WO2022104577A1

WO2022104577A1 - Methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media for location area update

Info

Publication number: WO2022104577A1
Application number: PCT/CN2020/129666
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yan Meng; Tao Tao; Jianguo Liu; Hua Chao
Original assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co., Ltd.; Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy; Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2020-11-18
Filing date: 2020-11-18
Publication date: 2022-05-27
Also published as: CN116548028A

Abstract

A method for location area update. The method, which may be performed at a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management, may include: determining enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for a mobile station; transmitting, to the mobile station and the second apparatus, information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure; and activating the first location area update procedure based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from the second apparatus.

Description

METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR LOCATION AREA UPDATE

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate to methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media for location area update.

BACKGROUND

In a telecommunication system such as a long term evolution (LTE) system and a new radio (NR or 5G) system, a mobile station or user equipment (UE) may initiate a tracking area update or registration update for example periodically to keep its registration alive in a tracking area, and may also initiate the location area update for example when entering into a new tracking area.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, disclosed is an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory, where the at least one memory may include computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus as a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management to perform: determining enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for a mobile station; transmitting, to the mobile station and the second apparatus, information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure; and activating the first location area update procedure based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from the second apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the mobile station, first capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the first capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the mobile station, a first capability enquiry message for requesting the first capability information.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the second apparatus, second capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the second capability information comprising information on whether the second apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the second apparatus, a second capability enquiry message for requesting the second capability information.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure may be transmitted to the mobile station by a non-access stratum signaling.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure may be transmitted to the second apparatus by a signaling via a service-based interface exhibited by location management function.

In some embodiments, the location area update assistance information may include information on at least one of: at least one cell identity; at least one time of arrival associated with at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the mobile station and the at least one cell; and at least one distance between the mobile station and the at least one cell.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving the location area update assistance information from the second apparatus via a service-based interface exhibited by location management function.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving the location area update assistance information from the second apparatus periodically.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: determining a report periodicity of the location area update assistance information; and transmitting information on the report periodicity to the second apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first location area update procedure may include: determining a serving location area for the mobile station based on the location area update assistance information; and updating location area information for the mobile station based on the serving location area.

In some embodiments, the first location area update procedure may further include: adding at least one neighbor location area in the registration area information.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from one of the second apparatus and the mobile station, information associated with disablement of the first location area update procedure for the mobile station; transmitting, to another one of the second apparatus and the mobile station, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and activating the second location area update procedure based on a location report from the mobile station.

In a second aspect, disclosed is a method which may be performed at a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management. The method may include: determining enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for a mobile station; transmitting, to the mobile station and the second apparatus, information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure; and activating the first location area update procedure based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from the second apparatus.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving, from the mobile station, first capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the first capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: transmitting, to the mobile station, a first capability enquiry message for requesting the first capability information.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving, from the second apparatus, second capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the second capability information comprising information on whether the second apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: transmitting, to the second apparatus, a second capability enquiry message for requesting the second capability information.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving the location area update assistance information from the second apparatus via a service-based interface exhibited by location management function.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving the location area update assistance information from the second apparatus periodically.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: determining a report periodicity of the location area update assistance information; and transmitting information on the report periodicity to the second apparatus.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving, from one of the second apparatus and the mobile station, information associated with disablement of the first location area update procedure for the mobile station; transmitting, to another one of the second apparatus and the mobile station, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and activating the second location area update procedure based on a location report from the mobile station.

In a third aspect, disclosed is an apparatus as a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management. The apparatus may include: means for determining enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for a mobile station; means for transmitting, to the mobile station and the second apparatus, information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure; and means for activating the first location area update procedure based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from the second apparatus.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving, from the mobile station, first capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the first capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for transmitting, to the mobile station, a first capability enquiry message for requesting the first capability information.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, second capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the second capability information comprising information on whether the second apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, a second capability enquiry message for requesting the second capability information.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving the location area update assistance information from the second apparatus via a service-based interface exhibited by location management function.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving the location area update assistance information from the second apparatus periodically.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for determining a report periodicity of the location area update assistance information; and means for transmitting information on the report periodicity to the second apparatus.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving, from one of the second apparatus and the mobile station, information associated with disablement of the first location area update procedure for the mobile station; means for transmitting, to another one of the second apparatus and the mobile station, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and means for activating the second location area update procedure based on a location report from the mobile station.

In a fourth aspect, disclosed is a computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus as a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management to perform: determining enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for a mobile station; transmitting, to the mobile station and the second apparatus, information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure; and activating the first location area update procedure based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from the second apparatus.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the mobile station, first capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the first capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the mobile station, a first capability enquiry message for requesting the first capability information.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the second apparatus, second capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the second capability information comprising information on whether the second apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the second apparatus, a second capability enquiry message for requesting the second capability information.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving the location area update assistance information from the second apparatus via a service-based interface exhibited by location management function.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving the location area update assistance information from the second apparatus periodically.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: determining a report periodicity of the location area update assistance information; and transmitting information on the report periodicity to the second apparatus.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from one of the second apparatus and the mobile station, information associated with disablement of the first location area update procedure for the mobile station; transmitting, to another one of the second apparatus and the mobile station, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and activating the second location area update procedure based on a location report from the mobile station.

In a fifth aspect, disclosed is an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory, where the at least one memory may include computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus as a first apparatus associated with location management to perform: receiving, from a second apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a location area update procedure assisted by the first apparatus for a mobile station; determining location area update assistance information for the mobile station in the location area update procedure; and transmitting the location area update assistance information to the second apparatus in the location area update procedure.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the second apparatus, capability information comprising information on whether the first apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the second apparatus, a capability enquiry message for requesting the capability information.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the enablement of the location area update procedure may be received by a signaling via a service-based interface exhibited by location management function.

In some embodiments, the determination of the location area update assistance information may include: obtaining location measurement information associated with the mobile station and a set of cells; selecting at least one cell from the set of cells based on the set of location measurement information; and determining the location area update assistance information based on the at least one cell.

In some embodiments, the location measurement information may include at least one of: time of arrival information associated with at least one signal between the mobile station and the set of cells; distance information between the mobile station and the set of cells; and quality information associated with at least one channel between the mobile station and the set of cells.

In some embodiments, at least one of time of arrival information, distance information, and quality information associated with the mobile station and the at least one cell may satisfy at least one predetermined condition.

In some embodiments, the location area update assistance information may be transmitted via a service-based interface exhibited by location management function.

In some embodiments, the location area update assistance information may be transmitted periodically.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a report periodicity of transmitting the location area update assistance information.

In some embodiments, the location area update assistance information may be transmitted in response to at least one predetermined event.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the second apparatus, information associated with disablement of the location area update procedure.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the second apparatus, information associated with disablement of the location area update procedure.

In a sixth aspect, disclosed is a method which may be performed at a first apparatus associated with location management. The method may include: receiving, from a second apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a location area update procedure assisted by the first apparatus for a mobile station; determining location area update assistance information for the mobile station in the location area update procedure; and transmitting the location area update assistance information to the second apparatus in the location area update procedure.

In some embodiments, the method may include: transmitting, to the second apparatus, capability information comprising information on whether the first apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the method may include: receiving, from the second apparatus, a capability enquiry message for requesting the capability information.

In some embodiments, the method may include: receiving a report periodicity of transmitting the location area update assistance information.

In some embodiments, the method may include: transmitting, to the second apparatus, information associated with disablement of the location area update procedure.

In some embodiments, the method may include: receiving, from the second apparatus, information associated with disablement of the location area update procedure.

In a seventh aspect, disclosed is an apparatus as a first apparatus associated with location management. The apparatus may include: means for receiving, from a second apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a location area update procedure assisted by the first apparatus for a mobile station; means for determining location area update assistance information for the mobile station in the location area update procedure; and means for transmitting the location area update assistance information to the second apparatus in the location area update procedure.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, capability information comprising information on whether the first apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a capability enquiry message for requesting the capability information.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving a report periodicity of transmitting the location area update assistance information.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, information associated with disablement of the location area update procedure.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, information associated with disablement of the location area update procedure.

In an eighth aspect, disclosed is a computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus as a first apparatus associated with location management to perform: receiving, from a second apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a location area update procedure assisted by the first apparatus for a mobile station; determining location area update assistance information for the mobile station in the location area update procedure; and transmitting the location area update assistance information to the second apparatus in the location area update procedure.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the second apparatus, capability information comprising information on whether the first apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the second apparatus, a capability enquiry message for requesting the capability information.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a report periodicity of transmitting the location area update assistance information.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the second apparatus, information associated with disablement of the location area update procedure.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the second apparatus, information associated with disablement of the location area update procedure.

In a ninth aspect, disclosed is an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory, where the at least one memory may include computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus as a mobile station to perform: receiving, from a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for the mobile station; and deactivating a transmission of a location report to the first apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the first apparatus, capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the first apparatus, a capability enquiry message for requesting the capability information.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure may be received by a non-access stratum signaling.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the first apparatus, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and activating the transmission of the location report to the first apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the first apparatus, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and activating the transmission of the location report to the first apparatus.

In a tenth aspect, disclosed is a method which may be performed at a mobile station. The method may include: receiving, from a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for the mobile station; and deactivating a transmission of a location report to the first apparatus.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: transmitting, to the first apparatus, capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving, from the first apparatus, a capability enquiry message for requesting the capability information.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving, from the first apparatus, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and activating the transmission of the location report to the first apparatus.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: transmitting, to the first apparatus, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and activating the transmission of the location report to the first apparatus.

In an eleventh aspect, disclosed is an apparatus as a mobile station. The apparatus may include: means for receiving, from a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for the mobile station; and means for deactivating a transmission of a location report to the first apparatus.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a capability enquiry message for requesting the capability information.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving, from the first apparatus, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and means for activating the transmission of the location report to the first apparatus.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and means for activating the transmission of the location report to the first apparatus.

In a twelfth aspect, disclosed is a computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus as a mobile station to perform: receiving, from a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for the mobile station; and deactivating a transmission of a location report to the first apparatus.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the first apparatus, capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the first apparatus, a capability enquiry message for requesting the capability information.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the first apparatus, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and activating the transmission of the location report to the first apparatus.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the first apparatus, information associated with at least one of disablement of the first location area update procedure and enablement of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station; and activating the transmission of the location report to the first apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method for location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example apparatus for location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example apparatus for location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method for location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example apparatus for location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example apparatus for location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example method for location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example apparatus for location area update in an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example apparatus for location area update in an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Considering possible naming convention evolutions among the LTE system, the NR system, and possible future systems, “location area” (LA) will be used herein to refer to any of current and/or future area configurations suitable for position or mobility management (or similar functions) of a mobile station or UE, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, the tracking area (TA) in the LTE system or NR system, the radio access network (RAN) notification area in the NR system, and so on. In addition, a location area herein may also correspond to a cell, or one or more parts of one cell for example in a case where a cell is divided into several parts. Correspondingly, examples of a location area update (LAU) herein may include, but are not limit to, a track area update (TAU) in the LTE system, a registration update (RU) in the NR system, a RAN notification area update in the NR system, and any other same or similar procedures currently and in future.

In some implementations, the LAU may be initiated by a UE. For example, a UE in a connected state (for example, a RRC_CONNECTED state as described in the 3rd generation partnership project or 3GPP standards) may transmit a message to initiate the LAU when the UE moves to a new LA outside of its registered LA list. In another example, for a UE in an idle state (for example, a RRC_IDLE state as described in the 3GPP standards) or an inactive state (for example, a RRC_INACTIVE state as described in the 3GPP standards) which is to keep its registration alive in a LA, the UE may wake up and establish a connection with an entity associated with access and mobility management (for example, mobility management entity or MME in the LTE system, access and mobility management function or AMF in the NR system) in a core network (CN) to initiate the LAU for example periodically, and returns to the idle or inactive state after the LAU. In such implementations, for example, a large amount of signaling overhead and high power consumption may be brought for the UE.

In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, an entity associated with location management in the CN, for example the location management function (LMF) or a location server for location services in the LTE or NR system, is used to implement the LAU, so that, for example, signaling overhead and power consumption of UE may be reduced.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an LAU procedure in an embodiment, where a UE 101, an apparatus 102 associated with access and mobility management in the CN (for example the MME in the LTE system or the AMF in the NR system) , and an apparatus 103 associated with location management in the CN (for example, the LMF in the LTE or NR system) are involved.

It is appreciated that, for description convenience and clarity, three entities (the UE 101, the apparatuses 102 and 103) are illustrated in FIG. 1 and the other drawings of this disclosure, while entities (or parts or apparatuses) associated with access network (for example, the base station) and other functions in the CN, and associated signaling and procedures (such as a determination of the apparatus 102 for the UE 101 by a base station) , are omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, for the UE 101, the apparatus 102 may determine enablement of a first LAU assisted by the apparatus 103 or disablement of a second LAU initiated by the UE 101 in an operation 104, and may transmit information 105 associated with the enablement of the first LAU or the disablement of the second LAU to the UE 101, for example via a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in response to receiving the information 105 from the apparatus 102, the UE 101 may deactivate the second RUP in an operation 107, for example by deactivating a transmission of a location report for the second RUP to the apparatus 102.

In another embodiment, in response to receiving the information 105, the UE 101 may transmit a response (not illustrated in FIG. 1) to the apparatus 102, for example via a NAS signaling. For example, the response to the information 105 may include information associated with a rejection or non-acknowledgement of the enablement of the first LAU or the disablement of the second LAU in a case where the UE 101 does not support the first LAU, or where the UE 101 expects to perform the second LAU, or the like, and the apparatus 102 may disable the first LAU and enable the second LAU based on the rejection response from the UE 101. In another example, the apparatus 102 may start a timer after transmitting the information 105 to wait for the response from the UE 101, and may disable the first LAU and enable the second LAU for example in a case of expiration of the timer.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, after the operation 104, the apparatus 102 may also transmit information 106 associated with the enablement of the first LAU or the disablement of the second LAU to the apparatus 103, for example via an Nlmf interface (a service-based interface exhibited by LMF) signaling. For example, the information 106 may include information on one or more of an identity (ID) of the UE 101, a type of the UE 101, an ID of a group to which the UE 101 belongs, an indication of enablement of the first LAU or disablement of the second LAU, and so on.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in response to receiving the information 106 from the apparatus 102, the apparatus 103 may determine LAU assistance information for the first LAU for the UE 101 in an operation 108, and may transmit the determined LAU assistance information 109 to the apparatus 102.

In the operation 108, for example, the apparatus 103 may obtain location measurement information associated with the UE 101 and a set of cells, from a set of location measurement units (LMUs, for example a set of base stations in the access network performing location measurements) associated with the set of cells. Then, the apparatus 103 may select at least one cell (for example, all or not more than a predetermined number) from the set of cells, for example based on the obtained location measurement information, and may determine the LAU assistance information 109 based on the at least one selected cell.

In various examples, the location measurement information may include, but is not limited to, one or more of: time of arrival (TOA) information associated with one or more signals between the UE 101 and the set of cells; distance information between the UE 101 and the set of cells; quality information associated with one or more channels between UE 101 and the set of cells, such as reference signal received power (RSRP) or channel status information (CSI) or the like; and so on.

For example, in the operation 108, a cell may be selected from the set of cells by the apparatus 103 for determining the LAU assistance information 109, in a case where a TOA associated with the UE 101 and the cell satisfies a first condition (for example, being lower than or equal to a predetermined threshold) .

In another example, in the operation 108, the apparatus 103 may estimate locations (for example, a geographical coordinates) of the UE 101 and the set of LMUs based on the location measurement information from the set of LMUs, and may determine distances between the UE 101 and respective LMUs. Then, a cell may be selected from the set of cells by the apparatus 103 for determining the LAU assistance information 109, in a case where a distance between the UE 101 and the cell satisfies a second condition (for example, being lower than or equal to a predetermined threshold) .

In yet another example, in the operation 108, a cell may be selected from the set of cells by the apparatus 103 for determining the LAU assistance information 109, in a case where a quality associated with a channel between the UE 101 and a cell satisfies a third condition (for example, being higher than or equal to a predetermined threshold) .

In yet another example, in the operation 108, a score may be determined by the apparatus 103 for a cell of the set of cells, for example based on a weighted sum of respective location measurement information items associated with the UE 101 and the cell, and the cell may be selected from the set of cells by the apparatus 103 for determining the LAU assistance information 109, in a case where the score satisfies a fourth condition (for example, being higher than or equal to a predetermined threshold) .

In various examples, the LAU assistance information 109 determined in the operation 108 may include any suitable information associated with the at least one selected cell, based on which the apparatus 102 may perform the first LAU for the UE 101. For example, the LAU assistance information 109 may include, but is not limited to, one or more of: at least one ID of the at least one cell; at least one TOA associated with the at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the UE 101 and the at least one cell, such as RSRP or CSI or the like measured on at least one channel between the UE 101 and the at least one cell; at least one distance between the UE 101 and the at least one cell; and so on.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 103 may transmit the LAU assistance information 109 to the apparatus 102, for example via an Nlmf interface signaling. For example, the LAU assistance information 109 may be transmitted to the apparatus 102 as a part of Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response information which has been described in the 3GPP standards. In another example, the LAU assistance information 109 may be transmitted to the apparatus 102 via one or more another messages. For example, the apparatus 103 may transmit the LAU assistance information 109 to the apparatus 102 periodically. In another example, the apparatus 103 may transmit the LAU assistance information 109 to the apparatus 102 in response to a detection of one or more predetermined events, for example in a case of a detection of cell information associated with the UE 101 changes.

In another embodiment, in response to receiving the information 106, the apparatus 103 may transmit a response (not illustrated in FIG. 1) to the apparatus 102 for example via an Nlmf interface signaling. For example, the response to the information 106 may include information associated with a rejection or non-acknowledgement of the enablement of the first LAU or the disablement of the second LAU in a case where the apparatus 103 does not support the first LAU. Then, the apparatus 102 may disable the first LAU and enable the second LAU based on the rejection response from the apparatus 103. In another example, the apparatus 102 may start a timer after transmitting the information 106 to wait for the response from the apparatus 103, and may disable the first LAU and enable the second LAU for example in a case of expiration of the timer.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 102 may activate the first LAU in an operation 110 based on the LAU assistance information 109 for the UE 101 from the apparatus 102, instead of a location report from the UE 101.

For example, in the operation 110, the apparatus 102 may determine a serving cell for the UE 101 base on the LAU assistance information 109, for example a cell with a channel quality above a predetermined threshold (for example, with the best channel quality) or a cell with a distance to the UE 101 below a predetermined threshold (for example, with the shortest distance) among the at least one cell included in the LAU assistance information 109. Then, the apparatus 102 may determine to update LA information for the UE 101 for example in a case of a detection that the serving cell for the UE 101 is outside of current LA information (for example a current list of LAs) for the UE 101. Then, the apparatus 102 may determine a new serving LA for the UE 101 (which, for example, includes at least a part of the serving cell for the UE 101) based on the LAU assistance information 109, and update the LA information for the UE 101 based on the new serving TA determined for the UE 101, for example by updating the LA information for the UE 101 with the new serving TA determined for the UE 101. In another example, one or more neighbor Las may also be included in the updated LA information for the UE 101. In an example, the apparatus 102 may also transmit the updated LA information for the UE 101 to the apparatus 103, so that the apparatus 103 may use the updated LA information for the UE 101 for example for functions such as positioning.

Thus, during the enablement of the first LAU, LAU may be enabled for the UE 101 without location reports from the UE 101, even in a case where the UE 101 is in an idle or inactive state, so that, for example, signaling overhead and power consumption may be reduced for the UE 101.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example of an LAU procedure in an embodiment, where the apparatus 102 may receive capability information 201 from the UE 101 and capability information 202 from the apparatus 103, and may determine the enablement of the first LAU or the disablement of the second LAU in the operation 104 based on the received

capability information

201 and 202.

For example, the capability information 201 from the UE 101 to the apparatus 102 may be via a NAS signaling, and may include, but is not limited to, information associated with one or more of: whether the UE 101 supports positioning; a type of the UE 101; a moving speed of the UE 101; whether the UE 101 supports the first LAU; and so on. For example, the capability information 202 from the apparatus 103 to the apparatus 102 may be via an Nlmf interface signaling, and may include, but is not limited to, information associated with one or more of: whether the apparatus 103 is able to provide location information of the UE 101; whether the apparatus 103 supports the first LAU; and so on.

Then, in the operation 104, apparatus 102 may determine the enablement of the first LAU for the UE 101, for example in a case of determining based on the

capability information

201 and 202 that one or more predetermined conditions are satisfied, for example: the UE 101 supports the first LAU; the type of the UE 101 is a predetermined type for which the first LAU may be enabled; the moving speed of the UE 101 satisfies a predetermined condition; the apparatus 103 supports the first LAU; and so on.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus 102 may transmit a capability enquiry message 203 to the UE 101 to obtain the capability information 201 of the UE 101. Also, the apparatus 102 may transmit a capability enquiry message 204 to the apparatus 103 to obtain the capability information 202 of the apparatus 103.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of an LAU procedure in an embodiment, where the apparatus 102 may further determine a report periodicity of the LAU assistance information 109 in an operation 301, and may transmit information 302 associated with the determined report periodicity to the apparatus 103. Thus, the apparatus 103 may perform at least one of the operation 108 and the transmission of the LAU assistance information 109 based on the report periodicity determine by the apparatus 102.

For example, the apparatus 102 may determine the report periodicity of the LAU assistance information 109 to be a predetermined value. In another example, the apparatus 102 may determine the report periodicity based on capability information 201 of the UE 101. For example, depending on the type of the UE 101, the report periodicity may be configured with a first value for a first moving speed of the UE 101, and may be configured with a second value for a second speed of the UE 101.

Further, a fallback scheme from the first LAU to the second LAU may be initiated for example in case where the apparatus 103 fails to obtain the positioning information of the UE 101 and cannot perform the first LAU successfully, or in a case where a location request by a location service client is cancelled, or in a case where the UE 101 breaks away from the idle or inactive state and expects to use the second LAU, and so on. Then, for example, in a case where the apparatus 102 receives information associated with disablement of the first LAU or enablement of the second LAU from one of the UE 101 and the apparatus 103, the apparatus 102 may transmit information associated with the disablement of the first LAU and/or the enablement of the second LAU to the other of the UE 101 and the apparatus 103, and may activate to monitor location report from the UE 101, while deactivating the first LAU for example by stopping or suspending or ignore the reception or monitoring of the LAU assistance information 109 from the apparatus 102. When the apparatus 102 receives a location report from the UE 101, the apparatus 102 may activate the second LAU based on the location report from the UE 101.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, for example in case where the apparatus 103 fails to obtain the positioning information of the UE 101 and cannot perform the first LAU successfully, or in a case where a location request by a location service client is cancelled, the apparatus 103 may autonomously transmit information 401 associated with the disablement of the first LAU for the UE 101. For example, the information 401 may be transmitted via an Nlmf interface message. For example, the information 401 may include information on at least one of: an indication of the disablement of the first LAU; a UE ID (for example the ID of UE 101) ; a reason of the disablement (for example, an ID or description of an abnormal event suffered by the apparatus 103) ; and so on. Then, the apparatus 103 may stop or suspend or deactivate at least one of the operation 108 and the transmission of the LAU assistance information 109.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, in a case where the apparatus 102 receives the information 401 associated with the disablement of the first LAU from the apparatus 103, the apparatus 102 may forward the information 401 to the UE 101, or may transmit information 402 associated with the disablement of the first LAU or the enablement of the second LAU to the UE 101. For example, the information 402 may be transmitted via a NAS message. For example, the information 402 may include information on at least one of: an indication of the disablement of the first LAU or the enablement of the second LAU; a UE ID (for example the ID of UE 101) ; a reason of the disablement (for example, an ID or description of an abnormal event suffered by the apparatus 103, for example a failure of obtaining location information of the UE 101) ; and so on. Then, the apparatus 102 may deactivate the first LAU for example by stopping or suspending or ignore the reception or monitoring of the LAU assistance information 109 from the apparatus 103.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, in a case where the UE 101 receives information 402 from the apparatus 102, the UE 101 may fall back to the second LAU for example by activating the transmission of the location report 404 in an operation 403. Then, for example, the UE 101 may transmit the location report 404 periodically or when the UE 101 moves to a new LA, and the apparatus 102 may activate the second LAU in an operation 405 based on the location report 404 from the UE 101, rather than the first LAU based on the LAU assistance information 109 from the second apparatus.

In addition to of instead of the example as illustrated in FIG. 4, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the UE 101 may also autonomously transmit information 501 associated with the disablement of the first LAU for the UE 101 or the enablement of the second LAU for the UE 101. For example, the information 501 may be transmitted via NAS message. For example, the information 501 may include information on at least one of: an indication of the disablement of the first LAU or the enablement of the second LAU; a UE ID (for example the ID of UE 101) ; a reason of the disablement of the first LAU or the enablement of the second LAU; and so on. Then, the UE 101 may fall back to the second LAU for example by activating the transmission of the location report 404 in an operation 403.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in a case where the apparatus 102 receives the information 501 associated with the disablement of the first LAU or the enablement of the second LAU from the UE 101, the apparatus 102 may forward the information 501 to the apparatus 103, or may transmit information 502 associated with the disablement of the first LAU to the UE 101. For example, the information 502 may be transmitted via an Nlmf interface message. For example, the information 502 may include information on at least one of:an indication of the disablement of the first LAU; a UE ID (for example the ID of UE 101) ; a reason of the disablement; and so on.

Then, the apparatus 102 may deactivate the first LAU for example by stopping or suspending or ignore the reception or monitoring of the LAU assistance information 109 from the apparatus 102. Instead, the apparatus 102 may activate the second LAU based on the location report 404 from the UE 101.

In a case where the apparatus 103 receives the information 502 from the apparatus 102, the apparatus 103 may deactivate the first LAU for example by deactivating at least one of the operation 108 and the transmission of the LAU assistance information 109.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, for example based on capability information of the UE 101 and the apparatus 103, the apparatus 102 may determine to use the first LAU based on LAU assistance information 109 from the apparatus 103, instead of the second LAU based on location report 404 from the UE 101. In the first LAU, the UE 101 may be not or less involved, so that signaling overhead and power consumption of the UE 101 may be reduced. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, at least one of the UE 101 and the apparatus 103 may determine autonomously to fall back to the second LAU, and the apparatus 102, the UE 101, and the apparatus 103 may switch to the second LAU which is based on the location report from the UE 101, so that a flexible control for a selection and switch between the first and second LAUs may be enabled.

It is appreciated that this disclosure is not limited to the above examples. For example, the sequences of operations and/or signaling as illustrated above may be changed. In addition, the communications between the UE 101 and the apparatus 102 may be, but is not limited to be, via one or more NAS messages, and the communications between the apparatus 102 and the apparatus 103 may be, but is not limited to be, via one or more Nlmf interface messages.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 600 for LAU in an embodiment, which may be performed for example in an apparatus associated with access and mobility management (for example, the apparatus 102 in the above examples) .

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the example method 600 may include an operation 601, an operation 602, and an operation 603.

In the operation 601, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may determine enablement of a first LAU procedure assisted by another apparatus associated with a location management (e.g. the apparatus 103) for a mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) . An example of the operation 601 may include the operation 104 in the above examples.

In the operation 602, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may transmit, to the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) and the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) , information associated with the enablement of the first LAU procedure (e.g. the information 105 and 106) .

In the operation 603, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may activate the first LAU procedure based on LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) for the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) from the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) . An example of the operation 603 may include the operation 110 in the above examples.

In the first LAU, the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may be not or less involved, so that, for example, signaling overhead and power consumption of the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may be reduced.

In some embodiments, in the example method 600, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may further receive, from the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) , first capability information (e.g. the capability information 201) for determining the enablement or disablement of the first LAU procedure. For example, the first capability information (e.g. the capability information 201) may include information on at least one of whether the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) supports positioning, a type of the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) , and a moving speed of the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) .

In some embodiments, in the example method 600, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may further transmit, to the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) , a first capability enquiry message (e.g. the capability enquiry 203) for requesting the first capability information (e.g. the capability information 201) .

In some embodiments, in the example method 600, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may further receive, from the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) , second capability information (e.g. the capability information 202) for determining the enablement or disablement of the first LAU procedure. For example, the second capability information (e.g. the capability information 202) may include information on whether the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) is able to provide location information of the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) .

In some embodiments, in the example method 600, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may further transmit, to the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) , a second capability enquiry message (e.g. the capability enquiry 204) for requesting the second capability information (e.g. the capability information 202) .

In some embodiments, the information associated with the enablement of the first LAU procedure (e.g. the information 105) may be transmitted to the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) by a NAS signaling.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the enablement of the first LAU procedure (e.g. the information 106) may be transmitted to the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) by an Nlmf interface signaling.

In some embodiments, the LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) may include information on at least one of: at least one cell ID; at least one TOA associated with at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) and the at least one cell; and at least one distance between the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) and the at least one cell.

In some embodiments, in the example method 600, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may further receive the LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) from the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) , for example via an Nlmf interface.

In some embodiments, in the example method 600, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may further receive the LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) from the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) periodically.

In some embodiments, in the example method 600, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may further determine a report periodicity of the LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) , an example of which may include the operation 301 in the above examples, and may transmit information on the report periodicity (e.g. the information 302) to the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) .

In some embodiments, the first LAU procedure may include: determining a serving LA for the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) based on the LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) ; and updating LA information for the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) based on the serving LA. In some embodiments, the updated LA information for the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may also include at least one neighbor LA.

In some embodiments, in the example method 600, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may further receive, from one of the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) and the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) , information (e.g. the information 401 or 501) associated with disablement of the first LAU procedure for the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) . Then, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may further transmit, to another one of the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) and the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) , information (e.g. the information 402 or 502) associated with at least one of disablement of the first LAU procedure and enablement of a second LAU procedure initiated by the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) . Then, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) may further activate the second LAU procedure based on a location report (e.g. the location report 404) from the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) , example of which may include the operation 405 in the above examples.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example apparatus 700 for LAU in an IAB network, which may be at least a part of an apparatus associated with access and mobility management (for example, the apparatus 102 in the above examples) .

As shown in FIG. 7, the example apparatus 700 may include at least one processor 701 and at least one memory 702 that may include computer program code 703. The at least one memory 702 and the computer program code 703 may be configured to, with the at least one processor 701, cause the apparatus 700 at least to perform at least the operations of the example method 600 described above.

In various embodiments, the at least one processor 701 in the example apparatus 700 may include, but not limited to, at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor such as a central processing unit (CPU) , a portion of at least one hardware processor, and any other suitable dedicated processor such as those developed based on for example Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) . Further, the at least one processor 701 may also include at least one other circuitry or element not shown in FIG. 7.

In various embodiments, the at least one memory 702 in the example apparatus 700 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, but not limited to, for example, a random-access memory (RAM) , a cache, and so on. The non-volatile memory may include, but not limited to, for example, a read only memory (ROM) , a hard disk, a flash memory, and so on. Further, the at least memory 702 may include, but are not limited to, an electric, a magnetic, an optical, an electromagnetic, an infrared, or a semiconductor system, apparatus, or device or any combination of the above.

Further, in various embodiments, the example apparatus 700 may also include at least one other circuitry, element, and interface, for example at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

In various embodiments, the circuitries, parts, elements, and interfaces in the example apparatus 700, including the at least one processor 701 and the at least one memory 702, may be coupled together via any suitable connections including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wiring and/or wireless lines, in any suitable ways, for example electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, and the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example apparatus 800 for LAU, which may be at least a part of an apparatus associated with access and mobility management (for example, the apparatus 102 in the above examples) .

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the example apparatus 800 may include means 801 for performing the operation 601 of the example method 600, means 802 for performing the operation 602 of the example method 600, and means 803 for performing the operation 603 of the example method 600. In one or more another embodiment, at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like may also be included in the example apparatus 800. In some embodiments, examples of means in the apparatus 800 may include circuitries. In some embodiments, examples of means may also include software modules and any other suitable function entities. In some embodiments, one or more additional means may be included in the apparatus 800 for performing one or more additional operations of the example method 600.

The term “circuitry” throughout this disclosure may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) ; (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable) (i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit (s) with software/firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor (s) with software (including digital signal processor (s) ) , software, and memory (ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) ; and (c) hardware circuit (s) and or processor (s) , such as a microprocessor (s) or a portion of a microprocessor (s) , that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to one or all uses of this term in this disclosure, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this disclosure, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method 900 for LAU in an embodiment, which may be performed for example in an apparatus associated with location management (for example, the apparatus 103 in the above examples) .

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the example method 900 may include an operation 901, an operation 902, and an operation 903.

In the operation 901, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) may receive, from another apparatus associated with access and mobility management (e.g. the apparatus 102) , information (e.g. the information 106) associated with enablement of the first LAU procedure assisted by the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) for a mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) .

In the operation 902, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) may determine LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) for the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) in the first LAU procedure. An example of the operation 902 may include the operation 108 in the above examples.

In the operation 903, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) may transmit the LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) to the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) in the first LAU procedure.

In some embodiments, in the example method 900, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) may further transmit, to the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) , capability information (e.g. the capability information 202) which may include information on whether the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) is able to provide location information of the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) .

In some embodiments, in the example method 900, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) may further receive, from the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) , a capability enquiry message (e.g. the capability enquiry 204) for requesting the capability information (e.g. the capability information 202) .

In some embodiments, information (e.g. the information 106) associated with enablement of the first LAU procedure may be received by an Nlmf interface signaling.

In some embodiments, in the operation 902, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) may obtain location measurement information associated with the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) and a set of cells. Then, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) may select at least one cell from the set of cells based on the set of location measurement information, and may determine the LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) based on the at least one cell.

In some embodiments, the location measurement information may include at least one of: TOA information associated with at least one signal between the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) and the set of cells; distance information between the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) and the set of cells; and quality information associated with at least one channel between the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) and the set of cells.

In some embodiments, at least one of TOA information, distance information, and quality information associated with the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) and the at least one cell may satisfy at least one predetermined condition.

In some embodiments, the LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) may be transmitted via an Nlmf interface.

In some embodiments, the LAU assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) may be transmitted periodically.

In some embodiments, in the example method 900, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) may further receive a report periodicity (e.g. the information 302) of transmitting the location area update assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) .

In some embodiments, the location area update assistance information (e.g. the LAU assistance information 109) may be transmitted in response to at least one predetermined event.

In some embodiments, in the example method 900, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) may further transmit, to the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) , information (e.g. the information 401) associated with disablement of the first LAU procedure.

In some embodiments, in the example method 900, the apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 103) may further receive, from the another apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) , information (e.g. the information 502) associated with disablement of the first LAU procedure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example apparatus 1000 for LAU in an IAB network, which may be at least a part of an apparatus associated with location management (for example, the apparatus 103 in the above examples) .

As shown in FIG. 10, the example apparatus 1000 may include at least one processor 1001 and at least one memory 1002 that may include computer program code 1003. The at least one memory 1002 and the computer program code 1003 may be configured to, with the at least one processor 1001, cause the apparatus 1000 at least to perform at least the operations of the example method 900 described above.

In various embodiments, the at least one processor 1001 in the example apparatus 1000 may include, but not limited to, at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor such as a CPU, a portion of at least one hardware processor, and any other suitable dedicated processor such as those developed based on for example FPGA and ASIC. Further, the at least one processor 1001 may also include at least one other circuitry or element not shown in FIG. 10.

In various embodiments, the at least one memory 1002 in the example apparatus 1000 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, but not limited to, for example, a RAM, a cache, and so on. The non-volatile memory may include, but not limited to, for example, a ROM, a hard disk, a flash memory, and so on. Further, the at least memory 1002 may include, but are not limited to, an electric, a magnetic, an optical, an electromagnetic, an infrared, or a semiconductor system, apparatus, or device or any combination of the above.

Further, in various embodiments, the example apparatus 1000 may also include at least one other circuitry, element, and interface, for example at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

In various embodiments, the circuitries, parts, elements, and interfaces in the example apparatus 1000, including the at least one processor 1001 and the at least one memory 1002, may be coupled together via any suitable connections including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wiring and/or wireless lines, in any suitable ways, for example electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, and the like.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example apparatus 1100 for LAU in an IAB network, which may be at least a part of an apparatus associated with location management (for example, the apparatus 103 in the above examples) .

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the example apparatus 1100 may include means 1101 for performing the operation 901 of the example method 900, means 1102 for performing the operation 902 of the example method 900, and means 1103 for performing the operation 903 of the example method 900. In one or more another embodiment, at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like may also be included in the example apparatus 1100. In some embodiments, examples of means in the apparatus 1100 may include circuitries. In some embodiments, examples of means may also include software modules and any other suitable function entities. In some embodiments, one or more additional means may be included in the apparatus 1100 for performing one or more additional operations of the example method 900.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example method 1200 for LAU in an embodiment, which may be performed for example in a mobile station (for example, the UE 1s01 in the above examples) .

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the example method 1200 may include an operation 1201 and an operation 1202.

In the operation 1201, the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may receive, from a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management (e.g. the apparatus 102) , information (e.g. the information 105) associated with enablement of a first LAU procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management (e.g. the apparatus 103) for the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) .

In the operation 1202, the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may deactivate a transmission of a location report (e.g. the location report 404) to the first apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) . An example of the operation 1202 may include the operation 107 in the above examples.

In some embodiments, in the example method 1200, the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may further transmit, to the first apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) , capability information (e.g. the capability information 201) which may include information on at least one of whether the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) supports positioning, a type of the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) , and a moving speed of the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) .

In some embodiments, in the example method 1200, the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may further receive, from the first apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) , a capability enquiry message (e.g. the capability enquiry 203) for requesting the capability information (e.g. the capability information 201) .

In some embodiments, in the example method 1200, the information (e.g. the information 105) associated with the enablement of the first LAU procedure may be received by a NAS signaling.

In some embodiments, in the example method 1200, the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may further receive, from the first apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) , information (e.g. the information 402) associated with at least one of disablement of the first LAU procedure and enablement of a second LAU procedure initiated by the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) . Further, in the example method 1200, the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may activate the transmission of the location report (e.g. the location report 404) to the first apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) , example of which may include the operation 403 in the above examples.

In some embodiments, in the example method 1200, the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may further transmit, to the first apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) , information (e.g. the information 501) associated with at least one of disablement of the first LAU procedure and enablement of a second LAU procedure initiated by the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) . Further, in the example method 1200, the mobile station (e.g. the UE 101) may activate the transmission of the location report (e.g. the location report 404) to the first apparatus (e.g. the apparatus 102) , example of which may include the operation 403 in the above examples.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example apparatus 1300 for LAU in an IAB network, which may be at least a part of a mobile station (for example, the UE 101 in the above examples) .

As shown in FIG. 13, the example apparatus 1300 may include at least one processor 1301 and at least one memory 1302 that may include computer program code 1303. The at least one memory 1302 and the computer program code 1303 may be configured to, with the at least one processor 1301, cause the apparatus 1300 at least to perform at least the operations of the example method 1200 described above.

In various embodiments, the at least one processor 1301 in the example apparatus 1300 may include, but not limited to, at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor such as a CPU, a portion of at least one hardware processor, and any other suitable dedicated processor such as those developed based on for example FPGA and ASIC. Further, the at least one processor 1301 may also include at least one other circuitry or element not shown in FIG. 13.

In various embodiments, the at least one memory 1302 in the example apparatus 1300 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, but not limited to, for example, a RAM, a cache, and so on. The non-volatile memory may include, but not limited to, for example, a ROM, a hard disk, a flash memory, and so on. Further, the at least memory 1302 may include, but are not limited to, an electric, a magnetic, an optical, an electromagnetic, an infrared, or a semiconductor system, apparatus, or device or any combination of the above.

Further, in various embodiments, the example apparatus 1300 may also include at least one other circuitry, element, and interface, for example at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

In various embodiments, the circuitries, parts, elements, and interfaces in the example apparatus 1300, including the at least one processor 1301 and the at least one memory 1302, may be coupled together via any suitable connections including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wiring and/or wireless lines, in any suitable ways, for example electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, and the like.

FIG. 14 illustrates another example apparatus 1400 for LAU in an IAB network, which may be at least a part of a mobile station (for example, the UE 101 in the above examples) .

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the example apparatus 1400 may include means 1401 for performing the operation 1201 of the example method 1200 and means 1402 for performing the operation 1202 of the example method 1200. In one or more another embodiment, at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like may also be included in the example apparatus 1400. In some embodiments, examples of means in the apparatus 1400 may include circuitries. In some embodiments, examples of means may also include software modules and any other suitable function entities. In some embodiments, one or more additional means may be included in the apparatus 1400 for performing one or more additional operations of the example method 1200.

Another example embodiment may relate to computer program codes or instructions which may cause an apparatus to perform at least respective methods described above. Another example embodiment may be related to a computer readable medium having such computer program codes or instructions stored thereon. In some embodiments, such a computer readable medium may include at least one storage medium in various forms such as a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, but not limited to, for example, a RAM, a cache, and so on. The non-volatile memory may include, but not limited to, a ROM, a hard disk, a flash memory, and so on. The non-volatile memory may also include, but are not limited to, an electric, a magnetic, an optical, an electromagnetic, an infrared, or a semiconductor system, apparatus, or device or any combination of the above.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise, ” “comprising, ” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to. ” The word “coupled” , as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Likewise, the word “connected” , as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words “herein, ” “above, ” “below, ” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

Moreover, conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can, ” “could, ” “might, ” “may, ” “e.g., ” “for example, ” “such as” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

While some embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the apparatus, methods, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, while blocks are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments may perform similar functionalities with different components and/or circuit topologies, and some blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. At least one of these blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. The order of these blocks may also be changed. Any suitable combination of the elements and acts of the some embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus as a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management to perform:

determining enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for a mobile station;

transmitting, to the mobile station and the second apparatus, information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure; and

activating the first location area update procedure based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from the second apparatus.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform:

receiving, from the mobile station, first capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the first capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.
The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform:

receiving, from the second apparatus, second capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the second capability information comprising information on whether the second apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.
The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the location area update assistance information comprises information on at least one of: at least one cell identity; at least one time of arrival associated with at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the mobile station and the at least one cell; and at least one distance between the mobile station and the at least one cell.
The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first location area update procedure comprises:

determining a serving location area for the mobile station based on the location area update assistance information; and

updating location area information for the mobile station based on the serving location area.
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first location area update procedure further comprises:

adding at least one neighbor location area in the registration area information.
An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus as a first apparatus associated with location management to perform:

receiving, from a second apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a location area update procedure assisted by the first apparatus for a mobile station;

determining location area update assistance information for the mobile station in the location area update procedure; and

transmitting the location area update assistance information to the second apparatus in the location area update procedure.
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform:

transmitting, to the second apparatus, capability information comprising information on whether the first apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.
The apparatus of claim 7 or 8 wherein the location area update assistance information comprises information on at least one of: at least one cell identity; at least one time of arrival associated with at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the mobile station and the at least one cell; and at least one distance between the mobile station and the at least one cell.
The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 9 wherein the determination of the location area update assistance information comprises:

obtaining location measurement information associated with the mobile station and a set of cells;

selecting at least one cell from the set of cells based on the set of location measurement information; and

determining the location area update assistance information based on the at least one cell.
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the location measurement information comprises at least one of: time of arrival information associated with at least one signal between the mobile station and the set of cells; distance information between the mobile station and the set of cells; and quality information associated with at least one channel between the mobile station and the set of cells.
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein at least one of time of arrival information, distance information, and quality information associated with the mobile station and the at least one cell satisfies at least one predetermined condition.
The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 12 wherein the location area update assistance information is transmitted in response to at least one predetermined event.
An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus as a mobile station to perform:

receiving, from a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for the mobile station; and

deactivating a transmission of a location report to the first apparatus.
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform:

transmitting, to the first apparatus, capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.
A method comprising:

determining, at a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management, enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for a mobile station;

transmitting, at the first apparatus and to the mobile station and the second apparatus, information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure; and

activating, at the first apparatus, the first location area update procedure based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from the second apparatus.
The method of claim 16 further comprising:

receiving, at the first apparatus and from the mobile station, first capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the first capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.
The method of claim 16 or 17 further comprising:

receiving, at the first apparatus and from the second apparatus, second capability information for determining the enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the second capability information comprising information on whether the second apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.
The method of any of claims 16 to 18 wherein the location area update assistance information comprises information on at least one of: at least one cell identity; at least one time of arrival associated with at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the mobile station and the at least one cell; and at least one distance between the mobile station and the at least one cell.
The method of any of claims 16 to 19 wherein the first location area update procedure comprises:

determining a serving location area for the mobile station based on the location area update assistance information; and

updating location area information for the mobile station based on the serving location area.
The method of claim 20 wherein the first location area update procedure further comprises:

adding at least one neighbor location area in the registration area information.
A method comprising:

receiving, at a first apparatus associated with location management and from a second apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a location area update procedure assisted by the first apparatus for a mobile station;

determining, at the first apparatus, location area update assistance information for the mobile station in the first location area update procedure; and

transmitting, at the first apparatus, the location area update assistance information to the second apparatus in the location area update procedure.
The method of claim 22 further comprising:

transmitting, at the first apparatus and to the second apparatus, capability information comprising information on whether the first apparatus is able to provide location information of the mobile station.
The method of claim 22 or 23 wherein the location area update assistance information comprises information on at least one of: at least one cell identity; at least one time of arrival associated with at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the mobile station and the at least one cell; and at least one distance between the mobile station and the at least one cell.
The method of any of claims 22 to 24 wherein the determination of the location area update assistance information comprises:

obtaining location measurement information associated with the mobile station and a set of cells;

selecting at least one cell from the set of cells based on the set of location measurement information; and

determining the location area update assistance information based on the at least one cell.
The method of claim 25 wherein the location measurement information comprises at least one of: time of arrival information associated with at least one signal between the mobile station and the set of cells; distance information between the mobile station and the set of cells; and quality information associated with at least one channel between the mobile station and the set of cells.
The method of claim 26 wherein at least one of time of arrival information, distance information, and quality information associated with the mobile station and the at least one cell satisfies at least one predetermined condition.
The method of any of claims 22 to 27 wherein the location area update assistance information is transmitted in response to at least one predetermined event.
A method comprising:

receiving, at a mobile station and from a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for the mobile station; and

deactivating, at the mobile station, a transmission of a location report to the first apparatus.
The method of claim 29 further comprising:

transmitting, at the mobile station and to the first apparatus, capability information comprising information on at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a moving speed of the mobile station.
An apparatus as a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management, comprising:

means for determining enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for a mobile station;

means for transmitting, to the mobile station and the second apparatus, information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure; and

means for activating the first location area update procedure based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from the second apparatus.
An apparatus as a first apparatus associated with location management, comprising:

means for receiving, from a second apparatus associated with an access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a location area update procedure assisted by the first apparatus for a mobile station;

means for determining location area update assistance information for the mobile station in the location area update procedure; and

means for transmitting the location area update assistance information to the second apparatus in the location area update procedure.
An apparatus as a mobile station comprising:

means for receiving, from a first apparatus associated with an access and mobility management, information associated with enablement of a first location area update procedure assisted by a second apparatus associated with a location management for the mobile station; and

means for deactivating a transmission of a location report to the first apparatus.
A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus as a first apparatus associated with access and mobility management to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 21.
A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus as a first apparatus associated with location management to perform the method of any one of claims 22 to 28.
A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus as a mobile station to perform the method of any one of claims 29 to 30.