Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus. In the method, a terminal may receive indication information used for indicating first timing information, acquire second timing information, send a first reference signal on the basis of the first timing information, and send a second reference signal on the basis of the second timing information. Correspondingly, a first access network node measures the first reference signal, and a second access network node measures the second reference signal to assist in determining position information of the terminal. In the process, the terminal may separately implement uplink synchronization with the first access network node and the second access network node, thereby reducing interference between the reference signal sent by the terminal and an uplink signal of the terminal within coverage of the first access network node (or the second access network node).

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411658209.7, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 18, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In positioning scenarios, multiple access network nodes are typically required to participate in the positioning process to locate the terminal under test. For example, the terminal under test can send an uplink reference signal, and the access network nodes participating in the positioning (such as access network node 1 and access network node 2) can measure the uplink reference signal and send the measured information to the positioning network element, which then determines the location information of the terminal under test.

[0004] With the rapid development of satellite constellations, in addition to traditional base stations, access network nodes can also be communication infrastructure located outside the Earth's surface, such as satellites. In satellite positioning scenarios, the transmission delay between the terminal under test (DUT) and access network node 1 differs significantly from the transmission delay between the DUT and access network node 2. This can cause interference between the signals transmitted by the DUT and other terminals (e.g., terminals accessing access network node 2). Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce interference between signals transmitted by the terminal under test and signals transmitted by other terminals.

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

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the terminal side, such as a first terminal or a communication module / processing module in the first terminal, or a circuit or chip in the first terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or a circuit or chip in the first terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)).

[0008] Taking the application of this method to a first terminal as an example, the method includes: receiving first information, wherein the first information includes an identifier of a first access network node and first time information; the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information are used to determine first timing information, and the first timing information is associated with the first access network node; obtaining second timing information, and the second timing information is associated with a second access network node; sending a first reference signal according to the first timing information; and sending a second reference signal according to the second timing information.

[0009] Based on the method provided in the first aspect above, the first terminal can transmit a first reference signal and a second reference signal based on different timing information, thereby achieving uplink synchronization with both the first access network node and the second access network node. Therefore, interference between the reference signal transmitted by the first terminal and the uplink signals of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first access network node (or the second access network node) can be reduced. Furthermore, when the first terminal and the first access network node (or the second access network node) are synchronized, the arrival time of the first reference signal (or the second reference signal) at the first access network node (or the second access network node) is predictable. Therefore, the first access network node (or the second access network node) does not need to reserve a large reception time window (or measurement time window) for the first reference signal (or the second reference signal), nor does it need to detect the first reference signal (or the second reference signal) within a large reception time window. Therefore, the above method can also improve the resource utilization of the first access network node (or the second access network node) and reduce the complexity of detecting the first reference signal (or the second reference signal) for the first access network node (or the second access network node).

[0010] In one possible implementation, the second access network node is the access network node currently accessed by the first terminal, and the first and second access network nodes participate in determining the location information of the first terminal.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first information may further include one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use a first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, precision information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information; wherein, the first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the location information of the terminal; the timing interval information is used to determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs.

[0012] Based on the above possible implementations, the first terminal can determine whether to use the first method to determine its location information, and then determine how to send reference signals to the first and second access network nodes. For example, it can choose to send one reference signal within a period for all access network nodes to receive, or send multiple reference signals within a period based on corresponding timing information. Alternatively, the first terminal can determine the precision information of the first timing information, such as low precision or high precision. Alternatively, the first terminal can determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs. Alternatively, the first terminal can determine whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information. Alternatively, the first terminal can determine the network element that calculates the first timing information.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to determine location information, such as the location information of the first terminal.

[0014] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can measure the first reference signal to help determine the location information of the first terminal, and the second access network node can measure the second reference signal to help determine the location information of the first terminal.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending second information, which indicates at least one of first timing information or second timing information. For example, the second information indicates first timing information, or the second information indicates second timing information, or the second information indicates both first and second timing information.

[0016] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the device receiving the second information, such as the positioning network element or the second access network node, can obtain the first timing information and / or the second timing information.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first configuration information from a second access network node, the first configuration information being used to configure the resources of the first reference signal and the resources of the second reference signal.

[0018] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first terminal can transmit the first reference signal on the resources of the first reference signal and transmit the second reference signal on the resources of the second reference signal.

[0019] Secondly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as a positioning network element on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip or chip system) in the positioning network element, or a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the positioning network element functions.

[0020] Taking the application of this method to a positioning network element as an example, the method includes: sending first information, the first information indicating first timing information, the first timing information being associated with a first access network node; receiving first measurement information and second measurement information, the first measurement information being obtained by the first access network node measuring a first reference signal sent by the first terminal according to the first timing information, the second measurement information being obtained by the second access network node measuring a second reference signal sent by the first terminal according to the second timing information, the first measurement information and the second measurement information being used to determine the location information of the first terminal.

[0021] Based on the method provided in the second aspect above, the positioning network element can indicate the first timing information, enabling the first terminal to send a first reference signal according to the first timing information, thereby achieving uplink synchronization with the first access network node. Therefore, the above method can reduce interference between the first reference signal sent by the first terminal and the uplink signals of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first access network node. Furthermore, when the first terminal and the first access network node are synchronized, the arrival time of the first reference signal at the first access network node is predictable. Therefore, the first access network node does not need to reserve a large reception time window (or measurement time window) for the first reference signal, nor does it need to detect the first reference signal within a large reception time window. Therefore, the above method can also improve the resource utilization of the first access network node and reduce the complexity of the first access network node detecting the first reference signal.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the second access network node is the access network node currently accessed by the first terminal, and the first and second access network nodes participate in determining the location information of the first terminal.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the location information of the first terminal is the location information of the first terminal at a first moment, and the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information indicating one or more of the following: second timing information or the location information of the first terminal at a second moment; wherein the first moment is later than the second moment.

[0024] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the positioning network element can determine the first timing information, or determine the second timing information, or determine the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information, or determine the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount.

[0025] Taking the determination of the second time information by the positioning network element as an example, the positioning network element can usually obtain the location information of the first access network node, and then combine the location information of the first terminal at the second time and the speed of light to determine the second time information.

[0026] Taking the location network element as an example, where the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information, the location network element can usually obtain the first time information and then combine it with the second time information to determine the first timing information.

[0027] Taking the location network element determining the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information as an example, the location network element can obtain the second timing information from the second access network node, and determine the above-mentioned difference information based on the first timing information and the second timing information.

[0028] Taking the positioning network element determining the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount, with the first timing information equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information, and the second timing information equal to the sum of the third time information and the fourth time information as an example, the positioning network element determines the first adjustment amount based on the first time information and the third time information. For example, the first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information. The positioning network element determines the second adjustment amount based on the second time information and the fourth information. For example, the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fourth information, the fourth information indicating one or more of the following: whether to use a first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, whether to report the location information of the first terminal, whether to report second timing information, or a network element that calculates the first timing information; wherein, the first method refers to the terminal sending a reference signal based on different timing information to determine the location information of the terminal.

[0030] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the device receiving the fourth information, such as the second access network node, can determine whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, or whether to report the location information of the first terminal, or whether to report the second timing information, or determine the network element that calculates the first timing information.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first timing information; or, the first information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, the first information includes first time information and second time information; or, the first information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount; wherein, the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information; the second timing information is equal to the sum of the third time information and the fourth time information; the first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information, and the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

[0032] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the positioning network element can directly or indirectly indicate the first timing information through the above methods.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information; the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information are used to determine the first timing information.

[0034] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the device receiving the first information, such as the second access network node or the first terminal, can determine the first timing information according to the first information.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first information may further include one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use a first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, precision information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information; wherein, the first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the location information of the terminal; the timing interval information is used to determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs.

[0036] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the device receiving the first information, such as the second access network node or the first terminal, can determine whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, or determine the accuracy information of the first timing information, such as low precision or high precision, or determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs, or determine whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or determine the network element that calculates the first timing information.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information, which indicates at least one of first timing information or second timing information. For example, the second information indicates first timing information, or the second information indicates second timing information, or the second information indicates both first and second timing information.

[0038] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the positioning network element can obtain first timing information and / or second timing information, so that the positioning network element processes the first measurement information according to the first timing information to eliminate the influence of the first timing information on the first measurement information, and processes the second measurement information according to the second timing information to eliminate the influence of the second timing information on the second measurement information.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first indication message to a second access network node, the first indication message indicating whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information; and sending a second indication message to a first access network node, the second indication message indicating whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0040] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can determine whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and the first access network node can determine whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third indication information from a second access network node, the third indication information indicating whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to second timing information, and whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to first timing information.

[0042] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the positioning network element can determine whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0043] Thirdly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as a second access network node on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip or chip system) in the second access network node, or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second access network node.

[0044] Taking the application of this method to a second access network node as an example, the method includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating first timing information, the first timing information being associated with the first access network node; sending fifth information to a first terminal, the fifth information indicating the first timing information; receiving a second reference signal from the first terminal, the second reference signal being sent by the first terminal according to the second timing information, the second timing information being associated with the second access network node; and sending second measurement information, the second measurement information being obtained by the second access network node measuring the second reference signal, the second measurement information being used to determine the location information of the first terminal.

[0045] Based on the method provided in the third aspect above, the second access network node can indicate first timing information to the first terminal, enabling the first terminal to send a reference signal according to the first timing information, thereby achieving uplink synchronization with the first access network node. Therefore, interference between the reference signal sent by the first terminal and the uplink signals of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first access network node can be reduced. Furthermore, when the first terminal and the first access network node are synchronized, the arrival time of the reference signal sent by the first terminal at the first access network node is predictable. Therefore, the first access network node does not need to reserve a large reception time window (or measurement time window) for the reference signal, nor does it need to detect the reference signal within a large reception time window. Therefore, the above method can also improve the resource utilization of the first access network node and reduce the complexity of the first access network node detecting the reference signal.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the second access network node is the access network node currently accessed by the first terminal, and the first and second access network nodes participate in determining the location information of the first terminal.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the location information of the first terminal is the location information of the first terminal at a first moment, and the method further includes: sending third information, the third information indicating one or more of the following: second timing information or the location information of the first terminal at a second moment; wherein the first moment is later than the second moment.

[0048] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the device receiving the third information, such as the positioning network element, can determine the first timing information, or determine the second timing information, or determine the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information, or determine the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount.

[0049] Taking the determination of the second time information by the positioning network element as an example, the positioning network element can usually obtain the location information of the first access network node, and then combine the location information of the first terminal at the second time and the speed of light to determine the second time information.

[0050] Taking the location network element as an example, where the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information, the location network element can usually obtain the first time information and then combine it with the second time information to determine the first timing information.

[0051] Taking the location network element determining the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information as an example, the location network element can obtain the second timing information from the second access network node, and determine the above-mentioned difference information based on the first timing information and the second timing information.

[0052] Taking the positioning network element determining the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount, with the first timing information equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information, and the second timing information equal to the sum of the third time information and the fourth time information as an example, the positioning network element determines the first adjustment amount based on the first time information and the third time information. For example, the first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information. The positioning network element determines the second adjustment amount based on the second time information and the fourth time information. For example, the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information, the fourth information indicating one or more of the following: whether to use a first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, whether to report the location information of the first terminal, whether to report second timing information, or a network element that calculates the first timing information; wherein, the first method refers to the terminal sending a reference signal based on different timing information to determine the location information of the terminal.

[0054] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can determine whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, or whether to report the location information of the first terminal, or whether to report the second timing information, or determine the network element that calculates the first timing information.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first timing information; or, the first information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, the first information includes first time information and second time information; or, the first information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount; wherein, the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information; the second timing information is equal to the sum of the third time information and the fourth time information; the first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information, and the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

[0056] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can obtain the first timing information according to the first information.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information; the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information are used to determine the first timing information.

[0058] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can determine the first timing information according to the first information.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the first information may further include one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use a first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, precision information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information; wherein, the first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the location information of the terminal; the timing interval information is used to determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs.

[0060] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can determine whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, or determine the accuracy information of the first timing information, such as low precision or high precision, or determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs, or determine whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or determine the network element that calculates the first timing information.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a sixth message, which indicates at least one of a first timing message or a second timing message. For example, the sixth message indicates the first timing message, or the sixth message indicates the second timing message, or the sixth message indicates both the first and second timing messages.

[0062] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the receiving sixth information device, such as the positioning network element, can obtain the first timing information and / or the second timing information.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the fifth information includes first timing information; or, the fifth information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, the fifth information includes first time information and second time information; or, the fifth information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount; wherein, the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information; the second timing information is equal to the sum of the third time information and the fourth time information; the first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information, and the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

[0064] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first timing information can be indicated to the first terminal in the above manner.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to second timing information.

[0066] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can determine whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending third indication information, the third indication information indicating whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0068] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the device receiving the third indication information, such as the positioning network element, can determine whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0069] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the first aspect. This communication device can be a first terminal as described in the first aspect, or a communication module / processing module within the first terminal, or a circuit or chip in the first terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or a circuit or chip in the first terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0071] In one possible implementation, a communication module is configured to receive first information, the first information including an identifier of a first access network node and first time information; the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information are used to determine first timing information, the first timing information being associated with the first access network node; a processing module is configured to acquire second timing information, the second timing information being associated with a second access network node; the communication module is further configured to send a first reference signal based on the first timing information; the communication module is further configured to send a second reference signal based on the second timing information.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the second access network node is the access network node that the communication device is currently accessing, and the first and second access network nodes participate in determining the location information of the communication device.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use a first method to determine the location information of the communication device, accuracy information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information; wherein, the first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the location information of the terminal; the timing interval information is used to determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to determine position information.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send second information indicating at least one of the first timing information or the second timing information.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive first configuration information from a second access network node, the first configuration information being used to configure the resources of the first reference signal and the resources of the second reference signal.

[0077] Fifthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the second aspect above. This communication device can be a positioning network element as described in the second aspect, a module within the positioning network element (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the positioning network element's functions. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the communication module to send first information, the first information indicating first timing information associated with a first access network node; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive first measurement information and second measurement information, the first measurement information being obtained by the first access network node measuring a first reference signal sent by the first terminal according to the first timing information, and the second measurement information being obtained by the second access network node measuring a second reference signal sent by the first terminal according to the second timing information, the first measurement information and the second measurement information being used to determine the location information of the first terminal.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the second access network node is the access network node currently accessed by the first terminal, and the first and second access network nodes participate in determining the location information of the first terminal.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the location information of the first terminal is the location information of the first terminal at a first moment. The processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive third information, which indicates one or more of the following: the second timing information or the location information of the first terminal at a second moment; wherein the first moment is later than the second moment.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send fourth information, which indicates one or more of the following: whether to use a first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, whether to report the location information of the first terminal, whether to report the second timing information, or the network element that calculates the first timing information; wherein, the first method refers to the terminal sending a reference signal based on different timing information to determine the location information of the terminal.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the first timing information; or, the first information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, the first information includes first time information and second time information; or, the first information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount; wherein, the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information; the second timing information is equal to the sum of the third time information and the fourth time information; the first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information, and the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the identifier of the first access network node and first time information; the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information are used to determine the first timing information.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use a first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, accuracy information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information; wherein, the first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the location information of the terminal; the timing interval information is used to determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive second information, the second information indicating at least one of the first timing information or the second timing information.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a first indication message to the second access network node, the first indication message indicating whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a second indication message to the first access network node, the second indication message indicating whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive third indication information from the second access network node, the third indication information indicating whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0089] Sixthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the third aspect above. The communication device can be a second access network node as described in the third aspect, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) within the second access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second access network node. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the communication module to receive first information, the first information indicating first timing information, which is associated with a first access network node; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send fifth information to the first terminal, the fifth information indicating the first timing information; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive a second reference signal from the first terminal, the second reference signal being sent by the first terminal according to second timing information, which is associated with a communication device; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send second measurement information, the second measurement information being obtained by the communication device measuring the second reference signal, and the second measurement information being used to determine the location information of the first terminal.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the communication device is the access network node currently accessed by the first terminal, and the first access network node and the communication device participate in determining the location information of the first terminal.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the location information of the first terminal is the location information of the first terminal at a first moment. The processing module is also used to control the communication module to send third information, which indicates one or more of the following: the second timing information or the location information of the first terminal at a second moment; wherein the first moment is later than the second moment.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive fourth information, which indicates one or more of the following: whether to use a first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, whether to report the location information of the first terminal, whether to report the second timing information, or the network element that calculates the first timing information; wherein, the first method refers to the terminal sending a reference signal based on different timing information to determine the location information of the terminal.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the first timing information; or, the first information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, the first information includes first time information and second time information; or, the first information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount; wherein, the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information; the second timing information is equal to the sum of the third time information and the fourth time information; the first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information, and the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

[0096] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the identifier of the first access network node and first time information; the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information are used to determine the first timing information.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use a first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, accuracy information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information; wherein, the first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the location information of the terminal; the timing interval information is used to determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a sixth message, which indicates at least one of the first timing message or the second timing message.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the fifth information includes the first timing information; or, the fifth information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, the fifth information includes first time information and second time information; or, the fifth information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount; wherein, the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information; the second timing information is equal to the sum of the third time information and the fourth time information; the first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information, and the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive first indication information, which indicates whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a third indication message, the third indication message indicating whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0102] A seventh aspect provides a communication device comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by means of logic circuitry. The communication device can be the first terminal in the first aspect described above, or the communication module / processing module in the first terminal, or the circuit or chip in the first terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or the circuit or chip in the first terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)); or, the communication device can be the positioning network element in the second aspect described above, a module in the positioning network element (such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the positioning network element functions; or, the communication device can be the second access network node in the third aspect described above, a module in the second access network node (such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the second access network node functions.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. The processor and memory are integrated together; alternatively, the memory is independent of the processor.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the processor and / or memory also include an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0108] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a first terminal as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a location network element as described in the second aspect; or, the communication device may be a second access network node as described in the third aspect.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the processor also includes an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0112] Ninthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0113] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0114] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: a first terminal for performing the method described in the first aspect, a positioning network element for performing the method described in the second aspect, or a second access network node for performing the method described in the third aspect.

[0115] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspects four through eleven can be found in the technical effects of any one of aspects one through three or different possible implementations of any one of aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0116] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0117] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) provided in this application;

[0118] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of NTN provided in this application;

[0119] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of NTN provided in this application;

[0120] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of timing advance (TA) in NTN provided in this application;

[0121] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of the uplink positioning method provided in this application;

[0122] Figure 1F is a schematic diagram of the uplink positioning method provided in this application (II).

[0123] Figure 1G is a schematic diagram of the uplink positioning method provided in this application;

[0124] Figure 1H is a schematic diagram of the cellular scenario provided in this application;

[0125] Figure 1I is a schematic diagram of the low-Earth orbit satellite scenario provided in this application;

[0126] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0127] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication network provided in this application;

[0128] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0129] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the communication scenario provided in this application;

[0130] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the reception time window of the first reference signal provided in this application;

[0131] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the communication method provided in this application (II).

[0132] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0133] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0134] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0135] Figure 10 is a block diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0136] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in this application;

[0137] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the terminal chip provided in this application;

[0138] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the terminal chip provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0139] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0140] 1. Terminal

[0141] The terminal in this application is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. The terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal can also be called a terminal device, which can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), or any device used to provide voice or data connectivity to users. Among these, UEs include joint devices that transmit and receive digital signals over ordinary telephone lines, handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, vehicle-mounted devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), or computing devices. For example, the UE can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, handheld computer, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. UE can also be a head-mounted display (HMD), virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, mixed reality (MR) device, haptic terminal device, wireless modem, point of sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), intelligent robot, robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home device (e.g., refrigerator, television, air conditioner, electricity meter, etc.), wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in autonomous driving, wireless terminal in telemedicine, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in intelligent transportation, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, vehicle terminal, roadside unit (RSU) with terminal function, or flying device (e.g., intelligent robot, hot air balloon, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), airplane), etc.A terminal can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, a terminal can also be a device that plays a terminal function in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0142] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal can be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. For example, wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also devices that achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include devices that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0143] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine-type communication (MTC).

[0144] The terminal in this application can be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit (OBU), or telematics box (T-BOX) built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit, or T-BOX. The terminal can also be a complete vehicle device. Therefore, this application can be applied to vehicle networking, such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X), long-term evolution vehicle (LTE-V), and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V).

[0145] 2. Access network node

[0146] The access network node in this application is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that helps terminals achieve wireless access. An access network node can be, for example, a node in an access network, a node in a RAN, or a node in an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN). An access network node can also be referred to as access network equipment, RAN equipment, RAN node, RAN entity, access node, or network equipment, etc. Access network nodes include, but are not limited to: evolved base stations (NodeB, eNB, or e-NodeB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE), evolved base stations (ng-eNB) in Next Generation LTE, base stations (gNodeB or gNB) in New Radio (NR), transmitting points (TP) or transmission receiving points / transmission reception points (TRP), base stations in subsequent evolutions of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), base stations in future mobile communication systems, satellites, access points (APs) in Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, radio network controllers (RNCs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), and integrated access and backhaul nodes. Backhaul (IAB) nodes and network equipment in mobile switching center (NTN) communication systems can be deployed on low-altitude platform stations (HAPS) or satellites. Base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, relay stations, or balloon stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same technology mentioned above, or networks using different technologies. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located TRPs. Access network nodes can also function as base stations in D2D communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Access network nodes can also be radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios.Access network nodes can also be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), radio units (RUs), RSUs with base station functions, wired access gateways, or core network elements. Access network nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, machine-to-machine communication devices, or vehicle-mounted devices. For example, in V2X technology, the access network device can be an RSU. The following explanation uses a base station as an example. The multiple access network nodes can be base stations of the same type or different types. Base stations can communicate with terminals directly or via relay stations. Terminals can communicate with multiple base stations using different technologies; for example, a terminal can communicate with a base station supporting LTE networks, or with a base station supporting 5G networks, and can also support dual connections with both LTE and 5G base stations.

[0147] In this application, the CU can implement the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in the 3GPP standard. The CU can also implement the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. The DU can implement the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer and the media access control (MAC) layer in the 3GPP standard. The DU can also implement some or all physical layer functions, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception functions. The CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). It is understood that the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network or a network device in the core network; no limitation is made here. Furthermore, the CU can be further divided into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP can implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. CU-UP can implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0148] In this application, the RU can be included in a radio frequency (RF) device or RF unit, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). The RU can implement some physical layer functions and RF functions in the 3GPP standard. The physical layer functions implemented by the RU include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc.

[0149] It's understandable that BBU and RRU can be placed in different locations. For example, the RRU can be deployed remotely to a high-traffic area, while the BBU is placed in the central equipment room. Alternatively, the BBU and RRU can be placed in the same equipment room. Furthermore, the BBU and RRU can be different components within the same rack.

[0150] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0151] Understandably, in some scenarios, the roles of access network nodes and terminals are relative. For example, a helicopter or drone, which is usually configured as a terminal, can also be configured as a mobile base station, and devices accessing the RAN via a helicopter or drone are configured as terminals.

[0152] 3. Locating network elements

[0153] The positioning network element in this application is a network element capable of determining location information (such as the location information of a terminal). The positioning network element can be deployed on the terminal side or the network side. For example, the positioning network element is a network element in a terminal, an access network node, or a core network (CN). For instance, the positioning network element is a location management network element, or a location management function (LMF) network element, etc.

[0154] 4. NTN

[0155] NTN can deploy all or part of the functions of access network nodes on non-terrestrial network equipment such as drones, high-altitude platforms, or satellites. Therefore, NTN can cover places where base stations cannot be deployed, such as the sea, desert, or air. Moreover, these network devices are not easily damaged by external forces or affected by natural disasters, thus improving the reliability of the system.

[0156] Satellites can be categorized based on their orbital altitude into geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. GEO satellites, also known as high-orbit satellites, orbit at an altitude of approximately 35,786 km and are commonly used for remote sensing and satellite telephony. MEO satellites, also known as medium-orbit satellites, orbit at altitudes of 7,000 km to 25,000 km and are commonly used for television relay and navigation. LEO satellites, also known as low-orbit satellites, orbit at altitudes of approximately 300 km to 1,500 km. LEO satellites offer advantages such as low latency, low cost, and flexible networking capabilities, and are currently becoming a focus of satellite communication infrastructure development. For example, the vast majority of Earth observation satellites, geodetic satellites, space stations, and some new communication satellite systems utilize LEO satellites.

[0157] For example, the distance between drones, high-altitude platforms, and various satellites and the Earth can be shown in Figure 1A.

[0158] Satellites are generally categorized by their operating mode into transparent satellites and regenerative satellites. A transparent satellite functions like an analog radio frequency repeater, performing analog-domain radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification on signals from terminals / ground stations without altering the signal waveform. A regenerative satellite possesses all or some of the functions of a base station; that is, all or some of the functions of a base station can be deployed on the satellite. For example, the satellite may have all the functions of a base station, or it may have the functions of a base station unit (DU). Therefore, a regenerative satellite can also be considered a base station, capable of processing signals from terminals or transmitting signals to terminals. Specifically, regenerative satellites can support one or more functions such as radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, demodulation / decoding, encoding / modulation, and error detection, correction, and recovery of signals.

[0159] As exemplified, Figure 1B illustrates an NTN network architecture (which can be called a transparent architecture) where the satellites are transparent. In Figure 1B, terminals can communicate with satellites via an air interface (such as the Uu interface), and satellites can communicate with the NTN gateway via the air interface. The NTN gateway can communicate with base stations (such as gNBs or ng-eNBs). Base stations can communicate with the core network via next-generation (NG) interfaces. The core network can communicate with the data network (DN) via the N6 interface.

[0160] The aforementioned satellites can serve as layer 1 (L1) relays. For example, the satellites support radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification to regenerate physical layer signals, making these signals invisible to protocol layers above the physical layer.

[0161] NTN gateways can have the necessary functions to forward Uu interface signals. For example, an NTN gateway can forward Uu interface signals (from a terminal) relayed by a satellite to a base station, or forward Uu interface signals from a base station to a satellite.

[0162] The network communication segment between the terminal and the base station can be called an RRU. NG-RAN can ensure normal communication between the terminal and the core network.

[0163] As exemplified, Figure 1C illustrates another NTN network architecture (which can be called a regenerative architecture). In this architecture, the satellites are regenerative satellites, possessing all or part of the functions of a base station and serving as such. In Figure 1C, satellite 1 can communicate with terminal 1 via an air interface (e.g., the Uu interface) and with satellite 2 via an Xn interface. This Xn interface can be deployed on an inter-satellite link (ISL). Satellite 2 can communicate with terminal 2 via the air interface. Satellites (e.g., satellite 1 or satellite 2) can communicate with the core network via the NG interface, and the core network can communicate with the DN via the N6 interface. During communication between satellite 1 and the core network, NTN gateway 1 can connect network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. Similarly, during communication between satellite 2 and the core network, NTN gateway 2 can connect network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. In the network segments between satellites and NTN gateways (e.g., the network segment between satellite 1 and NTN gateway 1, or the network segment between satellite 2 and NTN gateway 2), the NG interface is an interface deployed in the satellite radio interface (SRI). Furthermore, NTN Gateway 1 or NTN Gateway 2 is a transport network layer node that can support all or some transport protocols, connecting network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. NG-RAN can guarantee normal communication between the terminal and the core network.

[0164] 5. TA

[0165] TA (Transmission Time Acquisition) can be used to ensure uplink (UL) transmission time synchronization. For example, a terminal can send an uplink signal a certain amount of time in advance based on the TA to ensure that the signal arrives at the access network node on time.

[0166] In NTN scenarios, a reference point (RP) is introduced to meet the concealment requirements of NTN nodes. Terminals can compensate for TA (Transmission Aspect) transmitted from the terminal to the RP. The network side compensates for TA between the RP and the gNB.

[0167] The transfer time (TA) transmitted from the terminal to the RP can be the sum of two TAs. One TA is the TA corresponding to the round-trip time (RTT) between the terminal and the NTN load, defined as the UE-specific TA; the other TA is the TA corresponding to the RTT between the NTN load and the RP, defined as the common TA. Furthermore, the TA from the RP to the gNB refers to the TA corresponding to the RTT between the RP and the gNB, where the RTT between the RP and the gNB can be defined as k. macUE-specific TA can be calculated by the terminal side, along with Common TA and k. mac It can be calculated from the network side.

[0168] For example, as shown in Figure 1D, a feeder link between the satellite and the ground station can be inserted into the RP. The RTT between the satellite and the RP corresponds to the Common TA. The Common TA can be calculated by the network (such as the satellite) and indicated to the terminal. mac The RTT between the RP and the ground station can be calculated by the network (e.g., the ground station). The service link RTT between the terminal and the satellite corresponds to the UE-specific TA, which can be calculated by the terminal. In uplink communication, the terminal can compensate for the TA (denoted as T) between the terminal and the RP. TA For example, the terminal can determine the UE-specific TA, obtain the Common TA from the network, and determine the sum of the UE-specific TA and the Common TA as T. TA Network-side compensation for the TA between the RP and the ground station, such as k mac .

[0169] 6. Positioning Method

[0170] Based on whether the reference signal is sent from the network side or the terminal side, positioning methods can be divided into three categories: downlink positioning methods, uplink positioning methods, and combined uplink and downlink positioning methods. Downlink positioning methods are based on the downlink, for example, the access network node sends a downlink reference signal, the terminal performs measurements, and subsequently, the terminal or the positioning network element performs positioning calculations. Uplink positioning methods are based on the uplink, for example, the terminal can send an uplink reference signal, the access network node performs measurements, and subsequently, the positioning network element performs positioning calculations. Combined uplink and downlink positioning methods are based on both the downlink and uplink, for example, both the terminal and the access network node send reference signals and perform corresponding measurements, and subsequently, the positioning network element performs positioning calculations.

[0171] In the above positioning methods, the positioning calculation is performed by the positioning network element. In specific applications, the terminal and / or access network node can also perform the positioning calculation. For example, in the terminal-based positioning method (UE-based positioning method), the terminal can be responsible for position calculation when auxiliary data is available, and can also provide the measurement results of the reference signal. The auxiliary data may include the location information of the TRP, or the positioning signal information configured by the TRP, etc.

[0172] Besides the positioning methods mentioned above, other positioning methods exist in specific applications, such as UE-assisted / LMF-based positioning methods. In this method, the terminal can provide measurements but does not perform location calculations; the positioning network element can handle the location calculations when auxiliary data is available.

[0173] The following section uses the uplink positioning method as an example to introduce three commonly used positioning methods. It should be understood that this does not mean the method in this application is only applicable to these three positioning methods. Provided there is no logical contradiction, the method provided in this application can be applied to any existing positioning method, as well as new positioning methods introduced with the evolution of communication systems.

[0174] 6.1 Positioning method based on uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA)

[0175] One possible implementation involves the terminal sending an uplink reference signal. Correspondingly, multiple access network nodes receive this uplink reference signal, measure its time of arrival (TOA), and report the measured TOA to the positioning network element. The positioning network element can select one access network node as a reference, subtract the TOA reported by the other access network nodes from the TOA of the reference access network node, and the resulting difference is called the UL-TDOA observation value. Based on the UL-TDOA observation value, the positioning network element can determine the terminal's location information.

[0176] For example, taking the measurement of the TOA of the uplink reference signal by three access network nodes as an example, assuming that access network node 1 is the reference access network node, the positioning network element measures the difference in TOA between access network node 1 and access network node 2. The hyperbola can be determined (As shown by hyperbola A in Figure 1E). The positioning network element measures the difference in TOA between access network node 1 and access network node 3. The hyperbola can be determined (As shown in hyperbola B in Figure 1E). Subsequently, the positioning network element can determine the location information of the terminal by the intersection of the two hyperbolas.

[0177] 6.2 Positioning Method Based on Uplink Carrier Phase

[0178] One possible implementation involves the terminal sending an uplink reference signal. Correspondingly, multiple access network nodes receive this uplink reference signal, measure its TOA (Time of Arrival) and carrier phase, and report the measured TOA and carrier phase to the positioning network element. The positioning network element can then determine the terminal's location information based on the information reported by the access network nodes.

[0179] For example, the positioning network element can determine the distance between each access network node and the terminal based on the TOA and carrier phase reported by each access network node. For instance, the positioning network element can deduce the wavelength of the uplink reference signal based on its received carrier phase and transmission frequency, and then determine the distance between the access network node and the terminal based on the wavelength, TOA, and speed of light. Subsequently, the positioning network element can draw spheres (or circles) with each access network node as the center and the distance between the access network node and the terminal as the radius. The intersection of these spheres (or circles) represents the terminal's location. It can be understood that in NTN, the intersection of these spheres with the Earth's surface represents the terminal's location. Taking the measurement of the TOA and carrier phase of the uplink reference signal by three access network nodes as an example, the terminal's location can be shown in Figure 1F.

[0180] 6.3. Positioning Method Based on Uplink Doppler Frequency Shift

[0181] Positioning methods based on uplink Doppler frequency shift are commonly used in NTN (Network Network), and the following explanation will be based on the example of an access network node that is a satellite.

[0182] One possible implementation involves the terminal sending an uplink reference signal. Correspondingly, multiple access network nodes receive this uplink reference signal, measure its Doppler frequency shift, and report the measured Doppler frequency shift to the positioning network element. The positioning network element can then determine the terminal's location based on the Doppler frequency shift reported by the access network nodes.

[0183] For example, the uplink Doppler positioning principle can be illustrated as shown in Figure 1G. The candidate location of the terminal is a conical surface, called the "equal-Doppler cone" or "equal-frequency Doppler cone." This cone has the satellite as its vertex and the line containing the satellite's velocity (v) as its axis of rotation. The angle between the line connecting the satellite and the terminal and the direction of the satellite's velocity is the cone angle θ. Thus, one satellite can obtain one "equal-Doppler cone," and multiple satellites can obtain multiple cones. The intersection of these multiple cones with the Earth's surface is the location of the terminal.

[0184] Optionally, the aforementioned uplink reference signal can be a sounding reference signal (SRS). The SRS is generated from a set of pseudo-random sequences in the frequency domain and possesses strong autocorrelation characteristics. Access network nodes can estimate parameters such as time delay, phase, or Doppler shift by cross-correlation between the local reference signal and the received SRS.

[0185] In summary, the UL-TDOA-based positioning method and the uplink carrier phase-based positioning method are related to the transmission and reception time of the uplink reference signal, while the uplink Doppler frequency shift-based positioning method is independent of the transmission and reception time of the uplink reference signal. In specific applications, the appropriate positioning method can be adopted according to the communication scenario without restriction.

[0186] As can be seen from the above description of the positioning method, there are multiple access network nodes that receive the uplink reference signal. These access network nodes may include the access network node that the terminal is currently connected to (denoted as access network node 1) and the access network node that the terminal is not currently connected to (denoted as access network node 2).

[0187] Understandably, in addition to receiving signals (denoted as signal 1) sent by the aforementioned terminal (terminal 1), access network node 2 will also receive signals (denoted as signal 2) sent by the terminal accessing it (terminal 2). When the difference between the transmission delay of signal 1 and the transmission delay of signal 2 is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix (CP), inter-symbol interference will occur, causing access network node 2 to be unable to distinguish between signal 1 and signal 2. That is, signal 1 will affect the uplink communication quality of terminals within the coverage area of ​​access network node 2.

[0188] The following examples, using cellular and low-Earth orbit satellite scenarios respectively, compare the relationship between the transmission delay difference between signal 1 and signal 2 and the CP length.

[0189] In a cellular scenario, the relationship between the transmission delay difference between signal 1 and signal 2 and the CP length is as follows:

[0190] For example, taking a scenario where both access network node 1 and access network node 2 correspond to a single cell, the location and coverage area of ​​access network node 1, the location and coverage area of ​​access network node 2, the location of terminal 1, and the location of terminal 2 can be shown in Figure 1H. In the cellular scenario shown in Figure 1H, the transmission delay difference between signal 1 and signal 2 may be greater than the CP length, but they are not significantly different and belong to the same order of magnitude (microseconds).

[0191] In a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite scenario, the relationship between the transmission delay difference between signal 1 and signal 2 and the CP length is as follows: For example, the location and coverage area of ​​access network node 1, access network node 2, the location of terminal 1 (e.g., location 101 or location 102), and the location of terminal 2 can be illustrated in Figure 1I. When the orbital altitude of access network node 1 and access network node 2 is 600 km, and the minimum elevation angle of terminal 1 and terminal 2 is 10°, the transmission delay difference between signal 1 and signal 2 is on the order of milliseconds, while the CP length is on the order of microseconds. That is, the transmission delay difference between signal 1 and signal 2 is much greater than the CP length, differing by three orders of magnitude.

[0192] In summary, as the coverage area of ​​the access network nodes increases and the distance between the access network nodes and the terminals increases, the transmission delay difference between signal 1 and signal 2 will be greater than the CP length, causing mutual interference between signal 1 and signal 2.

[0193] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method. In this method, the positioning network element or access network node 1 can acquire first timing information and instruct terminal 1, enabling terminal 1 to send signal 1 according to the first timing information to achieve uplink synchronization with access network node 2. Alternatively, terminal 1 can acquire the first timing information and send signal 1 according to the first timing information to achieve uplink synchronization with access network node 2. Therefore, the above method can reduce interference between signal 1 and signal 2.

[0194] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0195] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be an LTE system, a 5G communication system, a WiFi system, a 3GPP-related communication system, a communication system evolved after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. 5G can also be referred to as NR. The method provided in this application is described below using the communication system 20 shown in Figure 2A as an example. Figure 2A is merely a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0196] Figure 2A shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 20 provided in this application. In Figure 2A, the communication system 20 includes a RAN 100 and a core network 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one access network node (110a and 110b in Figure 2A, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 2A, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other access network nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 2A). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to access network node 110. Access network node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to the core network 200. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the access network node 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and wireless access network logical functions.

[0197] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be an O-RAN, CRAN, or WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system integrating two or more of the above systems. For a description of access network node 110 and terminal 120, please refer to the preceding descriptions of access network nodes and terminals. Optionally, access network node 110 or terminal 120 may have positioning capabilities and can be used as a positioning network element.

[0198] The core network 200 may include one or more network elements or network functions. For example, the core network 200 includes a positioning network element 210. A description of the positioning network element 210 can be found in the preceding description of positioning network elements, and will not be repeated here.

[0199] It is understood that the above-mentioned communication system 20 can be applied to a variety of communication networks, such as the 5G network currently under discussion, or NTN, or other future networks, etc. This application embodiment does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0200] As an example, communication system 20 is applicable to the 5G network shown in Figure 2B. This 5G network includes UEs A through D, ng-eNB, gNB, LMF network elements, and access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements. In Figure 2B, UEs C and D are located outside the NG-RAN coverage area, while UEs A and B are within the NG-RAN coverage area. UEs A and B can access the 5G network via the NG-RAN, which includes ng-eNB and gNB. ng-eNB and gNB can communicate with each other via the Xn interface. The ng-eNB (or gNB) can communicate with the AMF network elements via the NG-C interface, and the AMF network elements can communicate with the LMF network elements via the NL1 interface. Furthermore, UEs A through D can communicate with each other via the NR PC5 interface, and UEs A through D can support sidelink positioning.

[0201] Among them, UE A or UE B can transmit a reference signal, and ng-eNB or gNB can measure the reference signal to obtain the corresponding measurement information and send the measurement information to the LMF network element.

[0202] LMF network elements can be responsible for supporting different types of location services for the target UE. For example, LMF network elements can support UE positioning and the transmission of auxiliary data to the UE. The control plane of the LMF network element is the Enhanced Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC), and the user plane of the LMF network element is the Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) location platform (SLP).

[0203] Optionally, the LMF network element can interact with ng-eNB, gNB, or UE.

[0204] For example, LMF network elements and ng-eNB / gNB exchange information via NR positioning protocol a (NRPPa) messages. NRPPa is the signaling protocol between NG-RAN nodes and LMF network elements. The specific information exchanged between NG-RAN nodes and LMF network elements may include one or more of the following: positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration information, SRS configuration information, cell timing information, or cell location information.

[0205] For example, the LMF network element and the UE exchange information via LTE positioning protocol (LPP) messages. LPP is the signaling protocol between the LMF network element and the UE. The specific information exchanged between the LMF network element and the UE may include one or more of the following: UE capability information, positioning assistance information, or measurement information. Among them, measurement information includes information obtained by the terminal from measuring reference signals, such as signal arrival time, signal carrier phase, or signal Doppler shift.

[0206] The AMF (Application Management Function) network element can receive location service requests related to the target UE from the location services (LCS) entity, or the AMF network element itself can initiate some location services on behalf of a specific target UE and forward the location service requests to the LMF (Location Management Function) network element. Once the location information of the target UE is obtained, the AMF network element can return the relevant location information to the LCS entity. Optionally, the AMF network element can obtain the UE's location information from the LMF network element.

[0207] Understandably, the device or entity corresponding to access network node 110 in communication system 20 is the ng-eNB or gNB in ​​the 5G network shown in Figure 2B. The device or entity corresponding to terminal 120 in communication system 20 is UE A or UE B in the 5G network shown in Figure 2B. The device or entity corresponding to positioning network element 210 in communication system 20 is the LMF network element in the 5G network shown in Figure 2B.

[0208] As another example, communication system 20 is applicable to the NTN network architecture shown in Figure 1B. Specifically, the device or entity corresponding to access network node 110 in communication system 20 is a satellite or base station in the network shown in Figure 1B. The device or entity corresponding to terminal 120 in communication system 20 is a terminal in the network shown in Figure 1B. The device or entity corresponding to positioning network element 210 in communication system 20 is a network element located within the CN in the network shown in Figure 1B.

[0209] As another example, communication system 20 is applicable to the NTN network architecture shown in Figure 1C. Specifically, the device or entity corresponding to access network node 110 in communication system 20 is satellite 1 (or satellite 2) in the network shown in Figure 1C. The device or entity corresponding to terminal 120 in communication system 20 is terminal 1 (or terminal 2) in the network shown in Figure 1C. The device or entity corresponding to positioning network element 210 in communication system 20 is the network element located within the CN in the network shown in Figure 1C.

[0210] It is understood that the communication system 20 shown in Figure 2A is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 20 may also include other devices, and the number of access network nodes, terminals, or positioning network elements may be determined according to specific needs without limitation.

[0211] Optionally, each network element or device in Figure 2A of this application (such as access network node, terminal or positioning network element, etc.) may also be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. This application does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0212] Optionally, the functions of each network element or device (e.g., access network node, terminal, or positioning network element) in Figure 2A of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application does not impose specific limitations on these functions. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0213] The method provided in this application will now be described in conjunction with the communication system 20 shown in Figure 2A above.

[0214] It is understood that the first access network node in the following embodiments of this application can be access network node 110b in communication system 20, the second access network node in the following embodiments of this application can be access network node 110a in communication system 20, the first terminal in the following embodiments of this application can be any terminal in communication system 20 that accesses access network node 110a, such as terminal 120a, and the positioning network element in the following embodiments of this application can be positioning network element 210 in communication system 20.

[0215] It is understood that in this application, the first access network node, and / or the first terminal, and / or the positioning network element may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application may also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the steps in this application.

[0216] It is understood that the methods described below in this application use a first terminal, a first access network node, and a positioning network element as examples to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution entities of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the first terminal in this application can also be implemented by a communication / processing module in the first terminal or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip / SIP chip containing a modem core, or a GPU / AI processor / ASIC) in the first terminal responsible for communication / processing functions; the method executed by the first access network node in this application can also be implemented by a module (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the first access network node, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network node; the method executed by the positioning network element in this application can also be implemented by a module (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the positioning network element, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the positioning network element.

[0217] As shown in Figure 3, a communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0218] S301: The positioning network element sends the first information to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the first information from the positioning network element.

[0219] In this application, the first information can indicate first timing information. For example, the first information can directly carry the first timing information, or the first information can carry information used to determine the first timing information. The first timing information is associated with the first access network node. For example, the first timing information is used by the first terminal to send a first reference signal to achieve uplink synchronization with the first access network node. The first reference signal can be any type of positioning signal, which can be used to determine the location information of the first terminal. For example, the first reference signal is SRS, etc. In addition, the location information of the first terminal can include one or more types of information that can reflect the location of the first terminal. For example, the location information of the first terminal includes the geographical coordinates of the first terminal, or includes information about the beam in which the first terminal is located, or includes the azimuth angle of the first terminal relative to the second access network node (or the first access network node), and the distance between the first terminal and the second access network node (or the first access network node), etc.

[0220] In this application, the access network node currently accessed by the first terminal is the second access network node. The first and second access network nodes participate in (or assist in) determining the location information of the first terminal. Furthermore, this application does not limit the number of first access network nodes. In other words, the number of first access network nodes can be one or more. When the number of first access network nodes is multiple, the first information can indicate the first timing information corresponding to / associated with each first access network node, so that the first terminal can send a corresponding first reference signal according to the first information. For ease of description, this application will be described using an example where the number of first access network nodes is 1.

[0221] One possible design is that the first timing information is the TA corresponding to the RTT between the first terminal and the first access network node.

[0222] Another possible design is that the first timing information is the sum of the first time information and the second time information. Taking a satellite scenario as an example, the first time information is the TA corresponding to the RTT between the first access network node and the reference point, which can be called the Common TA of the first access network node. The second time information is the TA corresponding to the RTT of the service link between the first terminal and the first access network node, which can be called the UE-specific TA of the first access network node. For further information on Common TA and UE-specific TA, please refer to the description of Figure 1D above.

[0223] Understandably, in practical applications, the first timing information can be represented by a single timing information, or it can be the sum of two or more timing information; there are no restrictions. For example, the first timing information can be the sum of timing information 1, timing information 2, and timing information 3. Timing information 1, timing information 2, and timing information 3 each correspond to different links.

[0224] S302: The second access network node sends the fifth information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the fifth information from the second access network node.

[0225] In this application, the fifth information can indicate the first timing information. The fifth information and the first information can be the same or different.

[0226] As an example, the second access network node forwards the first information. For instance, after receiving the first information, the second access network node directly sends it to the first terminal; in this case, the fifth information is the same as the first information. Alternatively, after receiving the first information, the second access network node performs further processing, such as decapsulation or recapsulation, to obtain the fifth information, which it then sends to the first terminal; in this case, the fifth information is different from the first information.

[0227] As another example, the first information carries information for determining the first timing information. After receiving the first information, the second access network node determines the first timing information based on the first information and sends the fifth information to the first terminal to indicate the first timing information.

[0228] Understandably, after receiving the fifth information, the first terminal can determine the first timing information based on the fifth information.

[0229] S303: The first terminal sends a first reference signal according to the first timing information. Correspondingly, the first access network node measures the first reference signal.

[0230] One possible implementation is that the first terminal determines the time to transmit the first reference signal based on the first timing information, and transmits the first reference signal at the determined time. Correspondingly, the first access network node measures the first reference signal within a corresponding measurement time window.

[0231] S304: The first access network node sends the first measurement information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the first measurement information from the first access network node.

[0232] In this application, the first measurement information is obtained by the first access network node measuring the first reference signal. The first measurement information can be used to determine the location information of the first terminal.

[0233] Understandably, the content of the first measurement information varies depending on the positioning method. For example, for a positioning method based on UL-TDOA, the first measurement information includes the TOA of the first reference signal measured by the first access network node. For a positioning method based on uplink carrier phase, the first measurement information includes the TOA of the first reference signal and the carrier phase measured by the first access network node. For a positioning method based on uplink Doppler shift, the first measurement information includes the Doppler shift of the first reference signal measured by the first access network node.

[0234] S305: The first terminal sends a second reference signal according to the second timing information. Correspondingly, the second access network node measures the second reference signal.

[0235] In this application, the second timing information is associated with the second access network node. For example, the second timing information is used by the first terminal to send a second reference signal to achieve uplink synchronization with the second access network node. The second reference signal can be any type of positioning signal, which can be used to determine the location information of the first terminal. For example, the second reference signal is an SRS signal.

[0236] One possible design is that the second timing information is the TA corresponding to the RTT between the first terminal and the second access network node.

[0237] Another possible design is that the second timing information is the sum of the third and fourth timing information. Taking a satellite scenario as an example, the third timing information is the TA corresponding to the RTT between the second access network node and the reference point, which can be called the Common TA of the second access network node. The fourth timing information is the TA corresponding to the RTT of the service link between the first terminal and the second access network node, which can be called the UE-specific TA of the second access network node. For further information on Common TA and UE-specific TA, please refer to the description of Figure 1D above.

[0238] Understandably, in practical applications, the second timing information can be represented by a single timing information, or it can be the sum of two or more timing information; there are no restrictions. For example, the second timing information could be the sum of timing information 4, timing information 5, and timing information 6. Timing information 4, timing information 5, and timing information 6 each correspond to different links.

[0239] One possible implementation is that the first terminal obtains the second timing information. For example, the first terminal calculates the fourth timing information and obtains the third timing information from the second access network node, and determines the second timing information based on the third and fourth timing information.

[0240] In this application, the first terminal sends a second reference signal based on the second timing information. This can be understood as the first terminal determining the time to send the second reference signal based on the second timing information and sending the second reference signal at the determined time. The second access network node can measure the second reference signal within the corresponding measurement time window.

[0241] S306: The second access network node sends the second measurement information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the second measurement information from the second access network node.

[0242] In this application, the second measurement information is obtained by the second access network node measuring the second reference signal. The second measurement information can be used to determine the location information of the first terminal.

[0243] Understandably, the content of the second measurement information varies depending on the positioning method. For example, for a positioning method based on UL-TDOA, the second measurement information includes the TOA of the second reference signal measured by the second access network node. For a positioning method based on uplink carrier phase, the second measurement information includes the TOA of the second reference signal and the carrier phase measured by the second access network node. For a positioning method based on uplink Doppler shift, the second measurement information includes the Doppler shift of the second reference signal measured by the second access network node.

[0244] This application does not limit the execution order of S303-S304 and S305-S306. For example, this application may execute S303-S304 first and then S305-S306, or execute S305-S306 first and then S303-S304, or execute S303-S304 and S305-S306 simultaneously.

[0245] One possible implementation is that after receiving the first measurement information and the second measurement information, the positioning network element can determine the location information of the first terminal based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information, such as the location information of the first terminal at a first moment.

[0246] In this application, the transmission time of the first reference signal is different from that of the second reference signal. Therefore, the positioning network element can process the first measurement information according to the first timing information to eliminate the influence of the first timing information on the first measurement information. Similarly, the positioning network element can process the second measurement information according to the second timing information to eliminate the influence of the second timing information on the second measurement information. Subsequently, the positioning network element can determine the location information of the first terminal based on the processed measurement information.

[0247] For example, taking a positioning method based on UL-TDOA as an example, the first measurement information includes the time when the first reference signal arrives at the first access network node (denoted as TOA1), and the second measurement information includes the time when the second reference signal arrives at the second access network node (denoted as TOA2). In conventional technology, the transmission time of the first reference signal is the same as the transmission time of the second reference signal. Therefore, when determining the location of the first terminal, the positioning network element can calculate the difference between TOA1 and TOA2 and determine the location information of the first terminal based on the difference. However, in this application, the transmission time of the first reference signal is different from the transmission time of the second reference signal. Therefore, the positioning network element can make corresponding compensations for TOA1, such as letting TOA1+TA1, and make corresponding compensations for TOA2, such as letting TOA2+TA2. Here, TA1 is the first timing information, and TA2 is the second timing information. Subsequently, the positioning network element calculates the difference between (TOA1+TA1) and (TOA2+TA2) to determine the location information of the first terminal.

[0248] Optionally, to simplify the operation of the positioning network element, the second access network node can also send the measurement information processed according to the second timing information to the positioning network element; that is, the second measurement information is the measurement information obtained after processing according to the second timing information. Similarly, the first access network node can send the measurement information processed according to the first timing information to the positioning network element; that is, the first measurement information is the measurement information obtained after processing according to the first timing information. In this case, the positioning network element does not need to process the received measurement information according to the first timing information or the second timing information.

[0249] In summary, the aforementioned compensation is either performed by the first and second access network nodes, or by the location network element. Therefore, the first access network node, the second access network node, and the location network element must clearly define which device will perform the compensation.

[0250] One possible implementation is that the network management (such as network operation, administration and management (OAM) network element) pre-sets the above compensation to be performed by the first access network node and the second access network node, or by the location network element.

[0251] In another possible implementation, the positioning network element can send a first indication message to the second access network node and a second indication message to the first access network node. The first indication message indicates whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, where the measurement information of the second reference signal refers to the information obtained by measuring the second reference signal. The second indication message indicates whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information, where the measurement information of the first reference signal refers to the information obtained by measuring the first reference signal. Therefore, the second access network node can determine whether to process the information obtained by measuring the second reference signal according to the second timing information based on the first indication message. The first access network node can determine whether to process the information obtained by measuring the first reference signal according to the first timing information based on the second indication message.

[0252] First, we will introduce how the first instruction information indicates the above information.

[0253] As an example, the first indication information may include 1 bit, where a value of "0" indicates that the second access network node does not process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and a value of "1" indicates that the second access network node processes the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information; or, a value of "1" indicates that the second access network node does not process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and a value of "0" indicates that the second access network node processes the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information.

[0254] As another example, if the first indication information includes the second timing information, the second access network node is instructed to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information; if the first indication information does not include the second timing information, the second access network node is instructed not to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information.

[0255] As another example, the first indication information can indicate whether the second access network node processes the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information by carrying a corresponding information element (IE). For example, if the first indication information carries IE#1, it instructs the second access network node to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information; if the first indication information does not carry IE#1, it instructs the second access network node not to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information. Alternatively, if the first indication information does not carry IE#1, it instructs the second access network node to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information; if the first indication information carries IE#1, it instructs the second access network node not to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information.

[0256] The second instruction information describes the manner in which the above information is indicated.

[0257] As an example, the second indication information may include 1 bit, where a value of "0" indicates that the first access network node does not process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information, and a value of "1" indicates that the first access network node processes the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information; or, a value of "1" indicates that the first access network node does not process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information, and a value of "0" indicates that the first access network node processes the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0258] As another example, if the second indication information includes the first timing information, it instructs the first access network node to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information; if the second indication information does not include the first timing information, it instructs the first access network node not to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0259] As another example, the second indication information can instruct the first access network node whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information by whether or not it carries the corresponding IE. For example, if the second indication information carries IE#2, it instructs the first access network node to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information; if the second indication information does not carry IE#2, it instructs the first access network node not to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information. Alternatively, if the second indication information does not carry IE#2, it instructs the first access network node to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information; if the second indication information carries IE#2, it instructs the first access network node not to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0260] In another possible implementation, the second access network node sends a third indication message to the positioning network element and a fourth indication message to the first access network node. The third indication message indicates whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information. The fourth indication message indicates whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information. Therefore, the positioning network element can determine whether to process the second measurement information according to the second timing information and whether to process the first measurement information according to the first timing information based on the third indication message. The first access network node can determine whether to process the information obtained from measuring the first reference signal according to the first timing information based on the fourth indication message.

[0261] As an example, the third indication information may include 1 bit. When the value of this 1 bit is "0", it indicates that the positioning network element does not process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and does not process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information. When the value of this 1 bit is "1", it indicates that the positioning network element processes the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and processes the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information. Alternatively, when the value of this 1 bit is "1", it indicates that the positioning network element does not process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and does not process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information. When the value of this 1 bit is "0", it indicates that the positioning network element processes the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and processes the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0262] As another example, if the third indication information includes the first timing information and the second timing information, it instructs the positioning network element to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information and the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information; if the third indication information does not include the first timing information and the second timing information, it instructs the positioning network element not to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information and not to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information; if the third indication information includes the first timing information but does not include the second timing information, it instructs the positioning network element to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information but not to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information; if the third indication information includes the second timing information but does not include the first timing information, it instructs the positioning network element to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information but not to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0263] As another example, the third indication information can indicate whether the positioning network element processes the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information and whether it processes the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information by whether or not it carries the corresponding IE. For example, if the third indication information carries IE#3, it indicates that the positioning network element processes the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information and processes the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information; if the third indication information does not carry IE#3, it indicates that the positioning network element does not process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information and does not process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

[0264] Understandably, the fourth indication information indicates whether the measurement information of the first reference signal is processed according to the first timing information. It is similar to the second indication information. Please refer to the previous introduction of the second indication information, and it will not be repeated here.

[0265] In this application, the time required for the first terminal to complete the transmission of the first reference signal and the second reference signal is related to the maximum distance between the access network nodes involved in determining the location information.

[0266] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the access network nodes involved in determining location information include access network nodes 1 to 3. The first terminal is currently connected to access network node 1. The distance (d1) between the first terminal and access network node 1 is the shortest, the distance (d2) between the first terminal and access network node 2 is the farthest, and the distance (d3) between the first terminal and access network node 3 is greater than d1 but less than d2. Therefore, the first terminal first sends a reference signal to access network node 2, then sends a reference signal to access network node 3, and finally sends a reference signal to access network node 1. Thus, the time t required for the first terminal to complete sending reference signals to the three access network nodes satisfies the following relationship:

[0267] Where c is the speed of light. According to the principle of triangles, Δd > d2 - d1, where Δd is the distance between access network node 1 and access network node 2. Therefore, the above relationship can be transformed into:

[0268] It can be seen that t is related to the distance between access network node 1 and access network node 2. If access network nodes 1 to 3 are all satellites, then t is related to the satellite constellation configuration and the satellite selection criteria.

[0269] In summary, t is controllable, therefore the method provided in this application has high feasibility.

[0270] Based on the method shown in Figure 3, the first terminal can send a first reference signal according to the first timing information, that is, the first terminal can synchronize uplink with the first access network node. On the one hand, the time difference between the arrival time of the first reference signal at the first access network node and the arrival time of the signal sent by the second terminal at the first access network node can be shortened, making this time difference less than or equal to the CP length, thereby avoiding inter-symbol interference. Here, the second terminal is a terminal within the coverage area of ​​the first access network node. On the other hand, since the second terminal is a terminal within the coverage area of ​​the first access network node, it is also synchronized with the first access network node. Therefore, the above method can avoid collisions between the first reference signal and the signal sent by the second terminal. In summary, the above method can reduce interference between the first reference signal and the uplink signals of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first access network node.

[0271] Furthermore, when the first terminal and the first access network node are synchronized, the arrival time of the first reference signal at the first access network node is predictable, so the first access network node does not need to reserve a large reception time window (or measurement time window) for the first reference signal.

[0272] For example, the reception time window reserved by the first access network node for the first reference signal can be as shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the network configures the first terminal to transmit the first reference signal on time domain resource 501. The aforementioned reception time window can include time domain resource 501, and at least one of time domain resource 502 or time domain resource 503. Because the first terminal and the first access network node are synchronized, time domain resource 502 or time domain resource 503 does not need to be set too large. Therefore, the method shown in Figure 3 can improve the resource utilization of the first access network node. Furthermore, the first access network node does not need to detect the first reference signal within a large reception time window, so the above method can also reduce the complexity of the first access network node detecting the first reference signal.

[0273] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 3, the positioning network element, the second access network node, or the first terminal can all calculate (or determine) the first timing information. The content included in the first information (or fifth information) differs depending on the device calculating it; these three scenarios will be described in detail below.

[0274] Scenario 1: Calculate the first timing information for the location network element.

[0275] One possible implementation is that the positioning network element determines the second time information based on the location information of the first terminal at the second time moment and the location information of the first access network node. For example, the positioning network element determines the distance D between the first terminal and the first access network node based on the above two location information, and then, combined with the speed of light c, can determine the second time information. For example, the second time information is equal to (D / c).

[0276] The location information of the first terminal at the second moment can be calculated (or determined) by the positioning network element, or obtained by the positioning network element from the second access network node. The second moment is earlier than the first moment in S306. The location information of the first access network node can be preset or pre-stored in the positioning network element, or the location information of the first access network node can be obtained by the positioning network element from the first access network node, or, when the first access network node is a satellite, the positioning network element can obtain the location information of the first access network node based on the satellite ephemeris.

[0277] Optionally, the positioning network element can acquire first time information and obtain first timing information based on the first time information and second time information. The first time information can be obtained by the positioning network element from the first access network node.

[0278] Optionally, for scenarios where the number of first access network nodes is greater than one, to reduce the complexity of the first terminal, the positioning network element can be configured to have multiple first access network nodes corresponding to the same timing information. For example, when the number of first access network nodes is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the positioning network element can be configured to have multiple first access network nodes corresponding to the same timing information. The aforementioned first threshold can be set as needed.

[0279] For example, the positioning network element can determine the second time information based on the location information of the first terminal at the second time and the location information of the first access network node. It can then obtain the timing information (such as the third timing information) corresponding to the first access network node based on the first and second time information. Finally, it can determine the first timing information based on the third timing information and the timing interval information. For instance, the first timing information is the maximum or minimum value of the timing interval to which the third timing information belongs. The timing interval information can be pre-configured in the positioning network element or determined by the positioning network element.

[0280] One possible design is that timing interval information is used to determine the timing interval to which the third or first timing information belongs. The timing interval information can indicate two or more timing intervals, with different specific values ​​corresponding to different timing intervals. For example, the timing interval information may indicate two timing intervals: [1ms, 5ms) and [5ms, 9ms]; or three timing intervals: [0.5ms, 3ms), [3ms, 9ms), and [9ms, 15ms]; or four timing intervals: [1ms, 4ms), [4ms, 7ms), [7ms, 10ms), and [10ms, 13ms]. It should be understood that the above are merely examples of timing intervals; in specific applications, timing intervals can also take other forms without limitation.

[0281] For example, taking timing interval information including [1ms, 3ms), [3ms, 9ms), and [9ms, 15ms], and the number of the first access network nodes is 3, specifically access network node A, access network node B, and access network node C, if the timing information corresponding to access network node A calculated by the positioning network element is 4ms (belonging to the timing interval [3ms, 9ms)), the timing information corresponding to access network node B calculated is 5ms (belonging to the timing interval [3ms, 9ms)), and the timing information corresponding to access network node C calculated is 10ms (belonging to the timing interval [9ms, 15ms]), then the positioning network element determines that the final timing information corresponding to access network node A and access network node B is 3ms, and the final timing information corresponding to access network node C is 9ms.

[0282] It should be understood that, for the second time information and / or the third time information, the positioning network element can also perform similar processing based on the corresponding timing interval information without restriction.

[0283] Understandably, after the positioning network element determines the second time information or the first timing information, it can send the first information to the second access network node to indicate the first timing information.

[0284] One possible design is that the first information includes first timing information; or, the first information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, the first information includes first time information and second time information; or, the first information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount. The specific meanings of the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information, the first adjustment amount, and the second adjustment amount are explained below.

[0285] For example, the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information includes T1. T1 is equal to the value obtained by subtracting the second timing information from the first timing information, or equal to the value obtained by subtracting the first timing information from the second timing information, or equal to the absolute value of the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information.

[0286] Understandably, when determining the second time information, the third time information, and the first timing information, the positioning network element may not combine the timing interval information for further processing. Instead, after obtaining the difference information between the first timing information and the second timing information, it may combine the timing interval information to update the difference information and indicate the updated difference information to the second access network node.

[0287] For example, the first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information. For instance, the first adjustment amount is T2. T2 is equal to the value obtained by subtracting the third time information from the first time information, or equal to the value obtained by subtracting the first time information from the third time information, or equal to the absolute value of the difference between the first time information and the third time information.

[0288] For example, the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information. For instance, the second adjustment amount is T3. T3 is equal to the value obtained by subtracting the fourth time information from the second time information, or equal to the value obtained by subtracting the second time information from the fourth time information, or equal to the absolute value of the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

[0289] Understandably, when the first timing information is the sum of two or more timing information, and the second timing information is the sum of two or more timing information, the first information can include more adjustment amounts without limitation.

[0290] Understandably, when determining the second and third time information, the positioning network element may not combine the timing interval information for further processing. Instead, after obtaining the first and second adjustment amounts, it may combine the timing interval information to update the first and second adjustment amounts and instruct the updated adjustment amounts to the second access network node.

[0291] Understandably, after receiving the first information, the second access network node can send the fifth information to the first terminal so that the first terminal can determine the first timing information based on the fifth information.

[0292] One possible design is that the fifth information includes the first timing information; or, the fifth information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, the fifth information includes the first time information and the second time information; or, the fifth information includes the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount.

[0293] For example, if the first information includes the first timing information, then the fifth information includes the first timing information.

[0294] For example, if the first information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information, the second access network node can directly send the first information to the first terminal; that is, the fifth information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information. Alternatively, the second access network node can determine the first timing information based on the first information and send the first timing information to the first terminal; that is, the fifth information includes the first timing information.

[0295] For example, if the first information includes first time information and second time information, the second access network node can directly send the first information to the first terminal; that is, the fifth information includes the first time information and the second time information. Alternatively, the second access network node can determine first timing information based on the first information and send the first timing information to the first terminal; that is, the fifth information includes the first timing information. Alternatively, the second access network node can determine a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount based on the first information, the third time information, and the fourth time information, and send the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount to the first terminal; that is, the fifth information includes the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount.

[0296] For example, if the first information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount, the second access network node can directly send the first information to the first terminal; that is, the fifth information includes the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount. Alternatively, the second access network node can determine the first timing information based on the first information, the third timing information, and the fourth timing information, and send the first timing information to the first terminal; that is, the fifth information includes the first timing information. Alternatively, the second access network node can determine the first timing information and the second timing information based on the first information, the third timing information, and the fourth timing information, and send the first timing information and the second timing information to the first terminal; that is, the fifth information includes the first timing information and the second timing information.

[0297] Scenario 2: The second access network node calculates the first timing information.

[0298] In scenario 2, the positioning network element can send the information used to determine the first timing information to the second access network node, so that the second access network node can calculate the first timing information.

[0299] One possible design is that the first information includes the identifier of the first access network node, as well as first time information.

[0300] The identifier of the first access network node enables the second access network node to determine which access network node to calculate the TA between the first terminal and the second access network node. For example, when the first access network node is a satellite, its identifier could be a satellite number or satellite ID, etc. When the first access network node is a base station, its identifier could be a base station ID or TRP ID, etc.

[0301] One possible implementation is that after receiving the first information, the second access network node can determine the second time information based on the location information of the first terminal at the second time and the location information of the first access network node. For example, the second access network node can determine the distance between the first terminal and the first access network node based on the two location information, and then determine the second time information by combining the speed of light.

[0302] The location information of the first terminal at the second moment can be calculated (or determined) by the second access network node. For example, the location information of the first terminal at the second moment indicates the area information corresponding to the first beam. The first beam is the beam in which the first terminal is located at the second moment; for example, information transmitted by the second access network node through the first beam at the second moment can be received by the first terminal. Alternatively, the location information of the first terminal at the second moment can be obtained by the second access network node from the first terminal or a positioning network element.

[0303] Understandably, when the location information of the first terminal at the second moment indicates the area information corresponding to the first beam, the error of the first terminal's location information at the second moment is related to the area size of the region corresponding to the first beam. As the positioning service progresses, the location information of the first terminal obtained by the positioning network element will become increasingly accurate. For example, the error of the first terminal's location information at the first moment will be smaller than the error of the first terminal's location information at the second moment. Subsequently, when determining timing information, the second access network node can obtain the location information of the first terminal from the positioning network element.

[0304] For example, if it is necessary to continue determining the location information of the first terminal after S306, the second access network node can obtain the location information of the first terminal at the first moment from the positioning network element, and determine the fourth timing information based on this location information and the location information of the third access network node. This allows the first terminal to send a third reference signal based on the fourth timing information, achieving uplink synchronization with the third access network node. The third access network node and the first access network node can be the same or different.

[0305] The location information of the first access network node can be pre-set or pre-stored in the second access network node, or the location information of the first access network node can be obtained by the second access network node from the first access network node or the positioning network element, or when the first access network node is a satellite, the second access network node can obtain the location information of the first access network node according to the satellite ephemeris.

[0306] Optionally, the second access network node can obtain the first timing information based on the first time information and the second time information.

[0307] Optionally, for scenarios where the number of first access network nodes is greater than one, to reduce the complexity of the first terminal, the second access network node can be configured with multiple first access network nodes corresponding to the same timing information. For example, when the number of first access network nodes is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the second access network node can be configured with multiple first access network nodes corresponding to the same timing information. The aforementioned first threshold can be set as needed.

[0308] For example, the second access network node can determine the second time information based on the location information of the first terminal at the second time and the location information of the first access network node. It can then obtain the timing information (such as the third timing information) corresponding to the first access network node based on the first and second time information, and determine the first timing information based on the third timing information and the timing interval information. For instance, the first timing information is the maximum or minimum value of the timing interval to which the third timing information belongs. The timing interval information can be pre-configured in the second access network node, or determined by the second access network node, or determined and indicated to the second access network node by the positioning network element.

[0309] It should be understood that, for the second time information, and / or, the third time information, and / or, the difference information between the first timing information and the second timing information, and / or, the first adjustment amount, and / or, the second adjustment amount, the second access network node can also perform similar processing based on the corresponding timing interval information without restriction.

[0310] Understandably, the description of timing interval information can be found in the corresponding description in Scenario 1 above. The specific process by which the second access network node determines the first timing information based on the timing interval information is similar to the specific process by which the positioning network element determines the first timing information based on the timing interval information. It can be found in the corresponding description in Scenario 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0311] Optionally, the first information may also include one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal (denoted as indication information 1), accuracy information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information (denoted as indication information 2), or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information.

[0312] The first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the terminal's location information. That is, the second access network node can determine whether to use the method provided in this application to determine the location information of the first terminal based on indication information 1.

[0313] As an example, the indication information 1 includes 1 bit. When the value of the 1 bit is "0", it indicates that the first method is not used to determine the location information of the first terminal. When the value of the 1 bit is "1", it indicates that the first method is used to determine the location information of the first terminal. Alternatively, when the value of the 1 bit is "1", it indicates that the first method is not used to determine the location information of the first terminal. When the value of the 1 bit is "0", it indicates that the first method is used to determine the location information of the first terminal.

[0314] As another example, indication information 1 can indicate whether the first method is used to determine the location information of the first terminal by whether or not it carries the corresponding IE. For example, if indication information 1 carries IE#4, it indicates that the first method is used to determine the location information of the first terminal; if indication information 1 does not carry IE#4, it indicates that the first method is not used to determine the location information of the first terminal. Alternatively, if indication information 1 does not carry IE#4, it indicates that the first method is used to determine the location information of the first terminal; if indication information 1 carries IE#4, it indicates that the first method is not used to determine the location information of the first terminal.

[0315] The precision information of the first timing information indicates the precision requirement for the first timing information. For example, the precision information of the first timing information indicates high precision or low precision, or high precision, medium precision, or low precision, etc. It should be understood that this is only an example of the precision requirement for the first timing information. In specific applications, the precision requirement for the first timing information can also be in other forms, such as indicated by level 1, level 2, etc., without limitation.

[0316] Optionally, when the precision of the first timing information is less than or equal to a certain threshold, for example, when the precision of the first timing information indicates low precision or medium precision, the second access network node can combine the timing interval information to determine the second time information, the third time information, the first timing information, the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information, the first adjustment amount, or the second adjustment amount.

[0317] The timing interval information can indicate multiple timing intervals.

[0318] As an example, timing interval information can include endpoint information for each of the multiple timing intervals it indicates. Taking two timing intervals [1ms, 5ms) and [5ms, 9ms] as an example, the timing interval information can include "1" and "5", or include "5" and "9", for flexible configuration.

[0319] As another example, timing interval information can include the step size of the timing intervals among the multiple timing intervals it indicates, as well as the endpoint information of the starting timing interval, making configuration simple. Taking two timing intervals [1ms, 5ms) and [5ms, 9ms] as an example, the timing interval information can include "1" and "4". Here, "1" is the endpoint of the starting timing interval, and "1" can also be replaced with "5", and "4" indicates that the step size of the timing interval is 4ms.

[0320] As another example, the timing interval information may include the step size of the timing interval among the multiple timing intervals it indicates, the endpoint information of the starting timing interval, and the index of the timing interval. For example, the timing interval information may include "1", "4", "index 2", and "index 3". Here, "1" is the endpoint of the starting timing region, and "4" indicates that the step size of the timing interval is 4ms. Based on the above information, the second access network node can determine multiple timing intervals, such as [1ms, 5ms), [5ms, 9ms), [9ms, 13ms), etc. "Index 2" indicates the second timing interval among these multiple timing intervals, and "Index 3" indicates the third timing interval among these multiple timing intervals. Therefore, the second access network node determines that the timing interval information indicates the two timing intervals [5ms, 9ms) and [9ms, 13ms).

[0321] Instruction information 2 can instruct the second access network node whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information.

[0322] As an example, the indication information 2 includes 1 bit. When the value of this 1 bit is "0", it indicates that the first timing information and the second timing information will not be reported. When the value of this 1 bit is "1", it indicates that the first timing information and the second timing information will be reported. Alternatively, when the value of this 1 bit is "1", it indicates that the first timing information and the second timing information will not be reported. When the value of this 1 bit is "0", it indicates that the first timing information and the second timing information will be reported.

[0323] As another example, the indication information 2 includes 2 bits. When the value of the 2 bits is "00", it indicates that the first timing information and the second timing information will not be reported. When the value of the 2 bits is "10", it indicates that the first timing information will be reported but the second timing information will not be reported. When the value of the 2 bits is "01", it indicates that the first timing information will not be reported but the second timing information will be reported. When the value of the 2 bits is "11", it indicates that both the first timing information and the second timing information will be reported.

[0324] The information of the network element that calculates the first timing information can indicate the network element that calculates the first timing information. For example, the information may include the identifier of the network element that calculates the first timing information.

[0325] Understandably, after the second access network node determines the second time information or the first timing information, it can send the fifth information to the first terminal so that the first terminal can determine the first timing information based on the fifth information.

[0326] One possible design is that the fifth information includes the first timing information; or, the fifth information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, the fifth information includes the first time information and the second time information; or, the fifth information includes the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount.

[0327] Optionally, the fifth information may also include one or more of the following: indication information on whether the first method is used to determine the location information of the first terminal, or information of the network element used to calculate the first timing information.

[0328] Optionally, the second access network node may indicate at least one of the first timing information or the second timing information to the positioning network element. For example, the second access network node sends a sixth piece of information to the positioning network element, the sixth piece of information indicating at least one of the first timing information or the second timing information. Accordingly, the positioning network element receives the sixth piece of information.

[0329] For example, if instruction information 2 indicates that the first timing information and the second timing information should be reported, then the sixth information includes the first timing information and the second timing information; if instruction information 2 indicates that the first timing information should be reported but the second timing information should not be reported, then the sixth information includes the first timing information; if instruction information 2 indicates that the first timing information should not be reported but the second timing information should be reported, then the sixth information includes the second timing information.

[0330] Scenario 3: The first terminal calculates the first timing information.

[0331] In scenario 3, if a communication interface exists between the positioning network element and the first terminal, the positioning network element can send information used to determine the first timing information to the first terminal so that the first terminal can calculate the first timing information. For example, the positioning network element sends first information to the first terminal. If no communication interface exists between the positioning network element and the first terminal, the positioning network element can send information used to determine the first timing information to the first terminal through a second access network node so that the first terminal can calculate the first timing information. For example, the positioning network element sends first information to the second access network node, and after receiving the first information, the second access network node sends fifth information to the first terminal.

[0332] One possible design includes the identifier of the first access network node and first time information. The fifth information also includes the identifier of the first access network node and first time information. The identifier of the first access network node enables the first terminal to determine which access network node it needs to calculate the TA (Transmission Time Agreement) with. For example, when the first access network node is a satellite, its identifier could be a satellite number or satellite ID, etc. When the first access network node is a base station, its identifier could be a base station ID or TRP ID, etc.

[0333] One possible implementation is that after receiving the first information or the fifth information, the first terminal can determine the second time information based on its location information at the second time and the location information of the first access network node. For example, the first terminal can determine the distance between itself and the first access network node based on the two location information, and then, combined with the speed of light, determine the second time information. Subsequently, the first terminal can obtain the first timing information based on the second time information and the first time information.

[0334] The location information of the first terminal at the second moment can be calculated (or determined) by the first terminal, or obtained by the first terminal from the second access network node or the positioning network element. Taking the location information of the first terminal at the second moment as an example, the location information of the first terminal at the second moment indicates the area information corresponding to the first beam.

[0335] Understandably, when the location information of the first terminal at the second moment indicates the area information corresponding to the first beam, the error of the first terminal's location information at the second moment is related to the area size of the region corresponding to the first beam. As the positioning service progresses, the location information of the first terminal obtained by the positioning network element will become increasingly accurate. For example, the error of the first terminal's location information at the first moment will be smaller than the error of the first terminal's location information at the second moment. Subsequently, when determining timing information, the first terminal can obtain its location information from the positioning network element.

[0336] For example, if it is necessary to continue determining the location information of the first terminal after S306, the first terminal can obtain its location information at the first moment from the positioning network element, determine the fourth timing information based on this location information and the location information of the third access network node, and send the third reference signal based on the fourth timing information to achieve uplink synchronization with the third access network node. The third access network node and the first access network node can be the same or different.

[0337] The location information of the first access network node is obtained by the first terminal from the second access network node or the positioning network element. Alternatively, when the first access network node is a satellite, the first terminal can obtain the location information of the first access network node based on the satellite ephemeris.

[0338] Optionally, for scenarios where the number of first access network nodes is greater than one, to reduce the complexity of the first terminal, the first terminal can be configured with multiple first access network nodes corresponding to the same timing information. For example, when the number of first access network nodes is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the first terminal can be configured with multiple first access network nodes corresponding to the same timing information. The aforementioned first threshold can be set as needed.

[0339] For example, the first terminal can determine the second time information based on its location information at the second time and the location information of the first access network node. It can then obtain the timing information (such as the third timing information) corresponding to the first access network node based on the first and second time information. Finally, it can determine the first timing information based on the third timing information and the timing interval information. For instance, the first timing information is the maximum or minimum value of the timing interval to which the third timing information belongs. The timing interval information can be pre-configured in the first terminal, or determined by the first terminal, or determined and indicated to the first terminal by the second access network node, or determined and indicated to the first terminal by the positioning network element.

[0340] It should be understood that, for the second time information, and / or, the third time information, and / or, the difference information between the first timing information and the second timing information, and / or, the first adjustment amount, and / or, the second adjustment amount, the second access network node can also perform similar processing based on the corresponding timing interval information without restriction.

[0341] Understandably, the description of timing interval information can be found in the corresponding description in Scenario 1 above. The specific process by which the first terminal determines the first timing information based on the timing interval information is similar to the specific process by which the positioning network element determines the first timing information based on the timing interval information. It can be found in the corresponding description in Scenario 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0342] Optionally, the first information (or fifth information) may also include one or more of the following: indication information on whether the first method is used to determine the location information of the first terminal, accuracy information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information (denoted as indication information 2), or information of the network element used to calculate the first timing information. The description of the above information can be found in the corresponding description in Scenario 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0343] Optionally, the first terminal may indicate at least one of the first timing information or the second timing information to the positioning network element. For example, the first terminal sends the second information to the positioning network element, or sends the second information to the positioning network element through the second access network node, wherein the second information indicates at least one of the first timing information or the second timing information. Accordingly, the positioning network element receives the second information.

[0344] For example, if instruction information 2 indicates that the first timing information and the second timing information should be reported, then the second information includes the first timing information and the second timing information; if instruction information 2 indicates that the first timing information should be reported but the second timing information should not be reported, then the second information includes the first timing information; if instruction information 2 indicates that the first timing information should not be reported but the second timing information should be reported, then the second information includes the second timing information.

[0345] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 3, for scenario 1 above, the second access network node can indicate the location information of the first terminal at a second time and / or the second timing information to the positioning network element. Therefore, the positioning network element can determine the second timing information based on the location information of the first terminal at the second time and the location information of the first access network node. The positioning network element can determine the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information, or determine the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount, based on the second timing information. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the method shown in Figure 3 further includes the following steps:

[0346] S300: The second access network node sends third information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the third information from the second access network node.

[0347] In this application, the third information indicates one or more of the following: second timing information or the location information of the first terminal at the second time. The positioning network element can determine, based on the second timing information, either the difference between the first and second timing information, or a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount. The positioning network element can determine the first timing information based on the location information of the first terminal at the second time.

[0348] For example, in order to indicate the second timing information, the third information may include the second timing information, or may include the third timing information and the fourth timing information.

[0349] One possible design is that the location information of the first terminal at the second moment indicates the area information corresponding to the first beam.

[0350] For example, in order to indicate the location information of the first terminal at a second time, the third information may include the identifier of the first beam or the coordinates of the area corresponding to the first beam.

[0351] Understandably, the error in the location information of the first terminal at the second moment is related to the area corresponding to the first beam. As the positioning service progresses, the location information of the first terminal acquired by the positioning network element will become increasingly accurate. For example, the error in the location information of the first terminal at the first moment will be smaller than the error in the location information of the first terminal at the second moment. Subsequently, when determining timing information, the positioning network element can combine its latest acquired location information of the first terminal without needing to obtain the location information of the first terminal from the second access network node.

[0352] For example, if, after S306, the positioning network element continues to determine the location information of the first terminal, the positioning network element can determine the fourth timing information based on the location information of the first terminal at the first moment and the location information of the third access network node. This allows the first terminal to send a third reference signal based on the fourth timing information, achieving uplink synchronization with the third access network node. The third access network node and the first access network node can be the same or different.

[0353] Optionally, the second access network node may send third information to the positioning network element based on the indication of the positioning network element.

[0354] For example, the positioning network element sends fourth information to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the fourth information from the positioning network element. The fourth information indicates one or more of the following: whether the first method is used to determine the location information of the first terminal, whether the location information of the first terminal is reported, whether the second timing information is reported, or a network element that calculates the first timing information.

[0355] For example, if the fourth information indicates that the location information of the first terminal should be reported, then the third information indicates the location information of the first terminal at the second time; if the fourth information indicates that the location information of the first terminal should not be reported, then the third information does not indicate the location information of the first terminal at the second time. If the fourth information indicates that the second timing information should be reported, then the third information indicates the second timing information; if the fourth information indicates that the second timing information should not be reported, then the third information does not indicate the second timing information.

[0356] For example, if the fourth information indicates that the location information of the first terminal is determined using the first method, or the fourth information indicates that the location information of the first terminal is determined using the first method, and indicates that the network element that calculates the first timing information is a positioning network element, then the third information indicates at least one of the second timing information or the location information of the first terminal at the second time.

[0357] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 3, the second access network node can configure resources for the first reference signal and the second reference signal for the first terminal, so that the first terminal can transmit the reference signal on the corresponding resources. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the method shown in Figure 3 further includes the following steps:

[0358] S302a: The second access network node sends first configuration information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the first configuration information from the second access network node.

[0359] In this application, the first configuration information is used to configure the resources of the first reference signal (denoted as the first resource) and the resources of the second reference signal (denoted as the second resource). For example, the first configuration information includes an identifier of the first resource and an identifier of the second resource. The first resource and the second resource include time-domain resources. Optionally, the first resource and the second resource also include at least one of frequency-domain resources or spatial-domain resources.

[0360] One possible implementation involves the location network element sending second configuration information to a second access network node. The second configuration information may indicate at least one resource for transmitting a first reference signal and at least one resource for transmitting a second reference signal. Upon receiving the second configuration information, the second access network node determines the first resource from the at least one resource used for transmitting the first reference signal, determines the second resource from the at least one resource used for transmitting the second reference signal, and then sends the first configuration information to the first terminal.

[0361] Optionally, the first resource and the second resource do not overlap in the time domain to improve the signal quality of the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0362] Understandably, for the above S303, the first terminal can send a first reference signal on the first resource, and for the above S305, the first terminal can send a second reference signal on the second resource.

[0363] It is understandable that Figure 6 is drawn as an example of S302a being executed between S302 and S303. In specific applications, S302a can also be executed before S302, or simultaneously with S302, without any restrictions.

[0364] To better understand the communication method provided in this application, the specific process of the communication method provided in this application will be described below in conjunction with scenarios 1 to 3 above.

[0365] First, the specific process of the communication method provided in this application will be introduced in conjunction with scenario 1 (i.e., the scenario of calculating the first timing information of the positioning network element).

[0366] As shown in Figure 7, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0367] S701: The positioning network element obtains positioning-related configuration information from the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0368] One possible implementation is that the positioning network element sends a first request to the first access network node, the first request being used to request positioning-related configuration. After receiving the first request, the first access network node sends positioning-related configuration information to the positioning network element, such as information about the cell corresponding to the first access network node, or the location information of the first access network node, etc.

[0369] One possible implementation is that the positioning network element sends a second request to the second access network node, the second request being used to request positioning-related configuration. After receiving the second request, the second access network node sends positioning-related configuration information to the positioning network element, such as information about the cell corresponding to the second access network node, or the location information of the second access network node, etc.

[0370] S702: The first terminal sends its capability information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the capability information from the first terminal.

[0371] In this application, the capability information of the first terminal is used to indicate the positioning-related capabilities of the first terminal, such as positioning capabilities related to LPP, positioning methods supported by LPP, frequency domain range that the first terminal can configure, or whether the first terminal supports frequency hopping, etc.

[0372] For example, the capability information of the first terminal may indicate the positioning methods supported by the first terminal, such as one or more of the following: a positioning method based on UL-TDOA, a positioning method based on uplink carrier phase, or a positioning method based on uplink Doppler frequency shift.

[0373] One possible implementation is that the first terminal sends a capability provision message to the positioning network element, which includes the capability information of the first terminal.

[0374] Optionally, the first terminal sends its capability information to the positioning network element based on the request from the positioning network element. For example, the positioning network element sends a capability request message to the first terminal, which requests the capabilities of the first terminal. After receiving the capability request message, the first terminal sends a capability provision message to the positioning network element.

[0375] Understandably, the first terminal and the positioning network element can communicate directly or through the second access network node without restriction.

[0376] Understandably, this application does not restrict the execution order of S701 and S702. For example, this application may execute S701 first and then S702, or execute S702 first and then S701, or execute S701 and S702 simultaneously.

[0377] S703: The positioning network element sends an NRPPa assistance information request to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the NRPPa assistance information request from the positioning network element.

[0378] One possible design is that the NRPPa auxiliary information request includes the fourth information in the method shown in Figure 6.

[0379] Optionally, if the fourth information indicates that the second timing information should be reported, but the second access network node has not stored the second timing information, the second access network node can obtain the second timing information or the fourth timing information from the first terminal. For example, the second access network node can send a third request to the first terminal, which is used to request the second timing information or the fourth timing information. After receiving the third request, the first terminal sends the second timing information or the fourth timing information to the second access network node.

[0380] S704: The second access network node sends an NRPPa auxiliary information response to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the NRPPa auxiliary information response from the second access network node.

[0381] One possible design is that the NRPPa auxiliary information response includes the third information shown in Figure 6.

[0382] Understandably, after receiving the third information, the positioning network element can determine the second time information based on the location information of the first terminal at the second time and the location information of the first access network node. Optionally, the positioning network element can obtain the first timing information based on the first and second time information. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in Scenario 1 above.

[0383] S705: The positioning network element sends a positioning information request to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the positioning information request from the positioning network element.

[0384] One possible design is that the location information request is used to request the second access network node to configure reference signal resources for the first terminal.

[0385] For example, the location information request includes the second configuration information in the method shown in Figure 6, and the first information in scenario 1.

[0386] S706: The second access network node sends third configuration information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the third configuration information from the second access network node.

[0387] One possible design is that the third configuration information is used to configure the resources of the reference signal for the first terminal.

[0388] For example, the third configuration information includes the first configuration information in the method shown in Figure 6, and the fifth information in scenario 1.

[0389] S707: The first terminal sends a first reference signal according to the first timing information. Correspondingly, the first access network node measures the first reference signal.

[0390] S708: The first access network node sends first measurement information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the first measurement information from the first access network node.

[0391] S709: The first terminal sends a second reference signal according to the second timing information. Correspondingly, the second access network node measures the second reference signal.

[0392] S710: The second access network node sends the second measurement information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the second measurement information from the second access network node.

[0393] Understandably, the specific processes of S707 to S710 are similar to those of S303 to S306 above. Please refer to the corresponding descriptions in S303 to S306 above. They will not be repeated here.

[0394] S711: The positioning network element determines the location information of the first terminal at the first moment based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

[0395] Optionally, prior to S711, the positioning network element sends a first indication message to the second access network node and a second indication message to the first access network node. Alternatively, the second access network node sends a third indication message to the positioning network element and a fourth indication message to the first access network node. For details, please refer to the description of the first to fourth indication messages in the method shown in Figure 3.

[0396] Based on the method shown in Figure 7, the positioning network element can determine the first timing information and instruct the first terminal through the second access network node. This allows the first terminal to send a first reference signal based on the first timing information, achieving uplink synchronization with the first access network node. On one hand, this shortens the time difference between the arrival time of the first reference signal at the first access network node and the arrival time of the signal sent by the second terminal at the first access network node, ensuring this time difference is less than or equal to the CP length to avoid inter-symbol interference. On the other hand, it prevents collisions between the first reference signal and the signal sent by the second terminal. Therefore, the above method can reduce interference between the first reference signal and the uplink signals of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first access network node. Furthermore, when the first terminal and the first access network node are synchronized, the arrival time of the first reference signal at the first access network node is predictable, so the first access network node does not need to reserve a large reception time window (or measurement time window) for the first reference signal. Therefore, the above method can also improve the resource utilization of the first access network node and reduce the complexity of detecting the first reference signal.

[0397] In addition, the positioning network element can usually determine the change of access network nodes involved in determining location information. Therefore, compared with scenario 2 and scenario 3, the positioning network element can determine the first timing information, which can avoid the positioning network element sending the relevant information of the access network node involved in determining location information (such as the identifier of the access network node, the Common TA corresponding to the access network node, etc.) to the second access network node and the first terminal, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0398] The following describes the specific process of the communication method provided in this application, taking scenario 2 (i.e., the scenario where the second access network node calculates the first timing information) as an example.

[0399] As shown in Figure 8, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0400] S801: The positioning network element obtains positioning-related configuration information from the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0401] S802: The first terminal sends its capability information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the capability information from the first terminal.

[0402] It is understandable that the specific processes of S801 to S802 are similar to those of S701 to S702 above. You can refer to the corresponding descriptions in S701 to S702 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0403] S803: The positioning network element sends a positioning information request to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the positioning information request from the positioning network element.

[0404] One possible design is that the location information request is used to request the second access network node to configure reference signal resources for the first terminal.

[0405] For example, the location information request includes the second configuration information in the method shown in Figure 6, and the first information in scenario 2.

[0406] Understandably, after receiving a location information request, the second access network node can determine the second time information based on the location information of the first terminal at the second time and the location information of the first access network node. Optionally, the second access network node can obtain the first timing information based on the first and second time information. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in scenario 2 above.

[0407] Optionally, the second access network node sends a sixth message to the positioning network element to indicate at least one of the first timing information or the second timing information.

[0408] Understandably, if the second access network node does not store the second timing information, the second access network node can obtain the second timing information from the first terminal, or obtain the fourth timing information.

[0409] S804: The second access network node sends third configuration information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the third configuration information from the second access network node.

[0410] One possible design is that the third configuration information is used to configure the resources of the reference signal for the first terminal.

[0411] For example, the third configuration information includes the first configuration information in the method shown in Figure 6, and the fifth information in scenario 2.

[0412] S805: The first terminal sends a first reference signal according to the first timing information. Correspondingly, the first access network node measures the first reference signal.

[0413] S806: The first access network node sends the first measurement information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the first measurement information from the first access network node.

[0414] S807: The first terminal sends a second reference signal according to the second timing information. Correspondingly, the second access network node measures the second reference signal.

[0415] S808: The second access network node sends the second measurement information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the second measurement information from the second access network node.

[0416] Understandably, the specific processes of S805 to S808 are similar to those of S303 to S306 above. Please refer to the corresponding descriptions in S303 to S306 above. They will not be repeated here.

[0417] S809: The positioning network element determines the location information of the first terminal at the first moment based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

[0418] Optionally, before S809, the positioning network element sends a first indication information to the second access network node and a second indication information to the first access network node. Alternatively, the second access network node sends a third indication information to the positioning network element and a fourth indication information to the first access network node. Specifically, refer to the description of the first to fourth indication information in the method shown in Figure 3.

[0419] Based on the method shown in Figure 8, the positioning network element can send the identifier of the first access network node and first time information to the second access network node, enabling the second access network node to determine the first timing information based on the aforementioned information. Subsequently, the second access network node can indicate the first timing information to the first terminal, allowing the first terminal to send a first reference signal based on the first timing information, achieving uplink synchronization with the first access network node. On one hand, the time difference between the arrival time of the first reference signal at the first access network node and the arrival time of the signal sent by the second terminal at the first access network node can be shortened, ensuring that this time difference is less than or equal to the CP length, thus avoiding inter-symbol interference. On the other hand, collisions between the first reference signal and the signal sent by the second terminal can be avoided. Therefore, the above method can reduce interference between the first reference signal and the uplink signals of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first access network node. Furthermore, when the first terminal and the first access network node are synchronized, the arrival time of the first reference signal at the first access network node is estimable, so the first access network node does not need to reserve a large reception time window (or measurement time window) for the first reference signal. Therefore, the above method can also improve the resource utilization of the first access network node and reduce the complexity of the first access network node detecting the first reference signal.

[0420] The specific process of the communication method provided in this application will be described below with reference to scenario 3 (i.e., the scenario in which the first terminal calculates the first timing information).

[0421] As shown in Figure 9, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0422] S901: The positioning network element obtains positioning-related configuration information from the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0423] S902: The first terminal sends its capability information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the capability information from the first terminal.

[0424] Understandably, the specific processes of S901 to S902 are similar to those of S701 to S702 above. Please refer to the corresponding descriptions in S701 to S702 above. They will not be repeated here.

[0425] S903: The positioning network element sends LPP auxiliary information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the LPP auxiliary information from the positioning network element.

[0426] One possible implementation is that the positioning network element directly sends LPP auxiliary information to the first terminal, or the positioning network element sends LPP auxiliary information to the first terminal through a second access network node.

[0427] One possible design is that the LPP auxiliary information includes the identifier of the first access network node and first time information. For example, the LPP auxiliary information includes the first information in scenario 3 above.

[0428] S904: The positioning network element sends the fourth configuration information to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the fourth configuration information from the positioning network element.

[0429] One possible design is that the fourth configuration information is used to indicate the relevant configuration of the timing information. For example, the fourth configuration information includes one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information to the positioning network element, or information about the network element that calculates the first timing information.

[0430] S905: The second access network node sends the fifth configuration information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the fifth configuration information from the second access network node.

[0431] One possible design is that the fifth configuration information is used to indicate the relevant configuration of the timing information. For example, the fifth configuration information includes one or more of the following: the location information of the first terminal at the second time, an indication of whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, an indication of whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information to the second access network node, or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information.

[0432] Understandably, this application does not limit the execution order of S903 and S904-S905. For example, this application may execute S903 first and then execute S904-S905, or execute S904-S905 first and then execute S903, or execute S903 and S904-S905 simultaneously.

[0433] Understandably, after S903 or S905, the first terminal can determine the second time information based on its location information at the second time and the location information of the first access network node. Optionally, the first terminal can obtain the first timing information based on the first and second time information. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in scenario 3 above.

[0434] Optionally, the first terminal sends second information to the positioning network element and the second access network node respectively to indicate at least one of the first timing information or the second timing information. Alternatively, the first terminal sends the second information to the positioning network element, and after receiving the second information, the positioning network element indicates the second timing information to the second access network node. Alternatively, the first terminal sends the second information to the second access network node, and after receiving the second information, the second access network node indicates at least one of the first timing information or the second timing information to the positioning network element.

[0435] S906: The positioning network element sends a positioning request to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the positioning request from the positioning network element.

[0436] One possible design is to use the location request information to request the second access network node to configure reference signal resources for the first terminal.

[0437] For example, the location information request includes the second configuration information in the method shown in Figure 6.

[0438] S907: The second access network node sends third configuration information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the third configuration information from the second access network node.

[0439] One possible design is that the third configuration information is used to configure the resources of the reference signal for the first terminal.

[0440] For example, the third configuration information includes the first configuration information in the method shown in FIG6.

[0441] S908: The first terminal sends a first reference signal according to the first timing information. Correspondingly, the first access network node measures the first reference signal.

[0442] S909: The first access network node sends first measurement information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the first measurement information from the first access network node.

[0443] S910: The first terminal sends a second reference signal according to the second timing information. Correspondingly, the second access network node measures the second reference signal.

[0444] S911: The second access network node sends the second measurement information to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the second measurement information from the second access network node.

[0445] Understandably, the specific processes of S908 to S911 are similar to those of S303 to S306 above. You can refer to the corresponding descriptions in S303 to S306 above, and they will not be repeated here.

[0446] S912: The positioning network element determines the location information of the first terminal at the first moment based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

[0447] Optionally, before S912, the positioning network element sends a first indication message to the second access network node and a second indication message to the first access network node. Alternatively, the second access network node sends a third indication message to the positioning network element and a fourth indication message to the first access network node. For details, please refer to the description of the first to fourth indication messages in the method shown in Figure 3.

[0448] Based on the method shown in Figure 9, the positioning network element can send the identifier of the first access network node and first time information to the first terminal. This allows the first terminal to determine first timing information based on this information and send a first reference signal accordingly, achieving uplink synchronization with the first access network node. On one hand, this shortens the time it takes for the first reference signal to reach the first access network node, ensuring the time difference between this arrival time and the arrival time of the signal sent by the second terminal is less than or equal to the CP length, thus avoiding inter-symbol interference. On the other hand, it prevents collisions between the first reference signal and the signal sent by the second terminal. Therefore, this method reduces interference between the first reference signal and the uplink signals of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first access network node. Furthermore, when the first terminal and the first access network node are synchronized, the arrival time of the first reference signal is predictable, so the first access network node does not need to reserve a large reception time window (or measurement time window) for the first reference signal. Therefore, this method also improves the resource utilization of the first access network node and reduces the complexity of detecting the first reference signal.

[0449] It should be understood that in this application, the steps or technical features with the same function in the methods shown in Figure 3 and the methods shown in Figures 6 to 9 can be referred to and learned from each other.

[0450] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0451] Understandably, the communication method provided in this application can also be applied to scenarios where a terminal communicates jointly with multiple access network nodes. For example, the terminal can use the method provided in this application to obtain timing information corresponding to each of the multiple access network nodes, and send uplink information to the corresponding access network node based on the timing information.

[0452] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be the first terminal in the above method embodiments, or a device including the first terminal, or a component usable in the first terminal; or, the communication device can be the second access network node in the above method embodiments, or a device including the second access network node, or a component usable in the second access network node; or, the communication device can be the positioning network element in the above method embodiments, or a device including the positioning network element, or a component usable in the positioning network element. It is understood that the first terminal, second access network node, or positioning network element, etc., in order to achieve the above functions, include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0453] Figure 10 illustrates a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 100 may include modules or units for implementing the method embodiments described above. In one possible design, the communication device 100 includes a processing module 1001 and a communication module 1002. The processing module 1001, also referred to as a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transmission and reception operations, and may be, for example, a processing circuit or a processor. The communication module 1002, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to perform transmission and reception operations, and may be, for example, an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0454] In some embodiments, the communication device 100 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG10) for storing one or more of program instructions, program code or data.

[0455] In some embodiments, the communication device 100 may further include an AI module (not shown in FIG. 10) for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module includes an RIC module. Optionally, the AI ​​module and the storage module are integrated into one module, or the AI ​​module and the processing module 1001 are integrated into one module.

[0456] For example, the communication device 100 can be a terminal-side device in the above embodiments, such as a first terminal or a communication module or processing module in the first terminal, or a circuit or chip in the first terminal responsible for communication functions.

[0457] For example, in one embodiment, the communication module 1002 is used to receive first information or fifth information.

[0458] Processing module 1001 is used to acquire the second timing information.

[0459] The communication module 1002 is also used to send a first reference signal according to the first timing information. For example, the communication module 1002 can also be used to execute S303.

[0460] The communication module 1002 is also used to send a second reference signal according to the second timing information. For example, the communication module 1002 can also be used to execute S305.

[0461] In one possible design, when the communication device 100 is a first terminal or a communication module within a first terminal, the functionality of the processing module 1001 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The functionality of the communication module 1002 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0462] In one possible design, when the communication device 100 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the first terminal, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing module 1001 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication module 1002 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0463] In one possible design, when the communication device 100 is a first terminal or a processing module within a first terminal, the functionality of the processing module 1001 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a GPU, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU. Alternatively, the processor may include an AI processor, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor. Or, the processor may include an ASIC, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC. The functionality of the communication module 1002 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0464] In one possible design, when the communication device 100 is a circuit or chip in the first terminal responsible for processing functions, such as a GPU or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU, an AI processor or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor, or an ASIC or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC, the function of the processing module 1001 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication module 1002 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0465] Alternatively, by way of example, the communication device 100 may be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a positioning network element or a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in a positioning network element.

[0466] For example, in one embodiment, the processing module 1001 is used to control the communication module 1002 to send first information. For example, the processing module 1001 can be used to execute S301.

[0467] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to receive the first measurement information and the second measurement information. For example, the processing module 1001 can be used to execute S304 and S306.

[0468] Alternatively, by way of example, the communication device 100 may be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a second access network node or a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in the second access network node.

[0469] For example, in one embodiment, the processing module 1001 is used to control the communication module 1002 to receive the first information. For example, the processing module 1001 may be used to execute S301.

[0470] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to send the fifth information to the first terminal. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to execute S302.

[0471] The processing module 1001 is also configured to control the communication module 1002 to receive the second measurement signal from the first terminal. For example, the processing module 1001 may also be configured to execute S305.

[0472] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to send the second measurement information. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to execute S306.

[0473] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated onto a single physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0474] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes the software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0475] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0476] In specific implementations, the terminal-side device (e.g., the first terminal) or network-side device (e.g., the second access network node or positioning network element) in the above embodiments can adopt the composition structure shown in FIG11, or include the components shown in FIG11. FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to this application. It is understood that the communication device 110 includes means of necessary forms such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the solution provided in this application. For example, the communication device 110 includes one or more processors 1101 for implementing the method provided in this application.

[0477] Processor 1101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 1101 can be a baseband processor or a CPU. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 110 (such as a first terminal, a second access network node, a positioning network element, or a chip, etc.), execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs. Optionally, in one design, processor 1101 may include program 1105 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on processor 1101 to cause communication device 110 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, communication device 110 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG11) for implementing the functions of the first terminal, the second access network node, or the positioning network element in the above embodiments.

[0478] Optionally, the communication device 110 may include one or more memories 1103. The memory 1103 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), cache, or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory provided in this application may generally be non-volatile. Optionally, the memory 1103 stores a program 1107 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 1101 to cause the communication device 110 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0479] Optionally, the processor 1101 may include an AI module 1106, and / or the memory 1103 may include an AI module 1108. The aforementioned AI modules are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0480] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 1101 and / or the memory 1103. The processor 1101 and the memory 1103 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0481] Optionally, the communication device 110 may also include a transceiver 1102 and / or an antenna 1104. The processor 1101, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 110. The transceiver 1102, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 110 through the antenna 1104.

[0482] It is understood that the composition shown in Figure 11 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 11, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0483] In one example, the functional units in the communication device 100 may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as: one or more ASICs, or one or more CPUs, one or more MCUs, one or more DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. For example, the processing module 1001 is configured as a processor 1101, the communication module 1002 is configured as a transceiver 1102, and the storage module of the communication device 100 is configured as a memory 1103.

[0484] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of a possible terminal chip provided in this application. The terminal-side device (e.g., a first terminal) in the above embodiments may include the terminal chip shown in Figure 12. In one possible design, the terminal chip 120 shown in Figure 12 includes a baseband subsystem and a radio frequency subsystem connected to the baseband subsystem. Optionally, the terminal chip 120 may also include peripherals connected to the baseband subsystem, and / or a power management subsystem connected to both the baseband subsystem and the radio frequency subsystem.

[0485] The baseband subsystem can handle application layer processing, external interfaces, and other functions. It can also handle layer 3 (L3), layer 2 (L2), and L1 communication protocol processing.

[0486] The radio frequency (RF) subsystem is responsible for the RF front-end and antenna to convert spatial electromagnetic waves into electrical signals, as well as the necessary amplification and filtering functions to achieve excellent coverage. Connected to the baseband subsystem, the RF subsystem can perform frequency conversion and nonlinear distortion correction of analog signals.

[0487] Peripherals include external interfaces or memory, etc.

[0488] The power management subsystem can provide power management functions for the baseband subsystem and the radio frequency subsystem.

[0489] Optionally, the baseband subsystem and the radio frequency subsystem can implement all or part of the functions of the first terminal described above.

[0490] Please refer to Figure 13, which is a schematic diagram of another possible terminal chip provided in this application. The terminal-side device (e.g., a first terminal) in the above embodiments may include the terminal chip shown in Figure 13. In one possible design, the terminal chip 130 shown in Figure 13 includes a high-layer protocol processor, a physical layer protocol processor, and a baseband hardware processor.

[0491] The high-level protocol processor can implement high-level (such as L2 / L3) protocol processing. For example, it supports encoding and decoding functions such as Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1) and supports standard air interface encryption and decryption, integrity protection algorithms, etc.

[0492] The physical layer protocol processor can perform physical layer processing, such as downlink network search, time-frequency tracking, measurement, channel estimation, demodulation and decoding, and uplink coding, modulation and time-frequency offset adjustment.

[0493] The baseband hardware processor can perform secure booting and startup of the baseband system, as well as protocol layer processing (L1 / L2 / L3), etc.

[0494] Optionally, the higher-layer protocol processor and the physical layer protocol processor can implement all or part of the functions of the first terminal described above.

[0495] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0496] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0497] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0498] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, first terminal, positioning network element, or second access network node, etc.). This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0499] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including: one or more of the positioning network element, the first terminal, or the second access network node in the above embodiments.

[0500] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0501] It is understood that the term "connection" in this application can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection; furthermore, it can refer to an electrical connection or a communication connection. For example, the connection of two electrical components A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other electrical components or connection media, enabling the transmission of electrical signals between A and B; similarly, the connection of two devices A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other communication devices or communication media, enabling communication between A and B.

[0502] It is understood that the message names or parameter names between network elements in the above embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations. This application does not impose any specific limitations on these names. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" in this application can be used interchangeably.

[0503] It is understood that in this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, expressions like "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above examples using three elements (A, B, and C) illustrate the optional entries for this item. When the expression contains more elements, its meaning can be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0504] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0505] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply a sequential 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 this application.

[0506] It is understood that in this application, "for indicating" can include direct and indirect indication, as well as explicit and implicit indication. When describing certain indication information as indicating A, it can include whether the indication information directly or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication information carries A. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (such as the first information mentioned above) is called the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be indicated by indicating other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be indicated. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the indication of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing the indication overhead to some extent.

[0507] It is understood that in this application, "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require that there must be a judgment action when implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0508] In this application, "simultaneously" can be understood as at the same point in time, within a period of time, or within the same cycle.

[0509] It is understood that some optional features in this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution upon which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus provided in this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0510] It is understood that the same step or step with the same function or technical feature in this application can be referenced and learned from each other in different embodiments.

[0511] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0512] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0513] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0514] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Receive first information, the first information including the identifier of the first access network node and first time information; the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information are used to determine first timing information, the first timing information being associated with the first access network node; Obtain second timing information, which is associated with the second access network node; Send a first reference signal according to the first timing information; A second reference signal is sent based on the second timing information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information also includes one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, accuracy information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information; The first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the terminal's location information; The timing interval information is used to determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to determine position information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which indicates at least one of the first timing message or the second timing message.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first configuration information from a second access network node, the first configuration information being used to configure the resources of the first reference signal and the resources of the second reference signal.

6. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Send first information, the first information indicating first timing information, the first timing information being associated with a first access network node; The system receives first measurement information and second measurement information. The first measurement information is obtained by the first access network node measuring the first reference signal sent by the first terminal according to the first timing information. The second measurement information is obtained by the second access network node measuring the second reference signal sent by the first terminal according to the second timing information. The first measurement information and the second measurement information are used to determine the location information of the first terminal.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The location information of the first terminal is the location information of the first terminal at a first moment, and the method further includes: Receive third information, the third information indicating one or more of the following: the second timing information or the location information of the first terminal at a second time; The first moment is later than the second moment.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further includes: Send a fourth message, which indicates one or more of the following: whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, whether to report the location information of the first terminal, whether to report the second timing information, or the network element that calculates the first timing information; The first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the terminal's location information.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first information includes the first timing information; or, The first information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, The first information includes first time information and second time information; or, The first information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount; Wherein, the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information; The second timing information is equal to the sum of the third timing information and the fourth timing information; The first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information, and the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first information includes the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information; the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information are used to determine the first timing information.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first information also includes one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, accuracy information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information; The first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the terminal's location information; The timing interval information is used to determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, which indicates at least one of the first timing information or the second timing information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 6-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first indication message to the second access network node, the first indication message indicating whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information; Send a second indication message to the first access network node, the second indication message indicating whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

14. The method according to any one of claims 6-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third indication information from the second access network node, the third indication information indicating whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information, and whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

15. A method of communication, comprising: The method includes: Receive first information, the first information indicating first timing information, the first timing information being associated with a first access network node; Send a fifth message to the first terminal, wherein the fifth message indicates the first timing message; Receive a second reference signal from the first terminal, the second reference signal being sent by the first terminal according to second timing information, the second timing information being associated with the second access network node; Send second measurement information, which is obtained by the second access network node from measuring the second reference signal, and the second measurement information is used to determine the location information of the first terminal.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The location information of the first terminal is the location information of the first terminal at a first moment, and the method further includes: Send a third message, the third message indicating one or more of the following: the second timing information or the location information of the first terminal at a second time; The first moment is later than the second moment.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The method further includes: Receive fourth information, the fourth information indicating one or more of the following: whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, whether to report the location information of the first terminal, whether to report the second timing information, or the network element that calculates the first timing information; The first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the terminal's location information.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The first information includes the first timing information; or, The first information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or, The first information includes first time information and second time information; or, The first information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount; Wherein, the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information; The second timing information is equal to the sum of the third timing information and the fourth timing information; The first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information, and the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first information includes the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information; the identifier of the first access network node and the first time information are used to determine the first timing information.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The first information also includes one or more of the following: indication information on whether to use the first method to determine the location information of the first terminal, accuracy information of the first timing information, timing interval information, indication information on whether to report the first timing information and / or the second timing information, or information of the network element that calculates the first timing information; The first method refers to the terminal sending reference signals based on different timing information to determine the terminal's location information; The timing interval information is used to determine the timing interval to which the first timing information belongs.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein, The method further includes: Send a sixth message, which indicates at least one of the first timing message or the second timing message.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15-21, characterized in that, The fifth piece of information includes the first timing information; or, The fifth piece of information includes the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information; or... The fifth piece of information includes first time information and second time information; or, The fifth piece of information includes a first adjustment amount and a second adjustment amount; Wherein, the first timing information is equal to the sum of the first time information and the second time information; The second timing information is equal to the sum of the third timing information and the fourth timing information; The first adjustment amount is the difference between the first time information and the third time information, and the second adjustment amount is the difference between the second time information and the fourth time information.

23. The method of any one of claims 15-22, wherein, The method further includes: Receive first indication information, which indicates whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information.

24. The method of any one of claims 15-23, wherein, The method further includes: Send a third indication message, which indicates whether to process the measurement information of the second reference signal according to the second timing information and whether to process the measurement information of the first reference signal according to the first timing information.

25. A communications device, characterized by It includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 14, or includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 24.

26. A communications device, characterized by include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 14, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 24.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 24.

28. A computer program product, characterised in that, It includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 5, or the method of any one of claims 6 to 14, or the method of any one of claims 15 to 24.

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