for measurement configuration, such as POSITIONING INFORMATION REQUEST messages, to the terminal's serving gNB.

[0238] The serving base station of the terminal determines the SRS resource (as described in the first resource above), configures the uplink SRS resource to the terminal via an RRC message, and activates the terminal to send SRS signals. Then, the serving base station of the terminal can send a POSITIONING INFORMATION RESPONSE message to the LMF, carrying the indication information of the SRS resource (as described in the first resource above).

[0239] 705: NodeC sends a measurement request message to one or more access nodes.

[0240] For example, NodeC LMF* can send an Nx interface message requesting a measurement to a RAN node near the terminal, similar to the MEASUREMENT REQUEST message in NRPPa or the E-CID MEASUREMENT INITIATION REQUEST message, carrying the SRS resource received in step 704, indicating that the nearby RAN node can measure the terminal's signal on this SRS resource.

[0241] Optionally, the measurement request message may carry the identifier of a second device, such as NodeC2, to indicate that one or more access nodes may send the signal measurement results to the second device, such as NodeC2, for calculating location information.

[0242] 706: One or more access nodes measure the SRS signal of the terminal.

[0243] 707: One or more access nodes send signal measurement information to NodeC.

[0244] Optionally, if the nodes for the location service function of the access network include NodeC1 and NodeC2, where NodeC1 is used to exchange location request messages and NodeC2 is used to calculate location information, then the NodeC involved in steps 701-705 can be NodeC1, and one or more access nodes can send signal measurement information to NodeC2. In this case, the NodeC involved in steps 707-709 can be NodeC2.

[0245] Step 707 carries the terminal's identifier (e.g., the terminal's identifier on the Nx interface) or the message identifier (e.g., transaction ID).

[0246] Optionally, step 707 may include the identification of the TRP and / or the TRP location information. It should be understood that the TRP here refers to the TRP that performs the measurement of the aforementioned terminal signal.

[0247] 708: NodeC obtains the terminal's location information.

[0248] For example, the LMF* in NodeC can obtain the terminal's location information based on signal measurement results and positioning algorithms.

[0249] 709: NodeC sends the terminal's location information to the first access node, carrying the terminal's identification information (e.g., the terminal's identifier on the Nx interface), or a message identifier associated with the message identifier in step 707 (e.g., the same transaction ID as in step 707, or an associated transaction ID).

[0250] 710: The first access node sends the terminal's location information to the AMF, carrying the terminal's identification information (e.g., the terminal's UE NGAP ID).

[0251] 711: AMF sends location results to GMLC.

[0252] In the above embodiments, the positioning service is implemented through service nodes on the access network side, such as the first device, the second device, NodeC1, NodeC LMF*, and / or NodeC2, to obtain location information. The execution of this positioning service does not require the access node to exchange signal measurement results with the core network elements, thereby solving the aforementioned problem of difficulty in exchanging information between different service providers, improving the flexibility of positioning service implementation, and increasing communication efficiency.

[0253] Furthermore, the implementation methods of this application can also be applied to O-RAN architecture, where the transmission between RAN nodes (such as NodeB) and NodeC can be performed through the RAN intelligent controller (RIC).

[0254] The RIC (Regulator-Instrument) can be used to collect network information and perform necessary optimization tasks. As shown in Figure 8, the RIC can communicate with the CU (Console of NodeB) via the E2 interface, and the RIC can communicate with the DU (Desktop Unit) of NodeB via the E2 interface. Additionally, the RIC can communicate with the NodeC (NodeC) via the Nz interface.

[0255] In one implementation, the aforementioned embodiments can be applied to the communication structure shown in FIG8. In this case, messages on the Nx interface in the aforementioned embodiments can be extended to the E2 and Nz interfaces. For example, steps 607 or 609 in Embodiment 1 shown in FIG6 can be forwarded via RIC. Steps 703, 705, 707 or 709 in Embodiment 2 shown in FIG7 can be forwarded via RIC.

[0256] For example, the access node sends signal measurement information to the NodeC, which may specifically include the access node sending signal measurement information to the RIC, and then the RIC sending the signal measurement information to the NodeC. As another example, the NodeC sends the terminal's location information to the first access node, which may specifically include the NodeC sending the terminal's location information to the RIC, and then the RIC sending the terminal's location information to the first access node. This application's embodiments will not elaborate further on these details.

[0257] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0258] The above mainly describes the solution provided by this application from the perspective of interaction between various network devices. Accordingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be the terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a component such as a chip that can be used in the terminal device; or it can be the second device in the above embodiments, or a component such as a chip that can be used in the second device; or the communication device can be the third device in the above method embodiments, or a component such as a chip that can be used in the third device.

[0259] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the unit and algorithm operations of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art 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.

[0260] It should be understood that the above description of the interaction between various network elements only uses terminal devices, first devices, second devices, or third devices as examples. In reality, the processing performed by the terminal devices is not limited to being performed by a single network element, the processing performed by the first devices is not limited to being performed by a single network element, the processing performed by the second devices is not limited to being performed by a single network element, and the processing performed by the third devices is not limited to being performed by a single network element.

[0261] This application can divide the communication device into functional modules based on the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It is understood that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0262] For example, when the functional modules are divided in an integrated manner, Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 900. The communication device 900 includes an interface module 901 and a processing module 902.

[0263] In some embodiments, the communication device 900 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG9) for storing program instructions and data.

[0264] For example, the communication device 900 can be used to implement the function of the first device in the above embodiments. The communication device 900 is, for example, the first device (or NodeC) described in the various embodiments of FIG4 to FIG7.

[0265] The interface module 901 can be used to receive a first message from one or more access nodes, the first message including signal measurement information, wherein the one or more access nodes include the terminal's service access node and / or other access nodes near the terminal.

[0266] The processing module 902 is used to determine the location information of the terminal based on the signal measurement information.

[0267] Interface module 901 can also be used to send a second message to the first access node, the second message including the location information.

[0268] In one implementation, the first message includes a message identifier and / or the identifier of the terminal.

[0269] In one implementation, the first message further includes the Transmission Receiver Point (TRP) identifier of the one or more access nodes and / or the location information of the TRP.

[0270] In one implementation, the second message further includes a message identifier corresponding to the first message and / or the identifier of the terminal.

[0271] In one embodiment, the interface module 901 can also be used to receive a third message from the second access node to request the location information of the terminal, the third message including the identifier of the terminal.

[0272] In one implementation, the interface module 901 can also be used to send a fourth message to one or more access nodes, the fourth message indicating a first resource, the fourth message being used to request the measurement of the terminal's signal through the first resource.

[0273] In one implementation, the third message and / or the fourth message includes first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node; or, the first indication information includes the identifier of the first device, used to indicate that the positioning service node is the first device.

[0274] In one embodiment, the first indication information further includes an identifier for a second device, indicating that the first device is used to collect measurement information and the second device is used to determine location information; or, the second device is used to collect measurement information and the first device is used to determine location information; wherein the second device includes the location service function of the access network.

[0275] In one implementation, the interface module 901 can also be used to receive a fifth message, the fifth message including the identifiers of the one or more access nodes.

[0276] Additionally, the communication device 900 can be used to implement the functions of the access and mobility management function network elements in the above embodiments. The communication device 900 is, for example, the AMF described in the various embodiments of Figures 4 to 7.

[0277] The interface module 901 can be used to receive a location service request message, which is used to request the location information of the terminal.

[0278] The interface module 901 can also be used to send a sixth message to the location management function network element of the core network or the first access node to request the location information of the terminal. The sixth message includes the identifier of the terminal and first indication information. The first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node. Alternatively, the first indication information includes the identifier of the first device to indicate that the positioning service node is the first device, and the first device includes the positioning service function of the access network.

[0279] In one embodiment, the interface module 901 can also be used to receive a seventh message from the second access node, the seventh message including the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the terminal.

[0280] In one embodiment, the interface module 901 can also be used to send the location information of the terminal to the terminal or the gateway mobile positioning center.

[0281] In one embodiment, the first indication information further includes an identifier for a second device, indicating that the first device is used to collect measurement information and the second device is used to determine location information; or, the second device is used to collect measurement information and the first device is used to determine location information; wherein the second device includes the location service function of the access network.

[0282] Additionally, the communication device 900 can be used to implement the location management function of the core network in the above embodiments. The communication device 900 is, for example, the LMF described in the various embodiments of Figures 4 to 7.

[0283] Interface module 901 can be used to receive location service request messages to request the location information of the terminal.

[0284] The interface module 901 can also be used to send a measurement request message to one or more access nodes. The measurement request message indicates a first resource for indicating that the signal of the terminal is measured through the first resource. The measurement request message also includes first indication information. The first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node. Alternatively, the first indication information includes an identifier of a first device for indicating that the positioning service node is the first device, and the first device includes the positioning service function of the access network.

[0285] In one implementation, the location service request message includes the first indication information.

[0286] Additionally, the communication device 900 can be used to implement the location management function of the core network in the above embodiments. The communication device 900 is, for example, the LMF described in the various embodiments of Figures 4 to 7.

[0287] The interface module 901 can be used to receive second indication information from the access and mobility management function network element, indicating that the location service is to be completed by the access network node.

[0288] Additionally, the communication device 900 can be used to implement the functions of the access node in the above embodiments. The communication device 900 is, for example, the access node, NodeB, or RAN node described in the various embodiments of Figures 4 to 7.

[0289] The interface module 901 is used to receive a measurement request message, which indicates a first resource.

[0290] The processing module 902 is used to obtain signal measurement information through the signal from the first resource measurement terminal.

[0291] The interface module 901 can also be used to send a first message to the first device, the first message including the signal measurement information, and the first device including the positioning service function of the access network.

[0292] In one implementation, the measurement request message includes first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method for the terminal is the positioning method of the access network node; or, the first indication information includes an identifier of a first device, used to indicate that the positioning service node is the first device.

[0293] In one implementation, the first message includes a message identifier and / or the identifier of the terminal.

[0294] In one implementation, the first message further includes the Transmission Receiver Point (TRP) identifier of the access node and / or the location information of the TRP.

[0295] In one embodiment, the interface module 901 can also be used to receive a second message from the first device, the second message including the location information of the terminal.

[0296] In one implementation, the second message further includes a message identifier corresponding to the first message and / or the identifier of the terminal.

[0297] In one embodiment, the interface module 901 can also be used to send the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the terminal to the access and mobility management function.

[0298] Alternatively, the communication device 900 can be used to implement the function of another access node in the above embodiments. The communication device 900 is, for example, the access node, NodeB, or RAN node described in the various embodiments of Figures 4 to 7.

[0299] The interface module 901 can be used to receive a second message from the first device, the second message including the location information of the terminal, wherein the first device includes a location service function of the access network, and the first device is used to implement the location function of the access network node for the terminal.

[0300] In one embodiment, the interface module 901 can also be used to send the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the terminal to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0301] In summary, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the functions performed by the first device, AMF, LMF, or access node in the above embodiments, other functions that the communication device 900 can implement can be referred to the relevant descriptions of any of the embodiments shown above, and will not be elaborated further.

[0302] In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 900 can take the form shown in FIG3. For example, the processor 301 in FIG3 can invoke computer execution instructions stored in memory 303 to cause the communication device 300 to perform the method described in the above-described method embodiment.

[0303] For example, the function / implementation process of the processing module 902 in Figure 9 can be implemented by the processor 301 in Figure 3.

[0304] For example, the function / implementation process of the interface module 901 in Figure 9 can be implemented through the communication interface 304 in Figure 3.

[0305] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC (System-on-a-Chip) or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0306] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0307] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0308] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0309] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0310] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, network device, or terminal device). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0311] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including: the first device and the access node in the above embodiments.

[0312] Optionally, the communication system may also include the AMF described in the above embodiments.

[0313] Optionally, the communication system may also include the LMF described in the above embodiments.

[0314] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0315] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0316] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0317] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0318] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first device, the first device including a location service function of an access network, the method includes: Receive a first message from one or more access nodes, the first message including signal measurement information, the one or more access nodes including the terminal’s serving access node and / or other access nodes near the terminal; The location information of the terminal is determined based on the signal measurement information; A second message is sent to the first access node, the second message including the location information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first message includes a message identifier and / or the identifier of the terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first message also includes the Transmission Receiver Point (TRP) identifier of the one or more access nodes and / or the location information of the TRP.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second message also includes the message identifier corresponding to the first message and / or the identifier of the terminal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Before receiving the first message, the method further includes: A third message is received from the second access node to request the location information of the terminal, the third message including the identifier of the terminal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Before receiving the first message, the method further includes: A fourth message is sent to one or more access nodes, the fourth message indicating a first resource, the fourth message being used to request the measurement of the terminal's signal through the first resource.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The third message and / or the fourth message include first indication information. Wherein, the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node; or, The first indication information includes the identifier of the first device, used to indicate that the location service node is the first device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first indication information also includes an identifier for the second device, indicating that the first device is used to collect measurement information and the second device is used to determine location information; or, The second device is used to collect measurement information, and the first device is used to determine location information; The second device includes a location service function for accessing the network.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Before sending the fourth message to one or more access nodes, the method further includes: Receive a fifth message, which includes the identifiers of the one or more access nodes.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to network elements for access and mobility management functions, the method includes: Receive a location service request message, the location service request message being used to request the location information of the terminal; A sixth message is sent to the location management function network element of the core network or the first access node to request the location information of the terminal. The sixth message includes the identifier of the terminal and first indication information. Wherein, the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node; or, The first indication information includes an identifier of the first device, used to indicate that the positioning service node is the first device, and the first device includes the positioning service function of the access network.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method includes: The terminal receives a seventh message from the second access node, the seventh message including the terminal's location information and the terminal's identifier.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method includes: The location information of the terminal is sent to the terminal or the gateway mobile positioning center.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The first indication information also includes an identifier for the second device, indicating that the first device is used to collect measurement information and the second device is used to determine location information; or, The second device is used to collect measurement information, and the first device is used to determine location information; The second device includes a location service function for accessing the network.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a location management function network element in the core network, includes: Receive location service request messages to request the location information of the terminal; Send a measurement request message to one or more access nodes, the measurement request message indicating a first resource for indicating that the signal of the terminal is measured through the first resource, the measurement request message also including first indication information; Wherein, the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method is the positioning method of the access network node; or, The first indication information includes an identifier of the first device, used to indicate that the positioning service node is the first device, and the first device includes the positioning service function of the access network.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The location service request message includes the first indication information.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a location management function network element in the core network, includes: Receive a second instruction from the access and mobility management function network element, instructing the access network node to complete the positioning service.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to access nodes, the method includes: Receive a measurement request message, the measurement request message indicating a first resource; Signal measurement information is obtained through the signal from the first resource measurement terminal; A first message is sent to a first device, the first message including the signal measurement information, the first device including the location service function of the access network.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The measurement request message includes first indication information. Wherein, the first indication information indicates that the current positioning method for the terminal is the access network node positioning method; or... The first indication information includes the identifier of the first device, which is used to indicate that the location service node is the first device.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first message includes a message identifier and / or the identifier of the terminal.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17-19, characterized in that, The first message also includes the Transmission Receiver Point (TRP) identifier of the access node and / or the location information of the TRP.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17-20, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second message is received from the first device, the second message including the location information of the terminal.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The second message also includes the message identifier corresponding to the first message and / or the identifier of the terminal.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17-22, characterized in that, The method includes: The location information of the terminal and the identifier of the terminal are sent to the access and mobility management function.

24. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to access nodes, the method includes: The system receives a second message from a first device, the second message including the location information of the terminal, wherein the first device includes a location service function of the access network, and the first device is used to implement the location function of the access network node for the terminal.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: The location information of the terminal and the identifier of the terminal are sent to the access and mobility management function network element.

26. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: One or more access nodes send a first message to a first device, the first message including signal measurement information corresponding to the terminal; wherein, the one or more access nodes include the serving access node of the terminal and / or other access nodes near the terminal, and the first device includes the positioning service function of the access network: The first device determines the location information of the terminal based on the signal measurement information; The first device sends a second message to the first access node, the second message including the location information.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-26 to be performed.

29. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 26 is performed.

30. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising computer program code, characterized in that, When the computer program code is run on a computer, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 26 is performed.

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