RU2776911C2 - Positioning method and corresponding device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: wireless communication.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of wireless communication networks, namely to positioning of mobile devices. A network element determines a location control function based on an access type of a terminal device, a positioning method for the terminal device, and an access type for receiving a positioning parameter, and the network element transmits information about the position method and information on indication to a network element of mobility control to the location control function. In this case, indication information indicates the network element of mobility control to receive the positioning parameter using the access type.

EFFECT: prevention of inapplicability of a finally determined positioning method to a current access type of a terminal device.

28 cl, 11 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to the field of communication technologies, in particular, to a positioning method and a corresponding device.

State of the art

The 5th ^Generation (5G) mobile communication technology standard defines positioning procedures applicable to various scenarios, including a Network Induced Location Request (NI-LR) procedure, a mobile device final location request procedure (Mobile Terminating Location Request, MT-LR), Mobile Originating Location Request (MO-LR), etc.

At present, the above positioning procedures are mainly intended for the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) architecture in 5G. With the development of the 5G standard, a non-3GPP access architecture (non-3GPP, N3GPP) has been proposed. However, in the prior art, a method for performing a positioning procedure is not provided, and at the same time, a non-3GPP access architecture has been introduced.

Disclosure of the essence of the invention

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a positioning method and a corresponding device for preventing the finally determined positioning method from being inapplicable to the current access type of a terminal device.

According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning method. The method includes: determining, by the network element, a location control function based on an access type of the terminal device, a positioning method for the terminal device, and an access type to obtain a positioning parameter; and transmitting, by the location management function network element, positioning method indication information to the mobility management network element, the indication information instructing the mobility management network element to acquire the positioning parameter using the access type.

In this method, there are many possibilities for the current access type of the terminal device, and different positioning methods are applicable to different types of access. In this case, the LMF network element determines the positioning method based on the current access type of the terminal to prevent the finally determined positioning method from being inapplicable to the current access type of the terminal.

In an exemplary solution, determining the location control function by the network element based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device, and the access type for obtaining the location parameter includes: determining the location control function by the network element, based on the access type of the terminal device and the connection state of the terminal device, the positioning method for the target device, and the type of access to obtain the positioning parameter. Obviously, a positioning method that cannot be implemented by the corresponding network access device can be filtered using the connection state.

In another possible solution, before the network element determines the location control function, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device, and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter, the method further includes: transmitting, by the network element of the location control function, a request message to the mobility control network element where the request message is used to request at least one of tag location information, tag access type information, and connection state information.

In yet another possible solution, before the network element determines the location control function, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device, and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter, the method further includes: receiving, by the network element of the location control function, a position request message from the network element mobility management, where the position request message includes the current access type of the terminal device and the connection state, or the position request message includes the current access type of the terminal device.

In yet another possible solution, the indication information includes first indication information and second indication information, in which the first indication information indicates an access type for obtaining a positioning parameter, and the second indication information indicates obtaining a positioning parameter based on the access type and the connection state of the terminal device.

In yet another possible solution, before the network element determines the location control function, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device, and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter, the method further includes: receiving, by the network element of the location control function, a position request message from the network element mobility management, where the position request message includes the current access type of the terminal.

According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning method. The method includes: receiving, by the mobility network element, information about the positioning method for the terminal device and indication information from the network element of the location management function, where the indication information indicates the type of access to obtain the positioning parameter; and obtaining, by the mobility network element, a positioning parameter of the tag based on the positioning method and the indication information.

In this method, there are many possibilities for the current access type of the terminal device, and different positioning methods are applicable to different types of access. In this case, the LMF network element determines the positioning method based on the current access type of the terminal to prevent the finally determined positioning method from being inapplicable to the current access type of the terminal.

In an exemplary solution, before the mobility network element receives the positioning method for the terminal and the indication information from the location management function network element, the method further includes: receiving, by the mobility network element, a request message from the location management function network element; and transmitting, by the mobility management network element, at least one of the tag's location information, the tag's access type information, and the connection state information to the location management function network element, based on the request message.

In another possible solution, before the mobility network element receives the positioning method information for the terminal and the indication information from the location management function network element, the method further includes: transmitting, by the mobility network element, a positioning request message to the location management function network element, where the request message The positioning request includes the current access type of the terminal device and the connection state, or the positioning request message includes the current access type of the terminal device.

In yet another possible solution, the indication information includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information indicates an access type for obtaining the positioning parameter, and the second indication information indicates the receipt of the positioning parameter based on the access type and the connection state of the terminal device. The mobility network element obtaining the positioning parameter of the tag based on the positioning method and the indication information includes: obtaining the positioning parameter of the tag based on the positioning method of the first indication information and the second indication information by the mobility network element. Obviously, a positioning method that cannot be implemented by the corresponding network access device can be filtered using the connection state.

In yet another possible solution, before the mobility network element receives the positioning method for the terminal and the indication information from the location management function network element, the method further includes: transmitting, by the mobility management network element, a positioning request message to the location management function network element, where the request message positioning includes the access type of the end device.

In yet another possible solution, the indication information indicates the first access type and the second access type. The mobility network element obtaining a positioning parameter of a terminal device based on the positioning method and the indication information includes: selecting by the mobility network element one access point from the first access point of the first access type and the second access point of the second access type to obtain the positioning parameter of the terminal device.

According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a network element of a location management function. The location management function network element includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter; and the transceiver unit is configured to send information about the positioning and indication method to the mobility management network element, where the indication information indicates to the mobility management network element to obtain the positioning parameter using the access type.

The location management function network element has multiple capabilities for the current access type of the terminal device, and different positioning methods are applicable to different types of access. In this case, the LMF network element determines the positioning method based on the current access type of the terminal to prevent the finally determined positioning method from being inapplicable to the current access type of the terminal.

In a possible solution, the processing unit is configured to determine, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device and the type of access to obtain the positioning parameter, in particular: the processing unit is configured to determine, based on the access type of the terminal device and the connection state of the terminal device, the positioning method for the target device, and the type of access to obtain the positioning parameter. Obviously, a positioning method that cannot be implemented by the corresponding network access device can be filtered using the connection state.

In another possible solution, the transceiver unit is further configured to: before the processing unit determines, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter, send a request message to the network mobility control element, where the message request is used to request at least one of the tag location information, the tag access type information, and the connection state information.

In yet another possible solution, the transceiver unit is further configured to: before the processing unit determines, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter, to receive a positioning request message from the mobility management network element, where the position request message includes the current access type of the terminal device and the connection state, or the position request message includes the current access type of the terminal device.

In yet another possible solution, the indication information includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information indicates an access type for obtaining the positioning parameter, and the second indication information indicates the receipt of the positioning parameter based on the access type and the connection state of the terminal device.

In yet another possible solution, the transceiver unit is further configured to: before the processing unit determines, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter, to receive a positioning request message from the mobility management network element, where the position request message includes the terminal's current access type.

According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a mobility management network element including a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

The transceiver unit is configured to receive the positioning method for the terminal device and the indication information from the network element of the location control function, where the indication information indicates the type of access to obtain the positioning parameter; and the processing unit is configured to obtain the positioning parameter of the terminal device based on the positioning method and the indication information.

The Mobility Network Element has multiple capabilities for the current access type of the terminal, and different positioning methods are applicable to different types of access. In this case, the LMF network element determines the positioning method based on the current access type of the terminal to prevent the finally determined positioning method from being inapplicable to the current access type of the terminal.

In an exemplary solution, the transceiver unit is further configured to: prior to receiving the positioning method for the terminal and the indication information from the location control network element, receive a request message from the location control network element; and the transceiver unit is further configured to send at least one of the tag's location information, the tag's access type information, and the connection state information to the location control function network element based on the request message.

In another possible solution, the transceiver unit is further configured to: before receiving the positioning method for the terminal and the indication information from the location control network element, send a positioning request message to the location control network element, where the positioning request message includes the current access type of the terminal. device and connection status, or the position request message includes the current access type of the target device.

In yet another solution, the indication information includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information indicates an access type to obtain the positioning parameter, and the second indication information indicates the acquisition of the positioning parameter based on the access type and the connection state of the terminal device. The processing unit is configured to obtain the positioning parameter of the target device based on the positioning method and the indication information, which in particular is: the processing unit is configured to obtain the positioning parameter of the terminal device based on the positioning method, the first indication information and the second indication information. Obviously, a positioning method that cannot be implemented by the corresponding network access device can be filtered using the connection state.

In yet another possible solution, the transceiver unit is further configured to: before receiving the positioning method for the terminal and the indication information from the location control network element, send a positioning request message to the location control network element, where the positioning request message includes the access type of the endpoint. devices.

In yet another possible solution, the indication information indicates the first access type and the second access type.

The processing unit is configured to obtain the positioning parameter of the terminal device based on the positioning method and the indication information, in particular: the processing unit is configured to select one access point from the first access point of the first access type and the second access point of the second access type to perform the positioning method to get the target device positioning parameter.

With reference to any of the above aspects or possible solutions to the above aspects, in yet another possible solution, the location information includes at least one of a cell ID in which the terminal is located, an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the terminal, a home number the user datagram protocol (UDP) port of the end device; and the NE ID of the non-third generation partnership project (3GPP) interworking function network element connected to the end device.

With reference to any of the above aspects or possible solutions of the above aspects, in another possible solution, the indication information indicates the acquisition of the positioning parameter based on the access type and the connection state of the terminal device.

With reference to any of the above aspects or possible solutions of the above aspects, in another possible solution, the type of access includes access using 3GPP 3G Partnership Project technology and/or access using 3GPP N3GPP technology.

With reference to any of the above aspects or possible solutions to the above aspects, in yet another possible solution, the connection state includes the state of the first link between the terminal device and the first access point of the first access type and the state of the second link between the terminal device and the second access point of the second type.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium, where the computer-readable storage medium stores program instructions causing, when said program instructions are executed by a processor, to execute the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a software product in which, when the software product is executed on a processor, the method according to the first or second aspect is implemented.

In the embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple possibilities for the current access type of the tag, and different positioning methods are applicable to different types of access. In this case, the LMF network element determines the positioning method based on the current access type of the terminal to prevent the finally determined positioning method from being inapplicable to the current access type of the terminal.

Brief description of the drawings

The accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention are described below.

Fig. 1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is an architecture diagram of another communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4A and FIG. 4B are flowcharts of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 7 is a diagram of a location management function network element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 8 is a diagram of another location management function network element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 9 is a diagram of a mobility management network element according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 10 is a diagram of another mobility management network element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Implementation of the invention

The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is an architectural diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system includes a terminal device, an NGRAN next generation radio access node, a non-3GPP network access device, N3IWF, AMF, LMF, SMF, and UPF, and may further include other network elements not shown here. Additionally, all N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, N11, Y1 and Y2 are used to denote different types of messages. The network elements listed above are described below.

Terminal device: can be a user equipment (UE), portable terminal, laptop computer, subscriber unit (subscriber unit), cellular phone (cellular phone), smart phone (smart phone), wireless data card, personal digital assistant ( personal digital assistant), tablet computer, wireless modem (modem), portable device (handheld), laptop computer (laptop computer), cordless phone (cordless phone), wireless local loop station (wireless local loop, WLL), machine-type communication terminal (machine type communication, MTC) or other device that can access the network.

Next Generation Radio Access Node (NGRAN): which is also a network access device and is mainly configured to implement functions on the radio interface side, such as radio resource management, quality of service (QoS), data compression and encryption. The network access device may include base stations in various forms, such as a macro base station, a micro base station (also referred to as a small cell), a relay station, and an access point. In systems using different radio access technologies, the device that performs the function of the base station may have different names. For example, in a 5 ^th generation (5G) system, the device is referred to as gNB; in the LTE system, the device is called an evolved NodeB (evolved NodeB, eNB or eNodeB); in a 3rd ^generation (3G) system, the device is referred to as Node B.

Access and mobility management function (AMF) network element: which is the main network element and is mainly configured to process signals, such as functions such as access control, mobility management, attach, detach and select gateway. When serving a session at a terminal, the AMF network element provides a control plane storage resource for the session to store the session ID, the SMF network element ID associated with the session ID, and the like.

Non-3GPP Access Network: The network element allows connection and interworking between a terminal device and a 3GPP core network using non-3GPP technology. non-3GPP technology is, for example, wireless reliability (Wireless Fidelity, Wi-Fi) or worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX). The non-3GPP network access device may be an untrusted non-3GPP network access device. Compared to a trusted non-3GPP network access device that can directly access the 3GPP core network, the network element must realize interconnection and interworking with the 3GPP core network using the security tunnel established by the Security Gateway. For example, the Security Gateway is an Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) or a non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF) network element.

Non-3GPP network element of the non-3GPP InterWorking Function (N3IWF): the network element is a security gateway between an untrusted non-3GPP network access device and a 3GPP core network.

Location Management Function (LMF) network element: The network element is configured to select an appropriate positioning method based on positioning accuracy requirements, delay requirements, and the like, and select an appropriate communication protocol to complete the exchange of information required for positioning. The LMF is further configured to provide other necessary positioning information or policy for the positioning service.

Session Management Function (SMF) network element: The network element is configured to select a user plane network element, forward a user plane network element, allocate an Internet protocol (IP) address, establish, change, and release a bearer, and also manage QoS.

User Plane Function (UPF) network element: configured to send and receive user data at a terminal device. The UPF network element may receive user data from the data network and transmit the user data to the terminal device using the network access device. Alternatively, the UPF network element may receive user data from the terminal device using a network access device and forward the user data to the data network. The transmission resource that the terminal device in the UPF network element serves is managed and controlled by the SMF network element.

Obviously, in the communication system shown in FIG. 1, the functions and interfaces of network elements are merely examples. When network elements are used in embodiments of the present invention, not all functions are required. All or some of the network elements in the core network may be physical network elements or may be virtualized network elements. It is not limited here.

"/" in the embodiments of the present invention only describes association relationships for describing associated objects, and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, A/B may represent the following three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. In addition, in the description of the present invention, "multiple" means two or more than two.

In embodiments of the present invention, that a network element (eg, network element A) receives information from another network element (eg, network element B) may mean that network element A directly receives information from network element B, or may mean, that network element A receives information from network element B using another network element (eg, network element C). When network element A receives information from network element B using network element C, network element C may transparently transmit the information or may process the information. For example, network element C may add information to various messages for transmission; or may filter information and send only sorted information to network element A. Similarly, in embodiments of the present invention, that network element A transmits information to network element B may mean that network element A directly transmits information to network element B, or may mean that NE A is transmitting information to NE B using another NE (eg, NE C).

The present disclosure describes a procedure for exchanging information in a positioning service. The communication procedure mainly refers to network elements including LMF 201, AMF 202, NGRAN 203, N3IWF 204, terminal device 205, and service call device 206, and the corresponding architecture is shown in FIG. 2 (dashed line indicates a link to be relayed by another node, and a solid line indicates a link not to be relayed by another node). The procedure of the subsequent positioning method will be mainly described with reference to network elements in the architecture shown in FIG. 2.

Fig. 3 shows a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method can be applied to positioning scenarios such as a network-initiated location request procedure NI-LR, a mobile device end location request procedure MT-LR, and a mobile device initial location request procedure MO-LR. The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps.

Step S301. The AMF mobility network element sends a position request message to the location network element.

In particular, the AMF receives a position request message that is transmitted (directly or indirectly) by a service call device to a terminal device. The position request message includes a position request, such as a delay request or an accuracy request. The AMF forwards the service caller position request message to the LMF, so that the LMF selects from a plurality of positioning methods one positioning method or some positioning methods that can satisfy the positioning requirements. At present, positioning methods include, but are not limited to, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) method, downlink positioning, enhanced Cell ID (eCID) positioning, uplink, barometric pressure sensor positioning, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) positioning, Bluetooth positioning, ground beacon system positioning method, and the like. Additionally, the service call device may be a device such as a Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element or a positioning server. Alternatively, the AMF may be a service call device. If the AMF is a service call device, in step S301, the AMF does not need to receive a position request message from another device.

Step S302. The location control function network element determines, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter.

In particular, when determining the positioning method, the location control network element not only takes into account requirements for accuracy, delay, and the like, but also takes into account the current access type of the terminal device. That is, when other factors (eg, accuracy and delay) are the same, if the access type of the terminal device changes, the positioning methods for the terminal device, which are determined by the LMF network element, may be different. Perhaps the terminal access type has at least the following three possibilities: 1. terminal access using 3GPP technology; 2. terminal device access using non-3GPP technology; and 3. terminal access using 3GPP technology and non-3GPP technology.

In the present disclosure, it is necessary to further define the type of access required to obtain the positioning parameter in order to subsequently obtain, based on the type of access, the positioning parameter necessary to position the terminal device. For example, if the downlink positioning method is to be implemented based on the 3GPP access type to obtain the positioning parameter, the access type to obtain the positioning parameter must be 3GPP access. As another example, if the WLAN positioning method can be implemented based on two types of access, namely 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, to obtain the positioning parameter, the type to obtain the positioning parameter may be 3GPP access and/or non-3GPP access. Additionally, the positioning parameter may include at least one of the cell ID (Cell ID) accessed by the terminal device, the N3IWF identifier accessed by the terminal device, the IP address of the terminal device, information about the WLAN associated with terminal, latitude and longitude information of the terminal, wireless signal strength of the terminal, propagation delay, and the like.

It should be noted that the network element of the location control function determines, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter, specifically includes, but is not limited to, the following two cases:

Case 1: The location control function network element determines, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter. The location network element does not use the connection state of the target device in the process of determining the positioning method. The connection state of a terminal device includes the state of the first link between the terminal device and the first access point (eg, NGRAN) of the first access type (eg, 3GPP access type) and the state of the second link between the terminal device and the second access point (eg, N3IWF) a second access type (eg, non-3GPP access type). The state of any link may be a connected state or an idle state.

In this case, the access type of the terminal device that is used by the terminal device can be obtained in the following ways:

Method A: The location control network element sends a request message to the mobility control network element, where the request message is used to request access type information of the terminal. Accordingly, the mobility network element returns the received tag access type information to the location network element based on the request message. Possibly, the location control function network element may further send a request message to request location information of the tag. The location information includes at least one of a cell ID in which the tag resides, an Internet Protocol IP address of the tag, a source user datagram protocol UDP port number of the tag, and a non-3GPP NE of function. internetworking connected to the terminal device. For description, an example is used in which the request message is a subscription request message. The location control network element sends a subscription request message to the mobility control network element (eg, using the Namf_EventExposure_Subscribe interface), where the subscription request message is used to request the mobility network element to perform the following operations:

Step 1: If the location information of the tag changes, the mobility network element returns the location information to the location control network element, where the returned location information includes the location information obtained after the change, and may further include the location information before the change. It should be noted that the location information can be used to estimate the approximate location of the terminal. When the requirements for accuracy are low, the location identified by the location information can be directly used as the location of the terminal device. Operation 1 is a possible operation.

Step 2: If the access type of the tag is changed, the network mobility control element returns the access type of the tag to the network location control element, where the returned access type includes the access type obtained after the change and may further include the access type before the change.

In an exemplary implementation, upon receipt of the subscription request message, the AMF mobility management network element immediately sends back information such as location information and access type to the LMF location management function network element.

Method B: When transmitted (eg, using the Namf_Location_DetermineLocation service interface) to the location function network element, a location request message used to request the location of a terminal device, the mobility network element actively adds information about the current access type of the terminal device to the position request message. Thus, the network element of the location control function can obtain the current access type of the tag based on the position request message.

Case 2: The location control function network element determines, based on the access type of the terminal device, the positioning method for the terminal device and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter. The location web element uses the connection state in the process of determining the positioning method. For example, if some positioning methods are first determined based on the type of access (additionally, positioning accuracy, positioning delay, etc.), in these positioning methods, some of them are only applicable to 3GPP access, some are only applicable to non-3GPP access, and some of them are applicable to both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, in which case the connection state for the non-3GPP access type is an idle state, the location network element can filter from some positioning methods, positioning methods that are only applicable to non-3GPP access, and the remaining positioning methods after filtering are positioning methods for the terminal device, which are determined by the location network element based on both the access types of the terminal device and the connection state of the terminal device.

In this case, the access type and connection state of the end device used by the end device can be obtained in the following ways:

Method A: The location control network element sends a request message to the mobility control network element, where the request message is used to request information about the access type and communication state of the terminal device. Accordingly, the mobility network element returns the received access type information and connection status information of the terminal to the network location control element based on the request message. Possibly, the location control function network element may further send a request message to request location information of the tag. For description, an example is used in which the request message is a subscription request message. The location control network element sends a subscription request message to the mobility control network element (eg, using the Namf_EventExposure_Subscribe interface), where the subscription request message is used to request the mobility network element to perform the following operations:

Step 1: If the location information of the tag changes, the mobility network element returns the location information to the location control network element, where the returned location information includes the location information obtained after the change, and may further include the location information before the change. Operation 1 is a possible operation.

Step 2: If the access type of the tag is changed, the mobility network element passes the access type back to the location control network element, where the returned access type includes the access type obtained after the change and may further include the access type that was before changes.

Step 3: If the connection state of the tag changes, the network mobility control element returns the connection state to the network location control element, where the returned connection state includes the connection state received after the change, and may optionally include the connection state that was before the change .

In an exemplary implementation, upon receipt of the subscription request message, the AMF mobility management network element immediately sends back information such as location information, access type, and connection status to the LMF location management function network element.

Method B: When transmitted (for example, using the Namf_Location_DetermineLocation service interface) to the location function network element, a location request message used to request the location of a terminal device, the mobility management network element actively adds information about the current access type and information about the connection state of the terminal device in a location request message so that the network element of the location control function can obtain the current access type of the terminal device and the connection state of the terminal device based on the location request message; or the mobility control network element actively adds information about the current access type of the terminal device to the position request message, so that the network element of the location control function can obtain the current access type of the terminal device based on the position request message, and the network element location control obtains the connection state of the terminal device by another way.

Step S303. The network element of the location management function sends information about the positioning and pointing method to the mobility management network element.

Step S304. The mobility management network element receives the positioning method for the terminal device and the indication information from the network element of the location management function.

Step S305. The mobility network element obtains the positioning parameter of the tag based on the positioning method and the indication information.

In particular, in Case 1 and Case 2, the content specifically indicated by the indication information is different. Descriptions are provided below.

In case 1, the indication information indicates to the mobility control network element which obtains the positioning parameter using the access type. The mobility network element implements, based on the positioning parameter access type, a positioning method from the location network element to obtain the positioning parameter. Further, the location control function network element further transmits N1 or N2 type information to the mobility management network element to indicate to send the positioning method to a terminal device or access point (for example, a 3GPP access point or a non-3GPP access point) to notify Which node is used to get the position parameter.

In another possible implementation, the indication information further transmits information of type N1 or N2 to indicate to send the positioning method to the UE or access node (3GPP access point or non-3GPP access point) to notify which node is used to obtain the positioning parameter. For example, the type information N1 indicates to send the positioning method to the terminal device, and receive the positioning parameter with the terminal device. The type information N2 indicates to send the positioning method to the access node and receive the positioning parameter using the access node.

In another possible implementation, the indication information is contained in information of type N1 or N2.

In case 2, the indication information is specifically used to indicate the acquisition of the positioning parameter based on the access type and the connection state of the terminal. In an exemplary implementation, the indication information includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information indicates the aforementioned specific positioning parameter access type, and the second indication information indicates obtaining the positioning parameter based on the access type and the connection state of the terminal device. Accordingly, after examining the content indicated in the indication information, the network mobility control element must first determine the connection state of the tag and then filter, based on the connection state, some positioning methods from the network location control element. For example, in these positioning methods, if some of them are only applicable to 3GPP access technology, some are applicable only to non-3GPP access technology, and some are applicable to both 3GPP access technology and non-3GPP access technology, in which case the state connection type for non-3GPP access type is idle state, the network location control element can filter out from some positioning methods the positioning methods that are only applicable to non-3GPP access and then obtain the positioning parameter using the remaining positioning methods obtained after filtering. In particular, to obtain the positioning parameter, the remaining positioning methods are implemented based on the access types to which the remaining positioning methods are applicable.

In another possible implementation, the indication information further comprises N1 or N2 type information for indicating to send the positioning method to the UE or access node (3GPP access point or non-3GPP access point) to notify which node is used to obtain the positioning parameter. For example, the type information N1 indicates the transmission of the positioning method to the terminal device, and the positioning parameter is obtained by the terminal device. The type information N2 indicates the transmission of the positioning method to the access node, and the positioning parameter is obtained with the access node.

In another possible implementation, the indication information is contained in information of type N1 or N2.

In an exemplary implementation, if there are multiple positioning methods determined based on the access type and connection state, the mobility network element may select some of the multiple positioning methods as the positioning methods ultimately used to obtain the positioning parameter. Some positioning methods may need to implement some of them using a 3GPP access type, and other positioning methods may need to be implemented using a non-3GPP access type. Alternatively, all of some positioning methods may need to be implemented using the 3GPP access type. Alternatively, all of some positioning methods may need to be implemented using a non-3GPP access type. Perhaps the indication information indicates the first access type and the second access type. Therefore, the acquisition by the mobility network element of the positioning parameter of the terminal device based on the positioning method and the indication information may be, in particular, the following: selection by the mobility network element of one type of access from the first type of access and the second type of access to implement the positioning method. This is equivalent to obtaining one access point from the first access point of the first access type and the second access point of the second access type to implement the positioning method.

For the positioning method to be implemented using the 3GPP access type, the AMF transmits the positioning method to the 3GPP network access device, namely the NGRAN, so that the NGRAN obtains the positioning parameter using the positioning method. In an exemplary implementation, NGRAN may send a message to a tag such that the tag receives a position parameter and returns a position parameter to NGRAN. Then, NGRAN returns the position parameter to the AMF, and the AMF forwards the position parameter to the LMF, or processes the position parameter and then forwards the position parameter to the LMF.

For the positioning method to be implemented using the non-3GPP access type, the AMF sends the positioning method to the non-3GPP access Security Gateway, namely the N3IWF, so that the N3IWF obtains the positioning parameter using the positioning method. Perhaps the N3IWF can send a message to the tag so that the tag receives the position parameter and returns the position parameter to the N3IWF. The N3IWF then returns the position parameter to the AMF, and the AMF forwards the position parameter to the LMF, or processes the position parameter and then forwards the position parameter to the LMF.

Finally, the LMF determines the location of the terminal based on the position parameter and sends the determined location to the AMF. The AMF then returns the location to the service invoker (namely, the one requesting the location of the target device).

In this embodiment of the present invention, if the communication link between the terminal device and the network access device of the access type for which the positioning method is determined by the network element of the LMF location management function, based on the requirements for accuracy, delay, and the like, is in pending state, the LMF may return an error message to the AMF to notify that there is no applicable positioning method; or the location control network element re-determines the positioning method based on other information, provided that the link between the terminal device and the network access device of the access type to which the re-determined positioning method is applicable is in the connected state. Obviously, a positioning method that cannot be implemented by the corresponding network access device can be filtered using the connection state.

In the method described in FIG. 3, there are many possibilities for the current access type of the terminal device, and different positioning methods are applicable to different types of access. In this case, the LMF network element determines the positioning method based on the current access type of the terminal to prevent the finally determined positioning method from being inapplicable to the current access type of the terminal.

A variety of possible implementation solutions are described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. For ease of understanding, below with reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B of FIG. 6 describes the procedures for several implementation decisions. The principles of the important steps are described in detail in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, the principles of the respective steps are not overly explained here.

Fig. 4A and FIG. 4B shows a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The positioning method basically reflects that the LMF sends a subscription request message to the AMF to request the access type, connection state, location information, and the like required to determine the positioning method. The positioning method specifically includes the following steps.

Step 401: The LMF sends a subscription request message to the AMF.

Step 402: The AMF sends information such as location information, access type, and connection state to the LMF in accordance with the subscription rule.

Step 403: The AMF sends a position request message for the tag to the LMF.

Step 404: The LMF selects a positioning method based on the access type and the connection state of the tag, and determines the access type to which the positioning method is applicable.

Step 405: The LMF sends to the AMF the determined positioning method and the type of access to which this positioning method is applicable.

Step 406: The AMF implements a positioning method based on the type of access to which the positioning method is applicable.

Step 407: If the determined positioning method is applicable to the 3GPP access type, the AMF implements the positioning method using the 3GPP access type to obtain the positioning parameter.

Step 408: If the determined positioning method is applicable to the non-3GPP access type, the AMF implements the positioning method using the non-3GPP access type to obtain the positioning parameter.

Step 409: The AMF sends the received position parameter to the LMF.

Step 410: The LMF receives a position parameter from the AMF and determines the location of the tag based on the position parameter.

Step 411: The LMF sends the location of the tag to the AMF, so that the AMF sends the location of the tag to the service call device.

Fig. 5 shows a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The positioning method basically reflects that, when transmitting a positioning request message to the LMF, the AMF actively adds the access type, connection state, and the like required to determine the positioning method. The positioning method specifically includes the following steps.

Step 501: The AMF sends a position request message for the terminal to the LMF, where the position request message contains information such as access type and connection status.

Step 502: The LMF selects a positioning method based on the access type and the connection state of the tag, and determines the access type to which the positioning method is applicable.

Step 503: The LMF sends to the AMF the determined positioning method and the type of access to which this positioning method is applicable.

Step 504: The AMF implements a positioning method based on the type of access to which this positioning method is applicable.

Step 505: If the determined positioning method is applicable to the 3GPP access type, the AMF implements the positioning method using the 3GPP access type to obtain the positioning parameter.

Step 506: If the determined positioning method is applicable to the non-3GPP access type, the AMF implements the positioning method using the non-3GPP access type to obtain the positioning parameter.

Step 507: The AMF sends the received position parameter to the LMF.

Step 508: The LMF receives a position parameter from the AMF and determines the location of the tag based on the position parameter.

Step 509: The LMF sends the location of the tag to the AMF, so that the AMF sends the location of the tag to the service caller.

Fig. 6 shows a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The positioning method basically reflects that the LMF first determines the approximate positioning methods based on the access type, and then the AMF filters the determined positioning methods with reference to the connection state to determine the final positioning method. The positioning method specifically includes the following steps.

Step 601: The AMF sends a position request message for the tag to the LMF, where the position request message contains the type of access.

Step 602: The LMF selects positioning methods based on the access type of the tag and determines the access types to which the positioning methods are applicable.

Step 603: The LMF sends to the AMF the determined positioning methods and the types of access to which these positioning methods are applicable.

Step 604: The AMF selects some positioning methods from the received positioning methods based on the link state and determines the access types to which the selected positioning methods are applicable.

Step 605: If the determined positioning methods are applicable to the 3GPP access type, the AMF implements the positioning methods using the 3GPP access type to obtain the positioning parameter.

Step 606: If the determined positioning methods are applicable to the non-3GPP access type, the AMF implements the positioning methods using the non-3GPP access type to obtain the positioning parameter.

Step 607: The AMF sends the received position parameter to the LMF.

Step 608: The LMF receives a position parameter from the AMF and determines the location of the tag based on the position parameter.

Step 609: The LMF sends the location of the tag to the AMF, so that the AMF sends the location of the tag to the service call device.

The method in the embodiments of the present invention is described in detail above, and the following is the device in the embodiments of the present invention.

The foregoing mainly describes the interworking solutions between network elements presented in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, in order to implement the above functions, the network elements, for example, the location management function network element and the mobility management network element, include an appropriate hardware structure and/or an appropriate software module to perform the functions. One of ordinary skill in the art would be readily aware that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the network elements, algorithms, and steps may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software in this disclosure. The performance of a function by hardware or hardware controlled by computer software depends on the particular application and design constraints of the technical solutions. A person skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each particular application, but it should not be understood that the implementation is outside the scope of the present invention.

In embodiments of the present invention, the location management function network element and the mobility management network element may be divided into functional modules based on the above example methods. For example, functional modules may be obtained by separation corresponding to functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. An integrated module may be implemented in hardware or may be implemented in a software function module. It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present invention, the division into modules is an example and is simply a division of logical functions. In a real implementation, a different partitioning method may be used.

When functional modules are obtained by division corresponding to functions, FIG. 7 is a possible diagram of the network element of the location control function in the above embodiments. The network element of the location control function includes a processing unit 701 and a transceiver unit 702 . The processing unit 701 is configured to support the location control function network element while performing other functions performed by the location control function network element in the method embodiments other than sending and receiving functions, and the receiving unit 702 is configured to support the location control function network element when performing the steps receiving and sending information performed by the network element of the location control function in the embodiments of the method.

In a hardware implementation, the processing unit 701 may be a processor, a processing circuit, or the like. The transceiver unit 702 may include a receiver and/or transmitter, or include receiver circuitry and/or transmitter circuitry, a communication interface, or the like. The processing unit 701 may control the transceiver unit 702 so that the transceiver unit performs an appropriate operation. The processing block 701 may include one or more processing sub-blocks. In the present disclosure, this is not limited.

Fig. 8 is a possible logic structure diagram of a location control function network element in the above embodiments according to an embodiment of the present invention. The location control network element includes a processor 802. In this embodiment of the present invention, the processor 802 is configured to control the operation of the location control network element. For example, the processor 802 is configured to support the location management function network element when performing the operation of determining the positioning method and access type of the positioning parameter by the location management network element in the method embodiments. The location management function network element may further include a memory 801 and a transceiver 803. The processor 802, the transceiver 803, and the memory 801 may be connected to each other (eg, connected to each other via a bus). The memory 801 is configured to store the location control function network element code and data. The transceiver 803 is configured to support the location management function network element when performing the information sending and receiving operations performed in the method embodiments.

Memory 801 may be memory in processor 802 or may be separate from processor 802.

The transceiver 803 may alternatively be a location control function network element communications interface or a processor 802 communications interface.

Processor 802 may be a central processing unit, a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a transistorized logic device, a hardware component, or any other combination. Processor 802 may implement or execute various examples of logical blocks, modules, and circuits described with reference to the content disclosed in this disclosure. Alternatively, the processor may be a combination of processors that implement a computing function, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor.

When functional modules are obtained by division corresponding to functions, FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of the mobility management network element in the above embodiments. The mobility management network element includes a transceiver unit 903 and a processing unit 902 . The transceiver unit 903 is configured to support the mobility management network element while performing the steps of sending and receiving information performed in the method embodiments. The processing unit 902 is configured to support the mobility management network element while performing other functions performed by the mobility management network element in the method embodiments other than sending and receiving functions. The processing block 903 may include one or more processing sub-blocks. This document is not limited.

In a hardware implementation, the transceiver unit 903 may include a receiver and/or transmitter, or include receiver circuitry and/or transmitter circuitry, a communication interface, or the like. Processing unit 902 may be a processor, a processing circuit, or the like.

Fig. 10 is a possible logical structure diagram of the mobility management network element in the above embodiments according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobility management network element includes a processor 1002. In this embodiment of the present invention, the processor 1002 is configured to monitor and control the operation of the mobility management network element in the embodiments. Optionally, the mobility management network element may further include a memory 1001 and a transceiver 1003. The processor 1002, the transceiver 1003, and the memory 1001 may be connected to each other (eg, connected to each other via a bus). The memory 1001 is configured to store program code and mobility network element data. The transceiver 1003 is configured to support the mobility management network element while performing the information sending and receiving operations performed in the method embodiments.

Memory 1001 may be memory in processor 1002 or may be separate from processor 1002.

The transceiver 1003 may alternatively be a location control function network element communications interface or a processor 1002 communications interface.

Processing 1002 may be a CPU, a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an ASIC, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a transistorized logic device, a hardware component, or any other combination thereof. The processor may implement or execute various examples of logical blocks, modules, and circuits described with reference to the content disclosed in this disclosure. Alternatively, the processor may be a combination of processors that implement a computing function, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a readable storage medium is further provided. A readable storage medium stores a computer-executable instruction. The device (which may be a single-chip microcomputer, microchip, or the like) or processor may call a computer-executable instruction stored on a readable storage medium to perform the steps of the mobility management network element or the location management function network element in the positioning method shown in FIG. 3, fig. 4A and FIG. 4B, FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. A readable storage medium may include: any medium that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, removable hard disk, read only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product is further provided. The computer program product stores a computer-executable instruction, and the computer-executable instruction is stored on a computer-readable storage medium. At least one processor of the device can read a computer-executable instruction from the computer-readable storage medium, and at least one processor executes the computer-executable instruction such that the device performs the steps of the mobility management network element or the location management function network element in the positioning method shown in FIG. fig. 3, fig. 4A and FIG. 4B, FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.

Another aspect of the present invention is a device. The device includes a processor, and the processor executes code in a memory such that the device performs the above methods. Memory stores code and data. The memory resides in the device and is connected to the processor. Alternatively, the memory may be located outside the device.

In the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of understanding, many examples are used to describe. However, these examples are merely examples and may not be optimal implementations for implementing the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention use the names of a request message, a response message, and various other messages for ease of description. However, these messages are used simply as examples to describe content to be conveyed or functions to be implemented. The specific name of the message is not a limitation for the present invention. For example, the messages may be a first message, a second message, and a third message. These messages may be specific messages or may be some fields in the messages. These messages may also represent various service operations.

All or some of the above embodiments may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement the embodiments, the embodiments may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When computer program instructions are downloaded and executed on a computer, procedures or functions in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or may be transferred from a computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center over a wired connection (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless communication (for example, infrared, radio, or microwave).The computer-readable storage medium may be any usable medium accessible to a computer, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more usable media.The medium used may be magnetic media (eg, floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape), optical media (eg, DVD), semiconductor media (eg, Solid State Disk (SSD)) or the like.

In conclusion, the above descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be consistent with the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims (47)

1. The method of positioning, containing the steps in which receiving, with the help of the message location control network element, a positioning request message from the mobility management network element, wherein the positioning request message contains the access type of the terminal device and the connection state corresponding to the access type; determining, with the location control function network element, based on the access type of the terminal device and the connection state, a positioning method for the terminal device and an access type for obtaining the positioning parameter; and transmitting, with the help of the network element to the location management function, positioning method information and pointing information to the mobility management network element, the pointing information instructing the mobility management network element to obtain the positioning parameter using the access type. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, before the step of determining, using the network element of the location control function, based on the access type of the terminal device and the connection state, the positioning method for the terminal device and the access type for obtaining the positioning parameter, the step of transmitting, with the location control function network element, a request message to the mobility control network element, wherein the request message requests at least one of: tag location information, tag access type information, and connection state information. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the connection state comprises a first link state between the terminal device and the first access point of the first access type and a second link state between the terminal device and the second access point of the second access type. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first access type is a 3GPP access type and the second access type is a non-3GPP access type. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first access point is a next generation radio access node and the second access point is a non-3GPP interworking function network element. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning parameter comprises at least one of a non-3GPP internetworking function network element identifier accessed by the terminal, wireless LAN information associated with the terminal, wireless signal strength of the terminal devices and propagation delays. 7. The method of positioning, containing the steps in which transmitting, with the mobility management network element, a positioning request message to the location management function network element, the positioning request message containing the access type of the terminal device and the connection state corresponding to the access type; receiving, with the mobility management network element, a positioning method for the terminal device and indication information from the network element of the location management function, the indication information indicating the type of access to obtain the positioning parameter; and obtaining, with the mobility network element, a positioning parameter of the terminal device based on the positioning method and the indication information. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the connection state comprises a first link state between the terminal device and the first access point of the first access type and a second link state between the terminal device and the second access point of the second access type. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the indication information indicates a first access type and a second access type, wherein the step of obtaining, by the mobility management network element, a positioning parameter of the terminal device based on the positioning method and the indication information comprises a sub-step of selecting , using the network mobility control element, one access point from the first access point of the first access type and the second access point of the second access type, to obtain the positioning parameter of the terminal device. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the first access type is a 3GPP access type and the second access type is a non-3GPP access type. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first access point is a next generation radio access node and the second access point is a non-3GPP interworking function network element. 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the positioning parameter comprises at least one of a non-3GPP internetworking function network element identifier accessed by the terminal, wireless LAN information associated with the terminal, wireless signal strength of the terminal devices and propagation delays. 13. A network element of the location control function, containing a transceiver unit and a processing unit, while the transceiver unit is configured to receive a position request message from the network mobility control element, wherein the position request message contains the access type of the terminal device and the connection state corresponding to the access type; the processing unit is configured to determine, based on the access type of the terminal device and the connection state, the positioning method for the terminal device and the access type to obtain the positioning parameter; wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the positioning method and the indication information to the mobility management network element, the indication information instructing the mobility management network element to acquire the positioning parameter using the access type. 14. The location control function network element of claim 13, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit, prior to determination, by the processing unit, based on the access type of the terminal device and the connection state, the positioning method for the terminal device, and the access type to obtain the positioning parameter , a request message to the mobility management network element, wherein the request message requests at least one of tag location information, tag access type information, and connection state information. 15. The network element of the location control function according to claim 13 or 14, in which the connection state contains the state of the first communication link between the terminal device and the first access point of the first access type and the state of the second communication link between the terminal device and the second access point of the second access type. 16. The location control network element of claim 15, wherein the first access type is a 3GPP access type and the second access type is a non-3GPP access type. 17. The location control network element of claim 16, wherein the first access point is a next generation radio access point and the second access point is a non-3GPP interworking function network element. 18. The location control network element of claim 13, wherein the positioning parameter comprises at least one of a non-3GPP internetworking function network element identifier accessed by the terminal, wireless LAN information related to the terminal, strength terminal wireless signal and propagation delay. 19. A mobility management network element comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit, wherein the transceiver unit is configured to send a position request message to the network element of the location control function, wherein the position request message contains an access type of the terminal device and a connection state corresponding to the access type; receiving information about the positioning method for the terminal device and indication information from the network element of the location control function, the indication information indicating the type of access to obtain the positioning parameter; a the processing unit is configured to obtain the positioning parameter of the terminal device based on the positioning method and the indication information. 20. The mobility management network element of claim 19, wherein the connection state comprises a first link state between the terminal device and the first access point of the first access type and a second link state between the terminal device and the second access point of the second access type. 21. The mobility management network element of claim 19, wherein the indication information indicates a first access type and a second access type; wherein that the processing unit is configured to obtain the positioning parameter of the target device based on the positioning method and the indication information comprises that: the processing unit is configured to select one access point from the first access point of the first access type and the second access point of the second access type, to obtain a positioning parameter of the terminal device. 22. The mobility management network element of claim 20 or 21, wherein the first access type is a 3GPP access type and the second access type is a non-3GPP access type. 23. The mobility management network element of claim 22, wherein the first access point is a next generation radio access node and the second access point is a non-3GPP interworking function network element. 24. The mobility management network element of claim 19, wherein the positioning parameter comprises at least one of a non-3GPP network element identifier of an interworking function accessed by the terminal, wireless LAN information associated with the terminal, signal strength wireless terminal and propagation delay. 25. An apparatus comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory, said at least one processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to enable the device to execute the method of any one of claims. 1-6 and 7-12. 26. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program executable by at least one processor, and the program includes instructions for configuring a device containing the specified at least one processor, to perform the method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6 and 7-12. 27. The method of positioning, containing the steps in which transmitting, with the mobility management network element, a positioning request message to the location management function network element, the positioning request message containing the access type of the terminal device and the connection state corresponding to the access type; determining, with the location control function network element, based on the access type of the terminal device and the connection state, a positioning method for the terminal device and an access type for obtaining a location parameter; transmitting, by the network element of the location management function, positioning method information and indication information to the mobility management network element, the indication information instructing the mobility management network element to obtain the positioning parameter using the access type; and obtaining, with the mobility network element, a positioning parameter of the terminal device based on the positioning method and the indication information. 28. System containing a network element of the location control function, configured to implement the method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6; and a mobility management network element configured to implement the method according to any one of claims. 7-12.

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