WO2021128103A1

WO2021128103A1 - Location request processing method, device, and system

Info

Publication number: WO2021128103A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/128472
Authority: WO
Inventors: 周润泽; 杨明月; 陈中平
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2019-12-25
Filing date: 2019-12-25
Publication date: 2021-07-01
Also published as: CN114731608A

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a location request processing method, device, and system, capable of reducing delays of an access network device in returning location information of a terminal device. The method comprises: a first access network device receiving a first location request message from a first core network device, wherein the first location request message comprises an identifier of a first terminal device and an notification address of a first device, and the first device is a client requesting location information of the first terminal device; and the first access network device acquiring the location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device, and sending the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address.

Description

Positioning request processing method, equipment and system

Technical field

This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to methods, equipment and systems for processing positioning requests.

Background technique

The location service (LCS) is a service that provides the location information of the terminal device to the outside in the mobile communication network. The location requester (LCS client) can send a location request to the mobile communication network through the LCS to obtain the location information of the terminal device.

In the 5th generation (5G) network, the location management function (LMF) network element calculates the location of the terminal device, and finally returns the location information of the terminal device to the positioning requester through the 5G network. Among them, when the LMF network element performs a position calculation process, it needs to interact with the access network device and the terminal device multiple times to obtain information used for the position calculation.

However, because the LMF network elements are deployed in the core network of the 5G network and belong to the core network equipment, and the coverage area of the core network equipment is relatively large, 5G network operators usually only deploy a small number of LMF network elements. Therefore, at the same time, if the 5G network receives more positioning requests, the LMF network element needs to communicate with more access network equipment and terminal equipment, which will increase the burden on the LMF network element and cause the response to slow down. The location information feedback of the terminal equipment is not timely and other problems.

Based on this, in the 5G standard discussion, a solution was proposed to integrate the location calculation function into the access network equipment. In this solution, the gateway mobile location center (GMLC) receives the location request of the positioning requester , And send it to the access network device for location calculation. After the calculation is completed, the access network device sends the location information to the GMLC through the 5G network, and then the GMLC returns it to the positioning requester.

In this solution, although the problem of too concentrated position calculation is avoided, the time delay for returning position information is too long, and the positioning response time is too long. For terminal devices with faster moving speeds, the position information is important to the positioning demander. May lose accuracy. Therefore, how to reduce the time delay when returning the location information is a problem to be solved urgently at present.

Summary of the invention

The embodiments of the present application provide a positioning request processing method, device, and system, which can reduce the time delay when an access network device returns location information.

In order to achieve the foregoing objectives, the following technical solutions are adopted in the embodiments of the present application:

In the first aspect, a method for processing a positioning request is provided. The method includes: a first access network device receives a first location request message from a first core network device, the first location request message includes an identifier of the first terminal device and a notification address of the first device, and the first device is The requester of the location information of the first terminal device; the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the identification of the first terminal device, and sends the location of the first terminal device according to the notification address information.

Based on the positioning request processing method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the return address of the location information is included in the positioning request message, which can optimize the path when the location information is returned, and reduce the number of intermediate forwarding network elements when returning the location information, so that the first connection The network access device directly returns the location information of the first terminal device to the original requester of the location information, thereby reducing the time delay when the access network device returns the location information.

In a possible design, the first location request message further includes the identification of the first device; the method further includes: the first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device, and the location event information The identification of the first device is included, and the positioning event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first device. Based on this solution, since the first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device, the first core network device can generate a billing bill for the first device based on the location event information, and then complete subsequent calculations. Fee processing.

In a possible design, the first location request message further includes the identification of the first application server; the method further includes: the first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device, and the location event The information is used to generate a billing bill of the first application server, the location event information includes the identification of the first application server, and the first application server is a server that requests the location information of the first terminal device instead of the first device . Based on this solution, the first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device, so that the first core network device can generate a billing bill of the first application server according to the location event information, and then complete subsequent steps. Billing processing.

In a possible design, the positioning event information further includes one or more of the following: quantity information, the identification of the first terminal device, the device type or identification of the first access network device, and the first access network device. The method used by the network device to obtain the location information of the first terminal device, where the quantity information is used to indicate the number of times the first access network device successfully provides the location service. Based on this solution, because the positioning event information also includes quantity information, the identification of the first terminal device, the device type or identification of the first access network device, and the information used when the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device One or more of the methods can make the generated billing bill of the first device or the first application server more detailed, thereby achieving more fine-grained billing.

In a possible design, the method further includes: the first access network device receives a location event request message from the first core network device, where the location event request message is used to request the location event information. Based on this solution, the first core network device can generate a billing bill of the first device or the first application server according to the positioning request information, thereby completing subsequent billing processing.

In a possible design, the first access network device sending the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address includes: the first access network device uses the access network opening function according to the notification address The network element sends the location information of the first terminal device. Based on this solution, the first access network device can be made invisible to the first device, and the privacy of the first access network device can be protected, so that the first access network device can safely return the information of the first terminal device to the first device. The location information can also reduce intermediate forwarding network elements, thereby reducing the delay of returning location information.

In a possible design, the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device, including: the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the identification of the first terminal device. ID, calculate the location information of the first terminal device; or, the first access network device sends a first message to the second core network device, the first message includes the ID of the first terminal device, and the first message uses Requesting the location information of the first terminal device, and receiving the location information of the first terminal device from the second core network device.

In the second aspect, a method for processing a positioning request is provided. The method includes: a first core network device receives a second positioning request message, the second positioning request message including an identifier of the first terminal device, a notification address of the first device, and first information, wherein the first device is the The requester of the location information of the first terminal device; the first core network device determines that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the first information, and sends the information to the first core network device The first access network device sends a first positioning request message, where the first positioning request message includes the identifier of the first terminal device and the notification address. Among them, the technical effects brought about by the second aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

In a possible design, the first information includes one or more of the following: positioning accuracy information, location information of the first device, or information used to indicate a low-latency response. Based on this solution, the first core network device can determine that the first access network device acquires the location information of the first terminal device, so that the first access network device can directly return the location information to the first device, reducing intermediate networks. Meta forwarding, thereby reducing the time delay of returning location information.

In a possible design, the first information is the positioning accuracy information; the first core network device determines that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the first information, including: When the accuracy value indicated by the positioning accuracy information is less than or equal to the first threshold, the first core network device determines that the first access network device acquires the location information of the first terminal device. Based on this solution, when the positioning accuracy requirements are high, the first access network device can obtain the location information of the terminal device, so that the first access network device can directly return the location information to the first device, reducing intermediate network elements To reduce the time delay of returning location information.

In a possible design, the first information is the location information of the first device; the first core network device determines that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the first information , Including: when the first difference is less than or equal to the second difference, the first core network device determines that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device, where the first difference is The difference between the location indicated by the location information of the first device and the location of the first access network device, and the second difference is the location indicated by the location information of the first device and the location of the second core network device The difference between. Based on this solution, when the first difference is less than or equal to the second difference, it can be considered that the distance between the first access network device and the first device is relatively close, and the first core network device obtains the information of the first terminal device. After the location information, the location information of the first terminal device can be returned to the first device in time, thereby reducing the time delay for returning the location information.

In a possible design, the first core network device determines that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the first information, including: when the first information is the indication When responding to information with a low latency, the first core network device determines that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device. Based on this solution, when the first device requires a low-latency response, the first access network device can obtain the location information of the terminal device, so that the first access network device can directly return the location information to the first device, reducing The intermediate network element forwards, thereby reducing the time delay of returning location information.

In a possible design, the first core network device receiving the second location request message includes: the first core network device receives the second location request message from the first device; or, the first core network device The device receives the second location request message from the first application server, where the first application server is a server that requests the location information of the first terminal device instead of the first device.

In a possible design, when the first core network device receives the second positioning request message from the first device, the first positioning request message further includes the identification of the first device; the method further includes: The first core network device receives positioning event information from the first access network device, the positioning event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first device, and the positioning event information includes the identification of the first device; the The first core network device generates a billing bill of the first device according to the positioning event information. Based on this solution, since the first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device, the first core network device can generate a billing bill for the first device based on the location event information, and then complete subsequent calculations. Fee processing.

In a possible design, when the first core network device receives the second positioning request message from the first application server, the first positioning request message further includes the identification of the first application server; the method further includes : The first core network device receives location event information from the first access network device, the location event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first application server, and the location event information includes the location event information of the first application server Identification; the first core network device generates a billing bill of the first application server according to the positioning event information. Based on this solution, the first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device, so that the first core network device can generate a billing bill of the first application server according to the location event information, and then complete subsequent steps. Billing processing.

In a possible design, the positioning event information further includes one or more of the following: quantity information, the identification of the first terminal device, the device type or identification of the first access network device, and the first access network device. The positioning method used when the network device determines the location information of the first terminal device, and the quantity information is used to indicate the number of times the first access network device successfully provides the positioning service. Based on this solution, because the positioning event information also includes quantity information, the identification of the first terminal device, the device type or identification of the first access network device, and the information used when the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device One or more of the methods can make the generated billing bill of the first device or the first application server more detailed, thereby achieving more fine-grained billing.

In a possible design, the method further includes: the first core network device sends a location event request message to the first access network device, where the location event request message is used to request the location event information.

In a third aspect, a first access network device is provided, and the first access network device has the function of implementing the method described in the first aspect. This function can be realized by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

In a fourth aspect, a first access network device is provided, including: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer execution instructions, and when the first access network device is running, the processor executes the The computer executes instructions to make the first access network device execute the positioning request processing method according to any one of the foregoing first aspects.

In a fifth aspect, a first access network device is provided, including: a processor; the processor is configured to couple with a memory, and after reading an instruction in the memory, execute any of the instructions in the first aspect according to the instruction. The positioning request processing method described in one item.

In a sixth aspect, a first access network device is provided, including: a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit may be a code/data read-write interface circuit, and the interface circuit is used to receive a computer-executed instruction (the computer-executed instruction is stored in In the memory, it may be directly read from the memory, or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmitted to the processor; the processor is used to run the computer execution instructions to execute the positioning request processing method described in any one of the above-mentioned first aspects .

In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when run on a computer, enable the computer to execute the positioning request described in any one of the above-mentioned first aspects. Approach.

In an eighth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the positioning request processing method described in any one of the above-mentioned first aspects.

In a ninth aspect, an apparatus (for example, the apparatus may be a chip system) is provided, and the apparatus includes a processor for supporting a first access network device to implement the functions involved in the above-mentioned first aspect. In a possible design, the device further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the first access network device. When the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips, or include chips and other discrete devices.

Among them, the technical effects brought about by any one of the design methods of the third aspect to the ninth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the different design methods in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

In a tenth aspect, a first core network device is provided, and the first core network device has the function of implementing the method described in the second aspect. This function can be realized by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

In an eleventh aspect, a first core network device is provided, including: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer execution instructions, and when the first core network device is running, the processor executes the The computer executes the instructions so that the first core network device executes the positioning request processing method according to any one of the above-mentioned second aspects.

In a twelfth aspect, a first core network device is provided, including: a processor; the processor is configured to couple with a memory, and after reading an instruction in the memory, execute any of the above-mentioned second aspect according to the instruction. The positioning request processing method described in one item.

In a thirteenth aspect, a first core network device is provided, including: a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit may be a code/data read-write interface circuit, and the interface circuit is used to receive computer-executed instructions (computer-executed instructions are stored in In the memory, it may be directly read from the memory, or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmitted to the processor; the processor is used to run the computer execution instructions to execute the positioning request processing method described in any one of the above-mentioned second aspects .

In a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when run on a computer, enable the computer to execute the positioning described in any one of the second aspects above. Request processing method.

In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the positioning request processing method described in any one of the second aspects.

In a sixteenth aspect, an apparatus (for example, the apparatus may be a chip system) is provided, and the apparatus includes a processor for supporting a first core network device to implement the functions involved in the above second aspect. In a possible design, the device further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data of the first core network device. When the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips, or include chips and other discrete devices.

Among them, the technical effects brought by any one of the design methods of the tenth aspect to the sixteenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the different design methods in the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

In a seventeenth aspect, a communication system is provided, and the communication system includes a first access network device and a first core network device. The first access network device is used to perform the steps in the first aspect described above, or the steps performed by the first access network device in the solution provided in the embodiments of this application; the first core network device is used to perform the steps in the second aspect described above , Or the steps executed by the first core network device in the solution provided in the embodiment of the present application.

In a possible design, the communication system may also include other devices that interact with the first access network device or the first core network device in the solution provided in the embodiments of the present application, such as the first device or the first application server. Etc., the embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this.

These and other aspects of the application will be more concise and understandable in the description of the following embodiments.

Description of the drawings

FIG. 1a is a first structural diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of the communication system provided by an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 1c is a third structural diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 1d is a fourth structural diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the application of the communication system provided by an embodiment of the application in a 5G network;

3 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 4 is a first flowchart of a method for processing a positioning request according to an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 5 is a second schematic flowchart of a positioning request processing method provided by an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 6 is a third flowchart of a method for processing a positioning request according to an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 7 is a fourth flowchart of a method for processing a positioning request according to an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a first access network device provided by an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a first core network device provided by an embodiment of the application.

Detailed ways

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Among them, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "/" means that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship, for example, A/B can mean A or B; in this application, "and/or "It's just an association relationship that describes associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and/or B, which can mean: A alone exists, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A , B can be singular or plural. Also, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more than two. "The following at least one item (a)" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item (a) or a plurality of items (a). For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple . In addition, in order to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish the same or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and order of execution, and words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the difference.

In addition, the positioning request processing method provided in the embodiments of the present application is applicable to various system architectures. The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will know that with the network With the evolution of the architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

As shown in FIG. 1a, a communication system 10 provided by an embodiment of this application, the communication system 10 includes a first access network device 101 and a first core network device 102.

Among them, the first access network device 101 and the first core network device 102 may communicate directly, or communicate through the forwarding of other devices, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application. In the embodiments of this application:

The first access network device 101 is configured to receive a first positioning request message from the first core network device 102, where the first positioning request message includes the identification of the first terminal device and the notification address of the first device, and the first device It is the demander of the location information of the first terminal device.

The first access network device 101 is further configured to obtain the location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device, and send the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address.

The first core network device 102 is configured to receive a second positioning request message, where the second positioning request message includes the identifier of the first terminal device, the notification address of the first device, and the first information.

The first core network device 102 is further configured to determine, according to the first information, that the first access network device 101 obtains the location information of the first terminal device, and send a first positioning request message to the first access network device, the The first positioning request message includes the identification of the first terminal device and the notification address.

In the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the second positioning request message, the first core network device may determine that the first access network device obtains the location of the first terminal device according to the first information in the second positioning request message Information, and send a first positioning request message to the first access network device, and the first positioning request message carries the notification address and the identifier of the first terminal device. After receiving the first positioning request message, the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device, and sends the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address. Based on the communication system provided by the embodiments of the present application, the path when the location information is returned is optimized, the intermediate forwarding network elements are reduced when the location information is returned, and the first access network device can directly return the location information of the first terminal device to The demand side of the location information, thereby reducing the time delay when the access network device returns the location information.

Optionally, the above-mentioned first access network device 101 is a device that provides a wireless communication function for a terminal device. The access network device 101 includes, but is not limited to, for example, the next generation base station (gnodeB, gNB) in 5G, evolved node B (evolved node B, eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B ( node B, NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved nodeB, or home node B, HNB) baseband unit (baseBand unit, BBU), transmission point (transmitting and receiving point, TRP), transmission point (transmitting point, TP), mobile switching center, etc.

Optionally, the above-mentioned first core network device 102, in addition to the above-mentioned functions, can also be used for mobility management in the mobile network, such as user location update, user registration network, user handover, etc. At this time, correspondingly, in 5G In the communication system, the network element or entity corresponding to the first core network device 102 may be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element in the 5G network architecture, and Namf is provided by the AMF network element Based on the service interface, AMF network elements can communicate with other network functions through Namf. In future communications such as the 6th generation (6G) system, the first core network device 102 can still be an AMF network element, or The first core network device 102 has other names, which are not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

Alternatively, the aforementioned first core network device 102 can be used to authenticate messages in addition to the aforementioned functions. Correspondingly, in a 5G communication system, the network element or entity corresponding to the first core network device 102 can be 5G In the gateway mobile location center (GMLC) in the network architecture, in future communications such as 6G systems, the first core network device 102 can still be GMLC, or the first core network device 102 has other names. This application implements The example does not limit this.

Alternatively, the above-mentioned first core network device 102 may have the functions of other core network devices in addition to the above-mentioned functions. Accordingly, in a 5G communication system, the corresponding network element or entity corresponding to the first core network device 102 may be The core network elements other than AMF network elements or GMLC in the 5G network architecture.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1b, the communication system 10 provided in this embodiment of the present application may further include a first device 103, which is a demander of the location information of the first terminal device, and the first device 103 may Directly communicate with the network function in the mobile communication network where the first core network device 102 is located. In this scenario, the type of the first device 103 may be, for example, an application server.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1c, based on the communication system shown in FIG. 1b, the communication system 10 provided in this embodiment of the present application may further include a first application server 104. In this scenario, the first application server 104 may be connected to the first application server 104. The network function in the mobile communication network where the core network device 102 is located directly communicates, and the first device 103 communicates with the network function in the mobile communication network through the first application server 104. At this time, the first application server 104 can be understood as Instead of the server for the first device 103 to request the location information of the first terminal device, the type of the first device 103 may be, for example, a terminal device, or a core network device, or an access network device, or a party application server. The specific type of a device is not limited.

It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "replacement" can also be understood as "onbehalf of", and the two can be replaced with each other. Correspondingly, "the first application server replaces the first device to request the first terminal device The "location information of "" can also be understood as "the first application server requests the location information of the first terminal device on behalf of the first device", and the two can be replaced with each other, and the description is unified here, and the following embodiments will not be repeated.

Optionally, the above-mentioned first device 103 or first application server 104 can be used to request the location information of the terminal device from the mobile communication network. The first device 103 or first application server 104 supports the Le interface and can communicate with the mobile via the Le interface. The network function communication in the communication network. In addition, the first device 103 or the first application server 104 is also used to provide application layer information to the 3GPP network. In a 5G communication system, the first device 103 or the first application server 104 may be an application function (AF) network element (for example, the first device 103 is AF1, and the first application server 104 is AF2). Naf is The service-based interface provided by the AF network element. The AF network element can communicate with other network functions through Naf. In future communications such as 6G communication systems, the first device 103 or the first application server 104 can still be the AF network element, or There are other names, which are not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

As shown in Fig. 1d, another possible communication system 20 provided by this embodiment of the present application may include the first access network device 101 and the first core in Fig. 1a or Fig. 1b or Fig. 1c. In addition to the network device 102, the first device 103, and the first application server 104, it may also include a first terminal device 201, a second core network device 202, a data management network element 203, a gateway mobile location center 204, and a location storage network element 205 , Access network network open function network element 206. among them:

The first terminal device 201 is a device with wireless transceiver function, which can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on the water (such as ships, etc.); it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes). , Balloons and satellites etc.). The first terminal device 201 may be a mobile phone (mobile phone), a tablet computer (pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, and an industrial control (industrial control) terminal. Wireless terminal in control), wireless terminal in self-driving (self-driving), wireless terminal in remote medical (remote medical), wireless terminal in smart grid (smart grid), wireless terminal in transportation safety (transportation safety) Terminals, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

The second core network device 202 may be used to obtain the location information of the terminal device and return the location information to the relevant network element. In a 5G communication system, the network element or entity corresponding to the second core network device 202 may be a location management function (LMF) network element in the 5G network architecture. In future communications such as 6G communication systems, the second The core network device 202 may still be an LMF network element, or the second core network device 202 has another name, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

The data management network element 203 is used to store user data, such as subscription information, authentication/authorization information, and so on. In 5G communication systems, data management network elements can be unified data management (UDM) network elements, where Nudm is a service-based interface provided by UDM network elements, and UDM network elements can communicate with other network functions through Nudm . In future communications such as a 6G communication system, the data management network element 203 may still be a UDM network element or have other names, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

The gateway mobile location center 204 can be used to receive a positioning request from the first application server 104, authenticate the positioning request, and send the positioning request to the first core network device 102 after the authentication is passed. In the 5G communication system, the gateway mobile The network element or entity corresponding to the location center 204 can be the GMLC in the 5G network architecture. In future communications such as 6G communication systems, the gateway mobile location center 204 can still be GMLC, or the gateway mobile location center 204 has other names. This application The embodiment does not specifically limit this.

The location storage network element 205 is used to store location information and provide the location information to the required network element, and can communicate with the first application server 104 through the Le interface. In a 5G communication system, the network element or entity corresponding to the location storage network element 205 can be a location retrieval function (LRF) network element in the 5G network architecture. In future communications such as 6G communication systems, the location storage network The element 205 may still be an LRF network element, or the location storage network element 205 has other names, which are not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

The access network open function network element 206 mainly provides services that enable the access network to safely provide the first device 103 with the location information of the terminal device, protect the privacy of the access network device, and make the access network device to the first device It is not visible at 103 that the access network device and the third-party device can communicate through the forwarding of the access network network open function network element 206. In a 5G communication system, the access network network opening function network element 206 may be a radio access network-network exposure function (RAN-NEF) network element. In the future communication system such as 6G communication system, the network element 206 may be a radio access network-network exposure function (RAN-NEF) network element. The access network opening function network element 206 may still be a RAN-NEF network element or have other names, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, taking a 5G communication system as an example, a specific possible network architecture diagram applicable to the embodiments of this application includes the above-mentioned first terminal device, gNB, AMF network element, AF1 network element, and AF2 network. Element, LMF network element, UDM network element, GMLC, LRF network element and RAN-NEF network element.

Among them, the N1 interface in Figure 2 is the reference point between the first terminal device and the AMF network element; the N2 interface is the reference point between the gNB and AMF network elements, and is used for non-access stratum (NAS) messages And next generation application protocol (NGAP) message sending, etc.; NLs is the reference point between LMF network elements and AMF network elements; NLh is the reference point between UDM network elements and GMLC; NLg is the AMF network The reference point between the element and the GMLC, Le is the reference point between the AF2 network element and the GMLC, or Le is the reference point between the AF2 network element and the LRF network element.

In addition, the network architecture shown in Figure 2 may also include session management function (SMF) network elements, user plane function (UPF) network elements, and authentication server function (authentication server function, AUSF) network elements. Element, network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, network exposure function (Repository Function, NRF) network element, or policy control function (PCF) network element, etc. (Figure 2 Not shown in), the embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this.

It is understandable that the above-mentioned network elements or functions may be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). The above-mentioned network elements or functions can be divided into one or more services, and further, there may be services independent of network functions. In this application, an instance of the above-mentioned function, an instance of a service included in the above-mentioned function, or an instance of a service that exists independently of the network function may be referred to as a service instance.

For example, the aforementioned network elements or functions can be implemented by the communication device in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the application. The communication device 300 includes a processor 301, a communication line 302, and at least one communication interface (in FIG. 3 only the communication interface 304 is included as an example for illustration), and optionally may also include a memory 303.

The processor 301 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (central processing unit, CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more programs for controlling the execution of the program of this application. integrated circuit.

The communication line 302 may include a path to transmit information between the aforementioned components.

The communication interface 304 uses any device such as a transceiver to communicate with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. .

The memory 303 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), or other types that can store information and instructions The dynamic storage device can also be electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, optical disc storage (Including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or can be used to carry or store desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be used by a computer Any other media accessed, but not limited to this. The memory may exist independently, and is connected to the processor through the communication line 302. The memory can also be integrated with the processor.

The memory 303 is used to store computer-executed instructions for executing the solution of the application, and the processor 301 controls the execution. The processor 301 is configured to execute computer execution instructions stored in the memory 303, so as to implement the positioning request processing method provided in the following embodiments of the present application.

Optionally, the computer-executed instructions in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as application program codes, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 301 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG. 3.

In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 300 may include multiple processors, such as the processor 301 and the processor 308 in FIG. 3. Each of these processors can be a single-CPU (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. The processor here may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing cores for processing data (for example, computer program instructions).

In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 300 may further include an output device 305 and an input device 306. The output device 305 communicates with the processor 301 and can display information in a variety of ways. For example, the output device 305 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector (projector) Wait. The input device 306 communicates with the processor 301 and can receive user input in a variety of ways. For example, the input device 306 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, a sensor device, or the like.

The aforementioned communication device 300 may be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. In a specific implementation, the communication device 300 may be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a network server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal device, an embedded device, or a similar structure in Figure 3 equipment. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the communication device 300.

In the following, the positioning request processing method provided by the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1a to 3.

It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the 5G network architecture shown in FIG. 2, and can also be applied to other future communication systems, such as 6G network architectures. In addition, the names of the various network elements used in the embodiments of the present application may remain the same in function in the future communication system, but the names will be changed.

First, take the communication system shown in FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b or FIG. 1c or FIG. 1d as an example. As shown in FIG. 4, a positioning request processing method provided by an embodiment of this application includes the following steps :

S401: The first device or the first application server sends a positioning request message 1 to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the positioning request message 1.

It should be noted that when the first device can directly communicate with the network function of the mobile communication system, for example, in the communication system as shown in FIG. 1b, this step S401 may be that the first device sends the location to the first core network device. The request message 1, correspondingly, that the first core network device receives the positioning request message 1, includes: the first core network device receives the positioning request message 1 from the first device.

When the first device cannot directly communicate with the network function of the mobile communication system, for example, in the communication system shown in FIG. 1c, this step S401 may be that the first application server sends a positioning request message 1 to the first core network device. Correspondingly, receiving the positioning request message 1 by the first core network device includes: the first core network device receiving the positioning request message 1 from the first application server.

Wherein, the positioning request message 1 includes the identification of the first terminal device, the notification address of the first device, and the first information.

Optionally, the first terminal device may be understood as a positioning object, and the identifier of the first terminal device may be the user permanent identifier (SUPI) of the first terminal device, or may also be a generic public subscription identifier (generic public subscription). identifier, GPSI), or may also be the internet protocol (IP) address of the first terminal device.

The first device is a demander of the location information of the first terminal device, and the notification address may be, for example, the IP address of the first device.

Wherein, when the first application server sends the positioning request message 1 to the first core network device, the first application server may be understood as a server that requests the location information of the first terminal device instead of the first device.

Optionally, when the first application server requests the location information of the first terminal device instead of the first device, as shown in FIG. 5, before step S401, the positioning request processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include step S400: The first device sends a positioning request message 0 to the first application server. The positioning request message 0 may be used to request the application server to replace the first device to request the location information of the first terminal device from the mobile communication network (such as a 5G network). Correspondingly, The application server receives the positioning request message 0 from the first device and executes step S401; or, the first application server may also execute step S401 when detecting that the first device needs to know the location information of the first terminal device; or, The first application server may also perform step S401 in other scenarios, instead of the first device requesting the location information of the first terminal device, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

The first information is used to determine that the access network device or the second core network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device. Optionally, the first information may include one or more of the following: positioning accuracy information, location information of the first device, or information used to indicate a low-latency response.

Optionally, the positioning accuracy information indicates the accuracy requirements of the first device for the location information of the first terminal device. For example, when the positioning accuracy information is 1 meter, it indicates the location information indication of the first terminal device that the first device requires to return The Euclidean distance between the location of the first terminal device and the actual location of the first terminal device is less than or equal to 1 meter; when the positioning accuracy information is 10 meters, it means that the location indicated by the location information of the first terminal device that the first device requires to return is equal to or less than 1 meter. The Euclidean distance between the actual locations of the first terminal device is less than or equal to 10 meters.

Optionally, the location information of the first device indicates the location of the first device, which may be the geographic location of the first device in a certain location system (for example, the Global Positioning System (GPS) or Beidou satellite system) Coordinates; or, it can also be the location of the first device in the mobile communication network, for example, a cell identifier (cell identifier) or a tracking area identifier (tracking area identifier, TAI), etc.

Optionally, the information used to indicate a low-latency response indicates that the first device requires that the location information of the first terminal device be obtained as soon as possible. For example, when the location information of the first terminal device is used in a service with a higher delay requirement, A device may request to obtain the location information of the first terminal device as soon as possible, so that information for indicating a low-latency response may be carried in the positioning request message 1, so as to meet the delay requirement of the service.

Optionally, the first device or the first application server may directly communicate with the first core network device, and send the positioning request message 1 to the first core network device without being forwarded by other devices (for example, other core network devices). After receiving the positioning request message 1, the core network device can authenticate the positioning request message 1, decide whether to accept the positioning request message 1, and perform subsequent processing after the authentication succeeds.

Or, optionally, the first device or the first application server may also send the positioning request message 1 to the first core network device through the forwarding of other devices (for example, other core network devices), for example, the first core network device is AMF When it is a network element, the first device or the first application server may first send a positioning request message 1 to the GMLC, and the GMLC will authenticate the positioning request message 1 and decide whether to accept the positioning request message 1. When the GMLC authentication succeeds, the positioning request message 1 is authorized, and the positioning request message 1 is forwarded to the AMF network element.

It should be noted that the positioning request message 1 in the embodiment of the present application can also be referred to as the second positioning request message, and the two can be replaced with each other. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this, and it is uniformly explained here. The following implementations I won't repeat it in the example.

S402: The first core network device determines that the first access network device acquires the location information of the first terminal device.

The first core network device may determine, according to the first information in the positioning request message 1, that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device.

Optionally, when the first information is different, the first core network device determines that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the first information in a different manner. For example, the following may exist: three situations:

Case 1: The first information is positioning accuracy information.

Correspondingly, the first core network device determining that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the first information may include: when the accuracy value indicated by the positioning accuracy information is less than or equal to the first threshold, The first core network device determines that the first access network device acquires the location information of the first terminal device.

It is understandable that when the accuracy value indicated by the positioning accuracy information is less than the first threshold value, it can be considered that the accuracy requirement of the position information of the first terminal device that the first device requires to return is relatively high. The network device can achieve high-precision positioning as an example. When the accuracy value indicated by the positioning accuracy information is less than or equal to the first threshold, the first core network device may determine that the first access network device obtains the information of the first terminal device. location information.

Case 2: The first information is location information of the first device.

Correspondingly, the first core network device determines that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the first information, which may include: when the first difference is less than or equal to the second difference, the first core The network device determines that the first access network device acquires the location information of the first terminal device.

Wherein, the first difference is the difference between the location indicated by the location information of the first device and the location of the first access network device, and the second difference is the difference between the location indicated by the location information of the first device and the second core network The difference between the location of the device.

It is understandable that when the first difference is less than or equal to the second difference, it can be considered that the distance between the first access network device and the first device is relatively close, and the first core network device acquires the first terminal device After the location information, the location information of the first terminal device can be returned to the first device in time. Therefore, when the first difference is less than or equal to the second difference, the first core network device can determine that the first access network device Obtain the location information of the first terminal device.

Case 3: When the first information is information for indicating a low-latency response, the first core network device determines that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device.

It is understandable that when the first information is information indicating a low-latency response, it means that the first device requires that the location information of the first terminal device be obtained as soon as possible. Therefore, the first core network device determines that the first access network Obtaining the location information of the first terminal device by the device can reduce the time delay caused by the slow response of the second core network device due to the overload of the second core network device.

It is understandable that the first core network device may determine that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device when the conditions described in any one of the above three situations are met, or it may be in the above three situations. When the conditions obtained by any combination of situations in any of the cases are met, it is determined that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device. For example, the first core network device may determine that the conditions obtained by the combination of Case 1 and Case 2 are satisfied. The first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device.

S403: The first core network device sends a positioning request message 2 to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the positioning request message 2 from the first core network device.

Wherein, the positioning request message 2 includes the identification of the first terminal device and the notification address of the device corresponding to the location information of the first terminal device.

It should be noted that the positioning request message 2 in the embodiment of the present application can also be called the first positioning request message, and the two can be replaced with each other. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this, and it is uniformly explained here. The following implementation I won't repeat it in the example.

S404: The first access network device obtains location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device.

Optionally, the first access network device may obtain the location information of the first terminal device in multiple ways, including:

In a possible implementation manner, the first access network device may obtain information used for location calculation and calculate the location information of the first terminal device. The embodiment of the present application calculates the location information of the first terminal device for the first access network device. The method used for location information is not specifically limited.

In another possible implementation manner, the first access network device may receive the location information of the first terminal device from a second core network device, and the second core network device may be, for example, an LMF network element.

Optionally, in this implementation manner, the first access network device may send a first message to the second core network device, and the first message carries the identification of the first terminal device to request the second core network device for the Location information of the first terminal device. Correspondingly, after receiving the first message, the second core network device may return the location information of the first terminal device to the first access network device.

Optionally, in this implementation manner, the location information returned by the second core network device to the first access network device may be calculated by the second core network device after receiving the first message from the first access network device Or it can be stored in the second core network device. At this time, it can be considered that the location of the first terminal device at the current moment is relative to the location of the first terminal device when the second core network device last stored the location information. Variety.

S405. The first access network device sends the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner, the first access network device sends the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address, which can be understood as the first access network device sending to the first device corresponding to the notification address The location information of the first terminal device, where the first access network device can directly communicate with the first device, that is, the location information of the first terminal device sent by the first access network device does not need to be forwarded by other devices, and can be directly Reach the first device.

In another possible implementation manner, as shown in FIG. 5, the first access network device sending the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address may include: the first access network device sends the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address through the connection The access network open function network element sends the location information of the first terminal device. For example, the first access network device sends a second message to the access network network open function network element, and the second message includes the location information of the first terminal device. And the notification address. After receiving the second message, the access network network opening function network element sends the location information of the first terminal device to the first device corresponding to the notification address, that is, the first access network device and The first devices communicate with each other through the forwarding of the network open function network element of the access network.

In this implementation manner, the first access network device can be made invisible to the first device, and the privacy of the first access network device can be protected, so that the first access network device can safely return the first terminal to the first device. The location information of the device can also reduce intermediate forwarding network elements, thereby reducing the delay in returning location information.

Optionally, in an implementation scenario of the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 6, the positioning request processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes:

S406: The first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the positioning event information from the first access network device.

Wherein, when the first device sends a positioning request message 1 to the first core network device in step S401, the positioning event information is used to generate a charging data record (CDR) of the first device, and the positioning The event information includes the identification of the first device. Optionally, the identifier of the first device may be carried in the positioning request message 1 in step S401, and then carried in the positioning request message 2 by the first core network device and sent to the first access network device.

When the first application server sends the positioning request message 1 to the first core network device in step S401, the positioning event information is used to generate the CDR of the first application server, and the positioning event information includes the identification of the first application server. Optionally, the identity of the first application server may be carried in the positioning request message 1 in step S401, and then carried in the positioning request message 2 by the first core network device and sent to the first access network device.

It is understandable that when the first application server sends the positioning request message 1 to the first core network device, even if the first device is the requester of the location information of the first terminal device, it will eventually request the first terminal device from the mobile communication network. The device for the location information of the terminal device is the first application server, and the operator of the mobile communication network usually charges a fee for the device that directly requests the location information of the terminal device, so that the billing call of the first application server can be generated in the embodiment of this application. single.

Based on this, because the first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device, the first core network device can generate a billing bill of the first device or the first application server according to the location event information, and then Complete the subsequent billing processing.

Optionally, the first access network device may send positioning event information to the first core network device in multiple situations, including:

In a possible implementation manner, the first access network device may successfully obtain the location information of the first terminal device and return it to the requester of the location information of the first terminal device, and then send it to the first core network. The device sends the positioning event information once. At this time, the number of times the first access network device sends the positioning event information in a period of time is the number of times the first access network device successfully provides the positioning service in the period of time.

In another possible implementation manner, the first access network device may successfully obtain the location information of the first terminal device N times and return it to the requester of the location information of the first terminal device, and then send it to the first core The network device sends positioning event information once, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. At this time, the positioning event information may include quantity information in addition to the identification of the first device or the first application server, and the quantity information may be N is used to indicate the number of times N that the first access network device successfully provides location services.

In yet another possible implementation manner, the first core network device may send a positioning event request message to the first access network device. The positioning event request message is used to request positioning event information. Optionally, the positioning event request message It may include the identification of the first device or the first application server. After receiving the location event request message from the first core network device, the first access network device responds to the location request message, that is, can send location event information to the first core network device.

Optionally, the aforementioned positioning event information may also include one or more of the following: the aforementioned quantity information, the identification of the first terminal device, the device type or identification of the first access network device, and the first access network device acquiring the first The method used for the location information of the terminal device. Wherein, the identifier of the first terminal device may be used to indicate the positioning object, and the device type or identifier of the first access network device may be used to indicate the device that obtains location information or the type of the device.

Based on this, in addition to the identification of the first device or the first application server, the positioning event information also includes quantity information, the identification of the first terminal device, the device type or identification of the first access network device, and the first access network device obtains One or more of the methods used for the location information of the first terminal device can make the generated billing bill of the first device or the first application server more detailed, thereby achieving more fine-grained billing, for example It can be charged according to the method used when the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device. Different methods are used to charge different fees, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

Optionally, after the first core network device receives the positioning event information, in a possible implementation manner, step S407 is performed:

S407: The first core network device generates a billing bill according to the location event information.

It is understandable that when the identification of the first device is included in the positioning event information, the first core network device generates the billing bill of the first device according to the positioning event information; when the positioning event information includes the first application server, the first application server is included in the positioning event information. A core network device generates a billing bill of the first application server according to the location event information.

Optionally, the charging bill may include some or all of the parameters in the positioning event information, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

Optionally, after the billing bill of the first device or the first application server is generated, the first core network device may send the billing bill of the first device or the first application server to a billing system (billing domain, BD) Bill so that the billing system can charge.

In another possible implementation manner, when the first core network device is not a GMLC, steps S408-S409 may be executed:

S408: The first core network device sends location event information to the GMLC. Correspondingly, the GMLC receives location event information from the first core network device.

S409. The GMLC generates a charging bill according to the positioning event information.

It is understandable that when the identification of the first device is included in the positioning event information, the GMLC generates a billing bill for the first device according to the positioning event information; when the positioning event information includes the first application server, the GMLC uses the positioning event information Generate a billing bill of the first application server.

Correspondingly, after the GMLC generates the billing bill of the first device or the first application server, it sends the billing bill of the first device or the first application server to the billing system (billing domain, BD) for the billing system Perform billing.

So far, the statistics and charging of positioning events can be realized based on the positioning request processing method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

As shown in FIG. 7, another positioning request processing method provided by this embodiment of the application, the positioning request processing method includes the following steps:

S701. The first device sends a positioning request message to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the positioning request message from the first device.

The first device is a demander of the location information of the first terminal device, the location request message is used to request the location information of the first terminal device, and the location request message includes the identifier of the first terminal device.

Optionally, the location request message may also include the notification address of the first device, and the notification address may be, for example, the IP address of the first device.

Optionally, the first device may directly communicate with the first access network device, and send the positioning request message 1 to the first access network device without forwarding by other devices; or, the first device may also send the positioning request message to the first access network device. Send to the access network open function network element, the access network open function network element authenticates the positioning request message and forwards it to the first access network device, or the access network open function network element also The positioning request message may be directly forwarded to the first access network device without authentication, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

S702. The first access network device obtains location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device.

For the manner in which the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device, refer to the related description in step S404, which will not be repeated here.

S703: The first access network device sends the location information of the first terminal device to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the location information of the first terminal device from the first access network device.

Optionally, in step S701, when the first device directly communicates with the first access network device, this step S703 may be understood as direct communication between the first access network device and the first device, that is, the first access The location information of the first terminal device sent by the network device does not need to be forwarded by other devices, and can directly reach the first device.

Optionally, in step S701, when the first device and the first access network device forward communication through the access network open function network element, this step S703 can be understood as the first access network device through the access network network. The open function network element sends the location information of the first terminal device to the first device.

Optionally, if the location request message in step S701 further includes a notification address, then in step S703, the first access network device sends the location information of the first terminal device to the first device, which may include: The device sends the location information of the first terminal device to the first device according to the notification address.

Based on the positioning request processing method provided by the embodiments of this application, the original demander of the location information of the terminal device can directly request the location information of the terminal device from the access network device, and the access network device can also directly return the location information of the terminal device to the demander. The location information can then optimize the path when requesting and returning the location information at the same time, reducing the forwarding of intermediate network elements, and further reducing the time delay when the access network device returns the location information.

In an implementation scenario of the embodiment of the present application, the positioning request processing method further includes the following step S704:

S704: The first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the positioning event information from the first access network device.

Wherein, the positioning event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first device, and the positioning event information may include the identification of the first device.

Optionally, the identifier of the first device may be carried in the positioning request message in step S701, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

Optionally, the first access network device may send the positioning event information to the first core network device once after successfully acquiring the location information of the first terminal device and returning it to the first device; or it may send the positioning event information to the first core network device once; After successfully acquiring the location information of the first terminal device and returning it to the first device, send location event information to the first core network device once, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, which is not done in this embodiment of the application For specific limitations, for specific descriptions, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in step S406 above, which will not be repeated here.

Based on this, because the first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device, the first core network device can generate a billing bill for the first device based on the location event information, and then complete subsequent billing. deal with.

Optionally, the positioning event information may further include one or more of the following: quantity information, the identification of the first terminal device, the device type or identification of the first access network device, and the first access network device acquiring the first terminal For the method used for the location information of the device, reference may be made to the relevant description in step S406 above, which will not be repeated here.

S705. The first core network device generates a billing bill of the first device according to the positioning event information.

Optionally, after the billing bill of the application server is generated, the first core network device may send the billing bill of the first device to the BD, so that the billing system can perform billing.

It can be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, the first access network device and/or the first core network device can perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of the present application. These steps or operations are only examples. Other operations or variations of various operations can be performed. In addition, each step may be executed in a different order presented in the embodiments of the present application, and it may not be necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of the present application.

In the various embodiments of this application, if there is no special description and logical conflict, the terms and/or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually cited. The technical features in different embodiments are based on their inherent Logical relationships can be combined to form new embodiments.

The foregoing mainly introduces the solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. It can be understood that, in order to realize the above functions, the first access network device or the first core network device includes hardware structures and/or software modules corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed by hardware or computer software-driven hardware depends on the specific application and design constraint conditions of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

The embodiments of the present application can divide the first access network device or the first core network device into functional modules according to the foregoing method examples. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be divided. Integrated in a processing module. The above-mentioned integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation.

For example, in the case of dividing various functional modules in an integrated manner, FIG. 8 shows a schematic structural diagram of a first access network device 80. The first access network device 80 includes: a processing module 801 and a transceiver module 802. The processing module 801 is used to control and manage the actions of the first access network device. For example, the processing module 801 is used to support the first access network device to perform the process S404 in FIGS. 4 to 7 and/or Other processes of the technique described in this article. The transceiver module 802 is configured to support communication between the first access network device and other network entities, for example, communication with the first core network device and/or the first device shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7. Optionally, the first access network device 80 may further include a storage module 803 (not shown in FIG. 8) for storing the program code and data of the first access network device. Specifically, you can refer to the following description:

The transceiver module 802 is configured to receive a first positioning request message from a first core network device. The first positioning request message includes the identification of the first terminal device and the notification address of the first device. The first device is the first device. A requester of the location information of the terminal device; the processing module 801 is configured to obtain the location information of the first terminal device according to the identification of the first terminal device; the transceiver module 802 is also configured to send the first terminal device according to the notification address The location information of the terminal device.

Optionally, the first positioning request message further includes the identification of the first device; the transceiver module 802 is further configured to send positioning event information to the first core network device, where the positioning event information includes the identification of the first device, and the The location event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first device.

Optionally, the first positioning request message further includes the identification of the first application server; the transceiver module 802 is further configured to send positioning event information to the first core network device, and the positioning event information is used to generate the first application server In the billing bill of, the location event information includes the identifier of the first application server, and the first application server is a server that requests the location information of the first terminal device instead of the first device.

Optionally, the transceiver module 802 is further configured to receive a location event request message from the first core network device, where the location event request message is used to request the location event information.

Optionally, the transceiver module 802 is further configured to send the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address, and includes: the transceiver module 802 is also configured to send the location information through the access network open function network element according to the notification address. Location information of the first terminal device.

Optionally, the processing module 801 is configured to obtain location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device, and includes: a processing module 801, configured to calculate the first terminal device's location information according to the identifier of the first terminal device The location information of the terminal device; or, the processing module 801, configured to send a first message to the second core network device through the transceiver module 802, the first message including the identification of the first terminal device, and the first message for requesting the The location information of the first terminal device; the processing module 801 is further configured to receive the location information of the first terminal device from the second core network device through the transceiver module 802.

Among them, all relevant content of the steps involved in the above method embodiments can be cited in the functional description of the corresponding functional module, which will not be repeated here.

In this embodiment, the first access network device 80 is presented in the form of dividing various functional modules in an integrated manner. The "module" here can refer to a specific ASIC, circuit, processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, and/or other devices that can provide the above-mentioned functions. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art can imagine that the first access network device 80 may adopt the form shown in FIG. 3.

For example, the processor 301 in FIG. 3 may invoke the computer execution instruction stored in the memory 303 to cause the first access network device 80 to execute the positioning request processing method in the foregoing method embodiment.

Specifically, the functions/implementation process of the transceiver module 802 and the processing module 801 in FIG. 8 can be implemented by the processor 301 in FIG. 3 calling a computer execution instruction stored in the memory 303. Alternatively, the function/implementation process of the processing module 801 in FIG. 8 may be implemented by the processor 301 in FIG. 3 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 303, and the function/implementation process of the transceiver module 802 in FIG. The communication interface 304 in 3 is implemented.

Since the first access network device 80 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-mentioned positioning request processing method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above-mentioned method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides an apparatus (for example, the apparatus may be a chip system), and the apparatus includes a processor for supporting the first access network device to implement the above-mentioned positioning request processing method. In one possible design, the device also includes a memory. The memory is used to store program instructions and data necessary for the first access network device. Of course, the memory may not be in the device. In another possible design, the device also includes an interface circuit, the interface circuit is a code/data read-write interface circuit, the interface circuit is used to receive computer-executed instructions (computer-executed instructions are stored in the memory, and may be directly from the memory Read, or possibly through other devices) and transfer to the processor. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

Or, for example, in the case of dividing various functional modules in an integrated manner, FIG. 9 shows a schematic structural diagram of a first core network device 90. The first core network device 90 includes: a processing module 901 and a transceiver module 902.

The processing module 901 is used to control and manage the actions of the first core network device. For example, the processing module 901 is used to support the first core network device to perform the process S402 in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 and the process S407 in FIG. Process S705 in FIG. 7 and/or other processes used in the techniques described herein. The transceiver module 902 is used to support communication between the first core network device and other network entities, such as the communication between the first access network device, the first application server, the first device, or the GMLC shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 . Optionally, the first core network device 90 may further include a storage module 903 (not shown in FIG. 9) for storing program codes and data of the first core network device. Specifically, you can refer to the following description:

The transceiver module 902 is configured to receive a second positioning request message, the second positioning request message including the identification of the first terminal device, the notification address of the first device, and first information, where the first device is the second A requester of the location information of a terminal device; a processing module 901, configured to determine, according to the first information, that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device; the transceiver module 902 is also configured to send An access network device sends a first positioning request message, where the first positioning request message includes the identifier of the first terminal device and the notification address.

Optionally, when the first information is positioning accuracy information, the processing module 901 is configured to determine, according to the first information, that the first access network device obtains the position information of the first terminal device, including: When the accuracy value indicated by the information is less than or equal to the first threshold, the processing module 901 is configured to determine that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device.

Optionally, when the first information is the location information of the first device, the processing module 901 is configured to determine, according to the first information, that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device, including: When the first difference is less than or equal to the second difference, the processing module 901 is configured to determine that the first access network device acquires the location information of the first terminal device, where the first difference is the first device The difference between the location indicated by the location information of the first access network device and the location of the first access network device, and the second difference is the difference between the location indicated by the location information of the first device and the location of the second core network device value.

Optionally, the processing module 901 is configured to determine that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device, including: when the first information is the information used to indicate a low-latency response, processing The module 901 is configured to determine that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device.

Optionally, the transceiver module 902, configured to receive the second positioning request message, includes: the transceiver module 902, configured to receive the second positioning request message from the first device; or, the transceiver module 902, configured to receive the second positioning request message from the first device; In the second location request message of an application server, the first application server is a server that requests the location information of the first terminal device instead of the first device.

Optionally, when the transceiver module 902 is configured to receive the second positioning request message from the first device, the first positioning request message further includes the identification of the first device; the transceiver module 902 is also configured to receive Positioning event information from the first access network device, the positioning event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first device, and the positioning event information includes the identification of the first device; the processing module 901 is also used to The positioning event information generates a billing bill of the first device.

Optionally, when the transceiver module 902 is configured to receive the second positioning request message from the first application server, the first positioning request message further includes the identification of the first application server; the transceiver module 902 is also configured to Receiving positioning event information from the first access network device, the positioning event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first application server, the positioning event information includes the identification of the first application server; the processing module 901, further It is used to generate a billing bill of the first application server according to the positioning event information.

Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to send a positioning event request message to the first access network device, where the positioning event request message is used to request the positioning event information.

In this embodiment, the first core network device 90 is presented in the form of dividing various functional modules in an integrated manner. The "module" here can refer to a specific ASIC, circuit, processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, and/or other devices that can provide the above-mentioned functions. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art can imagine that the first core network device 90 may adopt the form shown in FIG. 3.

For example, the processor 301 in FIG. 3 may invoke the computer execution instruction stored in the memory 303 to cause the first core network device 90 to execute the positioning request processing method in the foregoing method embodiment.

Specifically, the functions/implementation process of the transceiver module 902 and the processing module 901 in FIG. 9 may be implemented by the processor 301 in FIG. 3 calling a computer execution instruction stored in the memory 303. Alternatively, the function/implementation process of the processing module 901 in FIG. 9 can be implemented by the processor 301 in FIG. 3 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 303, and the function/implementation process of the transceiver module 902 in FIG. The communication interface 304 in 3 is implemented.

Since the first core network device 90 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-mentioned positioning request processing method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above-mentioned method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides an apparatus (for example, the apparatus may be a chip system), the apparatus includes a processor, and is configured to support the first core network device to implement the above-mentioned positioning request processing method. In one possible design, the device also includes a memory. The memory is used to store program instructions and data necessary for the first core network device. Of course, the memory may not be in the device. In another possible design, the device also includes an interface circuit, the interface circuit is a code/data read-write interface circuit, the interface circuit is used to receive computer-executed instructions (computer-executed instructions are stored in the memory, and may be directly from the memory Read, or possibly through other devices) and transfer to the processor. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

In the above embodiments, it may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, it can be implemented in the form of a computer program product in whole or in part. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on the computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center. Transmission to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, or may include one or more data storage devices such as servers, data centers, etc. that can be integrated with the medium. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, and a magnetic tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (for example, a solid state disk (SSD)).

Although this application has been described in conjunction with various embodiments, in the process of implementing the claimed application, those skilled in the art can understand and understand by viewing the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims in the process of implementing the claimed application. Implement other changes of the disclosed embodiment. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "one" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may implement several functions listed in the claims. Certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

Although the application has been described in combination with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are merely exemplary descriptions of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are deemed to cover any and all modifications, changes, combinations or equivalents within the scope of the application. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. In this way, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalent technologies, then this application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

A positioning request processing method, characterized in that the method includes:

The first access network device receives a first location request message from the first core network device, where the first location request message includes the identification of the first terminal device and the notification address of the first device, and the first device is the The demander of the location information of the first terminal device;

Acquiring, by the first access network device, the location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device;

The first access network device sends the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning request message further includes an identification of the first device; the method further includes:

The first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device, where the location event information includes the identifier of the first device, and the location event information is used to generate the counter of the first device. Charge bills.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning request message further includes an identification of the first application server; the method further includes:

The first access network device sends location event information to the first core network device, where the location event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first application server, and the location event information includes the first An identifier of an application server, where the first application server is a server that requests the location information of the first terminal device instead of the first device.
The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the positioning event information further includes one or more of the following: quantity information, the identification of the first terminal device, and the identification of the first access network device Device type or identification, the method used by the first access network device to obtain the location information of the first terminal device, and the quantity information is used to indicate the number of times the first access network device successfully provides location services .
The method according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the method further comprises:

The first access network device receives a location event request message from the first core network device, where the location event request message is used to request the location event information.
The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first access network device sending the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address comprises:

The first access network device sends the location information of the first terminal device through an access network network open function network element according to the notification address.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first access network device acquiring location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device comprises:

The first access network device calculates the location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device; or,

The first access network device sends a first message to a second core network device, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal device, and the first message is used to request the location of the first terminal device information;

The first access network device receives the location information of the first terminal device from the second core network device.
A positioning request processing method, characterized in that the method includes:

The first core network device receives a second positioning request message, where the second positioning request message includes the identification of the first terminal device, the notification address of the first device, and first information, wherein the first device is the second A demander of the location information of the terminal equipment;

The first core network device determines, according to the first information, that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device;

The first core network device sends a first positioning request message to the first access network device, where the first positioning request message includes the identifier of the first terminal device and the notification address.
The method according to claim 8, wherein the first information includes one or more of the following: positioning accuracy information, location information of the first device, or information used to indicate a low-latency response.
The method according to claim 9, wherein the first information is the positioning accuracy information;

The first core network device determining that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the first information includes:

When the accuracy value indicated by the positioning accuracy information is less than or equal to the first threshold, the first core network device determines that the first access network device acquires the location information of the first terminal device.
The method according to claim 9, wherein the first information is location information of the first device;

The first core network device determining that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the first information includes:

When the first difference is less than or equal to the second difference, the first core network device determines that the first access network device acquires the location information of the first terminal device, where the first difference Is the difference between the location indicated by the location information of the first device and the location of the first access network device, and the second difference is the location indicated by the location information of the first device and the second The difference between the locations of core network equipment.
The method according to claim 9, wherein the first core network device determining that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device according to the first information comprises:

When the first information is the information used to indicate a low-latency response, the first core network device determines that the first access network device acquires the location information of the first terminal device.
The method according to any one of claims 8-12, wherein the first core network device receiving a second positioning request message comprises:

The first core network device receives the second positioning request message from the first device; or,

The first core network device receives the second positioning request message from a first application server, where the first application server is a server that requests the location information of the first terminal device instead of the first device.
The method according to claim 13, wherein when the first core network device receives the second positioning request message from the first device, the first positioning request message further includes the first positioning request message. An identification of the device; the method further includes:

The first core network device receives location event information from the first access network device, where the location event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first device, and the location event information includes the first device. An identification of the equipment;

The first core network device generates a billing bill of the first device according to the positioning event information.
The method according to claim 13, wherein when the first core network device receives the second positioning request message from the first application server, the first positioning request message further includes the first The identification of the application server; the method further includes:

The first core network device receives positioning event information from the first access network device, the positioning event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first application server, and the positioning event information includes the The identity of the first application server;

The first core network device generates a billing bill of the first application server according to the positioning event information.
The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the positioning event information further includes one or more of the following: quantity information, the identification of the first terminal device, the identification of the first access network device Device type or identification, the positioning method used by the first access network device to determine the location information of the first terminal device, and the quantity information is used to indicate that the first access network device successfully provides positioning services frequency.
The method according to any one of claims 14-16, wherein the method further comprises:

The first core network device sends a location event request message to the first access network device, where the location event request message is used to request the location event information.
A first access network device, wherein the first access network device includes: a transceiver module and a processing module; the transceiver module is configured to receive a first positioning request message from the first core network device, The first positioning request message includes the identification of the first terminal device and the notification address of the first device, and the first device is a demander of the location information of the first terminal device;

The processing module is configured to obtain location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device;

The transceiver module is further configured to send the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address.
The first access network device according to claim 18, wherein the first positioning request message further includes an identification of the first device;

The transceiver module is further configured to send positioning event information to the first core network device, where the positioning event information includes the identification of the first device, and the positioning event information is used to generate the counter of the first device. Charge bills.
The first access network device according to claim 18, wherein the first positioning request message further includes an identification of the first application server;

The transceiver module is further configured to send positioning event information to the first core network device, where the positioning event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first application server, and the positioning event information includes the first core network device. An identifier of an application server, where the first application server is a server that requests the location information of the first terminal device instead of the first device.
The first access network device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the positioning event information further includes one or more of the following: quantity information, an identifier of the first terminal device, and the first terminal device The device type or identifier of the access network device, the method used by the first access network device to obtain the location information of the first terminal device, and the quantity information is used to indicate the success of the first access network device The number of times location services are provided.
The first access network device according to any one of claims 19-21, wherein:

The transceiver module is further configured to receive a location event request message from the first core network device, where the location event request message is used to request the location event information.
The first access network device according to any one of claims 18-22, wherein the transceiver module is further configured to send the location information of the first terminal device according to the notification address, comprising:

The transceiving module is further configured to send the location information of the first terminal device through an access network network opening function network element according to the notification address.
The first access network device according to any one of claims 18-23, wherein the processing module is configured to obtain location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device ,include:

The processing module is configured to calculate the location information of the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device; or,

The processing module is configured to send a first message to a second core network device through the transceiver module, the first message including the identifier of the first terminal device, and the first message is used to request the first Location information of terminal equipment;

The processing module is further configured to receive the location information of the first terminal device from the second core network device through the transceiver module.
A first core network device, characterized in that, the first core network device includes: a transceiver module and a processing module;

The transceiver module is configured to receive a second positioning request message, the second positioning request message including the identification of the first terminal device, the notification address of the first device, and first information, where the first device is The demander of the location information of the first terminal device;

The processing module is configured to determine, according to the first information, that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device;

The transceiver module is further configured to send a first positioning request message to the first access network device, where the first positioning request message includes the identifier of the first terminal device and the notification address.
The first core network device according to claim 25, wherein the first information includes one or more of the following: positioning accuracy information, location information of the first device, or used to indicate low latency Response information.
The first core network device according to claim 26, wherein the first information is the positioning accuracy information;

The processing module is configured to determine, according to the first information, that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device, including:

When the accuracy value indicated by the positioning accuracy information is less than or equal to the first threshold, the processing module is configured to determine that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device.
The first core network device according to claim 26, wherein the first information is location information of the first device;

The processing module is configured to determine, according to the first information, that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device, including:

When the first difference is less than or equal to the second difference, the processing module is configured to determine that the first access network device acquires the location information of the first terminal device, wherein the first difference Is the difference between the location indicated by the location information of the first device and the location of the first access network device, and the second difference is the location indicated by the location information of the first device and the second The difference between the locations of core network equipment.
The first core network device according to claim 26, wherein the processing module is configured to determine, according to the first information, that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device, include:

When the first information is the information used to indicate a low-latency response, the processing module is configured to determine that the first access network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device.
The first core network device according to any one of claims 25-29, wherein the transceiver module, configured to receive a second positioning request message, comprises:

The transceiver module is configured to receive the second positioning request message from the first device; or,

The transceiver module is configured to receive the second positioning request message from a first application server, where the first application server is a server that requests the location information of the first terminal device instead of the first device.
The first core network device according to claim 30, wherein when the transceiver module is configured to receive the second positioning request message from the first device, the first positioning request message is also Including the identifier of the first device;

The transceiver module is further configured to receive positioning event information from the first access network device, where the positioning event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first device, and the positioning event information includes the The identification of the first device;

The processing module is further configured to generate a billing bill of the first device according to the positioning event information.
The first core network device according to claim 30, wherein when the transceiver module is configured to receive the second positioning request message from the first application server, the first positioning request message further comprises The identifier of the first application server;

The transceiver module is further configured to receive positioning event information from the first access network device, where the positioning event information is used to generate a billing bill of the first application server, and the positioning event information includes all The identification of the first application server;

The processing module is further configured to generate a billing bill of the first application server according to the positioning event information.
The first core network device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the positioning event information further includes one or more of the following: quantity information, an identifier of the first terminal device, and the first terminal device The device type or identifier of the network access device, the positioning method used by the first access network device to determine the location information of the first terminal device, and the quantity information is used to indicate the success of the first access network device The number of times location services are provided.
The first core network device according to any one of claims 31-33, wherein:

The transceiver module is further configured to send a positioning event request message to the first access network device, where the positioning event request message is used to request the positioning event information.
A communication device, characterized in that, the communication device includes: a processor;

The processor is configured to read computer-executable instructions in the memory, and execute the computer-executable instructions, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1-7, or so that the communication The device executes the method according to any one of claims 8-17.
A communication device, characterized in that, the communication device includes: a processor and a memory;

The memory is used to store computer-executable instructions. When the processor executes the computer-executed instructions, the communication device can execute the method according to any one of claims 1-7, or the The communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 8-17.
A communication device, characterized in that, the communication device includes: a processor and an interface circuit;

The interface circuit is used to receive computer execution instructions and transmit them to the processor;

The processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1-7, or causes the communication device to execute any one of claims 8-17. The method described in one item.
A computer-readable storage medium, characterized by comprising instructions, when the instructions run on a communication device, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1-7, or The communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 8-17.
A communication system, characterized in that the communication system comprises the first access network device according to any one of claims 18-24, and the first core according to any one of claims 25-34网设备。 Net equipment.