Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: acquiring first information, wherein the first information indicates that a first terminal and a second terminal have an association relationship; receiving a location request message, wherein the location request message comprises an identifier of the first terminal, or an identifier of the second terminal, or a first identifier; acquiring location information of the first terminal and / or location information of the second terminal on the basis of the location request message and the first information; and sending a location response message. By means of the method, it is learned that the first terminal and the second terminal have an association relationship, that is, the first terminal and the second terminal have the same or close positions, such that when a location request message has been received, location information of a terminal having higher localization accuracy between the first terminal and the second terminal can be returned to a sender of the location request message.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410966258.0, filed on July 17, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] In current communication systems, in one possible scenario, a terminal may include two Universal Subscriber Identity Modules (USIMs), where the two USIMs have the same or similar locations. In another possible scenario, multiple terminals may belong to the same user; for example, a user may carry a mobile phone and a smartwatch, in which case the multiple terminals have the same or similar locations.

[0005] In both of the above scenarios, how to locate the terminal or user and improve the efficiency of location is a problem worth paying attention to. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for locating multiple USIMs or multiple terminals with the same or similar locations.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a terminal or a chip in a terminal. The method includes: sending first information, the first information indicating that a first terminal and a second terminal are associated; the first information including the identifier of the first terminal and the identifier of the second terminal; and receiving second information, the second information indicating that the association has been successfully established.

[0008] Using the above method, it is not necessary to establish the association by having the two terminals report their respective identifiers separately. Instead, the association between the first and second terminals can be established using only the first information, thus saving signaling overhead. Furthermore, the device receiving the first information knows that the first and second terminals are associated, meaning they have the same or similar locations. This allows it to obtain the location information of the terminal with higher positioning accuracy, thereby ensuring positioning accuracy.

[0009] In one possible design, an instruction message is sent that indicates the conditions under which the association is effective.

[0010] In one possible design, the conditions for the association to take effect include one or more of the following: the effective distance of the association, the effective time period of the association, and the effective region of the association.

[0011] In one possible design, positioning capability information is sent, which indicates the positioning accuracy of the first terminal and / or the positioning accuracy of the second terminal.

[0012] In one possible design, the positioning capability information indicates the type of wireless access technology used by the first terminal and / or the type of wireless access technology used by the second terminal, or the positioning capability information indicates the type of core network accessed by the first terminal and / or the type of core network accessed by the second terminal. Different wireless access technology types correspond to different positioning accuracies, and different core network types correspond to different positioning accuracies.

[0013] In one possible design, the first information may further include a first identifier, which is used to identify the association.

[0014] In one possible design, the second information includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the association.

[0015] In one possible design, after receiving the second information, a relationship termination message is sent, which includes the first identifier. Using this design, the relationship termination can be achieved.

[0016] In one possible design, upon detecting a first preset event, the association termination information is sent.

[0017] In one possible design, after receiving the second information, association update information is sent, which includes the first identifier, the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the third terminal. Using this design, the association relationship can be updated.

[0018] In one possible design, upon detecting a second preset event, the association update information is sent.

[0019] In one possible design, the identifier of the second terminal is obtained before sending the first information.

[0020] In one possible design, before sending the first information, third information is received from the second terminal, the third information being used to instruct the first terminal to send the first information; or, the third information is used to instruct the first terminal to have the capability to report the association relationship. Using the above design, a device can be implemented whereby the first terminal and the second terminal negotiate and report the first information.

[0021] Secondly, this application provides a communication method, the method comprising: acquiring first information, the first information indicating that a first terminal and a second terminal are associated; receiving a location request message, the location request message including an identifier of the first terminal, or an identifier of the second terminal, or a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the association; acquiring location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal according to the location request message and the first information; and sending a location response message, the location response message including location information, the location information being generated according to the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal.

[0022] Using the above method, the device that receives the first information learns that the first terminal and the second terminal are associated, that is, the first terminal and the second terminal have the same or similar locations. Therefore, when a location request message is received, the device can obtain the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal according to the location request message and the first information, and return the location information of the terminal with higher positioning accuracy between the first terminal and the second terminal to the sender of the location request message, thereby ensuring positioning accuracy.

[0023] In one possible design, indication information is obtained, which indicates the conditions for the association to take effect; before sending a location response message, the effectiveness of the association is determined based on the indication information. Using this design, the effectiveness of the association can be determined.

[0024] In one possible design, the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective distance of the association; the association is determined to be effective based on the indication information, and the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is determined to be less than the effective distance of the association based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0025] In one possible design, the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective time period of the association; the association is determined to be effective based on the indication information, and the time of receiving the location request message is determined to be within the effective time period of the association.

[0026] In one possible design, the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective area of ​​the association; the association is determined to be effective based on the indication information, and the first terminal and the second terminal are determined to be located in the effective area of ​​the association based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0027] In one possible design, the location request message may also include the reporting period or reporting trigger event of the location response message.

[0028] In one possible design, the location request message may also include a positioning accuracy requirement; the location information satisfies the positioning accuracy requirement.

[0029] In one possible design, after receiving the second information, association termination information is received, which includes the first identifier.

[0030] In one possible design, after receiving the second information, association update information is received, which includes the first identifier, the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the third terminal.

[0031] In one possible design, the location information is the location information of the first terminal, wherein the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the first terminal is higher than the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the second terminal; or, the location information is the location information of the second terminal, wherein the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the second terminal is higher than the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the first terminal.

[0032] In one possible design, positioning capability information is obtained, indicating the positioning accuracy of the first terminal and / or the positioning accuracy of the second terminal; the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal is obtained based on the location request message and the first information; and the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal is obtained based on the location request message, the first information, and the positioning capability information. Using the above design, it is possible to obtain the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal by combining the location request message, the first information, and the positioning capability information.

[0033] In one possible design, the positioning capability information indicates the type of wireless access technology used by the first terminal and / or the type of wireless access technology used by the second terminal, or the positioning capability information indicates the type of core network accessed by the first terminal and / or the type of core network accessed by the second terminal.

[0034] In one possible design, when obtaining the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal based on the location request message, the first information, and the positioning capability information, if the positioning capability information indicates that the positioning accuracy of the first terminal is higher than that of the second terminal, the location information of the first terminal is then obtained based on the location request message, the first information, and the positioning capability information. Therefore, the location server can obtain highly accurate location information without needing to obtain the location information of both terminals, saving signaling overhead and ensuring positioning accuracy.

[0035] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the processing unit invokes the transceiver unit to perform: sending first information, the first information indicating that a first terminal and a second terminal have an association relationship; the first information includes the identifier of the first terminal and the identifier of the second terminal; receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate that the association relationship has been successfully established.

[0036] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is used to send indication information indicating the conditions for the association to take effect.

[0037] In one possible design, the conditions for the association to take effect include one or more of the following: the effective distance of the association, the effective time period of the association, and the effective region of the association.

[0038] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to transmit positioning capability information, which indicates the positioning accuracy of the first terminal and / or the positioning accuracy of the second terminal.

[0039] In one possible design, the positioning capability information indicates the type of wireless access technology used by the first terminal and / or the type of wireless access technology used by the second terminal, or the positioning capability information indicates the type of core network accessed by the first terminal and / or the type of core network accessed by the second terminal.

[0040] In one possible design, the first information may further include a first identifier, which is used to identify the association.

[0041] In one possible design, the second information includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the association.

[0042] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to send association termination information after receiving the second information, the association termination information including the first identifier.

[0043] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to send the association termination information upon detecting a first preset event.

[0044] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to send association update information after receiving the second information, the association update information including the first identifier, the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the third terminal.

[0045] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to send the association update information upon detecting a second preset event.

[0046] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is used to obtain the identifier of the second terminal before sending the first information.

[0047] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to receive third information from the second terminal before sending the first information, the third information being used to instruct the first terminal to send the first information; or, the third information being used to instruct the first terminal to have the ability to report the association relationship.

[0048] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the processing unit invokes the transceiver unit to perform the following actions: acquiring first information, the first information indicating that a first terminal and a second terminal are associated; receiving a location request message, the location request message including an identifier of the first terminal, or an identifier of the second terminal, or a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the association; acquiring location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal according to the location request message and the first information; and sending a location response message, the location response message including location information, the location information being generated based on the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal.

[0049] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to acquire indication information indicating the conditions for the association to take effect; and to determine the association to take effect based on the indication information before sending a location response message.

[0050] In one possible design, the effective condition of the association includes the effective distance of the association; the processing unit is configured to determine, when the association is determined to be effective according to the indication information, that the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is less than the effective distance of the association based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0051] In one possible design, the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective time period of the association; the processing unit is configured to determine that the time of receiving the location request message falls within the effective time period of the association when the association is determined to be effective according to the indication information.

[0052] In one possible design, the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective area of ​​the association; the processing unit is configured to determine, when the association is determined to be effective according to the indication information, that the first terminal and the second terminal are located in the effective area of ​​the association according to the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0053] In one possible design, the location request message may also include the reporting period or reporting trigger event of the location response message.

[0054] In one possible design, the location request message may also include a positioning accuracy requirement; the location information satisfies the positioning accuracy requirement.

[0055] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to receive association termination information after receiving the second information, the association termination information including the first identifier.

[0056] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to receive association update information after receiving the second information, the association update information including the first identifier, the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the third terminal.

[0057] In one possible design, the location information is the location information of the first terminal, wherein the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the first terminal is higher than the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the second terminal; or, the location information is the location information of the second terminal, wherein the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the second terminal is higher than the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the first terminal.

[0058] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to acquire positioning capability information, the positioning capability information indicating the positioning accuracy of the first terminal and / or the positioning accuracy of the second terminal; the transceiver unit is configured to acquire the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal based on the location request message, the first information, and the positioning capability information when acquiring the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal based on the location request message and the first information.

[0059] In one possible design, the positioning capability information indicates the type of wireless access technology used by the first terminal and / or the type of wireless access technology used by the second terminal, or the positioning capability information indicates the type of core network accessed by the first terminal and / or the type of core network accessed by the second terminal.

[0060] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to, when obtaining the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal based on the location request message, the first information, and the location capability information, obtain the location information of the first terminal based on the location request message, the first information, and the location capability information, if the location capability information indicates that the positioning accuracy of the first terminal is higher than that of the second terminal.

[0061] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, which may be a first device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the first device that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in any of the first aspects above, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the first device.

[0062] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a second device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the second device that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in any of the second aspects above, or can be used in conjunction with the second device.

[0063] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one processing element, wherein at least one storage element is used to store programs and data, the at least one processing element being used to read and execute the programs and data stored in the storage element so that the method described in any of the preceding aspects of this application is implemented.

[0064] In one possible design, the communication device further includes the at least one storage element.

[0065] Eighthly, this application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0066] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device comprising: an interface circuit and at least one processor; the interface circuit being configured to provide input and / or output of a program or instructions to the at least one processor; the at least one processor being configured to execute the program or instructions such that the communication device can implement the method described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0067] In one possible embodiment, the communication device includes at least one memory for storing the program or instructions.

[0068] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer storage medium storing a software program that, when read and executed by one or more processors, can implement the method described in any one of the preceding aspects.

[0069] In one aspect, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in any one of the preceding aspects.

[0070] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a chip system comprising at least one chip and a memory, wherein the at least one chip is configured to read and execute a program stored in the memory to implement the method described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0071] Based on the implementations provided in the above aspects, this application can be further combined to provide more implementations. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a possible communication system in this application;

[0073] Figure 2 shows an architecture diagram of a SEAL in this application;

[0074] Figure 3 shows the architecture diagram of LMC and LMS in this application;

[0075] Figure 4A shows a schematic diagram of a multi-USIM scenario in this application;

[0076] Figure 4B shows a schematic diagram of a multi-terminal scenario under one user in this application;

[0077] Figure 4C shows a schematic diagram of a multi-terminal scenario under one device in this application;

[0078] Figure 5 shows one of the location-related flowcharts for two UEs belonging to the same group in this application;

[0079] Figure 6 shows the second flowchart related to the positioning of two UEs belonging to the same group in this application;

[0080] Figure 7 shows an overview flowchart of a communication method in this application;

[0081] Figure 8 shows one of the location management flowcharts in the multi-USIM / UE scenario of this application;

[0082] Figure 9 shows the second flowchart of the location management process in the multi-USIM / UE scenario of this application;

[0083] Figure 10 shows the third flowchart of the location management process in the multi-USIM / UE scenario of this application;

[0084] Figure 11 shows the fourth flowchart of the location management process in the multi-USIM / UE scenario of this application;

[0085] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to this application;

[0086] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of another communication device in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0087] The specific implementations of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments. However, the implementations of this application may also include combining these embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application, such as using other embodiments and making structural changes. Therefore, the detailed description of the following embodiments should not be understood in a limiting sense. The terminology used in the embodiment section of this application is only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit this application.

[0088] The embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) communication system, 5th Generation (5G) system or New Radio (NR), or future communication systems or other similar communication systems, etc.

[0089] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a service-oriented 5G network architecture. The 5G network architecture shown in Figure 1 may include terminals, access network equipment, and core network equipment. Terminals access the data network (DN) through access network equipment and core network equipment. The core network equipment includes various network functions (NFs) or network elements, such as some or all of the following network elements: unified data management (UDM) network element, unified data repository (UDR) network element, application function (AF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, user plane function (UPF) network element, network repository function (NRF) network element, network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, and authentication server function (AUSF) network element, etc.

[0090] Access network equipment can be radio access network (RAN) equipment. Examples include: base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, next-generation base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems. It can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of the access network equipment; for example, it can be a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). Access network equipment can be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, or donor nodes. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the access network equipment.

[0091] Terminals can be user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminals 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. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, urban air mobility vehicles (such as drones, helicopters, etc.), ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc.

[0092] Access network devices and terminals can be fixed in location or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the access network devices and terminals.

[0093] The following is a brief introduction to some core network equipment:

[0094] The AMF (Active Mobility Filter) element, or AMF for short, includes functions such as mobility management and access authentication / authorization. It is also responsible for transmitting user policies between the terminal and the PCF (Programmable Component Filter).

[0095] The SMF network element, or SMF for short, includes functions such as session management, execution of control policies issued by the PCF, selection of the UPF, and allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminals.

[0096] UPF (User Plane Filter) network elements serve as interfaces with data networks and include functions such as user plane data forwarding, session / flow-based billing and statistics, and bandwidth limiting.

[0097] UDM network elements, or UDM for short, include functions such as managing contracted data and authorizing user access.

[0098] UDR network element, or UDR for short, includes functions for storing and retrieving data of various types, such as contract data, policy data, and application data.

[0099] NEF (Network Element for short) is used to support the opening of capabilities and events.

[0100] An AF (Application Provider) network element, or AF for short, conveys the application's requests to the network, such as Quality of Service (QoS) requirements or user state event subscriptions. An AF can be a third-party functional entity or an application server deployed by the operator.

[0101] PCF network element, or PCF for short, includes policy control functions such as billing at the session and service flow levels, QoS bandwidth guarantee and mobility management, and terminal policy decision-making.

[0102] NRF network elements, or NRF for short, can be used to provide network element discovery functionality, providing network element information corresponding to the network element type based on requests from other network elements. NRF network elements also provide network element management services, such as network element registration, updates, deregistration, and network element status subscription and push.

[0103] NSSF network element: mainly responsible for network slice selection, determining the network slice instances that the terminal is allowed to access based on the terminal's slice selection auxiliary information, subscription information, etc.

[0104] AUSF network elements: support access authentication for both 3GPP and non-3GPP networks.

[0105] It is understood that the above network elements are merely examples of one implementation method. This application does not preclude the possibility that future communication systems or other similar communication systems may contain network elements or devices with the above-mentioned network element functions but with other names or forms. Furthermore, the above-mentioned network elements or functions can be network components in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). As one possible implementation method, the above-mentioned network elements or functions can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or a functional module within a single device; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0106] The current 3GPP SA6 is discussing the architecture and functions of the service enabler architecture layer for verticals (SEAL). It is a set of middleware functions for the application layer. It is deployed on the cloud platform after the UPF of the mobile communication network and provides supporting components for many applications (integrated into the application's business logic in the form of microservices or software development kits (SDKs)). Its basic functional structure is shown in Figure 2.

[0107] A functional model of SEAL consists of a SEAL client and a SEAL server. The vertical application layer (VAL) is the functional area of ​​the application layer. The VAL calls the interfaces or service APIs provided by SEAL to implement the application layer's business logic. The VAL client is the client function for terminal-side application services, obtaining application service information from the VAL server. The VAL server provides application services to one or more users of that service. The VAL client and VAL server exchange signaling and data via VAL-UU. The SEAL client interacts with the SEAL server via SEAL-UU and provides enabling services for the VAL via SEAL-C and SEAL-S respectively.

[0108] In this context, SEAL client and SEAL server are just abstract names. SEAL can have many specific functions, such as key management, group management, and location management.

[0109] This application primarily relates to group management and location management. Group management provides functions such as creating, updating, deleting, and querying groups. Location management provides functions such as querying, locating, and calculating the location of specific terminals, preset events indicating whether a terminal has appeared in a specific area, and the terminal's location.

[0110] For example, a SEAL client with location management capabilities can also be called a location management client (LMC), and a SEAL server with location management capabilities can also be called a location management server (LMS). Figure 3 shows an architecture diagram including LMC and LMS. Furthermore, the location management server can also communicate with third-party location management servers via the LM-3P interface. As another example, a SEAL client with group management capabilities can also be called a group management client (GMC), and a SEAL server with group management capabilities can also be called a group management server (GMS).

[0111] The following describes the possible application scenarios of this application.

[0112] Scenario 1: Multiple USIM Scenarios

[0113] The multi-USIM scenario refers to a scenario where a terminal includes at least two USIMs. The following description only uses the example of a terminal including two USIMs. It is understood that a terminal may also include more than two USIMs, and this application does not limit this.

[0114] In Scenario 1, the two USIMs will only differ in location when the SIM card is removed; otherwise, their locations will be the same. The positioning accuracy of the two USIMs may be the same or different. Furthermore, the two USIMs correspond to the same application, for example, application (APP) 1.

[0115] In Figure 4A (1), the terminal is equipped with APP1 and LMC. The terminal includes two USIMs, such as USIM1 and USIM2. The two USIMs can access the same public land mobile network (PLMN), such as PLMN1. The two USIMs communicate with the location server and application server through the PLMN (i.e., PLMN1).

[0116] In Figure 4A(2), the terminal is equipped with APP1 and LMC. The terminal includes two USIMs, such as USIM1 and USIM2. The two USIMs can access different PLMNs, such as PLMN1 and PLMN2. USIM1 communicates with the location server and application server through PLMN1, and USIM2 communicates with the location server and application server through PLMN2.

[0117] Scenario 2: Multi-terminal scenario under one user

[0118] A multi-terminal scenario under one user means a scenario in which at least two terminals belong to the same user. The following explanation only takes the example of one user having two terminals. It is understood that a user may have more than two terminals, and this application does not limit this.

[0119] In scenario 2, the two terminals can move independently, resulting in different locations for each. Furthermore, removing, changing, or turning off the SIM card in one terminal may also prevent the location of both terminals from being determined. Therefore, it's impossible to determine whether their locations are the same. The positioning accuracy of the two terminals may be the same or different. Additionally, both terminals can have the same application installed, such as APP1.

[0120] In Figure 4B(1), terminal 1 is equipped with APP1, LMC1 and USIM1, and terminal 2 is equipped with APP1, LMC2 and USIM2. USIM1 and USIM2 can access the same PLMN, for example, PLMN1. The two terminals communicate with the location server and the application server through this PLMN (i.e. PLMN1).

[0121] In Figure 4B(2), terminal 1 is equipped with APP1, LMC1 and USIM1, and terminal 2 is equipped with APP1, LMC2 and USIM2. USIM1 and USIM2 can access different PLMNs, such as PLMN1 and PLMN2. Terminal 1 communicates with the location server and application server through PLMN1, and terminal 2 communicates with the location server and application server through PLMN2.

[0122] Scenario 3: Multi-terminal scenario under one device

[0123] A multi-terminal scenario under one device means a scenario in which at least two terminals belong to the same device. The following description only uses the example of one device including two terminals. It can be understood that one device may also include more than two terminals, and this application does not limit this.

[0124] In scenario 3, the two terminals can move independently, resulting in different positions for each. Furthermore, removing, changing, or turning off the SIM card in one terminal may also prevent the location of both terminals from being determined. Therefore, it's impossible to determine whether their positions are the same. The positioning accuracy for each terminal may be the same or different. Additionally, the device containing both types of terminals can have an application installed, such as APP1.

[0125] In Figure 4C (1), the device is equipped with APP1 and LMC. The device includes terminal 1 and terminal 2. Terminal 1 includes USIM1 and terminal 2 includes USIM2. USIM1 and USIM2 can access the same PLMN, for example, PLMN1. The two terminals communicate with the location server and application server through the PLMN (i.e., PLMN1).

[0126] In Figure 4C (2), the device is equipped with APP1 and LMC. The device includes terminal 1 and terminal 2. Terminal 1 includes USIM1 and terminal 2 includes USIM2. USIM1 and USIM2 can access different PLMNs, such as PLMN1 and PLMN2. Terminal 1 communicates with the location server and application server through PLMN1, and terminal 2 communicates with the location server and application server through PLMN2.

[0127] Currently, if two UEs belong to the same group, the following two location-related processes can be provided.

[0128] In the first process, if two UEs belong to the same group, when requesting the location of one UE in that group, the location of the other UE can be provided as the location of the requested UE. For example, if UE1 and UE2 belong to the same group, when requesting the location of UE1, the location of UE2 can be provided as the location of UE1, or when requesting the location of UE2, the location of UE1 can be provided as the location of UE2.

[0129] As shown in Figure 5, the following explanation uses UE1 and UE2 belonging to the same group as an example. UE1 can also be replaced with VAL UE1 or LMC1, and UE2 can also be replaced with VAL UE2 or LMC2. Application server 1 can also be replaced with VAL server 1, and application server 2 can also be replaced with VAL server 2.

[0130] S501: UE1 sends a first location service registration request to the location management server, wherein the first location service registration request includes the identifier of UE1 and the identifier of a first group, for example, the identifier of group 1.

[0131] S502: The location management server sends the first location service registration response to UE1.

[0132] S503: UE2 sends a second location service registration request to the location management server. The second location service registration request includes the identifier of UE2 and the identifier of the first group.

[0133] S504: The location management server sends a second location service registration response to UE2.

[0134] Understandably, the order in which UE1 and UE2 are registered is not restricted here.

[0135] At this point, the location management server can detect that UE1 and UE2 belong to the same group.

[0136] S505: Application server 1 sends a first location information request to the location management server, wherein the first location request is used to request the location of UE1.

[0137] S506: The location management server sends a first location information request to UE1.

[0138] S507: UE1 sends a first location information report to the location management server, wherein the first location information report includes the location information of UE1, and the location management server stores the location information of UE1.

[0139] S508: The location management server sends the location information of UE1 to the application server 1.

[0140] S509: Application server 2 sends a second location information request to the location management server, wherein the second location request is used to request the location of UE2.

[0141] S510: The location management server sends the location information of UE2 to the application server 2.

[0142] For example, the location management server can return the location information of UE1 as the location information of UE2 to the application server 2 based on the fact that UE1 and UE2 belong to the same group and the location information of UE1 cached by S507.

[0143] In process two, if two UEs belong to the same group, when requesting the location of the group, one of the UEs can be selected for location.

[0144] As shown in Figure 6, the following explanation uses UE1 and UE2 belonging to group1 as examples. UE1 can also be replaced with VAL UE1 or LMC1, and UE2 can be replaced with VAL UE2 or LMC2. The application server can also be replaced with a VAL server.

[0145] It is understandable that before S601, the location management server already knew that UE1 and UE2 belonged to the same group, or it can be understood that S501 to S504 in Figure 5 above have been executed.

[0146] S601: The application server sends a location information request to the location management server. This location information request is used to request the location of group1.

[0147] The location management server can choose to request the location information of UE1 or UE2 based on whether UE1 and UE2 belong to the same group. If the location management server chooses to request the location information of UE1, it will execute S602A to S604A below. If the location management server chooses to request the location information of UE2, it will execute S602B to S604B below.

[0148] S602A: The location management server sends a location information request to UE1.

[0149] S603A: UE1 sends a location information report to the location management server. The location information report includes the location information of UE1, and the location management server stores the location information of UE1.

[0150] S604A: The location management server sends the location information of UE1 to the application server.

[0151] S602B: The location management server sends a location information request to UE2.

[0152] S603B: UE2 sends a location information report to the location management server. The location information report includes the location information of UE2, and the location management server stores the location information of UE2.

[0153] S604B: The location management server sends the location information of UE2 to the application server.

[0154] Based on the processes shown in Figures 5 and 6, it is clear that since the UE's location may change, UEs belonging to the same group may be close or far apart. The coverage area of ​​the group is unclear and undefined. Therefore, the above process may affect positioning accuracy. Furthermore, even if UEs belonging to the same group are close together—for example, two terminals belonging to the same user, or two USIMs within the same terminal—these can be understood as two different scenarios, and the corresponding processes should be distinguished.

[0155] Based on this, in order to achieve positioning of multiple USIMs or multiple terminals with the same or similar locations, improve positioning accuracy, and save signaling overhead, the embodiments of this application provide a communication method as shown in Figures 7 to 11. It is understood that the following embodiments are described with a location management server and a terminal as the execution entities. The location management server can be referred to as a communication device. For example, a location management server can be understood as a device with location management server functions, or a device capable of supporting the location management server in implementing these functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in the location management server or can be used in conjunction with the location management server. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the location management server can also be replaced by a server, a server with location management functions, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0156] A terminal can be referred to as a communication device. For example, a terminal can be understood as a device with terminal functions. For example, a device with terminal functions can be a terminal itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal in realizing these functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in a terminal or can be used in conjunction with a terminal.

[0157] In this application, the Location Management Controller (LMC) is located on the terminal and can be a third-party SDK or a location management module within the operating system. It is responsible for obtaining the terminal's location from the terminal's communication module / chip and positioning chip. Furthermore, it is responsible for receiving location requests or subscription requests from the location management server, sending the terminal's location to the location management server, and receiving location reporting triggers provided by the location management server, such as periodic or event-triggered triggers (e.g., cross-cell triggers). When the trigger is activated, it reports the terminal's location to the location management server. It can also interact with the LMC of another terminal via signaling to obtain the other terminal's location information.

[0158] A location management server can be a server providing microservice functionality deployed on a cloud platform, or it can be an SDK. It can interact with the LMC on the terminal side, and it can also interact with the NEF or gateway mobile location center (GMLC) in the PLMN network to obtain the terminal's location.

[0159] As shown in Figure 7, this application provides a communication method, which includes:

[0160] Step 700: The location management server obtains the first information.

[0161] The first information indicates that the first terminal and the second terminal are associated, and the first information includes the identifiers of the first terminal and the second terminal. The association between the first terminal and the second terminal can also be understood as a binding relationship, a location binding relationship, or the first terminal being located at the same or similar location as the second terminal. Optionally, the first information may also include a first identifier, which identifies the association relationship; the first identifier may also be called an association identifier. The first identifier may be a business identifier, an application identifier, or an application-layer user identifier, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0162] For example, the identifier of the first terminal is a subscription permanent indenter (SUPI) stored in the first USIM, or a generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), or an LMC identifier, or an IP address, or a combination of one or more of the following: MAC address, and the identifier of the second terminal is a SUPI stored in the second USIM, or a GPSI, or an LMC identifier, or an IP address, or a combination of one or more of the following: MAC address, or a combination of one or more of the following: SUPI stored in the second USIM.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the location management server can also obtain indication information, which indicates the validity or applicability conditions of the association. These validity conditions include one or more of the association's effective distance, effective time period, and effective region.

[0164] The effective distance of the association relationship, also known as the effective distance threshold of the association relationship, means that the association relationship between the first terminal and the second terminal is effective when the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is less than or equal to the effective distance of the association relationship.

[0165] The effective period of a relationship can also be called the validity period of the relationship. For example, if the effective condition of a relationship indicates time 2 and time 1, then the effective period of the relationship is from time 1 to time 2. Another example is if the effective condition of a relationship indicates time 1 and a first duration, then the effective period of the relationship starts counting from time 1, and the counting duration is the first duration. Yet another example is if the effective condition of a relationship is indicated in days.

[0166] The effective area of ​​the association can be a network area, such as a list of cells, a list of inspection areas, a list of routing areas, a list of service areas, etc., or a geographical location area described in latitude and longitude format, or an administrative area, such as a certain park, a certain office building, or an administrative district. This application does not limit this.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the location management server may also obtain positioning capability information, wherein the positioning capability information indicates the positioning accuracy of the first terminal and / or the positioning accuracy of the second terminal.

[0168] For example, in scenario 1, the terminal includes a first USIM and a second USIM, and the location management server can obtain positioning capability information from the terminal. Similarly, in scenario 3, the device includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal includes a first USIM, and the second terminal includes a second USIM, and the location management server can obtain positioning capability information from the device.

[0169] For example, in scenario 2, the first terminal includes a first USIM, and the second terminal includes a second USIM. Exemplarily, the location management server can obtain location capability information from the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0170] For example, the location management server can also obtain positioning capability information from the core network accessed by the first terminal and / or the core network accessed by the second terminal.

[0171] In one example, if the positioning capability information indicates the positioning accuracy of the first terminal, then the positioning capability information may include one or more of the following: the positioning technology supported by the first terminal, the positioning algorithm supported by the first terminal, the best positioning accuracy of the first terminal, the worst positioning accuracy of the first terminal, the average positioning accuracy of the first terminal, the type of radio access technology (RAT) used by the first terminal, and the type of core network (CN) accessed by the first terminal. If the positioning capability information indicates the positioning accuracy of the second terminal, the content that the positioning capability information may include can refer to the above example, and will not be repeated here.

[0172] For example, if the RAT type used by the first terminal is different from that used by the second terminal, the positioning capability information indicates the RAT type used by the first terminal and the RAT type used by the second terminal. Different RAT types correspond to different positioning accuracies. For example, the positioning accuracy of a terminal with RAT type NR is higher than that of a terminal with RAT type LTE. The mapping relationship between RAT type and positioning accuracy can be pre-configured in the location management server.

[0173] For example, if the CN type accessed by the first terminal is different from that accessed by the second terminal, the positioning capability information indicates the CN type accessed by the first terminal and the CN type accessed by the second terminal. Different CN types correspond to different positioning accuracies. For instance, the positioning accuracy of a terminal with a CN type of 5G core network (5GC) is higher than that of a terminal with a CN type of Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The mapping relationship between CN type and positioning accuracy can be pre-configured in the location management server.

[0174] For example, the first information, the indication information, and the positioning capability information can be carried in the same message or in different messages, and this application does not limit this.

[0175] The following describes how location management servers obtain initial information in different scenarios. It is understood that the following content can also be applied to location management servers obtaining instruction information and / or positioning capability information.

[0176] In scenario 1, the terminal includes a first USIM and a second USIM, and the terminal sends first information. Similarly, in scenario 3, the device includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal includes a first USIM, the second terminal includes a second USIM, and the device sends first information.

[0177] In one possible implementation, the terminal (or device) sends first information to the application server, which may save the first information. The application server then sends the first information to the location management server. The location management server sends second information to the application server, which may save the second information. The application server then sends the second information to the terminal (or device). The second information indicates that the association has been successfully established. Optionally, the second information may include a first identifier, which identifies the association and may also be called an association identifier. Furthermore, the second information may also indicate that the association failed to be established.

[0178] For example, referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 8 below, the application client (AC) in the terminal sends first information to the application server, and the application server sends first information to the location management server. The location management server replies with second information to the application server, and the application server replies with second information to the application client in the terminal.

[0179] In another possible implementation, the terminal (or device) sends the first information directly to the location management server.

[0180] For example, referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 8 below, the location management client in the terminal sends first information to the location management server. The location management server replies with second information to the location management client in the terminal. The second information indicates that the association has been successfully established.

[0181] In scenario 2, the first terminal includes a first USIM, and the second terminal includes a second USIM. Before sending the first information, the first terminal can obtain the identifier of the second terminal. Further, the first terminal sends the first information to the location management server. The location management server replies with the second information to the location management client in the terminal. The second information indicates that the association has been successfully established. Optionally, the second information may include a first identifier, which is used to identify the association; the first identifier may also be called an association identifier.

[0182] For example, the first terminal and the second terminal can communicate with each other using short-range communication technology to discover each other. Furthermore, the first terminal and the second terminal can negotiate which terminal should report the first information.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the first terminal can receive third information from the second terminal. This third information can be used to instruct the first terminal to send the first information, or to instruct the first terminal to have the ability to report association relationships, or to instruct the first terminal to act as a reporter of association relationships, or to instruct the first terminal to be an administrator between the first and second terminals, with the administrator having the ability to report association relationships. For details, please refer to the relevant content in the embodiment shown in Figure 9 below.

[0184] Step 710: The location management server receives the location request message.

[0185] For example, the location management server receives a location request message from the application server, and in turn, the application server sends a location request message to the location management server.

[0186] Alternatively, in scenario 1 (or 3), the location management server receives a location request message from a terminal (or device), and in scenario 2, the location management server receives a location request message from a first terminal or a second terminal.

[0187] The location request message includes at least one of the identifiers of a first terminal, a second terminal, or a first identifier. When the location request message includes the first identifier, it is used to request the location information of a group of associated terminals identified by the first identifier. Alternatively, the location request message can be replaced with a location subscription message.

[0188] For example, the location request message may also include one or more of the following: the reporting period of the location response message, the reporting trigger event, and the positioning accuracy requirement. For instance, the reporting trigger event could be reporting the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal device when the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is greater than the effective distance of the association. For this reporting trigger event, the location management server needs to obtain the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal. As another example, the reporting trigger event could be reporting the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal device with higher positioning accuracy when the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is less than or equal to the effective distance of the association.

[0189] Step 720: The location management server obtains the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal based on the location request message and the first information.

[0190] Step 730: The location management server sends a location response message, which includes location information generated based on the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal.

[0191] For example, the location information is the location information of a first terminal, wherein the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the first terminal is higher than the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the second terminal; or, the location information is the location information of a second terminal, wherein the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the second terminal is higher than the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the first terminal.

[0192] In one possible implementation, the location management server can first determine the association between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the location request message and the first information, and then determine whether the association is effective based on the indication information.

[0193] In one example, if the activation condition of the association includes the effective distance of the association, the location management server needs to first obtain the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal. Then, based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, it determines whether the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is less than or equal to the effective distance of the association. If it is less than or equal to the effective distance, the association is determined to be effective; otherwise, the association is invalid. In this case, the location management server needs to obtain the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0194] In another example, if the conditions for the association to take effect include a valid time period, the location management server can determine whether the time the location request message is received falls within the valid time period of the association. If so, the association is considered valid; otherwise, the association is considered invalid. It is understood that the location management server can determine whether the time the location request message is received falls within the valid time period of the association before step 720.

[0195] In another example, if the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective area of ​​the association, the management server can determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are located within the effective area of ​​the association based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal. If they are, the association is deemed effective; otherwise, the association is deemed ineffective. In this case, the location management server needs to obtain the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0196] Understandably, if the association takes effect, the location management server sends a location response message, which includes location information. This location information can be generated based on the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal. For example, the location information at this time can be the location information of the terminal with higher positioning accuracy between the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0197] If the association relationship fails, the location management server sends a location response message. This response message includes location information, which must be the location information of the terminal requested in the location request message and cannot be replaced by the location information of another terminal. For example, if the location request message includes the identifier of the first terminal, then the location response message includes the location information of the first terminal. If the location request message requests the location information of a group of associated terminals, the location response message can indicate that location acquisition failed because the association relationship failed.

[0198] In one possible implementation, if the location management server also obtains positioning capability information, the location management server can obtain the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal based on the location request message, the first information, and the positioning capability information.

[0199] Example a: Positioning capability information indicates the positioning accuracy of the first terminal and the positioning accuracy of the second terminal.

[0200] Taking the example that the positioning accuracy of the first terminal is higher than that of the second terminal, the location management server can execute step 720 or step 730 in the following two possible ways:

[0201] Possible Implementation 1: The location management server can obtain the location information of the first terminal based on the location request message, the first information, and the positioning capability information. That is, when the location request message requests the location information of the first terminal, or the location information of the second terminal, or the location information of a group of terminals identified by the first identifier, since the positioning accuracy of the first terminal is higher than that of the second terminal, the location management server can obtain only the location information of the first terminal. Therefore, the location server can obtain more accurate location information without needing to obtain the location information of both terminals, saving signaling overhead and ensuring positioning accuracy. Possible Implementation 1 is suitable for scenarios where there is no need to verify whether the association relationship is effective. Furthermore, if the effectiveness condition of the association relationship only includes the effective time period of the association relationship, the location management server can also refer to the above possible implementation 1 after determining that the association relationship is effective.

[0202] Possible implementation method 2: If the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective distance and / or the effective area of ​​the association, after determining that the association is effective, the location management server sends a location response message based on the positioning capability information. The location response message includes the location information of the first terminal. That is, after determining that the association is effective, the location information of the terminal with higher positioning accuracy can be selected for feedback based on the positioning capability information. Possible implementation method 2 is suitable for scenarios that require verification of whether the association is effective, and where the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective distance and / or the effective area of ​​the association.

[0203] Combining the possible implementations 1 and 2 described above, if the location request message can also include a positioning accuracy requirement, the location management server can further determine whether the positioning accuracy of the first terminal meets that requirement. If it does, the location management server sends a location response message, which includes the location information of the first terminal. Otherwise, the location response message can indicate that location acquisition failed because the positioning accuracy requirement was not met.

[0204] Furthermore, if the positioning accuracy of the first terminal is lower than or equal to the positioning accuracy of the second terminal, the situation is similar to the above and will not be repeated here.

[0205] Example b: Positioning capability information indicates the positioning accuracy of the first terminal or the positioning accuracy of the second terminal.

[0206] Taking the example where the positioning capability information only indicates the positioning accuracy of the first terminal, the location management server can execute step 720 or step 730 in the following two possible ways:

[0207] Possible Implementation 1': The location management server can determine whether the positioning accuracy of the first terminal meets the positioning accuracy requirement based on the positioning accuracy requirement, the first information, and the positioning capability information in the location request message, and then obtain the location information of the first terminal. That is, when the location request message requests the location information of the first terminal, or the location information of the second terminal, or the location information of a group of terminals identified by the first identifier, the location management server can obtain only the location information of the first terminal. Therefore, the location server can obtain the location information that meets the positioning accuracy requirement without having to obtain the location information of two terminals, which can save signaling overhead and ensure positioning accuracy. Possible Implementation 1 is applicable to scenarios where it is not necessary to verify whether the association relationship is effective. In addition, it is also applicable to scenarios where the effective condition of the association relationship only includes the effective time period of the association relationship. Among them, when the effective condition of the association relationship only includes the effective time period of the association relationship, the location management server can also refer to the above possible implementation 1' after determining that the association relationship is effective.

[0208] Possible implementation method 2': If the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective distance and / or the effective area of ​​the association, the location management server determines that the association is effective. If the positioning accuracy of the first terminal meets the positioning accuracy requirements, the location management server sends a location response message, which includes the location information of the first terminal. If the positioning accuracy of the first terminal does not meet the positioning accuracy requirements, it is determined whether the positioning accuracy of the second terminal meets the positioning accuracy requirements. If it does, the location management server sends a location response message, which includes the location information of the second terminal. Possible implementation method 2 is suitable for scenarios that require verification of whether the association is effective, and where the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective distance and / or the effective area of ​​the association.

[0209] Furthermore, if the positioning capability information only indicates the positioning accuracy of the second terminal, the same applies as above, and will not be repeated here.

[0210] After step 700, the location management server can also receive association termination information or association update information. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 8 or 9 below.

[0211] Figure 8 shows one of the location management flowcharts in a multi-USIM / UE scenario. The following explanation uses scenario 1 or scenario 3 as examples. In scenario 1, the terminal includes one LMC, one AC, and two USIMs. The two USIMs are treated as two independent terminals (UEs) by the application layer. In scenario 3, the device includes one LMC, one AC, and two terminals, each terminal including one USIM. The following explanation uses UE1 and UE2 as examples. UE1 accesses the network through 3GPP network 1, and UE2 accesses the network through 3GPP network 2. 3GPP network 1 and 3GPP network 2 can be the same network or correspond to the same PLMN, or they can be different networks or correspond to different PLMNs. The LMS can obtain the location information of UE1 through 3GPP network 1 and the location information of UE2 through 3GPP network 2.

[0212] S801a: The AC sends first information to the VAL AS, which includes the identifiers of the two UEs. For example, the first information includes UE ID1 and UE ID2. Optionally, the first information also includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the association between UE1 and UE2.

[0213] Optionally, the AC may also send indication information and / or positioning capability information to the VAL AS. For information on indication information or positioning capability information, please refer to the relevant content in step 700 above.

[0214] The first information, indication information, and positioning capability information can be carried through messages such as associated UE reporting messages and associated UE registration messages, or the first information, indication information, and positioning capability information can be carried through different messages.

[0215] S801b: VAL AS sends the first message to LMS.

[0216] Optionally, if the AC sends indication information and / or positioning capability information to the VAL AS, the VAL AS may also send indication information and / or positioning capability information to the LMS.

[0217] S801c: The LMS sends a second message to the VAL AS, which indicates that the association has been successfully established.

[0218] S801d: VAL AS sends the second message to AC.

[0219] S801A: The LMC sends first information to the LMS, which includes the identifiers of the two UEs. For example, the first information includes UE ID1 and UE ID2. Optionally, the first information also includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the association between UE1 and UE2.

[0220] Optionally, the LMC can also send indication information and / or positioning capability information to the LMS. For details regarding the indication information or positioning capability information, please refer to the relevant content in step 700 above. The first information, indication information, and positioning capability information can be carried through messages such as associated UE reporting messages and associated UE registration messages, or they can be carried through different messages.

[0221] S801B: The LMS sends a second message to the LMC, which indicates that the association has been successfully established.

[0222] S801a to S801d above represent one possible implementation of establishing an association between UE1 and UE2, while S801A to S801B represent another possible implementation. Through S801a to S801d or S801A to S801B, the LMS stores the association between UE1 and UE2. Optionally, if the LMS does not receive an identifier from the VAL AS or LMC to identify the association between UE1 and UE2, the LMS assigns an identifier to identify the association between UE1 and UE2 and notifies the LMC through the second information.

[0223] S802: VAL AS sends a location request message to LMS.

[0224] It is understandable that this explanation only uses the example of VAL AS sending a location request message to LMS, but it could also be LMC sending a location request message to LMS.

[0225] For details regarding the location request message, please refer to step 710 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0226] The following explanation uses the scenario of LMS obtaining indication information as an example. The indication information includes the effective conditions of the association. If the effective conditions of the association only include the effective time period of the association, execute S803a and S804a; if the effective conditions of the association include the effective distance and / or the effective area of ​​the association, execute S803b and S804b. If LMS does not obtain indication information, LMS obtains the location information of UE1 and / or the location information of UE2, and sends a location response message to VAL AS, referring to steps 720 and 730 above.

[0227] S803a: If the LMS determines that the association is in effect during the effective period of the association, then the association is considered effective.

[0228] For example, LMS determines that the location request message is received during the effective period of the association.

[0229] S804a: LMS obtains the location information of UE1 and / or UE2.

[0230] For example, if the LMS currently caches the location information of UE1 or UE2, it can directly jump to S806. Alternatively, if the LMS currently caches the location information of UE1 or UE2, and the location information cached by the LMS meets the positioning accuracy requirements in the location request message, it can directly jump to S806.

[0231] For example, the LMS can determine whether to obtain the location information of UE1 or UE2 based on positioning accuracy requirements and / or positioning capability information. For instance, if the positioning accuracy of UE1 meets the positioning accuracy requirements, the LMS can determine to obtain the location information of UE1. Or, if the positioning accuracy of both UE1 and UE2 meets the positioning accuracy requirements, and the positioning accuracy of UE1 is higher than that of UE2, the LMS can determine to obtain the location information of UE1.

[0232] For example, in order to ensure more accurate positioning, LMS can obtain the location information of UE1 and the location information of UE2.

[0233] S803b: LMS obtains the location information of UE1 and UE2.

[0234] S804b: The LMS determines and activates the association relationship based on the location information of UE1 and UE2.

[0235] For example, if the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective time period of the association and the effective distance of the association, and the LMS determines that the time of receiving the location request message is within the effective time period of the association, and determines that the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is less than the effective distance of the association based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal, then the association is determined to be effective.

[0236] For example, if the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective time period and the effective area of ​​the association, and the LMS determines that the time of receiving the location request message is within the effective time period of the association, and determines that both the first terminal and the second terminal are located in the effective area of ​​the association based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal, then the association is determined to be effective.

[0237] It is understood that the above examples are merely illustrative and not intended to limit this application.

[0238] S803a and S804a represent one possible implementation, after which S805 is executed. S803b and S804b represent another possible implementation, after which S805 is executed.

[0239] S805: LMS sends a location response message to VAL AS.

[0240] For example, if the LMS obtains the location information of UE1 or UE2 (i.e., S805a), the location response message includes the location information obtained in S805a; or if the LMS obtains the location information of UE1 and UE2, the location response message includes the location information with better positioning accuracy between the location information of UE1 and UE2.

[0241] Furthermore, during the association termination process, the terminal or device sends association termination information upon detecting a first preset event. This association termination information includes a first identifier. The first preset event is the detection that the first USIM (or second USIM) is unavailable or that the first USIM (or second USIM) has been removed.

[0242] For example, referring to process 1 in Figure 8, when the LMC / AC detects that USIM 2 is unavailable, the AC can send a relationship termination message to the LMS via the VAL AS (i.e., step A in Figure 8). The relationship termination message includes a first identifier. The LMS deletes the saved relationship between UE1 and UE2. Alternatively, when the LMC / AC detects that USIM 2 is unavailable, the LMC sends a relationship termination message to the LMS (i.e., step B in Figure 8). The relationship termination message includes a first identifier. The LMS deletes the saved relationship between UE1 and UE2. The LMS can also send a relationship termination notification to the VAL AS, which includes the first identifier. It is understood that only one of steps A and B needs to be executed, and process 1 can be performed before or after S803; this application does not limit this. USIM 2 being unavailable can be understood as USIM 2 being removed, or the UE containing USIM 2 being far from the UE containing USIM 1, or the UE containing USIM 2 being out of power or powered off, etc.

[0243] In the association update process, the terminal or device sends association update information upon detecting a second preset event. The second preset event is the detection of a new USIM or a terminal becoming available.

[0244] For example, referring to process 2 in Figure 8, when the LMC / AC detects that a new USIM is available, for example, UE3 is a new UE, the AC can send association update information to the LMS via VAL AS (i.e., step C in Figure 8), or the LMC can send association update information to the LMS (i.e., step D in Figure 8). It is understood that only one of steps C and D needs to be executed, and process 2 can be performed before or after S803; this application does not limit this. Process 1 and process 2 are two parallel processes, and steps A, B, C, and D do not represent the order of execution.

[0245] For example, if UE2 has been removed and UE3 is a new UE, the association update information includes the first identifier, UE1 ID, and UE3 ID. The LMS updates the association corresponding to the first identifier to show that UE1 and UE3 are associated. As another example, if UE2 has not been removed and UE3 is a new UE, the association update information includes the first identifier, UE1 ID, UE2 ID, and UE3 ID. The LMS updates the association corresponding to the first identifier to show that UE1, UE2, and UE3 are associated.

[0246] Figure 9 shows the second flowchart of location management in a multi-USIM / UE scenario. The following explanation uses scenario 2 as an example. In scenario 2, the user has UE1 and UE2. UE1 includes LMC1, AC1, and USIM1, while UE2 includes LMC2, AC2, and USIM2. 3GPP Network 1 and 3GPP Network 2 can be the same network or correspond to the same PLMN, or they can be different networks or correspond to different PLMNs. The LMS can obtain the location information of UE1 through 3GPP Network 1 and the location information of UE2 through 3GPP Network 2.

[0247] S901: LMC1 obtains UE2 ID.

[0248] For example, UE2 may proactively send UE2 ID to UE1, or UE2 may send UE2 ID to UE1 after UE1 requests UE2 ID from UE2.

[0249] S902: LMC1 sends first information to LMS, which includes the identifiers of the two UEs. For example, the first information includes UE ID1 and UE ID2. Optionally, the first information also includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the association between UE1 and UE2.

[0250] For example, before LMC1 sends the first information to LMS, LMC2 on UE2 sends a third information to LMC1 on UE1. This third information instructs LMC1 on UE1 to send the first information to the location management server, or it instructs UE1 to have the capability to report associations. Alternatively, LMC1 on UE1 can instruct LMC2 on UE2 to report associations itself (LMC1). Or, before reporting association information, UE1 and UE2 may specify that UE1 is an administrator or has the capability to report associations when establishing a group or personal IoT network (PIN). Alternatively, after UE1 (or LMC1) detects or discovers LMC2 on UE2, LMC1 sends the first information to LMS to report the association.

[0251] Optionally, LMC1 can also send indication information and / or positioning capability information to LMS. For details regarding the indication information or positioning capability information, please refer to the relevant content in step 700 above. The first information, indication information, and positioning capability information can be carried through messages such as associated UE reporting messages and associated UE registration messages, or they can be carried through different messages.

[0252] Furthermore, S901 and S902 described above can also be replaced by: AC1 sending UE ID1 and a first identifier to VAL AS, AC2 sending UE ID2 and a first identifier to VAL AS, VAL AS determining that UE1 and UE2 have established an association based on the same first identifier, and VAL AS sending UE ID1, UE ID2, and the first identifier to LMS; or, AC1 sending UE ID1 and a first identifier to VAL AS, VAL AS sending UE ID1 and a first identifier to LMS, AC2 sending UE ID2 and a first identifier to VAL AS, VAL AS sending UE ID2 and a first identifier to LMS, and LMS determining that UE1 and UE2 have established an association based on the same first identifier. For example, the first identifier is used to indicate that UE1 and UE2 belong to the same user. The first identifier may have been previously negotiated by AC1 and AC2 through close-range communication, or the first identifier may be a user identifier or an application layer user identifier.

[0253] S903: LMS sends a second message to LMC1, which indicates that the association has been successfully established.

[0254] Through the above steps S901 to S903, the LMS stores the association relationship between UE1 and UE2. Optionally, if the LMS does not receive an identifier for identifying the association relationship between UE1 and UE2, the LMS assigns an identifier for identifying the association relationship between UE1 and UE2 and notifies the LMS1 through the second information.

[0255] S904: VAL AS sends a location request message to LMS.

[0256] For details regarding the location request message, please refer to step 710 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0257] It is understandable that this explanation only uses the example of VAL AS sending a location request message to LMS. It is also possible for LMC1 or LMC2 to send a location request message to LMS.

[0258] It is understandable that after receiving the location request message, the LMS obtains the location information of UE1 and / or UE2. If it obtains the indication information, it can also execute the above S803a, S804a or S803b, S804b, which will not be elaborated here.

[0259] S905: LMS sends a location response message to VAL AS.

[0260] Furthermore, during the association termination process, UE1 or UE2 sends association termination information upon detecting a first preset event. This association termination information includes a first identifier. The first preset event includes detecting that the distance between UE1 and UE2 exceeds a preset threshold, or that UE1 and UE2 cannot connect.

[0261] For example, referring to process 1 in Figure 9, when LMC1 / AC1 detects that the distance between UE1 and UE2 is greater than a preset threshold, or UE1 and UE2 cannot connect, or UE2 is powered off, LMC1 sends association termination information to LMS (i.e., step B in Figure 9). The association termination information includes a first identifier. Optionally, the association termination information may also include the UE2 ID. LMS deletes the saved association between UE1 and UE2. LMS may also send an association termination notification to VAL AS, which includes the first identifier. Alternatively, when LMC1 / AC1 detects that the distance between UE1 and UE2 is greater than a preset threshold, or UE1 and UE2 cannot connect, or UE2 is powered off, AC1 can send association termination information to LMS through VAL AS (i.e., step A in Figure 9). The association termination information includes the first identifier. It is understood that only one of steps A and B needs to be executed, and process 1 can be performed before or after S904; this application does not limit this.

[0262] From the outside, if LMC1 detects that it can no longer maintain the association with LMC2, LMC1 can also transfer the management role to LMC2, and then let LMC2 manage the association, that is, LMC2 communicates and interacts with LMS.

[0263] In the association update process, UE1 or UE2 sends association update information upon detecting a second preset event. The second preset event is the detection of a new terminal belonging to the same user.

[0264] For example, referring to process 2 in Figure 9, when LMC1 / AC1 detects a new UE (e.g., UE3) belonging to the same user as UE1, AC1 can send association update information to LMS via VAL AS (i.e., step C in Figure 9), or LMC1 can send association update information to LMS (i.e., step D in Figure 9). It is understood that only one of steps C and D needs to be executed, and process 2 can be performed before or after S904; this application does not limit this. Process 1 and process 2 are two parallel processes, and steps A, B, C, and D do not represent the order of execution.

[0265] For example, if UE2 has been removed and UE3 is a new UE, the association update information includes the first identifier, UE1 ID, and UE3 ID. The LMS updates the association corresponding to the first identifier to show that UE1 and UE3 are associated. As another example, if UE2 has not been removed and UE3 is a new UE, the association update information includes the first identifier, UE1 ID, UE2 ID, and UE3 ID. The LMS updates the association corresponding to the first identifier to show that UE1, UE2, and UE3 are associated.

[0266] Figure 10 is the third flowchart of the location management process in a multi-USIM / UE scenario. The following explanation uses scenario 1 or scenario 3 as examples. In scenario 1, the terminal includes one GMC, one AC, and two USIMs, which are treated as two independent terminals by the application layer. In scenario 3, the device includes one GMC, one AC, and two terminals, each terminal including one USIM. Additionally, the terminal or device may include an LMC. The following explanation uses two terminals, UE1 and UE2, as examples. UE1 accesses the network through 3GPP network 1, and UE2 accesses the network through 3GPP network 2. 3GPP network 1 and 3GPP network 2 can be the same network or correspond to the same PLMN, or they can be different networks or correspond to different PLMNs. The LMS can obtain the location information of UE1 through 3GPP network 1 and the location information of UE2 through 3GPP network 2.

[0267] S1001a: The AC sends first information to the VAL AS, which includes the identifiers of the two UEs. For example, the first information includes UE ID1 and UE ID2. Optionally, the first information also includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the association between UE1 and UE2.

[0268] Optionally, the AC sends indication information and / or positioning capability information to the VAL AS. For information on indication information or positioning capability information, please refer to the relevant content in step 700 above.

[0269] The first information, indication information, and positioning capability information can be carried through messages such as associated UE reporting messages and associated UE registration messages, or the first information, indication information, and positioning capability information can be carried through different messages.

[0270] S1001b: VAL AS sends the first message to GMS.

[0271] Optionally, if the AC sends indication information and / or positioning capability information to the VAL AS, the VAL AS may also send indication information and / or positioning capability information to the GMS.

[0272] S1001c: GMS sends a second message to VAL AS, which indicates that the association has been successfully established.

[0273] S1001d: VAL AS sends the second message to AC.

[0274] S1001A: The GMC sends first information to the GMS, which includes the identifiers of the two UEs. For example, the first information includes UE ID1 and UE ID2. Optionally, the first information also includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the association between UE1 and UE2.

[0275] Optionally, the GMC can also send indication information and / or positioning capability information to the GMS. For details regarding the indication information or positioning capability information, please refer to the relevant content in step 700 above. The first information, indication information, and positioning capability information can be carried through messages such as associated UE reporting messages and associated UE registration messages, or they can be carried through different messages.

[0276] S1002B: GMS sends a second message to GMC, which indicates that the association has been successfully established.

[0277] S1001a to S1001d above represent one possible implementation of establishing an association between UE1 and UE2, while S1001A to S1001B above represent another possible implementation. Through S1001a to S1001d or S1001A to S1001B above, the GMS stores the association between UE1 and UE2. Optionally, if the GMS does not receive an identifier from the VAL AS or GMC to identify the association between UE1 and UE2, the GMS assigns an identifier to identify the association between UE1 and UE2 and notifies the GMC through the second information.

[0278] In addition, GMS can notify VAL AS, UE ID1, UE ID2 and the first identifier.

[0279] S1003: VAL AS sends a location request message to LMS.

[0280] It is understandable that this explanation only uses the example of VAL AS sending a location request message to LMS, but it could also be LMC sending a location request message to LMS.

[0281] The location request message includes UE ID1 and a first identifier, or UE ID2 and a first identifier, or a first identifier.

[0282] S1004: LMS sends an association request to GMS. The association request includes a first identifier, meaning the association request is used to request the association corresponding to the first identifier.

[0283] S1005: GMS sends the first message to LMS.

[0284] For example, GMS can also send indication information and positioning capability information to LMS.

[0285] It is understandable that after receiving the first information, the LMS obtains the location information of UE1 and / or UE2. If it obtains the indication information, it can also execute the above S803a, S804a or S803b, S804b, which will not be elaborated here.

[0286] S1006: LMS sends a location response message to VAL AS.

[0287] Furthermore, during the association termination process, the terminal or device sends association termination information to GMS upon detecting a first preset event. This association termination information includes a first identifier. The first preset event is the detection that a first USIM (or second USIM) is unavailable or that a first USIM (or second USIM) has been removed. GMS deletes the saved association between UE1 and UE2 and can also notify LMS and VAL AS to clear the first information cached locally. For example, GMS sends an association notification message to LMS and VAL AS, and this message includes the first identifier.

[0288] For example, referring to process 1 in Figure 10, when the GMC / AC detects that USIM 2 is unavailable, the AC can send an association termination message to the LMS via the VAL AS (i.e., step A in Figure 10). The association termination message includes a first identifier. Alternatively, when the GMC / AC detects that USIM 2 is unavailable, the GMC sends an association termination message to the LMS (i.e., step B in Figure 10). The GMS deletes the saved association between UE1 and UE2 and can also notify the LMS and VAL AS to clear the first information cached locally. It is understood that only one of steps A and B needs to be executed.

[0289] In the association update process, when a terminal or device detects a second preset event, it sends association update information to GMS. The second preset event is the detection of a new USIM or the availability of a new terminal. After updating the association, GMS can also notify LMS and VAL AS to update the first information cached locally.

[0290] For example, referring to process 2 in Figure 10, when the GMC / AC detects that a new USIM is available, for example, UE3 is a new UE, the AC can send association update information to the GMS via VAL AS (i.e., step C in Figure 10), or the GMC can send association update information to the GMS (i.e., step D in Figure 10). It is understood that only one of steps C and D needs to be executed. Processes 1 and 2 are two parallel processes; steps A, B, C, and D do not represent the order in which they are executed.

[0291] Figure 11 is the fourth flowchart of the location management process in a multi-USIM / UE scenario. The following explanation uses scenario 2 as an example. In scenario 2, the user has UE1 and UE2. UE1 includes GMC1, AC1, and USIM1, and UE2 includes GMC2, AC2, and USIM2. Additionally, UE1 may also include LMC1, and UE2 may also include LMC2. 3GPP network 1 and 3GPP network 2 can be the same network or correspond to the same PLMN, or they can be different networks or correspond to different PLMNs. The LMS can obtain the location information of UE1 through 3GPP network 1 and the location information of UE2 through 3GPP network 2.

[0292] S1101: GMC1 obtains UE2 ID.

[0293] For example, UE2 may proactively send UE2 ID to UE1, or UE2 may send UE2 ID to UE1 after UE1 requests UE2 ID from UE2.

[0294] S1102: GMC1 sends first information to GMS, which includes the identifiers of the two UEs. For example, the first information includes UE ID1 and UE ID2. Optionally, the first information also includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the association between UE1 and UE2.

[0295] For example, before GMC1 sends the first information to GMS, GMC2 on UE2 sends a third information to GMC1 on UE1. This third information instructs GMC1 on UE1 to send the first information to GMS, or it instructs UE1 to have the capability to report association relationships. Alternatively, GMC1 on UE1 can instruct GMC2 on UE2 to report association relationships itself (GMC1). Or, before reporting association information, UE1 and UE2 may specify that UE1 is an administrator or has the capability to report association relationships when establishing a group or using a PIN. Or, after UE1 (or GMC1) detects or discovers GMC2 on UE2, GMC1 sends the first information to GMS to report the association relationship.

[0296] Optionally, GMC1 can also send indication information and / or positioning capability information to GMS. For details regarding the indication information or positioning capability information, please refer to the relevant content in step 700 above. The first information, indication information, and positioning capability information can be carried through messages such as associated UE reporting messages and associated UE registration messages, or they can be carried through different messages.

[0297] Furthermore, S1101 and S1102 above can also be replaced by: AC1 sending UE ID1 and a first identifier to VAL AS, AC2 sending UE ID2 and a first identifier to VAL AS, VAL AS determining that UE1 and UE2 have established an association based on the same first identifier, and VAL AS sending UE ID1, UE ID2, and the first identifier to GMS; or, AC1 sending UE ID1 and a first identifier to VAL AS, VAL AS sending UE ID1 and a first identifier to GMS, AC2 sending UE ID2 and a first identifier to VAL AS, VAL AS sending UE ID2 and a first identifier to GMS, and GMS determining that UE1 and UE2 have established an association based on the same first identifier. For example, the first identifier is used to indicate that UE1 and UE2 belong to the same user. The first identifier may have been previously negotiated by AC1 and AC2 through close-range communication, or the first identifier may be a user identifier or an application layer user identifier.

[0298] S1103: GMS sends a second message to GMC1, which indicates that the association has been successfully established.

[0299] Through the above steps S1101 to S1103, GMS stores the association relationship between UE1 and UE2. Optionally, if GMS does not receive an identifier for identifying the association relationship between UE1 and UE2, GMS assigns an identifier for identifying the association relationship between UE1 and UE2 and notifies GMC1 through the second information.

[0300] S1104: VAL AS sends a location request message to LMS.

[0301] It is understandable that this explanation only uses the example of VAL AS sending a location request message to LMS. It is also possible for LMC1 or LMC2 to send a location request message to LMS.

[0302] The location request message includes UE ID1 and a first identifier, or UE ID2 and a first identifier, or a first identifier.

[0303] S1105: The LMS sends an association request to the GMS. The association request includes a first identifier, meaning the association request is used to request the association corresponding to the first identifier.

[0304] S1106: GMS sends the first message to LMS.

[0305] For example, GMS can also send indication information and positioning capability information to LMS.

[0306] It is understandable that after receiving the first information, the LMS obtains the location information of UE1 and / or UE2. If it obtains the indication information, it can also execute the above S803a, S804a or S803b, S804b, which will not be elaborated here.

[0307] S1107: LMS sends a location response message to VAL AS.

[0308] Furthermore, during the association termination process, UE1 or UE2 sends association termination information to GMS upon detecting a first preset event. This association termination information includes a first identifier. The first preset event is, for example, detecting that the distance between UE1 and UE2 exceeds a preset threshold, or that UE1 and UE2 cannot connect. GMS deletes the saved association between UE1 and UE2 and can also notify LMS and VAL AS to clear the first information cached locally. For example, GMS sends an association notification message to LMS and VAL AS, which includes the first identifier.

[0309] For example, referring to process 1 in Figure 11, when GMC1 / AC1 detects that the distance between UE1 and UE2 is greater than a preset threshold, or UE1 and UE2 cannot connect, or UE2 is powered off, GMC1 sends association termination information to GMS (i.e., step B in Figure 11). The association termination information includes a first identifier. Optionally, the association termination information may also include the UE2 ID. Alternatively, when GMC1 / AC1 detects that the distance between UE1 and UE2 is greater than a preset threshold, or UE1 and UE2 cannot connect, or UE2 is powered off, AC1 can send association termination information to LMS via VAL AS (i.e., step A in Figure 11). The association termination information includes a first identifier. LMS deletes the saved association between UE1 and UE2, and can also notify LMS and VAL AS to clear the first information cached locally. It is understood that only one of steps A and B needs to be executed.

[0310] From the outside, if GMC1 detects that it can no longer maintain the association with GMC2, GMC1 can also transfer the management role to GMC2, and then let GMC2 manage the association, that is, GMC2 communicates and interacts with LMS.

[0311] During the association update process, UE1 or UE2 sends association update information upon detecting a second preset event. The second preset event is the detection of a new terminal belonging to the same user. After GMS updates the association, it can also notify LMS and VAL AS to update the first information cached locally.

[0312] For example, referring to process 2 in Figure 11, when GMC1 / AC1 detects a new UE (e.g., UE3) belonging to the same user as UE1, AC1 can send association update information to LMS via VAL AS (i.e., step C in Figure 11), or GMC1 can send association update information to GMS (i.e., step D in Figure 11). It is understood that only one of steps C and D needs to be executed. Processes 1 and 2 are two parallel processes; steps A, B, C, and D do not represent the order of execution.

[0313] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, each communication device (e.g., a terminal or access network device) includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, 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 scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0314] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the various communication devices in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0315] As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 includes a processing unit 1210 and a transceiver unit 1220.

[0316] When the communication device 1200 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiment:

[0317] The processing unit 1210 calls the transceiver unit 1220 to perform: sending first information, the first information indicating that the first terminal and the second terminal have an association relationship; the first information includes the identifier of the first terminal and the identifier of the second terminal; receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate that the association relationship has been successfully established.

[0318] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is used to send indication information indicating the effective conditions of the association.

[0319] In one possible design, the conditions for the association to take effect include one or more of the following: the effective distance of the association, the effective time period of the association, and the effective region of the association.

[0320] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is used to transmit positioning capability information, which indicates the positioning accuracy of the first terminal and / or the positioning accuracy of the second terminal.

[0321] In one possible design, the positioning capability information indicates the type of wireless access technology used by the first terminal and / or the type of wireless access technology used by the second terminal, or the positioning capability information indicates the type of core network accessed by the first terminal and / or the type of core network accessed by the second terminal.

[0322] In one possible design, the first information may further include a first identifier, which is used to identify the association.

[0323] In one possible design, the second information includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the association.

[0324] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is configured to send association termination information after receiving the second information, the association termination information including the first identifier.

[0325] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is used to send the association termination information upon detecting a first preset event.

[0326] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is configured to send association update information after receiving the second information, the association update information including the first identifier, the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the third terminal.

[0327] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is used to send the association update information upon detecting a second preset event.

[0328] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is used to obtain the identifier of the second terminal before sending the first information.

[0329] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is configured to receive third information from the second terminal before sending the first information, the third information being used to instruct the first terminal to send the first information; or, the third information being used to instruct the first terminal to have the ability to report the association relationship.

[0330] When the communication device 1200 is used to implement the function of the access network device in the above method embodiment:

[0331] The processing unit 1210 calls the transceiver unit 1220 to perform the following actions: obtaining first information, the first information indicating that the first terminal and the second terminal are associated; receiving a location request message, the location request message including the identifier of the first terminal, or the identifier of the second terminal, or a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the association; obtaining the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal according to the location request message and the first information; and sending a location response message, the location response message including location information, the location information being generated according to the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal.

[0332] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is configured to acquire indication information indicating the conditions for the association to take effect; and determine the association to take effect based on the indication information before sending a location response message.

[0333] In one possible design, the effective condition of the association includes the effective distance of the association; the processing unit 1210 is used to determine, when the association is determined to be effective according to the indication information, that the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is less than the effective distance of the association according to the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0334] In one possible design, the effective condition of the association includes the effective time period of the association; the processing unit 1210 is used to determine that the time of receiving the location request message is within the effective time period of the association when the association is determined to be effective according to the indication information.

[0335] In one possible design, the conditions for the association to take effect include the effective area of ​​the association; the processing unit 1210 is configured to determine, when the association is determined to be effective according to the indication information, that the first terminal and the second terminal are located in the effective area of ​​the association according to the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0336] In one possible design, the location request message may also include the reporting period or reporting trigger event of the location response message.

[0337] In one possible design, the location request message may also include a positioning accuracy requirement; the location information satisfies the positioning accuracy requirement.

[0338] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is configured to receive association termination information after receiving the second information, the association termination information including the first identifier.

[0339] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is configured to receive association update information after receiving the second information, the association update information including the first identifier, the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the third terminal.

[0340] In one possible design, the location information is the location information of the first terminal, wherein the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the first terminal is higher than the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the second terminal; or, the location information is the location information of the second terminal, wherein the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the second terminal is higher than the positioning accuracy corresponding to the location information of the first terminal.

[0341] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is configured to acquire positioning capability information, the positioning capability information indicating the positioning accuracy of the first terminal and / or the positioning accuracy of the second terminal; the transceiver unit 1220 is configured to acquire the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal according to the location request message, the first information and the positioning capability information when acquiring the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal according to the location request message and the first information.

[0342] In one possible design, the positioning capability information indicates the type of wireless access technology used by the first terminal and / or the type of wireless access technology used by the second terminal, or the positioning capability information indicates the type of core network accessed by the first terminal and / or the type of core network accessed by the second terminal.

[0343] In one possible design, the transceiver unit 1220 is configured to, when obtaining the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal according to the location request message, the first information and the location capability information, obtain the location information of the first terminal according to the location request message, the first information and the location capability information, if the location capability information indicates that the positioning accuracy of the first terminal is higher than that of the second terminal.

[0344] A more detailed description of the processing unit 1210 and the transceiver unit 1220 can be obtained directly from the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0345] As shown in Figure 13, the communication device 1300 includes a processor 1310 and an interface circuit 1320. The processor 1310 and the interface circuit 1320 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1320 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1300 may also include a memory 1330 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1310, or storing input data required by the processor 1310 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1310 executes instructions.

[0346] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the above method embodiment, the processor 1310 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 1210, and the interface circuit 1320 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 1220.

[0347] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0348] This application provides another example of a device, the notification device including at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one processor and the at least one memory coupled together, the at least one memory for storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. Taking a communication device including a processor and a memory as an example, as shown in FIG13, communication device 1300 includes a processor 1310 and a memory 1330. The processor 1310 and the memory 1330 are coupled together, the memory 1330 stores instructions, and when the instructions stored in the memory 1330 are executed by the processor 1310, the communication device 1300 performs the methods performed by the various communication devices in the above embodiments.

[0349] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in the aforementioned terminal or access network device. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the terminal or access network device.

[0350] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0351] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0352] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0353] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: sending first information, the first information indicating that the first terminal and the second terminal have an association relationship; the first information comprising an identifier of the first terminal and an identifier of the second terminal; receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate that the association relationship is successfully established.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: sending indication information, the indication information indicating an effective condition of the association relationship.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The effective condition of the association relationship comprises one or more of an effective distance of the association relationship, an effective time period of the association relationship, and an effective area of the association relationship.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Further comprising: sending positioning capability information, the positioning capability information indicating a positioning accuracy of the first terminal and / or a positioning accuracy of the second terminal.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The positioning capability information indicates a radio access technology type used by the first terminal and / or a radio access technology type used by the second terminal, or the positioning capability information indicates a core network type accessed by the first terminal and / or a core network type accessed by the second terminal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first information further comprises a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the association relationship.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The second information comprises the first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the association relationship.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein, After receiving the second information, further comprising: sending association relationship release information, the association relationship release information comprising the first identifier.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, Sending the association relationship release information comprises: sending the association relationship release information in a case where a first preset event is detected.

10. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein, After receiving the second information, further comprising: sending association relationship update information, the association relationship update information comprising the first identifier, an identifier of the first terminal, and an identifier of a third terminal.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, Sending the association relationship release information comprises: sending the association relationship update information in a case where a second preset event is detected.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, Before sending the first information, further comprising: obtaining the identifier of the second terminal.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein, Before sending the first information, further comprising: receiving third information from the second terminal, the third information being used to instruct the first terminal to send the first information; or the third information being used to indicate that the first terminal has the capability of reporting the association relationship.

14. A communication method, comprising: The method comprises: obtaining first information, the first information indicating that a first terminal and a second terminal have an association relationship; receiving a location request message, the location request message comprising an identifier of the first terminal, or an identifier of the second terminal, or a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the association relationship; obtaining location information of the first terminal and / or location information of the second terminal according to the location request message and the first information; sending a location response message, the location response message comprising location information, the location information being generated according to the location information of the first terminal and / or the location information of the second terminal.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, Further comprising: obtaining indication information, the indication information indicating an effective condition of the association relationship; Before sending the location response message, further comprising: determining that the association relationship is effective according to the indication information.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The effective condition of the association relationship comprises an effective distance of the association relationship. The determining the validity of the association relationship according to the indication information comprises: The determining the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal according to the position information of the first terminal and the position information of the second terminal comprises:

17. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The validity condition of the association relationship comprises a validity time period of the association relationship. The determining the validity of the association relationship according to the indication information comprises: The determining the validity of the association relationship according to the indication information comprises:

18. The method of any one of claims 14-17, wherein, The validity condition of the association relationship comprises a validity area of the association relationship. The determining the validity of the association relationship according to the indication information comprises: The determining the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal according to the position information of the first terminal and the position information of the second terminal comprises:

19. The method of any one of claims 14-18, wherein, The position request message further comprises a reporting period or a reporting trigger event of the position response message.

20. The method of any one of claims 14-19, wherein, The position request message further comprises a positioning accuracy requirement. The position information satisfies the positioning accuracy requirement.

21. The method of any one of claims 14-20, wherein, After receiving the second information, the method further comprises: receiving association relationship release information, wherein the association relationship release information comprises the first identifier.

22. The method of any one of claims 14-21, wherein, After receiving the second information, the method further comprises: receiving association relationship update information, wherein the association relationship update information comprises the first identifier, an identifier of the first terminal and an identifier of a third terminal.

23. The method of any one of claims 14-22, wherein, The position information is the position information of the first terminal, wherein a positioning accuracy corresponding to the position information of the first terminal is higher than a positioning accuracy corresponding to the position information of the second terminal; or The position information is the position information of the second terminal, wherein a positioning accuracy corresponding to the position information of the second terminal is higher than a positioning accuracy corresponding to the position information of the first terminal.

24. The method of any one of claims 14-23, wherein, The method further comprises: obtaining positioning capability information, wherein the positioning capability information indicates a positioning accuracy of the first terminal and / or a positioning accuracy of the second terminal; The obtaining the position information of the first terminal and / or the position information of the second terminal according to the position request message and the first information comprises: The obtaining the position information of the first terminal and / or the position information of the second terminal according to the position request message, the first information and the positioning capability information comprises:

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The positioning capability information indicates a radio access technology type used by the first terminal and / or a radio access technology type used by the second terminal, or the positioning capability information indicates a core network type accessed by the first terminal and / or a core network type accessed by the second terminal.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein, The obtaining the position information of the first terminal and / or the position information of the second terminal according to the position request message, the first information and the positioning capability information comprises: In a case where the positioning capability information indicates that the positioning accuracy of the first terminal is higher than the positioning accuracy of the second terminal, the obtaining the position information of the first terminal according to the position request message, the first information and the positioning capability information.

27. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a unit or module for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises at least one processor; the at least one processor is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 26.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium comprises a program which, when executed on a device, causes the device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 26.

30. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises a program or instructions which, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 26.

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