5G Location Management Function Positioning Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communications networks, particularly in 5G architecture, cannot provide terminal positioning operation services to third-party devices through the network exposure function entity (NEF).
Innovation Solution
A positioning operation method and system that involves a location management function entity (LMF) receiving messages from the NEF to perform positioning operations on terminals, determining positioning configuration, and communicating with the NEF and unified data management platform to manage and authorize positioning requests, enabling the NEF to request and provide location services to third-party devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the NEF is used as an interface node for providing services to third-party devices, then service accessibility is improved, but positioning operation service capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the LMF as an intermediary component between the NEF and the positioning system. The LMF receives positioning operation requests from the NEF, processes them according to positioning policies, and executes the positioning operations. This mediator structure allows the NEF to maintain its role as a general service interface while the LMF ensures reliable positioning service delivery, resolving the contradiction between service accessibility and positioning capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If positioning operation service is added to the NEF, then service functionality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning service functionality into distinct components: the NEF handles general service interface functions, while the LMF handles specific positioning operation functions. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its respective function without bearing the full complexity of the entire positioning service, thus adding functionality while managing system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The LMF is designed as a multi-functional component that can handle various positioning operations (initiating, stopping, modifying) and work with different positioning methods. By creating a universal positioning management function that can serve multiple purposes, the system avoids duplicating functionality across different components, thereby adding service functionality without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the LMF determines positioning configuration and authorization, then positioning control accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LMF performs preliminary actions by determining positioning configuration information and authorization status before executing positioning operations. By pre-establishing positioning policies, configuration parameters, and authorization rules, the LMF can quickly execute positioning operations without performing complex determinations in real-time, thus maintaining high control accuracy while reducing processing time during actual positioning execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the LMF continuously monitors positioning operation status, configuration validity, and authorization states. This feedback allows the LMF to maintain accurate positioning control by adjusting configurations based on current system state while optimizing processing time by only re-evaluating parameters that have changed, rather than performing complete re-determinations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a positioning operation method, apparatus, and system. A location management function entity receives a first message sent by a network exposure function entity, where the first message carries first positioning operation information, the first message is sent by a network exposure function entity based on a request of a third-party device, and the first positioning operation information is used to request the location management function entity to perform a first positioning operation on a terminal. The location management function entity may determine positioning configuration information of the terminal; further determine, based on the positioning configuration information of the terminal, whether the first positioning operation is allowed on the terminal; and send a third message to the network exposure function entity based on a determining result. According to the foregoing positioning operation method, the network exposure function entity can request the location management function entity to perform the first positioning operation, to implement a positioning operation on the terminal through the network exposure function entity.