Positioning assistance method and apparatus for user equipment end and network end, storage medium, electronic device, and computer program product

Abstract

The present invention provides a positioning assistance method and apparatus for a user equipment end and a network end, a storage medium, an electronic device, and a computer program product. The positioning assistance method comprises: sending assistance information to a first network end, the assistance information comprising information indicating that a user equipment end is willing to provide positioning assistance information, information indicating that the user equipment end supports a capability of providing positioning assistance information, or information indicating that the user equipment end has a quick connection requirement; receiving a configuration instruction from the first network end; determining, on the basis of the configuration instruction, whether the user equipment end satisfies a condition for reporting positioning assistance information; and when the condition for reporting positioning assistance information is satisfied, sending the positioning assistance information to the first network end or a second network end.

Description

Positioning assistance methods and devices, storage media, electronic devices and computer program products at the user equipment end and network end

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510077387.9, filed on January 15, 2025, entitled “Location Assistance Method and Apparatus, Storage Medium, Electronic Device and Computer Program Product for User Equipment Terminal and Network Terminal”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a positioning assistance method and apparatus, storage medium, electronic device and computer program product for user equipment and network ends. Background Technology

[0004] Based on relevant communication technologies, user equipment can support three RRC (Radio Resource Control) states: RRC_IDLE (idle state), RRC_CONNECTED (connected state), and RRC_INACTIVE (intermediate state).

[0005] The RRC_IDLE state is the basic state for the user equipment (UE). No RRC connection is established with the network, no dedicated resources are allocated, and a low-power operating mode can be used. When an RRC connection is needed, the UE must complete a full random access procedure before entering the RRC_CONNECTED state. In the RRC_IDLE state, the UE's context information is only stored on the core network side; all relevant context information on the radio access network side is released.

[0006] The RRC_CONNECTED state represents a complete RRC connection established between the user equipment (UE) and the network. It features dedicated resource allocation, bidirectional data transmission, and full network control. In the RRC_CONNECTED state, mobility management is implemented via a handover mechanism on the network side. The UE needs to perform measurements according to network configuration and report these measurements, allowing the network to make handover decisions based on these reports.

[0007] RRC_INACTIVE is an intermediate state (also known as an inactive state). The user equipment is connected to the network but does not transmit data. The context information is stored in the user equipment and the gNodeB (5G base station).

[0008] When a user equipment is in RRC_IDLE, the network needs to page the user when downlink data arrives. To avoid excessive network resource consumption from paging across the entire network, the network will define a tracking area for the user equipment. When the user equipment leaves the tracking area, the tracking area update reporting mechanism will be triggered. To complete this process, the user equipment needs to complete registration, authentication, authorization, security activation, and enter the RRC connected state from the RRC_IDLE state. It then establishes a connection with the core network element through the access network element to complete the tracking area update process.

[0009] The content in the background section is merely technology known to the public and does not necessarily represent existing technology in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a positioning assistance method for a user equipment terminal and a network terminal is provided. The positioning assistance method is used on the user equipment terminal, and the network terminal includes a first network terminal and a second network terminal. The positioning assistance method includes: sending assistance information to the first network terminal, the assistance information including information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide positioning assistance information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide positioning assistance information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a fast connection requirement; receiving a configuration instruction from the first network terminal; determining whether the user equipment terminal meets the conditions for reporting positioning assistance information according to the configuration instruction; and if the conditions for reporting positioning assistance information are met, sending the positioning assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a positioning assistance method for a user equipment terminal and a network terminal is provided. The positioning assistance method is used on the network terminal, which includes a first network terminal and a second network terminal. The positioning assistance method includes: the first network terminal receiving assistance information sent by the user equipment terminal, the assistance information including information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide assistance positioning information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide location assistance information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a fast connection requirement; the first network terminal sending a configuration instruction to the user equipment terminal, so that the user equipment terminal determines whether the user equipment terminal meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information according to the configuration instruction; the first network terminal or the second network terminal receiving the location assistance information sent by the user equipment terminal, the location assistance information being generated by the user equipment terminal when the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a positioning assistance device for a communication system is provided. The network terminal includes a first network terminal and a second network terminal, and the positioning assistance device is disposed at the user equipment terminal. The positioning assistance device includes a first communication module that sends assistance information to the first network terminal, the assistance information including information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide assistance positioning information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide location assistance information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a fast connection requirement, and receiving configuration instructions from the first network terminal; a first information processing module determines whether the user equipment terminal meets the conditions for reporting assistance positioning information according to the configuration instructions, and if the conditions for reporting assistance positioning information are met, sends the location assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a positioning assistance device for a communication system is provided. The network terminal includes a first network terminal and a second network terminal, and the positioning assistance device is disposed on the network terminal. The positioning assistance device includes: a second communication module, which receives assistance information sent by a user equipment terminal through the first network terminal; the assistance information includes information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide assistance positioning information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide location assistance information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a need for fast connection; and sends a configuration command to the user equipment terminal through the first network terminal, so as to determine whether the user equipment terminal meets the conditions for reporting assistance positioning information according to the configuration command; and a second information processing module, which, when the conditions for reporting assistance positioning information are met, receives the location assistance information sent by the user equipment terminal through the first network terminal or the second network terminal to determine the location information of the user equipment terminal.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is also provided. The electronic device includes: one or more processors; and a storage device for storing one or more programs, which, when executed by the one or more processors, enable the one or more processors to implement the positioning assistance method described above.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium is also provided. The storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, enables the implementation of the positioning assistance method described above.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is also provided. The computer program product includes: a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium; the computer program includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the positioning assistance method as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a positioning assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 shows another schematic flowchart of the positioning assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 shows another schematic flowchart of the positioning assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 shows another schematic flowchart of the positioning assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the positioning auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the positioning assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Positioning auxiliary device 1; First communication module 11; First information processing module 12. Positioning auxiliary device 2; Second communication module 21; Second information processing module 22. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and the concept of the exemplary embodiments will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0026] The described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a full understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or other methods, components, materials, devices, etc. In these cases, well-known structures, methods, devices, implementations, materials, or operations will not be shown or described in detail.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0028] The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order.

[0029] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] For the paging mechanism in the communication system, the paging of all user equipment terminals in non-RRC connection state can be uniformly configured by the core network.

[0031] When a user equipment (UE) remains in a non-RRC connected state for an extended period, the network may lose the UE's location information. Current TAC update mechanisms can address this issue. For example, triggering conditions for a TAC update can include: the UE entering a new tracking area, a periodic TAU (Tracking Area Update) timer timeout, a change in the registration area, or a change in the PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network).

[0032] The TAC update mechanism's update process can be summarized as follows: the user equipment initiates an RRC connection establishment request, sends a TAU request through the NAS, the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) processes the update request, the network responds with TAC acceptance or rejection information, and the user equipment updates the TAC information. Therefore, this TAC update process requires the user equipment to establish a complete RRC connection with the core network, and is not suitable for frequent execution.

[0033] Based on this, the inventors discovered that for user equipment terminals that store user equipment context information, when the location of the user equipment changes but the TAC remains unchanged, the location information can be reported by the user equipment terminal to inform the network of the user equipment terminal's location. This allows the network to narrow its paging range, thereby providing positioning assistance and saving paging resources.

[0034] Therefore, when downlink data or signaling arrives at a user equipment (UE), the network needs to quickly determine the UE's location information to locate it. In the current paging mechanism, the core network configures a tracking area for the UE. When the UE leaves this tracking area, a location report is triggered. Additionally, the UE needs to establish a connection with the core network and enter RRC (Relational Recording Control) connection state, informing the core network that its tracking area needs updating. The core network will then reconfigure a new tracking area for the UE.

[0035] However, the inventors discovered that the aforementioned paging mechanism requires the user equipment to establish a connection with the core network, transition from the RRC_IDLE state to the RRC connected state, and complete a series of processes such as network authentication and security activation. The signaling overhead and energy consumption involved are relatively high, making it unsuitable for frequent execution. Furthermore, in this paging mechanism, the configurable tracking area is generally large. If the core network fails to accurately locate the user equipment, it needs to page the user equipment across the entire paging area, consuming significant resources and hindering the rapid achievement of accurate paging.

[0036] Based on this, according to one aspect of the present invention, a positioning assistance method for a user equipment terminal and a network terminal is provided. This positioning assistance method is used on the user equipment terminal and can be executed by the user equipment terminal.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of a positioning assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the positioning assistance method 1000 may include steps S110-S140.

[0038] According to the example embodiment, in step S110, the user equipment sends auxiliary information to the first network. The auxiliary information includes information indicating that the user equipment is willing to provide location assistance information, information indicating that the user equipment supports the ability to provide location assistance information, or information indicating that the user equipment has a need for fast connection.

[0039] For example, when the user equipment is in RRC connection mode, it sends auxiliary information to the first network. This auxiliary information may include information indicating to the first network whether the user equipment is willing to provide location assistance. Alternatively, the auxiliary information may include information indicating to the first network whether the user equipment has a need for fast connection.

[0040] For example, application scenarios requiring rapid connectivity can be customized according to user needs.

[0041] Optionally, for user equipment requiring rapid connection, the network can instruct the user equipment to retain the AS context information after the RRC connection is released. This setting facilitates faster connection establishment between the user equipment and the network in subsequent transactions.

[0042] As one example, the first network terminal can be a RAN; as yet another example, the first network terminal can be a CN (mobility management element), and the present invention does not limit this.

[0043] In step S120, the user equipment receives a configuration command from the first network terminal.

[0044] For example, the configuration instruction may include configuration information from the user equipment. When the user equipment enters a non-RRC connection state, it uses this configuration information as AS context information and saves it.

[0045] In step S130, the user equipment terminal determines whether it meets the conditions for reporting positioning assistance information based on the configuration instructions.

[0046] In step S140, if the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met, the user equipment sends location assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal.

[0047] Once the user equipment (UE) enters a non-RRC connected state, it can determine whether it meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information based on the configuration information. If the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met, the UE triggers location reporting and sends location assistance information to either the first or second network terminal to inform them of the UE's current location information (such as the location information of the cell the UE is currently camped on).

[0048] As an example implementation, the user equipment's current cell is located in either a first network or a second network. For example, the first and second networks can be different networks. It is understood that the network corresponding to the user equipment changes constantly as the user equipment moves. Therefore, the network receiving the location assistance information may not be the same network that previously sent the configuration command. For example, as an example implementation, the user equipment receives configuration information from a first network node, and then, when the user equipment moves to the coverage area of ​​the second network and camps in a cell of the second network, it sends location assistance information to the second network.

[0049] Through the above embodiments, the present invention sends auxiliary information to a first network terminal to indicate whether the user equipment terminal of the first network terminal is willing to provide location assistance information. The user equipment terminal receives a configuration instruction from the first network terminal and determines whether it meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information based on the configuration instruction. If the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met, the user equipment terminal triggers location reporting and sends location assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal to inform the first network terminal or the second network terminal of the user equipment terminal's current location information (such as the location information of the cell where the user equipment terminal is currently camped).

[0050] This invention enables user equipment (UE) to inform the network of its current cell location information simply by triggering location reporting, without establishing a connection with the core network or entering RRC connection mode, even when the UE is in a non-RRC connected state. This provides positioning assistance to the network, allowing it to narrow its paging range, thus saving paging resources and reducing paging time for the UE.

[0051] Optionally, step S140 may further include: after receiving the first indication information sent from the currently camped cell, if the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met, the user equipment sends the location assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal. The first indication information is used to indicate that the currently camped cell supports the location assistance function.

[0052] For example, if it is determined that the current cell supports location reporting by the user device, and the user device also meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information, then the user device sends location assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal, and the user device triggers location reporting.

[0053] Optionally, step S140 may further include: after receiving second indication information from the currently camped cell, if the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met, sending location assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal. The second indication information is used to indicate the random access resource configuration for location assistance.

[0054] For example, if the current cell is determined to be used to indicate the random access resource configuration for assisted positioning, and the user equipment also meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information, then the user equipment initiates a random access procedure to send location assistance information to the first network or the second network, and the user equipment triggers location reporting.

[0055] Optionally, step S140 may further include: the user equipment initiates a random access procedure to the first network terminal or the second network terminal, so that the first network terminal or the second network terminal determines the location information of the user equipment.

[0056] For example, the random access procedure is a crucial process in mobile communication systems used to establish initial communication between a user equipment (UE) and a network. Through this random access procedure, either the first or second network terminal can obtain the location information of the currently camped cell reported by the UE.

[0057] Optionally, the user equipment initiating a random access procedure to the first network or the second network may include: the user equipment sending a first message type to the first network or the second network. The first message type includes at least the user equipment's identification information, as well as at least one of cell identification information, access network element identification information, and core network element identification information.

[0058] For example, the user equipment (UE) can send a new RRC message type to either the first or second network. This RRC message type may include the UE's identification information, as well as information about network elements such as cell identifiers, access network element identifiers, and core network element identifiers, which can be used to assist in finding the UE's AS context information. Optionally, the UE's identification information may be an encrypted identifier.

[0059] Optionally, the user equipment initiating a random access procedure to the first network or the second network may include: the user equipment sending a first connection establishment request message to the first network or the second network. The first connection establishment request message includes at least the user equipment's identification information and location reporting reason information. Optionally, the user equipment's identification information is an encrypted identifier.

[0060] For example, the user equipment can send an RRC connection establishment request message to the first network or the second network, and the location reporting reason information can be location reporting.

[0061] For example, the user equipment can adopt a 4-step random access procedure, and the user equipment can carry the RRC message type and the RRC connection establishment request message in MSG 3.

[0062] For example, the user equipment can also adopt a two-step random access procedure, in which the user equipment can carry the RRC message type and the RRC connection establishment request message in the MSG A.

[0063] Optionally, the configuration instructions include a target location update period. The target location update period includes one or more values. When the target location update period includes multiple values, each of the multiple values ​​corresponds to a range of movement speeds.

[0064] In step S130, when the target location update cycle is reached, the user equipment terminal determines that it meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information.

[0065] For example, the location update period can be the process in a communication network where the user equipment sends location update messages to the network at regular time intervals. In this invention, the target location update period can be one or more values. When the target location update period has multiple values, the configuration of the target location update period is related to the movement speed of the user equipment; that is, different movement speed ranges can correspond to different location update periods.

[0066] According to the example embodiment, when the target location update cycle is reached, it is determined that the user equipment meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information, and the user equipment triggers location reporting.

[0067] Optionally, the configuration instructions also include a threshold value for the number of cell reselections. This threshold value can be customized according to user needs.

[0068] Figure 2 shows another schematic flowchart of the positioning assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, step S130 may further include steps S1310-S1311.

[0069] In step S1310, the user equipment sets a cell reselection counter. After each cell reselection is performed, the cell reselection counter counts up by one.

[0070] In step S1311, if the number of cell reselection counters reaches the cell reselection count threshold, the user equipment terminal determines that it meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information.

[0071] For example, the user equipment (UE) sets a cell reselection counter according to configuration instructions. Each time the UE performs a cell reselection, the cell reselection counter is incremented by 1. The counter continues until it reaches a cell reselection count threshold, at which point the UE is deemed to have met the conditions for reporting location assistance information, and the UE triggers location reporting.

[0072] Optionally, the cell reselection counter count can be set to 0 on the user equipment side after entering a non-RRC connected state. Alternatively, the user equipment side can set the cell reselection counter count to 0 after triggering location reporting.

[0073] Optionally, the configuration instructions may also include timer information, which may include preset thresholds.

[0074] Figure 3 shows another schematic flowchart of the positioning assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, step S130 may further include steps S1320-S1322.

[0075] In step S1320, the user equipment sets a timer, and the timer starts counting when the user equipment sends positioning assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal.

[0076] For example, after the user equipment triggers location reporting (such as triggering a random access procedure), a timer starts. Alternatively, the user equipment starts the timer after sending identification information to the network. Optionally, the identification information on the user equipment side is an encrypted identifier.

[0077] In step S1321, after receiving a response from the first network terminal or the second network terminal, the user equipment terminal stops the timer.

[0078] In step S1322, if the timer exceeds a preset threshold, the user equipment terminal resends the positioning assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal.

[0079] For example, if the timer exceeds a preset threshold, indicating that the user equipment has not received a response from the network within a preset time, the user equipment will resend the location assistance information to the first or second network to re-trigger location reporting.

[0080] Optionally, after receiving the location assistance information sent by the user equipment, the first network terminal or the second network terminal may send an acknowledgment response to the user equipment if it identifies the user equipment; otherwise, it may send a failure response to the user equipment.

[0081] Upon identifying the user equipment (UE), the first or second network terminal sends the UE's identification information, along with the cell identification information, access network element identification information, or core network element identification information, to the core network element. This enables the core network element to determine the paging range of the UE. Optionally, the UE's identification information is an encrypted identifier.

[0082] If the user equipment receives a failure response or no feedback, and the timer exceeds a preset threshold, the user equipment will resend the location assistance information to the first or second network terminal if the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met.

[0083] Optionally, the first network end or the second network end is configured with a dedicated physical random access channel (PRACH) resource for the user equipment end to configure the resources for location reporting by the user equipment end.

[0084] Optionally, in embodiments where the first network endpoint can be a CN (Mobility Management Element), the positioning assistance method may not rely on the AS context information at the user equipment end. Therefore, even if the network endpoint stores the AS context information, it can still provide positioning assistance to the network endpoint.

[0085] Optionally, in an embodiment where the first network terminal can be a CN (Mobility Management Element), after receiving the location assistance information, the first or second network terminal may not be able to identify which user equipment terminal it is based on the user equipment terminal's identification information, but can identify the corresponding AMF based on the AMF id carried in the first message type or the first connection establishment request message, and can send the location assistance information to that AMF.

[0086] For example, a message type can be defined for a first or second network to send the location information of the user equipment's current cell to the AMF. This message type may include UE ID, Cell ID, etc. If the first AMF connected to the first or second network is different from the second AMF indicated by the user equipment, the message type also needs to include the AMF ID so that the first AMF forwards the location assistance information to the second AMF. The target AMF can determine the paging range of the user equipment.

[0087] According to another aspect of the present invention, a positioning assistance method for a user equipment terminal and a network terminal is provided. This positioning assistance method is used at the network terminal and can be executed by the network terminal. The network terminal may include a first network terminal and a second network terminal.

[0088] Figure 4 shows another schematic flowchart of the positioning assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, the positioning assistance method 2000 may include steps S210-S230.

[0089] According to the example embodiment, in step S210, the first network terminal receives auxiliary information sent by the user equipment terminal. The auxiliary information includes information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide auxiliary positioning information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide location auxiliary information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a need for fast connection.

[0090] For example, when the user equipment is in RRC connection mode, it sends auxiliary information to the first network. This auxiliary information may include information indicating to the first network whether the user equipment is willing to provide location assistance. Alternatively, the auxiliary information may include information indicating to the first network whether the user equipment has a need for fast connection.

[0091] For example, application scenarios requiring rapid connectivity can be customized according to user needs.

[0092] Optionally, for user equipment requiring rapid connection, the first network terminal can instruct the user equipment to retain the AS context information after the RRC connection is released. This setting facilitates the subsequent rapid establishment of a connection between the user equipment and the first network terminal.

[0093] As one example, the first network terminal and the second network terminal can be RAN; as yet another example, the first network terminal and the second network terminal can be CN (mobility management element), and the present invention does not limit them.

[0094] In step S220, the first network terminal sends a configuration command to the user equipment terminal, so that the user equipment terminal can determine whether it meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information based on the configuration command.

[0095] For example, the configuration instruction may include configuration information from the user equipment. When the user equipment enters a non-RRC connection state, it uses this configuration information as AS context information and saves it.

[0096] In step S230, the first network terminal or the second network terminal receives positioning assistance information sent by the user equipment terminal. The positioning assistance information is generated by the user equipment terminal when the conditions for reporting positioning assistance information are met.

[0097] Once the user equipment (UE) enters a non-RRC connected state, it can determine whether it meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information based on the configuration information. If the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met, the UE triggers location reporting and sends location assistance information to either the first or second network terminal to inform them of the UE's current location information (such as the location information of the cell the UE is currently camped on).

[0098] For example, the first network endpoint and the second network endpoint can be different network endpoints. It is understood that as the user equipment moves, the network endpoint corresponding to that user equipment changes constantly. Therefore, the network endpoint receiving the location assistance information may not be the same network endpoint that previously sent the configuration commands.

[0099] This invention enables user equipment (UE) to inform the network of its current cell location information simply by triggering location reporting, without establishing a connection with the core network or entering RRC connection mode, even when the UE is in a non-RRC connected state. This provides positioning assistance to the network, allowing it to narrow its paging range, thus saving paging resources and reducing paging time for the UE.

[0100] Optionally, step S230 may further include: the first network terminal or the second network terminal sending first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the network terminal or the currently camped cell supports assisted positioning function.

[0101] As an example, the user equipment's currently camped cell is located on either the first network or the second network.

[0102] For example, if it is determined that the first network terminal or the second network terminal or the currently occupied cell supports the location reporting function, and at the same time the user equipment terminal also meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information, then the first network terminal or the second network terminal sends a first indication message to instruct the user equipment terminal to trigger location reporting.

[0103] Optionally, step S230 may further include: the first network terminal or the second network terminal sending second indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate the random access resource configuration for assisted positioning.

[0104] For example, if it is determined that the first network terminal or the second network terminal or the currently camped cell is used to indicate the random access resource configuration for assisted positioning, and at the same time the user equipment terminal also meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information, then the first network terminal or the second network terminal sends a second indication message to instruct the user equipment terminal to initiate a random access procedure to send location assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal, and the user equipment terminal triggers location reporting.

[0105] Optionally, step S230 may further include: the first network terminal or the second network terminal receiving a random access procedure initiated by the user equipment terminal to determine the location information of the user equipment terminal.

[0106] For example, the random access procedure is a crucial process in mobile communication systems used to establish initial communication between a user equipment (UE) and a network. Through this random access procedure, either the first or second network terminal can obtain the location information of the currently camped cell reported by the UE.

[0107] Optionally, the process of receiving a random access procedure initiated by a user equipment terminal from a first network terminal or a second network terminal may include: the first network terminal or the second network terminal receiving a first message type from the user equipment terminal. The first message type includes at least one of the following: user equipment terminal identification information, cell identification information, access network identification information, and core network element identification information. Optionally, the user equipment terminal identification information is an encrypted identifier.

[0108] For example, the user equipment (UE) can send a new RRC message type to either the first or second network. This RRC message type may include the UE's identification information, as well as information about network elements such as cell identifiers, access network element identifiers, and core network element identifiers, which can be used to assist in finding the UE's AS context information. Optionally, the UE's identification information may be an encrypted identifier.

[0109] Optionally, the first or second network terminal receiving the random access procedure initiated by the user equipment terminal may include: the first or second network terminal receiving a first connection establishment request message from the user equipment terminal. The first connection establishment request message includes at least the user equipment terminal's identification information and location reporting reason information. Optionally, the user equipment terminal's identification information is an encrypted identifier.

[0110] For example, the user equipment can send an RRC connection establishment request message to the first network or the second network, and the location reporting reason information can be location reporting.

[0111] For example, the user equipment can adopt a 4-step random access procedure, and the user equipment can carry the RRC message type and the RRC connection establishment request message in MSG 3.

[0112] For example, the user equipment can also adopt a two-step random access procedure, in which the user equipment can carry the RRC message type and the RRC connection establishment request message in the MSG A.

[0113] Optionally, step S230 may further include: a first network terminal or a second network terminal receiving identification information from the user equipment terminal and access network identification information. The first network terminal or the second network terminal sends the identification information from the user equipment terminal and the access network identification information to a core network element. The access network identification information includes at least one of cell identification information, base station identification information, distributed unit identification information, and centralized unit identification information. The core network element includes at least a mobility management network element or a network element responsible for determining the paging area of ​​the user equipment. Optionally, the identification information from the user equipment terminal is an encrypted identifier.

[0114] Optionally, step S230 may further include: a first network terminal or a second network terminal receiving identification information, access network identification information, and core network element identification information from the user equipment terminal. The first network terminal or the second network terminal then sends the identification information, access network identification information, and core network element identification information from the user equipment terminal to the network-side network element. The access network identification information includes at least one of cell identification information, base station identification information, distributed unit identification information, and centralized unit identification information. The network-side network element includes at least a base station, a mobility management network element, or a network element responsible for determining the paging area of ​​the user equipment. Optionally, the identification information from the user equipment terminal is an encrypted identifier.

[0115] For example, after receiving the location assistance information sent by the user equipment, the first or second network terminal may send an acknowledgment response to the user equipment if it identifies the user equipment; otherwise, it may send a failure response to the user equipment.

[0116] Upon identifying the user equipment (UE), the first or second network terminal sends the UE's identification information, along with the cell identification information, access network element identification information, or core network element identification information, to the core network element. This enables the core network element to determine the paging range of the UE. Optionally, the UE's identification information is an encrypted identifier.

[0117] If the user equipment receives a failure response or no feedback, and the timer exceeds a preset threshold, the user equipment will resend the location assistance information to the first or second network terminal if the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met.

[0118] Optionally, the first network end or the second network end is configured with a dedicated physical random access channel (PRACH) resource for the user equipment end to configure the resources for location reporting by the user equipment end.

[0119] Optionally, in embodiments where the first network endpoint can be a CN (Mobility Management Element), the positioning assistance method may not rely on the AS context information at the user equipment end. Therefore, even if the network endpoint stores the AS context information, it can still provide positioning assistance to the network endpoint.

[0120] Optionally, in an embodiment where the first network terminal can be a CN (Mobility Management Element), after receiving the location assistance information, the first or second network terminal may not be able to identify which user equipment terminal it is based on the user equipment terminal's identification information, but can identify the corresponding AMF based on the AMF id carried in the first message type or the first connection establishment request message, and can send the location assistance information to that AMF.

[0121] For example, a message type can be defined for a first or second network to send the location information of the user equipment's current cell to the AMF. This message type may include UE ID, Cell ID, etc. If the first AMF connected to the first or second network is different from the second AMF indicated by the user equipment, the message type also needs to include the AMF ID so that the first AMF forwards the location assistance information to the second AMF. The target AMF can determine the paging range of the user equipment.

[0122] According to another aspect of the present invention, a positioning assistance device for a communication system is also provided. The communication system includes a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, the network terminal including a first network terminal and a second network terminal, and the positioning assistance device is disposed on the user equipment terminal.

[0123] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the positioning assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the positioning assistance device 1 may include a first communication module 11 and a first information processing module 12.

[0124] According to an example embodiment, the first communication module 11 sends auxiliary information to the first network terminal. The auxiliary information includes information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide auxiliary positioning information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide location auxiliary information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a fast connection requirement, as well as receiving configuration instructions from the first network terminal. The first information processing module 12 determines whether the user equipment terminal meets the conditions for reporting auxiliary positioning information based on the configuration instructions. If the conditions for reporting auxiliary positioning information are met, the module sends the location auxiliary information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal.

[0125] For example, the specific implementation scheme of the positioning assistance method executed by the user device has been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0126] According to another aspect of the present invention, a positioning assistance device for a communication system is also provided. The communication system includes a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, the network terminal including a first network terminal and a second network terminal, and the positioning assistance device is disposed at the network terminal.

[0127] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the positioning assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the positioning assistance device 2 may include a second communication module 21 and a second information processing module 22.

[0128] The second communication module 21 receives auxiliary information sent by the user equipment terminal through the first network terminal. The auxiliary information includes information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide auxiliary positioning information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide location auxiliary information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a need for fast connection. The module sends a configuration command to the user equipment terminal through the first network terminal to determine whether the user equipment terminal meets the conditions for reporting auxiliary positioning information. If the conditions for reporting auxiliary positioning information are met, the second information processing module 22 receives the location auxiliary information sent by the user equipment terminal through the first or second network terminal to determine the location information of the user equipment terminal.

[0129] For example, the specific implementation scheme of the positioning assistance method executed by the network end has been described in detail above, and will not be repeated here.

[0130] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium is also provided. The storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, enables the implementation of the positioning assistance method described above.

[0131] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is also provided. The electronic device includes: one or more processors; and a storage device for storing one or more programs, which, when executed by the one or more processors, enable the one or more processors to implement the positioning assistance method described above.

[0132] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is also provided. The computer program product includes: a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium; the computer program includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the positioning assistance method as described above.

[0133] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions of the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A positioning assistance method for a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, the positioning assistance method being used on the user equipment terminal, the network terminal including a first network terminal and a second network terminal, the positioning assistance method comprising: Send auxiliary information to the first network terminal. The auxiliary information includes information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide location auxiliary information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide location auxiliary information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a fast connection requirement. Receive configuration instructions from the first network terminal; Based on the configuration instructions, determine whether the user equipment meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information; If the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met, location assistance information is sent to the first network terminal or the second network terminal.

2. The positioning assistance method of claim 1, wherein, Sending location assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal when the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met includes: If the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met, after receiving first indication information from the currently hosted cell, the location assistance information is sent to the first network terminal or the second network terminal; wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate that the currently hosted cell supports assisted location function; or If the conditions for reporting location assistance information are met, after receiving the second indication information sent from the currently camped cell, the location assistance information is sent to the first network terminal or the second network terminal; wherein, the second indication information is used to indicate the random access resource configuration for location assistance.

3. The positioning assistance method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending location assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal includes: A random access procedure is initiated to the first network terminal or the second network terminal so that the first network terminal or the second network terminal can determine the location information of the user equipment terminal.

4. The positioning assistance method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration instructions include the target location update cycle; The target location update period includes one or more values. When the target location update period includes multiple values, each of the multiple values ​​corresponds to a range of movement speeds. The step of determining whether the user equipment meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information based on the configuration instructions includes: When the target location update cycle is reached, it is determined that the user equipment meets the conditions for reporting the location assistance information.

5. The positioning assistance method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration instructions also include a threshold value for the number of cell reselections; The step of determining whether the user equipment meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information based on the configuration instructions includes: Set a cell reselection counter, and increment the count by one after each cell reselection. If the number of cell reselection counters reaches the cell reselection count threshold, it is determined that the user equipment meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information.

6. The positioning assistance method according to claim 5, wherein, The settings for the cell reselection counter count include: After the user equipment enters a non-RRC connection state, the cell reselection counter count is set to 0; or After the location reporting is triggered at the user equipment end, the cell reselection counter count is set to 0.

7. The positioning assistance method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration instructions also include timer information, which includes a preset threshold. The step of determining whether the user equipment meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information based on the configuration instructions includes: Set a timer to start timing when the user equipment sends the positioning assistance information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal; Upon receiving a response from the first network terminal or the second network terminal, the timer is stopped. If the timer exceeds the preset threshold, the positioning assistance information is resent to the first network terminal or the second network terminal.

8. The positioning assistance method according to claim 3, wherein, The step of initiating a random access procedure to the first network terminal or the second network terminal includes: Send a first message type to the first network terminal or the second network terminal. The first message type includes at least the identification information of the user equipment terminal, and at least one of cell identification information, access network element identification information, and core network element identification information; or A first connection establishment request message is sent to either the first network terminal or the second network terminal. The first connection establishment request message includes at least the identification information of the user equipment terminal and the location reporting reason information.

9. A positioning assistance method for a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, the positioning assistance method being used on the network terminal, the network terminal including a first network terminal and a second network terminal, the positioning assistance method comprising: The first network terminal receives auxiliary information sent by the user equipment terminal. The auxiliary information includes information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide auxiliary positioning information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide location auxiliary information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a fast connection requirement. The first network terminal sends a configuration instruction to the user equipment terminal, so that the user equipment terminal can determine whether it meets the conditions for reporting location assistance information based on the configuration instruction; The first network terminal or the second network terminal receives the positioning assistance information sent by the user equipment terminal.

10. The positioning assistance method according to claim 9, wherein, Before the first network terminal or the second network terminal receives the positioning assistance information sent by the user equipment terminal, the method further includes: The first network terminal or the second network terminal sends a first indication message, wherein the first indication message is used to indicate that the network terminal or the currently residing cell supports assisted positioning function; or The first network terminal or the second network terminal sends a second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the random access resource configuration for assisted positioning.

11. The positioning assistance method according to claim 9, wherein, The location assistance information received by the first network terminal or the second network terminal from the user equipment terminal includes: The first network terminal or the second network terminal receives the random access procedure initiated by the user equipment terminal to determine the location information of the user equipment terminal.

12. The positioning assistance method according to claim 11, wherein, The first network terminal or the second network terminal receiving the positioning assistance information sent by the user equipment terminal further includes: The first network terminal or the second network terminal receives a first message type from the user equipment terminal, the first message type including at least the identification information of the user equipment terminal, and at least one of cell identification information, access network identification information, and core network element identification information; or The first network terminal or the second network terminal receives a first connection establishment request message from the user equipment terminal. The first connection establishment request message includes at least the identification information and location reporting reason information of the user equipment terminal.

13. The positioning assistance method according to claim 12, wherein, The first network terminal or the second network terminal receiving the positioning assistance information sent by the user equipment terminal further includes: The first network terminal or the second network terminal receives the identification information of the user equipment terminal and the access network identification information; The first network terminal or the second network terminal sends the identification information of the user equipment terminal and the access network identification information to the core network element; The access network identification information includes at least one of the following: cell identification information, base station identification information, distributed unit identification information, and centralized unit identification information; the core network element includes at least a mobility management network element or a network element responsible for determining the paging area of ​​user equipment.

14. The positioning assistance method according to claim 12, wherein, The first network terminal or the second network terminal receiving the positioning assistance information sent by the user equipment terminal further includes: The first network terminal or the second network terminal receives the identification information of the user equipment terminal, the access network identification information, and the core network element identification information; The first network terminal or the second network terminal sends the identification information of the user equipment terminal, the identification information of the access network, and the identification information of the core network element to the network-side network element; The access network identification information includes at least one of the following: cell identification information, base station identification information, distributed unit identification information, and centralized unit identification information; the network-side network element includes at least a base station, a mobility management network element, or a network element responsible for determining the paging area of ​​user equipment.

15. A positioning assistance device for a communication system, the communication system comprising a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, the network terminal comprising a first network terminal and a second network terminal, the positioning assistance device being disposed on the user equipment terminal, the positioning assistance device comprising: The first communication module sends auxiliary information to the first network terminal. The auxiliary information includes information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide auxiliary positioning information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide location auxiliary information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a fast connection requirement, and receives configuration instructions from the first network terminal. The first information processing module determines whether the user equipment meets the conditions for reporting auxiliary positioning information based on the configuration instructions. If the conditions for reporting auxiliary positioning information are met, the module sends positioning auxiliary information to the first network terminal or the second network terminal.

16. A positioning assistance device for a communication system, the communication system comprising a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, the network terminal comprising a first network terminal and a second network terminal, the positioning assistance device being disposed on the network terminal, the positioning assistance device comprising: The second communication module receives auxiliary information sent by the user equipment terminal through the first network terminal. The auxiliary information includes information indicating that the user equipment terminal is willing to provide auxiliary positioning information, information indicating that the user equipment terminal supports the ability to provide positioning auxiliary information, or information indicating that the user equipment terminal has a fast connection requirement. The module sends a configuration instruction to the user equipment terminal through the first network terminal so that it can determine whether the user equipment terminal meets the conditions for reporting auxiliary positioning information according to the configuration instruction. The second information processing module, when the conditions for reporting auxiliary positioning information are met, receives the positioning auxiliary information sent by the user equipment terminal through the first network terminal or the second network terminal, so as to determine the positioning information of the user equipment terminal.

17. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the positioning assistance method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the positioning assistance method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

18. An electronic device comprising: One or more processors; Storage device for storing one or more programs; When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the positioning assistance method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or the one or more processors implement the positioning assistance method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

19. A computer program product comprising a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the positioning assistance method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or cause the computer to perform the positioning assistance method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

Images