Wireless communication method and communication device
By exchanging positioning-related information between the first and second network elements in a wireless communication system, and selecting appropriate positioning methods and accuracy, the problem of insufficient positioning accuracy assisted by AI models is solved, and accurate judgment of terminal device access to the network is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QUECTEL WIRELESS SOLUTIONS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
Smart Images
Figure CN2024132032_21052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Wireless communication methods and communication devices Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a method and device for wireless communication. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the introduction of AI models into wireless communication networks is an unstoppable trend. For example, AI models can be applied to the positioning process of terminal devices. However, there is currently no solution on how to apply model-assisted positioning to the positioning process of terminal devices.
[0003] Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application provides a method and apparatus for wireless communication. The various aspects covered by this application are described below.
[0005] In a first aspect, a wireless communication method is provided, comprising: a first network element sending first information to a second network element, the first information being used to request the location of a terminal device; and / or, the first network element receiving second information sent by the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device. Wherein, the first information and / or the second information includes one or more of the following: a positioning method for determining the location of the terminal device; the accuracy of the location of the terminal device; and the purpose of obtaining the location of the terminal device.
[0006] Secondly, a wireless communication method is provided, comprising: a second network element receiving first information sent by a first network element, the first information being used to request the location of a terminal device; and / or, the second network element sending second information to the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device. Wherein, the first information and / or the second information includes one or more of the following: a positioning method for determining the location of the terminal device; the accuracy of the location of the terminal device; and the purpose of obtaining the location of the terminal device.
[0007] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, the communication device being a first network element, comprising: a transceiver unit, configured to: send first information to a second network element, the first information being used to request the location of a terminal device; and / or receive second information sent by the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device. Wherein, the first information and / or the second information includes one or more of the following: a positioning method for determining the location of the terminal device; the accuracy of the location of the terminal device; and the purpose of obtaining the location of the terminal device.
[0008] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, the communication device being a second network element, comprising: a transceiver unit, configured to receive first information sent by a first network element, the first information being used to request the location of a terminal device; and / or, the second network element sending second information to the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device. Wherein, the first information and / or the second information includes one or more of the following: a positioning method for determining the location of the terminal device; the accuracy of the location of the terminal device; and the purpose of obtaining the location of the terminal device.
[0009] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a transceiver, a memory, and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a program, and the processor is used to invoke the program in the memory and control the transceiver to receive or send signals, so that the communication device performs the method as described in the first aspect.
[0010] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a transceiver, a memory, and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a program, and the processor is used to invoke the program in the memory and control the transceiver to receive or send signals so that the communication device performs the method as described in the second aspect.
[0011] A seventh aspect provides an apparatus including a processor for calling a program from a memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of the first or second aspects.
[0012] Eighthly, a chip is provided, including a processor for calling a program from memory to cause a device having the chip mounted to perform the method as described in the first or second aspect.
[0013] Ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a program stored thereon that causes a computer to perform the method as described in the first or second aspect.
[0014] A tenth aspect provides a computer program product, including a program that causes a computer to perform the method as described in the first or second aspect.
[0015] Eleventhly, a computer program is provided that causes a computer to perform the method as described in the first or second aspect.
[0016] In this embodiment of the application, the first network element can send first information to the second network element to request the location of the terminal device. Correspondingly, the second network element can send second information to the first network element. The second information includes the location of the terminal device. Since the first information and / or the second information carry positioning-related information, such as positioning method, accuracy, and purpose of obtaining the location, it is beneficial to select a more suitable positioning method when introducing model-assisted positioning, so as to make the positioning result more accurate. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 is a system architecture example diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application.
[0018] Figure 2 is a system architecture example diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to another embodiment of this application.
[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of areas where terminal devices are allowed to access and areas where terminal devices are not allowed to access.
[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the registration request process for terminal devices.
[0021] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of this application.
[0022] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a wireless communication method according to another embodiment of this application.
[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application.
[0024] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application.
[0025] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0027] Wireless communication system
[0028] Figure 1 is an example diagram of the system architecture of a wireless communication system 100 to which embodiments of this application can be applied. The wireless communication system 100 may include a network device 110 and a terminal device 120. The network device 110 may be a device that communicates with the terminal device 120. The network device 110 can provide network coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with the terminal device 120 located within that coverage area. The terminal device 120 can access a network, such as a wireless network, through the network device 110. Optionally, the wireless communication system 100 may also include other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity; this embodiment of the application does not limit this.
[0029] It should be understood that the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: fifth generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR), long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, etc. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as sixth generation mobile communication systems, satellite communication systems, etc.
[0030] In this application embodiment, the terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user apparatus. The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, and can be used to connect people, objects, and machines, such as a handheld device with wireless connectivity, vehicle-mounted device, etc. Terminal devices can also be mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, self-driving, remote medical surgery, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, and smart homes. Optionally, terminal devices can act as base stations. For example, a terminal device can act as a dispatching entity, providing sidelink signals between terminal devices in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) or device-to-device (D2D) systems. For instance, cellular phones and cars communicate with each other using sidelink signals. Cellular phones and smart home devices communicate without relaying communication signals through base stations.
[0031] In this embodiment, the network device can be a device used to communicate with terminal devices. In some implementations, the network device may include an access network device or a wireless access network device; for example, the network device may be a base station. The term "base station" can broadly encompass various names as follows, or can be replaced by names such as: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station (MeNB), secondary station (SeNB), multi-mode radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar entity, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, or an entity that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, a network-side device in a 6G network, or an entity that performs base station functions in future communication systems. A base station can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.
[0032] In other implementations, network devices may include core network devices (or core network elements). In NR systems, core network elements can also be referred to as network functions (NFs). Types of core network elements may include, for example, UPF elements, access and mobility management function (AMF) elements, session management function (SMF) elements, policy control function (PCF) elements, application functions (AFs), data network (DN), network slice selection function (NSSF), authentication server function (AUSF), unified data management (UDM), the network exposure function (NEF), network repository function (NRF), and network slice-specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF).
[0033] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located.
[0034] By way of example and not limitation, the network device can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device for communicating with another base station. In some implementations, the network device can be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite can be a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, etc. In some embodiments, the network device can also be a base station located on land, water, or other similar locations.
[0035] It should be understood that all or part of the functions of the communication device in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform such as a cloud platform.
[0036] Positioning technology in communication systems
[0037] As an example, as shown in Figure 2, the communication system 100 may further include a positioning device 130. The positioning device 130 can be used to determine the location information of a terminal device. The positioning device 130 may be located in the core network. The positioning device 130 may also be referred to as a positioning server. Taking an NR system as an example, the positioning device 130 may be a location management function (LMF). Taking other communication systems as examples, the positioning device 130 may be a location management unit (LMU), a location management center (LMC), or an evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC). It is understood that the positioning device 130 may also be other network elements, nodes, or devices used to determine the location information of terminal devices, such as network elements or nodes in future communication systems used to determine the location information of terminal devices. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the name of the positioning device.
[0038] The positioning in communication system 100 includes uplink positioning and downlink positioning. In some communication systems (e.g., NR systems), downlink positioning can be performed based on a positioning reference signal (PRS). The positioning reference signal, also known as the downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS), is used to implement positioning functionality. For example, during downlink positioning, terminal device 120 first measures the PRS transmitted by the serving cell and neighboring cells (or adjacent cells) and estimates the relevant positioning measurement information. Then, terminal device 120 reports the relevant positioning measurement information as the PRS measurement result to positioning device 130. Positioning device 130 calculates the location of terminal device 120 based on the positioning measurement information reported by terminal device 120, thereby obtaining the location information of terminal device 120.
[0039] In some communication systems (e.g., NR systems), uplink positioning can be performed based on a sounding reference signal (SRS). For example, during uplink positioning, terminal device 120 sends an SRS. Network device 110 (e.g., the base station of the serving cell and the base stations of neighboring cells) can obtain measurement results based on the SRS sent by the terminal device. The SRS measurement results may include relevant information about positioning measurements. Then, network device 110 can send the relevant information about positioning measurements to positioning device 130. Positioning device 130 can calculate the location of terminal device 120 based on the relevant information about positioning measurements reported by network device 110, thereby obtaining the location information of terminal device 120.
[0040] Model-assisted localization
[0041] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) identified the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) models (or AL / ML algorithms and functions) in multiple technology areas. For example, AI / ML models are applied to the positioning of terminal devices, i.e., model-assisted positioning (or AI-assisted positioning).
[0042] In wireless networks, the wireless signal transmission between network devices and terminal devices cannot precisely achieve the goal of "preventing wireless signals from covering a specific area," but such a requirement exists in practical applications. For example, in a secure factory area, to prevent leaks, certain terminal devices (e.g., terminal devices from a particular operator) or all terminal devices may be prevented from accessing the network. As shown in Figure 3, in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), the coverage area of a cell is usually large, even crossing national borders. Terminal devices from an operator in country A can only access the core network of country A, and cannot access it from country B (e.g., they cannot access the core network of either country A or country B). The access network cannot identify the terminal device, therefore the core network needs to determine the specific geographical location of the terminal device to determine whether the terminal device can access the wireless network. Therefore, taking an NR network as an example, a process like the one shown in Figure 4 can be used to determine whether the terminal device is allowed to access the current area. The process shown in Figure 4 is executed by the terminal device, the access network device, the first network element, and the second network element. The first network element can be a core network control node, for example, in an NR network, the core network control node can be an AMF; the second network element can be a positioning device, such as an LMF; and the access network device can be a base station, for example.
[0043] In step 401, a radio resource control (RRC) connection is established between the terminal device and the base station.
[0044] In step 402, after the terminal device establishes an RRC connection with the base station, the terminal device initiates a registration request to the AMF.
[0045] In step 403, after receiving the terminal device registration request, the AMF determines that the cell where the terminal device is located may have geographical locations that prohibit the terminal device from accessing. This cell could be, for example, the cell shown in Figure 2 or other types of cells.
[0046] In step 404, the AMF requests the LMF to provide the geographic location of the terminal device, and may simultaneously carry the cell identifier and / or the identifier of the terminal device.
[0047] Next, the positioning process begins, including steps 405 to 409.
[0048] In step 405, the LMF sends a location capability request to the terminal device.
[0049] In step 406, the terminal device reports its positioning capabilities.
[0050] In step 407, the LMF sends the positioning method, positioning parameter configuration, etc. to the terminal device based on the positioning capability reported by the terminal device.
[0051] In step 408, the terminal device performs positioning based on model-assisted positioning to determine the location of the terminal device.
[0052] In step 409, the terminal device sends its location to the LMF.
[0053] Model-assisted localization can also include the following types. For example, it can include terminal device-based localization, in which a network device (e.g., a base station) sends a reference signal, the terminal device measures the reference signal and calculates the location of the terminal device based on the measurement result, and reports the location to the LMF. Another example is network-based localization, in which a network device configures the terminal device to send relevant reference signals, the network device measures the reference signals sent by the terminal device, calculates the location of the terminal device based on the measurement result, and reports the location of the terminal device to the LMF.
[0054] Figure 4 uses terminal device-based positioning as an example. In steps 408 and 409, the terminal device determines its location using model-assisted positioning and sends its location to the LMF. By introducing a model and using it to assist the terminal device in calculating its own location, the terminal device's location can be obtained quickly.
[0055] In step 410, the LMF sends the location of the terminal device to the AMF.
[0056] In step 411, the AMF determines whether the terminal device can access the network in its current geographical location (e.g., whether it can access the current public land mobile network (PLMN)) based on the location of the terminal device.
[0057] If it is determined that the terminal device can access the network (or can register in the current network), then proceed to step 412; if it is determined that the terminal device cannot access the network (or cannot register in the current network), then proceed to step 413.
[0058] In step 412, the AMF sends a registration success response message to the terminal device.
[0059] In step 413, the AMF sends a registration rejection message to the terminal device, which may include a reason for rejection, such as "location area not allowed".
[0060] Figure 4, as an example, assumes that the location information of the terminal device obtained by the AMF is accurate enough, allowing the AMF to make an accurate judgment. If the location information obtained by the AMF is not accurate enough, the AMF can optionally allow the terminal device to access the network first, and then, in a subsequent mobility management or service management process, trigger the LMF to measure the location of the terminal device again, thereby re-executing the judgment on whether the terminal device can access the network. If it is determined that the geographical location of the terminal device is not accessible, the mobility request or service request issued by the terminal device is rejected (e.g., through a non-access stratum (NAS) message). The rejection reason may include reasons such as location not allowed.
[0061] However, after introducing model-assisted positioning (MAS), the accuracy of the location information of the terminal device obtained by the AMF may be insufficient, making it impossible to make an appropriate judgment. If the location determined by model-assisted positioning is inaccurate, two scenarios exist. One scenario is that the actual geographical location of the terminal device should allow access, but due to the inaccuracy of the model-assisted positioning result, the AMF determines that the terminal device cannot access. In this case, if the terminal device attempts to access again, it will still be rejected using model-assisted positioning. The other scenario is that the actual geographical location of the terminal device should deny access, but due to the inaccuracy of the model-assisted positioning result, the AMF determines that access is allowed. This situation does not meet the operator's expectations.
[0062] Therefore, this application provides a wireless communication method in which a first network element can send first information to a second network element to request the location of a terminal device. Correspondingly, the second network element can send second information to the first network element, which includes the location of the terminal device. Since the first information and / or the second information carry positioning-related information, such as positioning method, accuracy, and purpose of obtaining the location, it is beneficial to select a more suitable positioning method when introducing a model-assisted positioning method, so as to make the positioning result more accurate.
[0063] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 5.
[0064] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the wireless communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method 500 shown in Figure 5 is executed by at least a first network element and a second network element. The first and second network elements can be network elements in the core network, wherein the first network element can be a core network control node (e.g., in an NR network, the core network control node can be an AMF); the second network element can be a positioning device, such as an LMF. As shown in Figure 5, method 500 may include steps 510 and / or 520.
[0065] In step 510, the first network element sends first information to the second network element; correspondingly, the second network element receives the first information sent by the first network element. The first information is used to request the location of the terminal device.
[0066] In step 520, the second network element sends second information to the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element receives the second information sent by the second network element. The second information is used to indicate the location of the terminal device.
[0067] In some implementations, the first information includes one or more of the following: the positioning method used to determine the location of the terminal device; the accuracy of the terminal device's location; and the purpose of obtaining the terminal device's location. The positioning method may, for example, include one or more of the following: model-assisted positioning; other positioning methods besides model-assisted positioning; and a combination of model-assisted positioning and other positioning methods. The purpose of obtaining the terminal device's location may be associated with one or more of the following: a registration request from the terminal device; a location update for the terminal device; or service management for the terminal device.
[0068] As an example, if the first information includes a desired positioning method, the second network element, upon receiving the first information, can indicate the positioning method to the terminal device so that the terminal device can perform positioning based on the proposed method and thus obtain the terminal device's location. The positioning method carried in the first information can be model-assisted positioning (MA / AOP), other positioning methods besides MA / AOP (i.e., not using MA / AOP), or a combination of MA / AOP and other positioning methods. In other words, when the first network element requests the location of the terminal device from the second network element, it can simultaneously indicate the suggested positioning method. This positioning method can be determined, for example, based on the accuracy requirements of the first network element, which may be protocol-defined. For instance, the positioning accuracy used by the first network element to determine whether the terminal device can access the network is protocol-defined. The first network element can notify the second network element which positioning method to use, or which positioning method not to use (e.g., not using MA / AOP), or a combination of MA / AOP and other positioning methods to improve positioning accuracy. Thus, when configuring the positioning method for the terminal device, the second network element can configure the positioning method suggested in the first information. It should be noted that the positioning process involved in this embodiment is based on terminal device positioning as an example, but it is not limited to this. After determining the positioning method, network device-based positioning can also be used to obtain the location of the terminal device.
[0069] In this application's embodiments, other positioning methods mentioned include, but are not limited to, observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA), angle of departure (AoD), angle of arrival (AoA), multi-round-trip time (multi-RTT), various positioning methods involved in the LPP protocol, and other uplink or downlink positioning methods. Model-assisted positioning methods and other positioning methods can be mutually exclusive; for example, when the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method is insufficient, only other model-assisted positioning methods can be used. Model-assisted positioning methods and other positioning methods can also be used simultaneously; for example, when the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method is insufficient, in addition to using other positioning methods, a combination of model-assisted positioning methods and other positioning methods can also be used.
[0070] For example, if the first information includes the desired location accuracy, the second network element, upon receiving the first information, can select a suitable positioning method based on the location accuracy carried in the first information and configure a suitable positioning method for the terminal device. For instance, if the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method meets the location accuracy indicated in the first information, the model-assisted positioning method is selected; if the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method cannot meet the location accuracy indicated in the first information, other positioning methods besides the model-assisted positioning method are selected, or a combination of model-assisted positioning method and other positioning methods is selected.
[0071] For example, if the first information includes a request to obtain the location of the terminal device. The following explanations will focus on the connection between the purpose of obtaining the terminal device and the terminal device's registration request (i.e., the purpose of obtaining the terminal device is to determine whether the terminal device can access the network). For other related NAS processes, similar positioning methods can be used whenever location restrictions on the terminal device are involved. For example, a location update after the terminal device moves triggers the first network element to determine whether the terminal device's location can continue transmitting service data. Another example is in the service management process, where the first network element has different location restrictions on the terminal device for specific services, requiring the acquisition of the terminal device's location. If the terminal device has already successfully registered in the core network, but the first network element finds that the terminal device's location does not support the current service transmission, it will use a deregistration message to put the terminal device into a deregistered state.
[0072] In some implementations, the second information may include, for example, the positioning method used to determine the location of the terminal device, and / or the accuracy of the terminal device's location. The positioning method may include, for example, model-assisted positioning (MA / AOP), other positioning methods besides MA / AOP, or a combination of MA / AOP and other positioning methods. That is, when the second network element provides the location information of the terminal device to the first network element, it simultaneously provides the positioning method used to obtain the location information, or provides the accuracy information of the location, or simultaneously provides both the positioning method used to obtain the location information and the accuracy information of the location. For example, if the location of the terminal device is obtained based on model-assisted positioning, the second information may include "the positioning method is model-assisted positioning," or include "the positioning method is model-assisted positioning" and "the accuracy of model-assisted positioning," or include only "the accuracy of model-assisted positioning." Alternatively, when the second network element provides the location information of the terminal device to the first network element, regardless of the positioning method used, it may provide the corresponding accuracy information to the first network element. In this way, the first network element can determine whether the location of the terminal device carried in the second information is usable (e.g., whether the location can be used to determine whether the terminal device can access the network) based on the positioning method and / or accuracy information carried in the second information.
[0073] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first information sent by the first network element to the second network element may include information such as the suggested positioning method, accuracy requirements, and purpose of obtaining the location. In this case, after receiving the first information, the second network element can select a suitable positioning method to obtain location information that meets the requirements. Taking Figure 4 as an example, this is equivalent to improving step 404 shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, the second information sent by the second network element to the first network element may include location information, as well as information such as the positioning method and accuracy used to obtain the location. In this case, after receiving the second information, the first network element can determine whether the location meets the corresponding requirements (e.g., whether the location can be used to determine whether the terminal device can access the network), thereby avoiding drawing incorrect results based on incorrect locations. Taking Figure 4 as an example, this is equivalent to improving step 410 shown in Figure 4.
[0074] In this embodiment, information such as positioning method, accuracy, and purpose may be carried only in the first information, or the positioning method, accuracy, and other information may be carried only in the second information, that is, only one of steps 404 and 410 is improved. However, in some cases, the above information may be carried in both the first and second information, that is, both steps 404 and 410 are improved simultaneously. For example, the first network element notifies the second network element to use the model-assisted positioning method through the first information, but the current model-assisted positioning method is no longer suitable for use for some reason (e.g., the model accuracy is decreasing), so other positioning methods are adopted. In this case, the second information sent by the second network element to the first network element may carry not only the location information of the terminal device, but also indicate that the location of the terminal device is determined based on other positioning methods and / or the accuracy of that location.
[0075] As shown in Figure 6, this application embodiment also provides a wireless communication method. The method 600 shown in Figure 6 is executed by at least a first network element and a terminal device. As shown in Figure 6, method 600 may include steps 610 and 620.
[0076] In step 610, the terminal device sends a first request message to the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element receives the first request message sent by the terminal device.
[0077] In step 620, the first network element sends a response message to the terminal device in response to the first request message.
[0078] For example, the first network element can send the response message to the terminal device based on the terminal device's location (e.g., the location of the terminal device obtained from a request from the second network element). This response message indicates whether the terminal device's request is allowed or denied. As an example, the first request message can be a registration request message, used to request registration with the network (e.g., the network corresponding to the first network element). Accordingly, the response message to the first request message can be a registration success response message or a registration rejection response message. Further, the response message also indicates the positioning method associated with the decision to allow or reject the terminal device's request. For example, if the response message indicates that the positioning method is model-assisted positioning, it can mean that allowing the terminal device's request is because the terminal device's location is allowed, or rejecting the terminal device's request is because the terminal device's location is not allowed, and these locations are obtained based on model-assisted positioning. Taking the registration response message as an example, a registration success response message can indicate that "the result of successful registration is obtained based on model-assisted positioning," and a registration rejection response message can indicate that "the result of refusing registration is obtained based on model-assisted positioning." Taking Figure 4 as an example, it is equivalent to improving steps 412 and / or 413 shown in Figure 4.
[0079] In this scenario, optionally, if the terminal device disagrees with the result, it can re-initiate the corresponding NAS process (e.g., a registration request process). For example, the terminal device can send a second request message to the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element receives the second request message sent by the terminal device. The second request message is used to request registration with the network, and optionally, it also indicates that model-assisted positioning should not be used. Specifically, when the first network element sends a registration success response message to the terminal device, it can notify the terminal device that "the current permission for the terminal device to access the network is based on the result of positioning using model-assisted positioning." If the terminal device believes its location should not be allowed to access the network, it sends a registration request message again, notifying the first network element that "the accuracy of model-assisted positioning is low" or "do not use model-assisted positioning," thereby triggering the positioning process again to determine whether the terminal device can truly access the network. When the first network element sends a registration rejection response message to the terminal device, it can notify the terminal device that "the current rejection of the terminal device's access to the network is based on the result of positioning using model-assisted positioning." If the terminal device believes its location should be able to access the network, it sends a registration request message again, notifying the first network element that "the accuracy of model-assisted positioning is low" or "do not use model-assisted positioning," thereby triggering the positioning process again to determine whether the terminal device can actually access the network. This application embodiment does not limit how the terminal device determines whether to accept the above-mentioned allow or deny results. For example, after reporting its location to the second network element, the terminal device triggers a positioning process using another positioning method through other processes, and sends a location obtained based on model-assisted positioning and other positioning methods that differs significantly (e.g., the distance between the locations obtained under the two methods exceeds a threshold). In this case, if the terminal device receives a registration success response message or a registration rejection response message, it realizes that the previously reported location may be inaccurate, so it will initiate the registration request process again, informing the user that the model-assisted positioning result may be inaccurate.
[0080] It should be noted that method 500 and method 600 can be implemented independently, that is, the positioning method and / or accuracy information can be carried in the first information and / or the second information, or the positioning method and / or accuracy information can be carried in the response message; or, method 500 and method 600 can be implemented simultaneously. For example, the first information and / or the second information may carry the positioning method and / or accuracy information, and the response message may also carry the positioning method and / or accuracy information.
[0081] The above describes the scenario where the first network element can determine whether a terminal device can access the network based on the second information. In other implementations, if it is impossible to determine whether the location of the terminal device in the second information is usable (e.g., it is impossible to determine whether the terminal device can access the network based on its location), the first network element can send third information to the second network element. This third information is used to request the location of the terminal device, and optionally, the third information may include information on the positioning method and / or accuracy. In other words, the first network element can determine whether the terminal device can access the network based on its location. If it cannot determine whether the terminal device can access the network due to reasons such as the positioning method and / or accuracy not meeting requirements, it can request the second network element to provide the location of the terminal device again, and instruct the second network element on the specific positioning method (e.g., instructing the second network element not to use model-assisted positioning) and / or accuracy requirements, until the first network element obtains location information with sufficient accuracy from the second network element.
[0082] In some implementations, the second network element can send fourth information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the fourth information sent by the second network element. The fourth information includes a positioning method for determining the location of the terminal device. That is, the second network element can use the fourth information to instruct the terminal device on the positioning method used for positioning. Optionally, if the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method is higher than the accuracy included in the first information, the positioning method included in the fourth information is the model-assisted positioning method, i.e., the terminal device is notified that the positioning method used is the model-assisted positioning method; if the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method is lower than the accuracy included in the first information, the positioning method included in the fourth information is a positioning method other than the model-assisted positioning method, or a combination of the model-assisted positioning method and other positioning methods, i.e., the terminal device is notified that the positioning method used is a positioning method other than the model-assisted positioning method, or a combination of the model-assisted positioning method and other positioning methods.
[0083] By adopting the above approach, when introducing model-assisted positioning, we can make full use of model-assisted positioning to improve the positioning cell and / or accuracy, and reduce the occurrence of situations where the positioning information obtained by model-assisted positioning becomes less accurate, which could lead to network access in the wrong geographical location or being rejected by the first network element in an accessible geographical location.
[0084] The method embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The apparatus embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 7 to 9. It should be understood that the descriptions of the method embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the apparatus embodiments; therefore, any parts not described in detail can be referred to the preceding method embodiments.
[0085] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 700 shown in Figure 7 is, for example, a first network element, including a transceiver unit 710. The transceiver unit 710 is used to: send first information to a second network element, the first information being used to request the location of a terminal device; and / or receive second information sent by the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device. The first information and / or the second information include one or more of the following: a positioning method for determining the location of the terminal device; the accuracy of the location of the terminal device; and the purpose of obtaining the location of the terminal device.
[0086] In some implementations, the objective is associated with one or more of the following: the registration request of the terminal device; the location update of the terminal device; and the service management of the terminal device.
[0087] In some implementations, the positioning method includes one or more of the following: model-assisted positioning; other positioning methods besides model-assisted positioning; and a combination of the model-assisted positioning method and the other positioning methods.
[0088] In some implementations, the transceiver unit 710 is further configured to: receive a first request message sent by the terminal device, the first request message being used to request registration with the network; and send a response message to the terminal device in response to the first request message based on the location of the terminal device, wherein the response message is used to indicate whether the request of the terminal device is allowed or denied, and the response message is also used to indicate that the positioning method is a model-assisted positioning method.
[0089] In some implementations, the transceiver unit 710 is further configured to: receive a second request message sent by the terminal device, the second request message being used to request registration with the network, and the second request message also being used to indicate that the model-assisted positioning method is not used.
[0090] In some implementations, the transceiver unit 710 is further configured to: send third information to the second network element when it is impossible to determine whether the location of the terminal device in the second information is usable, the third information being used to request the location of the terminal device, and the third information including the positioning method and / or the accuracy.
[0091] In some implementations, the first network element is an AMF; and / or, the second network element is an LMF.
[0092] It is understood that the transceiver unit 710 may be, for example, a transceiver 930. Additionally, the communication device 700 may optionally include a processor 910 and a memory 920, as detailed in Figure 9.
[0093] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 800 shown in Figure 8 is, for example, a second network element, including a transceiver unit 810. The transceiver unit 810 is used to: receive first information sent by a first network element, the first information being used to request the location of a terminal device; and / or, send second information to the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device. The first information and / or the second information include: a positioning method for determining the location of the terminal device; the accuracy of the location of the terminal device; and the purpose of obtaining the location of the terminal device.
[0094] In some implementations, the objective is associated with one or more of the following: the registration request of the terminal device; the location update of the terminal device; and the service management of the terminal device.
[0095] In some implementations, the positioning method includes one or more of the following: model-assisted positioning; other positioning methods besides model-assisted positioning; and a combination of the model-assisted positioning method and the other positioning methods.
[0096] In some implementations, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to: send fourth information to the terminal device, the fourth information including the positioning method for determining the location of the terminal device.
[0097] In some implementations, if the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method is higher than the accuracy included in the first information, the positioning method included in the fourth information is the model-assisted positioning method; if the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method is lower than the accuracy included in the first information, the positioning method included in the fourth information is a positioning method other than the model-assisted positioning method, or a combination of the model-assisted positioning method and other positioning methods.
[0098] In some implementations, the first network element is an AMF; and / or, the second network element is an LMF.
[0099] It is understood that the transceiver unit 810 may be, for example, a transceiver 930. Additionally, the communication device 800 may optionally include a processor 910 and a memory 920, as detailed in Figure 9.
[0100] Figure 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. The dashed lines in Figure 9 indicate that the unit or module is optional. The apparatus 900 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. The apparatus 900 may be, for example, a chip or a communication device.
[0101] The apparatus 900 may include one or more processors 910. The processors 910 may support the apparatus 900 in implementing the methods described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor 910 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, the processor 910 may be a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor 910 may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.
[0102] The apparatus 900 may further include one or more memories 920. The memories 920 store programs that can be executed by the processor 910, causing the processor 910 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The memories 920 may be independent of the processor 910, or they may be integrated into the processor 910.
[0103] The device 900 may also include a transceiver 930. The processor 910 can communicate with other devices or chips via the transceiver 930. For example, the processor 910 can send and receive data with other devices or chips via the transceiver 930.
[0104] This application also provides a communication system. The communication system includes the communication device described above. In some implementations, the system further includes other devices that interact with the communication device.
[0105] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a program. This computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the communication device provided in this application, and the program causes a computer to execute the methods performed by the communication device in various embodiments of this application.
[0106] This application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a program. The computer program product can be applied to the communication device provided in this application embodiment, and the program causes a computer to execute the methods performed by the communication device in various embodiments of this application.
[0107] This application also provides a computer program. This computer program can be applied to the communication device provided in this application, and causes the computer to execute the methods performed by the communication device in various embodiments of this application.
[0108] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the terminology used in this application is only for explaining specific embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit this application. The terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.
[0109] In the embodiments of this application, the term "instruction" can be a direct instruction, an indirect instruction, or an indication of a relationship. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being able to obtain information through A; it can also mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, so B can obtain information through C; or it can mean that there is a relationship between A and B.
[0110] In the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.
[0111] In the embodiments of this application, the term "correspondence" can indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between two things, or an association between two things, or a relationship such as instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured.
[0112] In this application embodiment, "predefined", "preconfigured", or "pre-agreed" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices). This application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to what is defined in the protocol.
[0113] In this application embodiment, the "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communication, such as the LTE protocol, the NR protocol, and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this.
[0114] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0115] In the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.
[0116] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.
[0117] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.
[0118] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.
[0119] 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 instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can read or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).
[0120] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A method of wireless communication, comprising: include: The first network element sends first information to the second network element, the first information being used to request the location of the terminal device; And / or, The first network element receives second information sent by the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device; Wherein, the first information and / or the second information includes one or more of the following: A positioning method used to determine the location of the terminal device; The accuracy of the position of the terminal device; The purpose is to obtain the location of the terminal device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The stated purpose is associated with one or more of the following: The registration request of the terminal device; The location update of the terminal device; The terminal device's business management.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The positioning method includes one or more of the following: Model-assisted localization method; Other positioning methods besides model-assisted positioning; The model-assisted positioning method is combined with the other positioning methods.
4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network element receives a first request message sent by the terminal device, the first request message being used to request registration with the network; The first network element sends a response message to the terminal device in response to the first request message based on the location of the terminal device. The response message is used to indicate whether the request of the terminal device is allowed or denied. The response message is also used to indicate that the positioning method is model-assisted positioning.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: The first network element receives a second request message sent by the terminal device. The second request message is used to request registration with the network and also to indicate that the model-assisted positioning method is not used.
6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: If it is impossible to determine whether the location of the terminal device in the second information is usable, the first network element sends third information to the second network element. The third information is used to request the location of the terminal device, and the third information includes the positioning method and / or the accuracy.
7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); and / or, The second network element is the Location Management Function (LMF).
8. A method of wireless communication, comprising: include: The second network element receives the first information sent by the first network element, the first information being used to request the location of the terminal device; And / or, The second network element sends second information to the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device; Wherein, the first information and / or the second information includes: A positioning method used to determine the location of the terminal device; The accuracy of the terminal device's position; The purpose is to obtain the location of the terminal device.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The stated purpose is associated with one or more of the following: The registration request of the terminal device; The location update of the terminal device; The terminal device's business management.
10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The positioning method includes one or more of the following: Model-assisted localization method; Other positioning methods besides model-assisted positioning; The model-assisted positioning method is combined with the other positioning methods.
11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second network element sends fourth information to the terminal device, the fourth information including the positioning method used to determine the location of the terminal device.
12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, If the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method is higher than the accuracy included in the first information, then the positioning method included in the fourth information is the model-assisted positioning method. If the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method is lower than the accuracy included in the first information, the positioning method included in the fourth information is a positioning method other than the model-assisted positioning method, or a combination of the model-assisted positioning method and other positioning methods.
13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, The first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); and / or, The second network element is the Location Management Function (LMF).
14. A communication device, characterized by The communication device is a first network element, including: The transceiver unit is configured to: send first information to a second network element, the first information being used to request the location of the terminal device; and / or receive second information sent by the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device. Wherein, the first information and / or the second information includes one or more of the following: A positioning method used to determine the location of the terminal device; The accuracy of the position of the terminal device; The purpose is to obtain the location of the terminal device.
15. The communication device of claim 14, wherein, The stated purpose is associated with one or more of the following: The registration request of the terminal device; The location update of the terminal device; The terminal device's business management.
16. The communication device of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The positioning method includes one or more of the following: Model-assisted localization method; Other positioning methods besides model-assisted positioning; The model-assisted positioning method is combined with the other positioning methods.
17. The communication device of any one of claims 14-16, wherein, The transceiver unit is also used for: Receive a first request message sent by the terminal device, the first request message being used to request registration with the network; Based on the location of the terminal device, a response message is sent to the terminal device in response to the first request message, wherein the response message is used to indicate whether the request of the terminal device is allowed or denied, and the response message is also used to indicate that the positioning method is model-assisted positioning.
18. The communication device of claim 17, wherein, The transceiver unit is also used for: The terminal device receives a second request message, which is used to request registration with the network and also to indicate that the model-assisted positioning method is not used.
19. The communication device of any of claims 14-18, wherein, The transceiver unit is also used for: If it is impossible to determine whether the location of the terminal device in the second information is usable, a third information is sent to the second network element. The third information is used to request the location of the terminal device, and the third information includes the positioning method and / or the accuracy.
20. The communication device according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, The first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); and / or, The second network element is the Location Management Function (LMF).
21. A communications device, characterized by The communication device is a second network element, including: The transceiver unit is configured to: receive first information sent by a first network element, the first information being used to request the location of a terminal device; and / or send second information to the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device; Wherein, the first information and / or the second information includes: A positioning method used to determine the location of the terminal device; The accuracy of the position of the terminal device; The purpose is to obtain the location of the terminal device.
22. The communication device of claim 21, wherein, The stated purpose is associated with one or more of the following: The registration request of the terminal device; The location update of the terminal device; The terminal device's business management.
23. The communication device of claim 21 or 22, wherein, The positioning method includes one or more of the following: Model-assisted localization method; Other positioning methods besides model-assisted positioning; The model-assisted positioning method is combined with the other positioning methods.
24. The communication device of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein, The transceiver unit is also used for: Send fourth information to the terminal device, the fourth information including the positioning method for determining the location of the terminal device.
25. The communication device according to claim 24, characterized in that, If the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method is higher than the accuracy included in the first information, then the positioning method included in the fourth information is the model-assisted positioning method. If the accuracy of the model-assisted positioning method is lower than the accuracy included in the first information, the positioning method included in the fourth information is a positioning method other than the model-assisted positioning method, or a combination of the model-assisted positioning method and other positioning methods.
26. The communication device according to any one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that, The first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); and / or, The second network element is the Location Management Function (LMF).
27. A communications device, characterized by The device includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. The memory stores a program, and the processor invokes the program in the memory and controls the transceiver to receive or transmit signals so that the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
28. A communications device, characterized by The device includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. The memory stores a program, and the processor invokes the program in the memory and controls the transceiver to receive or transmit signals so that the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13.
29. An apparatus comprising: Includes a processor for calling a program from memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
30. A chip, characterized by Includes a processor for calling a program from memory, causing a device on which the chip is mounted to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
31. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, It contains a program that causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
32. A computer program product, characterised in that, Includes a program that causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
33. A computer program, characterized in that, The computer program causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.