WO2025081318A1 - Core network system, positioning method and apparatuses and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure provides a core network system, a positioning method and apparatuses and a storage medium. The core network system comprises at least one of the following: a first network element, the first network element being used for data storage; a second network element, the second network element being used for collecting data and/or information provided by a first node, and the first node comprising at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; and a terminal; a third network element, the third network element being used for computing. The present solution achieves the purpose of simplifying the architecture of the core network system. In addition, the solution enriches the data and/or information required by the core network system, and improves the service performance and reliability of the core network system.

Description

Core network system, positioning method and device, and storage medium Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a core network system, a positioning method and device, and a storage medium.

Background Art

Currently, the core network system includes different types of independently deployed functional network elements, and different types of functional network elements can provide different types of services for terminals.

Summary of the invention

In order to simplify the core network system architecture and optimize the service performance of the core network system, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a core network system, a positioning method and device, and a storage medium.

According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a core network system is provided, including at least one of the following:

A first network element, wherein the first network element is used for storing data;

A second network element, the second network element is used to collect data and/or information provided by the first node, the first node includes at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; a terminal;

A third network element, wherein the third network element is used for performing calculations.

According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, the method being executed by a third network element, the third network element being configured to perform calculation;

The method comprises:

Receiving a first request message sent by a positioning management function LMF, where the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element;

Performing positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain a positioning result;

A first response message is sent to the LMF, where the first response message includes the positioning result.

According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, the method being performed by a first network element, the first network element being used for storing data;

The method comprises:

receiving a second request message sent by a third network element, where the third network element is used to perform calculations, and the second request message is used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element;

Based on the second request message, positioning assistance information is sent to the third network element, where the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element in performing positioning calculation.

According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method is provided, the method being executed by a positioning management function LMF, the method comprising:

Determine the trigger terminal location;

Sending a first request message to a selected third network element, where the third network element is used to perform calculations, and the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element;

A first response message sent by the third network element is received, where the first response message includes a positioning result.

According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a third network element is provided, where the third network element is used to perform calculation, including:

A transceiver module, configured to receive a first request message sent by a location management function LMF, wherein the first request message is used to request to call a location calculation service of the third network element;

A processing module is configured to perform positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain a positioning result;

The transceiver module is also configured to send a first response message to the LMF, wherein the first response message includes the positioning result.

According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided, where the first network element is used for data storage, including:

a transceiver module, configured to receive a second request message sent by a third network element, the third network element being used to perform calculations, the second request message being used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element;

The transceiver module is further configured to send positioning assistance information to the third network element based on the second request message, where the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element in performing positioning calculation.

According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning management function LMF is provided, including:

A processing module, configured to determine the trigger terminal location;

A transceiver module is configured to send a first request message to a selected third network element, the third network element is used to perform calculations, and the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element;

The transceiver module is further configured to receive a first response message sent by the third network element, where the first response message includes a positioning result.

According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a third network element is provided, where the third network element is used to perform calculation, including:

one or more processors;

The third network element is used to execute the positioning method described in any one of the second aspects.

According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided, where the first network element is used for data storage, including:

one or more processors;

Among them, the first network element is used to execute the positioning method described in any one of the third aspects.

According to a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning management function LMF is provided, including:

one or more processors;

Wherein, the LMF is used to execute the positioning method described in any one of the fourth aspects.

According to an eleventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes a positioning method as described in any one of the second aspect, the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

According to a twelfth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning system is provided, including:

A third network element, the third network element is used to perform calculation, and the third network element is also used to execute the positioning method according to any one of the second aspects above;

A first network element, the first network element is used for data storage, and the first network element is further used to execute the positioning method according to any one of the third aspects above;

The positioning management function LMF is also used to execute the positioning method described in any one of the fourth aspects above.

In the disclosed embodiment, the core network system may include but is not limited to at least one of a first network element for data storage, a second network element for collecting data and/or information provided by a first node, and a third network element for calculation, and the functional network elements involved in data storage are reorganized and simplified into the first network element, thereby achieving the purpose of simplifying the core network system architecture. In addition, the independently deployed second network element may use the data and/or information provided by the core network functional network element, access network equipment and/or terminal, enriching the data and/or information required by the core network system, and may perform calculations based on the independently deployed third network element, thereby improving the performance and reliability of services provided by the core network system.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a core network system architecture according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 1B is a schematic diagram of a core network system architecture according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a schematic flow chart of a positioning method according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3A is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3B is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3C is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4A is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4B is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4C is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4D is a schematic flow chart of another positioning method according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG5A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a third network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG5B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a first network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of an LMF provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG6A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary interaction of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG6B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as detailed in the appended claims.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a core network system, a positioning method and device, and a storage medium.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a core network system, including at least one of the following:

A first network element, wherein the first network element is used for storing data;

A second network element, the second network element is used to collect data and/or information provided by the first node, the first node includes at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; a terminal;

A third network element, wherein the third network element is used for performing calculations.

In the above embodiment, the functional network elements involved in data storage are reorganized and simplified into the first network element, thereby achieving the purpose of simplifying the core network system architecture. In addition, the independently deployed second network element can use the data and/or information provided by the core network functional network element, access network equipment and/or terminal, enriching the data and/or information required by the core network system, and can perform calculations based on the independently deployed third network element to improve the performance and reliability of services provided by the core network system.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the second network element, and the third network element accesses the radio access network RAN through an access and mobility management function AMF.

In the above embodiment, at least one of the first network element, the second network element, and the third network element can access the RAN through the AMF, and the AMF can still select, control and/or manage the above three network elements based on terminal requirements, with high availability.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the second network element, and the third network element is connected to a user plane function UPF.

In the above embodiment, the above three network elements can support user plane functions and have high availability.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the data stored by the first network element includes at least one of the following:

Data that the Network Repository Function (NRF) needs to store;

The data that needs to be stored in the User Data Repository (UDR);

Data that needs to be stored by Unified Data Management (UDM);

data collected by the second network element;

The data required by the third network element for calculation.

In the above embodiments, the data that need to be stored by the core network system's NRF, UDR, UDM and other network elements can be uniformly stored on the first network element, simplifying the core network system architecture. In addition, the first network element can also store data collected by the second network element, and/or store data required for calculation by the third network element, thereby improving the performance and reliability of services provided by the core network system.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second network element is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

filtering the data and/or information provided by the first node;

Formatting the data and/or information provided by the first node.

In the above embodiment, the second network element used for data collection can filter the data and/or information provided by the first node to save the storage resources of the second network element. In addition, the second network element can also format the data and/or information provided by the first node to improve the service efficiency of the core network system and high availability.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third network element is used to perform at least one of the following:

Calling computing resources of multiple first nodes to perform collaborative computing;

Calculation is performed on the first service to obtain a calculation result; wherein the first service includes at least one of the following: positioning service; sidelink positioning service; ranging service; artificial intelligence service; perception service.

In the above embodiment, the third network element used for calculation can dispatch the computing resources of multiple first nodes for collaborative calculation to improve the calculation efficiency and calculation accuracy. In addition, the third network element can also calculate the first service to obtain the calculation result so as to provide a higher quality service. The first service may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: positioning service; sidelink positioning service; ranging service; artificial intelligence service; perception service.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, the method being executed by a third network element, the third network element being used to perform calculation;

The method comprises:

Receiving a first request message sent by a positioning management function LMF, where the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element;

Performing positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain a positioning result;

A first response message is sent to the LMF, where the first response message includes the positioning result.

In the above embodiment, the third network element used for calculation can receive a first request message sent by LMF, and the first request message is used to request to call the positioning calculation service of the third network element. The third network element performs positioning calculation based on the first request message, and feeds back the positioning result to LMF through a first response message. Since the third network element can schedule the computing resources of multiple first nodes for collaborative calculation, and the third network element is an independently deployed core network function network element, it can effectively improve the accuracy of positioning and reduce positioning delay.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first request message includes at least one of the following:

A positioning method determined by the LMF;

Measurement data used to perform the positioning calculation.

In the above embodiment, the first request message sent by the LMF may include but is not limited to the positioning method determined by the LMF, and/or measurement data used for the third network element to perform positioning calculations, so that the third network element can perform positioning calculations, which is simple to implement and has high availability.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, performing positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain a positioning result includes:

Based on the positioning method included in the first request message, determining that there is no need to send a second request message to a first network element, the first network element is used for data storage, and the second request message is used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element;

Based on the measurement data used for performing the positioning calculation included in the first request message, a positioning calculation is performed to obtain the positioning result.

In the above embodiment, if the third network element determines that it is not necessary to send a second request message to the first network element based on the positioning method included in the first request message, the third network element can directly perform positioning calculations based on the measurement data included in the first request message sent by the LMF to obtain a positioning result, which is simple to implement and has high availability.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, performing positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain a positioning result includes:

Based on the positioning method included in the first request message, determining that a second request message needs to be sent to a first network element, the first network element is used for data storage, and the second request message is used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element;

Sending the second request message to the first network element;

receiving positioning assistance information sent by the first network element based on the second request message, where the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element in performing positioning calculation;

Based on the measurement data used for performing the positioning calculation and the positioning assistance information included in the first request message, a positioning calculation is performed to obtain the positioning result.

In the above embodiment, if the third network element determines that it is necessary to send a second request message to the first network element based on the positioning method included in the first request message, the third network element can send the second request message to the first network element and call the data storage service of the first network element to obtain the positioning assistance information provided by the first network element. The third network element can perform positioning calculations based on the measurement data and positioning assistance information included in the first request message sent by the LMF to obtain a positioning result, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of positioning.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the positioning assistance information includes at least one of the following:

3D map information;

The absolute location information of the access network device.

In the above embodiment, the positioning assistance information provided by the first network element may include but is not limited to at least one of the above information, which assists the third network element in performing positioning calculation and improves the accuracy and reliability of positioning.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the positioning assistance information is collected by a second network element, and the second network element is used to collect data and/or information provided by a first node, and the first node includes at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; a terminal.

In the above embodiment, the positioning assistance information can be collected by the second network element, which is simple to implement and has high availability.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving a first request message sent by a positioning management function LMF includes:

Receiving the first request message sent by the LMF after determining to trigger terminal positioning in the first positioning process; wherein the first positioning process includes any one of the following:

The terminal terminates the positioning request MT-LR process;

The terminal initiates the MO-LR process of positioning request;

The terminal terminates the positioning request SL-MT-LR process;

The terminal initiates the positioning request SL-MO-LR process.

In the above embodiment, after determining that the terminal positioning is triggered in any of the above positioning processes, the LMF may send the trigger terminal positioning to the third network element. The first request message requests to call the positioning calculation service of the third network element, which is compatible with the existing positioning process and improves the performance and reliability of the services provided by the core network system.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, the method being performed by a first network element, the first network element being used for storing data;

The method comprises:

receiving a second request message sent by a third network element, where the third network element is used to perform calculations, and the second request message is used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element;

Based on the second request message, positioning assistance information is sent to the third network element, where the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element in performing positioning calculation.

In the above embodiment, the first network element for data storage may provide positioning assistance information to the third network element based on the second request message sent by the third network element, so as to improve positioning reliability and accuracy.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the positioning assistance information includes at least one of the following:

3D map information;

The absolute location information of the access network device.

In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the positioning assistance information is collected by a second network element, and the second network element is used to collect data and/or information provided by a first node, and the first node includes at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; a terminal.

In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method, which is executed by a positioning management function LMF, and includes:

Determine the trigger terminal location;

Sending a first request message to a selected third network element, where the third network element is used to perform calculations, and the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element;

A first response message sent by the third network element is received, where the first response message includes a positioning result.

In the above embodiment, after LMF determines to trigger terminal positioning, it can send the first request message to the selected third network element, requesting to call the positioning calculation service of the third network element so as to obtain the positioning result from the third network element, thereby reducing the positioning delay and improving the reliability and accuracy of positioning.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

Based on the first information of each of the third network elements, the third network element is selected; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

The geographical location of the third network element;

A computing function supported by the third network element;

The computing capability supported by the third network element;

The load status of the third network element.

In the above embodiment, LMF can select a third network element for positioning calculation based on at least one of the above items, which is simple to implement and has high availability.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first request message includes at least one of the following:

A positioning method determined by the LMF;

Measurement data used to perform the positioning calculation.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, determining to trigger terminal positioning includes:

In the first positioning process, based on the third request message sent by the access and mobility management function AMF, it is determined to trigger the terminal positioning, and the third request message is used to request the LMF to perform the terminal positioning; wherein the first positioning process includes any one of the following:

The terminal terminates the positioning request MT-LR process;

The terminal initiates the MO-LR process of positioning request;

The terminal terminates the positioning request SL-MT-LR process;

The terminal initiates the positioning request SL-MO-LR process.

In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a third network element, where the third network element is used to perform calculations, including:

A transceiver module, configured to receive a first request message sent by a location management function LMF, wherein the first request message is used to request to call a location calculation service of the third network element;

A processing module is configured to perform positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain a positioning result;

The transceiver module is also configured to send a first response message to the LMF, wherein the first response message includes the positioning result.

In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network element, where the first network element is used for data storage, including:

a transceiver module, configured to receive a second request message sent by a third network element, the third network element being used to perform calculations, the second request message being used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element;

The transceiver module is further configured to send positioning assistance information to the third network element based on the second request message, where the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element in performing positioning calculation.

In a seventh aspect, the embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a location management function LMF, including:

A processing module, configured to determine the trigger terminal location;

A transceiver module is configured to send a first request message to a selected third network element, the third network element is used to perform calculations, and the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element;

The transceiver module is further configured to receive a first response message sent by the third network element, where the first response message includes a positioning result.

In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a third network element, where the third network element is used to perform calculation, including:

one or more processors;

The third network element is used to execute the positioning method described in any one of the second aspects.

In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network element, where the first network element is used for data storage, including:

one or more processors;

Among them, the first network element is used to execute the positioning method described in any one of the third aspects.

In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a location management function LMF, including:

one or more processors;

Wherein, the LMF is used to execute the positioning method described in any one of the fourth aspects.

In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the positioning method described in any one of the second aspect, the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning system, including:

A third network element, the third network element is used to perform calculation, and the third network element is also used to execute the positioning method according to any one of the second aspects above;

A first network element, the first network element is used for data storage, and the first network element is further used to execute the positioning method according to any one of the third aspects above;

The positioning management function LMF is also used to execute the positioning method described in any one of the fourth aspects above.

It can be understood that the core network system, the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, the positioning system, the storage medium, the program product, and the computer program are all used to execute the method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, and will not be repeated here.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a core network system, a positioning method and device, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms such as positioning method, processing method, and communication method can be replaced with each other, the terms such as positioning device, processing device, and communication device can be replaced with each other, and the terms such as positioning system and communication system can be replaced with each other.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but are only illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all of the steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and/or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their internal logical relationships.

The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "aforementioned", "this", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun after the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple", etc. can be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, the recording methods such as "at least one of A and B", "A and/or B", "A in one case, B in another case", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc. may include the following technical solutions according to the circumstances: In some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (A and B are both executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc., the above is also similar.

In some embodiments, the recording method of "A or B" may include the following technical solutions according to the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc., the above is also similar.

The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. The statement of the description object refers to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not constitute unnecessary restrictions due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields", and the "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number, and can be one or more. Taking the "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes may be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" may be the same device or different devices, and their types may be the same or different. For another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" may be the same information or different information, and their contents may be the same or different.

In some embodiments, “including A”, “comprising A”, “used to indicate A”, and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

In some embodiments, devices and equipment may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station (radio base station)", "fixed station" and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point (access point)", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and/or reception point (transmission/reception point, TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (bandwidth part, BWP)", etc.

In some embodiments, the term "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal (user terminal)", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

In some embodiments, acquisition of data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns may also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

FIG1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a core network system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the core network system includes but is not limited to at least one of the following:

Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF);

Location Management Function (LMF);

Unified Data Management (UDM);

Network Exposure Function (NEF);

Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF);

Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC);

Location Retrieval Function (LRF);

Application Function (AF);

Location service client (Location service Client, LCS Client).

In some embodiments, the terminal and/or the Packet Radio Unit (PRU) may access the Radio Access Network (RAN). The RAN may establish a connection with the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) via the N2 interface.

In addition, the terminal and/or PRU can also establish a connection with the AMF through the N1 interface.

In some embodiments, the AMF and LMF may establish a connection via an NL1 interface.

In some embodiments, the AMF and UDM may establish a connection via the N8 interface.

In some embodiments, the AMF and GMLC may establish a connection via an NL2 interface.

In some embodiments, LMFs may be connected via an NL7 interface.

In some embodiments, the LMF and the NWDAF may establish a connection via an NL8 interface.

In some embodiments, the UDM and NEF may establish a connection via an N52 interface.

In some embodiments, the UDM and the GMLC may establish a connection via an NL6 interface.

In some embodiments, the NEF and the GMLC may establish a connection via an NL5 interface.

In some embodiments, the NEF and the AF may establish a connection via an N33 interface.

In some embodiments, the NWDAF and the GMLC may establish a connection via an NL9 interface.

In some embodiments, the GMLC and LCS Client can establish a connection through the Le interface.

In some embodiments, LRF and LCS Client can establish a connection through the Le interface.

The above is only an exemplary explanation. The core network system also includes other functional network elements, such as session management function (Session Management Function, SMF), user plane function (User Plane Function, UPF), etc., which will not be repeated here.

The core network system shown in FIG1A includes a large number of functional network elements. In order to simplify the core network system architecture, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides another core network system, as shown in FIG1B . FIG1B is an architecture diagram of the core network system shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the core network system 100 includes but is not limited to at least one of the following:

A first network element 101, wherein the first network element 101 is used for storing data;

The second network element 102 is used to collect data and/or information provided by the first node, and the first node includes at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; a terminal;

The third network element 103 is used for performing calculations.

In some embodiments, in order to be compatible with the existing core network architecture, at least one of the first network element 101, the second network element 102, and the third network element 103 can access the RAN through the AMF. That is, the AMF can still select, control and/or manage the above three network elements based on terminal requirements, and the availability is high.

In some embodiments, in order to support user plane functions, at least one of the first network element 101, the second network element 102, and the third network element 103 can be connected to the UPF.

In some embodiments, the number of the first network element 101, the second network element 102, and the third network element 103 is not limited.

In some embodiments, the first network element 101, the second network element 102, and the third network element 103 may be independently deployed in the core network system.

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may be used for data storage.

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 can be called a data storage function (DSF).

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may also be referred to as a data processing function, a data function, etc. The present disclosure does not limit the name of the first network element.

In some embodiments, the data stored by the first network element 101 may include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

Data that NRF needs to store;

The data that the UDR needs to store;

Data that UDM needs to store;

data collected by the second network element;

The data required by the third network element for calculation.

In some embodiments, the NRF, UDR, UDM, etc. included in the core network system 100 can be reorganized, and the data that needs to be stored in the NRF, UDR, UDM, etc. can be uniformly stored on the first network element 101, thereby reducing the number of functional network elements included in the core network system and achieving the purpose of simplifying the core network system architecture.

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may also be used to store data and/or information collected by the second network element 102 .

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may also be used to store data required by the third network element 103 for calculation.

In one example, in a sensing service and/or positioning service scenario, the third network element 103 is used to perform sensing calculation and/or positioning calculation, and the first network element 101 can store sensing service data and/or positioning service data.

In some embodiments, the second network element 102 is used to collect data and/or information provided by the first node. The first node includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; a terminal.

Among them, core network functional network elements include but are not limited to UPF, SMF, etc.

In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may be referred to as a data collection function (DCF).

In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may also be referred to as a data collection function, a data function, etc. The present disclosure does not limit the name of the second network element.

In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may also be used to filter the data and/or information provided by the first node.

Exemplarily, the data and/or information provided by each first node is filtered by the second network element 102 according to a preset policy.

In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may also be used to format data and/or information provided by the first node.

Exemplarily, the data and/or information collected by the second network element 102 come from different types of nodes, so the formats may be different. The second network element 102 can format the collected data and/or information according to the first format agreed upon in the protocol. When other functional network elements need to be called later, the second network element 102 can directly provide the formatted data and/or information to the corresponding functional network elements, thereby improving the efficiency of the core network system in providing services.

In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may also be used to filter the data and/or information provided by the first node, and format the filtered data and/or information.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may be used to perform calculations.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may be referred to as a calculating function (CF).

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may also be referred to as other functions, and the present disclosure does not limit the name of the third network element.

In some embodiments, the functional part of each functional network element that performs calculations may be separately deployed as a third network element 103 .

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may call upon computing resources of multiple first nodes to perform collaborative computing tasks.

Exemplarily, the first node includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; a terminal.

The third network element 103 can schedule computing resources of multiple core network function network elements, multiple terminals and/or multiple access network devices for collaborative computing.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may perform calculations on the first service to obtain a calculation result. The first service may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: positioning service; sidelink positioning service; ranging service; artificial intelligence service; and perception service.

Exemplarily, for positioning services, sidelink positioning services, ranging services, etc., the third network element 103 can effectively utilize the computing resources of the network device and/or the data stored in the first network element 101 to perform calculations to obtain calculation results, such as positioning results, ranging results, etc., thereby achieving the purpose of providing higher quality services by the core network system.

Exemplarily, the third network element 103 can provide artificial intelligence computing services. For example, different neural networks can be deployed on different third network elements 103, and different neural networks are used to execute different artificial intelligence services, such as unmanned driving services, image processing services, semantic analysis services, etc. The purpose of providing artificial intelligence computing services by the core network system is achieved through different third network elements 103.

The above description is merely an exemplary description. The first network element 101, the second network element 102, and the third network element 103 may be deployed independently, or in combination of two or three, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B , the core network system 100 may also include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

SMF; UPF; AF; NEF; LMF; Policy Control Function (PCF); Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Authentication Server Function (AUSF).

In the above embodiments, the core network system architecture is simplified, the data and/or information required by the core network system is enriched, and the performance and reliability of services provided by the core network system are improved.

In some embodiments, the core network system architecture shown in Figure 1B can be applied to a variety of business scenarios, including but not limited to positioning scenarios, artificial intelligence scenarios, etc.

The following further describes the core network system architecture shown in FIG. 1B as being applicable to a positioning scenario.

FIG2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, and the method includes:

Step S2101, LMF determines to trigger terminal positioning.

In some embodiments, LMF may determine to trigger the terminal positioning based on the third request message sent by AMF during the first positioning process.

In some embodiments, the first positioning process includes but is not limited to any of the following:

Mobile Terminated Location Request (MT-LR) process;

The terminal initiates the positioning request (Mobile Originated Location Request, MO-LR) process;

Sidelink Mobile Terminated Location Request (SL-MT-LR) process;

The terminal initiates the positioning request (Sidelink Mobile Originated Location Request, SL-MO-LR) process.

In some embodiments, the number of terminals involved in the MO-LR process and the MT-LR process is 1, the number of terminals involved in the SL-MO-LR process and the SL-MT-LR process is multiple, and the positioning service terminal can provide positioning methods, auxiliary information and/or positioning calculation functions for sidelink positioning and ranging services.

In some embodiments, when the MO-LR process or the SL-MO-LR process is triggered, the AMF receives a first positioning request message initiated by the terminal. The AMF can select the LMF based on the first positioning request message and send a third request message to the selected LMF. The third request message is used to request the LMF to perform terminal positioning.

Exemplarily, the third request message can be used to request the invocation of a location service, such as requesting the invocation of the Nmf_Location_EDetermineLocation service. At this time, the LMF can determine the positioning method to be adopted based on the third request message. The positioning method includes but is not limited to a Bluetooth positioning method, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) positioning method, a Global Positioning System (GPS) positioning method, a base station positioning method, a hybrid positioning method, and the like.

Further, the LMF may determine to trigger terminal positioning to collect measurement data for performing the positioning calculation. The measurement data includes relevant data that can be collected by the LMF and can be used for positioning calculation, including but not limited to reference signal receiving power (RSRP), base station identification, terminal identification, gateway identification, GNSS signal, etc. This disclosure does not limit this.

In some embodiments, when the MT-LR process or the SL-MT-LR process is triggered, the AMF receives a second positioning request message initiated by at least one of GMLC/NEF/Client/AF through the LMF. The AMF can select the LMF based on the second positioning request message and send a third request message to the selected LMF. The third request message is used to request the LMF to perform terminal positioning.

Exemplarily, the third request message can be used to request the invocation of a location service, such as requesting the invocation of the Nmf_Location_EDetermineLocation service, at which point the LMF can determine the positioning method to be adopted based on the third request message. The positioning method includes but is not limited to a Bluetooth positioning method, a WiFi positioning method, a GPS positioning method, a base station positioning method, a hybrid positioning method, and the like.

Further, the LMF may determine to trigger terminal positioning to collect measurement data for performing the positioning calculation. The measurement data includes relevant data that can be collected by the LMF and can be used for positioning calculation, including but not limited to RSRP, base station identification, terminal identification, gateway identification, GNSS signal, etc. This disclosure is not limited to this.

Step S2102, LMF sends a first request message to the selected third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the LMF may select one of the multiple third network elements 103 based on the first information of each of the third network elements 103 , and send a first request message to the selected third network element 103 .

In some embodiments, the first information can be used to indicate but is not limited to indicating at least one of the following: the geographical location of the third network element 103; the computing functions supported by the third network element 103; the computing capabilities supported by the third network element 103; and the load status of the third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element.

In some embodiments, the first request message may also be called a positioning calculation request message, etc. The present disclosure does not limit the name of the first request message.

In some embodiments, the first request message may include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

A positioning method determined by the LMF;

Measurement data used to perform the positioning calculation.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may receive the first request message.

Step S2103 , the third network element 103 determines whether it needs to send a second request message to the first network element 101 .

In some embodiments, the second request message is used to request to call the data storage service of the first network element 101.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may determine whether it is necessary to send a second request message to the first network element 101 based on the positioning method included in the first request message.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may determine, based on a protocol agreement, whether the positioning method included in the first request message requires sending a second request message to the first network element 101 .

Exemplarily, when the positioning method includes base station positioning, the third network element 103 may determine that it is necessary to send a second request message to the first network element 101 .

Exemplarily, when the positioning method includes the GPS positioning method, the third network element 103 may determine that it is not necessary to send the second request message to the first network element 101 .

The above is only an exemplary description. For any positioning method, in order to improve positioning accuracy and reliability, the third network element 103 can determine that it is necessary to send the second request message to the first network element 101. Alternatively, for any positioning method, the third network element 103 can determine that the current positioning accuracy has met the positioning requirements, or that the required positioning accuracy has been obtained from the first network element 101. In the case where the positioning assistance information is required, it is determined that there is no need to send the second request message to the first network element 101.

Solutions in which the third network element 103 determines whether it needs to send the second request message to the first network element 101 should all fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Step S2104: The third network element 103 sends a second request message to the first network element 101.

In some embodiments, when the third network element 103 determines that it is necessary to send a second request message to the first network element 101 based on the positioning method, the third network element 103 may send a second request message to the first network element 101 .

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 receives the second request message.

Step S2105 : The first network element 101 sends positioning assistance information to the third network element 103 .

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 receives the positioning assistance information.

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 sends a second response message to the third network element 103, wherein the second response message includes positioning assistance information.

Exemplarily, the second response message is used to respond to the second request message.

In some embodiments, the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element in performing positioning calculations.

In some embodiments, the positioning assistance information may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: three-dimensional map information; absolute position information of the access network device.

The absolute location information of the access network device may include but is not limited to the latitude and longitude information of the base station.

In some embodiments, the positioning assistance information may be collected by the second network element 102 .

Exemplarily, the second network element may collect the positioning assistance information when collecting data and/or information provided by the first node, wherein the first node includes at least one of the following: a core network functional network element; an access network device; a terminal.

Step S2106: The third network element 103 performs positioning calculation to obtain a positioning result.

In some embodiments, when the third network element 103 determines that there is no need to send the second request message to the first network element 101, the third network element 103 may perform positioning calculations based on the measurement data included in the first request message to obtain the positioning result.

In some embodiments, when the third network element 103 determines that it needs to send a second request message to the first network element 101 and obtains positioning assistance information provided by the first network element 101, the third network element 103 can perform positioning calculations based on the measurement data included in the first request message and the positioning assistance information to obtain the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may estimate the computing resources required for positioning calculations, and then call upon the computing resources of multiple first nodes for collaborative calculations.

Step S2107: The third network element 103 sends a first response message to the LMF.

In some embodiments, the LMF receives the first response message.

In some embodiments, the first response message is used to respond to the first request message.

In some embodiments, the first response message may also be referred to as a positioning calculation response message, and the present disclosure does not limit the name of the first response message.

In some embodiments, the first response message may include the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the LMF may feed back the positioning result to the AMF.

Exemplarily, LMF may send a third response message to AMF, thereby feeding back the positioning result to AMF. The third response message is used to respond to the third request message.

Exemplarily, the third response message may be an Nmf_Location_EdetermineLocation response message.

Exemplarily, the third response message includes the positioning result.

Furthermore, during the MO-LR process or during the SL-MO-LR process, the AMF may report the positioning result to at least one of the GMLC, NEF, Client, and AF.

Furthermore, the AMF may feed back a first positioning response message to the terminal, wherein the first positioning response message is used to respond to a first positioning request message sent by the terminal. Exemplarily, the first positioning response message may be a MO-LR response message or a SL-MO-LR response message.

Exemplarily, the first positioning response message includes the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the LMF may feed back the positioning result to the AMF.

Exemplarily, LMF may send a third response message to AMF, thereby feeding back the positioning result to AMF. The third response message is used to respond to the third request message.

Exemplarily, the third response message may be an Nmf_Location_EdetermineLocation response message.

Exemplarily, the third response message includes the positioning result.

Furthermore, during the MT-LR process or during the SL-MT-LR process, the AMF may send a second positioning response message to at least one of the GMLC, NEF, Client, and AF, and the second positioning response message is used to respond to the second positioning request message. Exemplarily, the second positioning response message may be an MT-LR response message or a SL-MT-LR response message.

Exemplarily, the second positioning response message may include the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the positioning method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2107. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101+S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2104 to S2105 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2103 to S2105 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2106 to S2107 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S2101 to S2107 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when terminal positioning is not required, step S2101 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the positioning calculation is performed by the LMF or other execution function network element, step S2102 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S2103 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the third network element 103 sends the second request message to the first network element 101 according to the protocol agreement, or determines that the second request message will not be sent to the first network element 101 according to the protocol agreement, step S2103 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S2104 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the third network element 103 determines that it will not send the second request message to the first network element 101, step S2104 may not be performed. For another example, when the first network element 101 periodically provides positioning assistance information to the third network element 103, step S2104 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S2105 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the third network element 103 determines that it will not send the second request message to the first network element 101, step S2105 may not be performed. For another example, when the first network element 101 has provided positioning assistance information to the third network element 103, and the content of the positioning assistance information has not been updated, step S2105 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S2106 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the positioning calculation is performed by the LMF or other functional network elements, step S2106 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S2107 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when other functional network elements provide positioning results to the LMF or the LMF itself determines the positioning results, step S2107 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2107 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In the above embodiment, the third network element can perform positioning calculations based on more and richer positioning auxiliary information, thereby reducing the latency of the core network system positioning service and/or ranging service, and improving the reliability and accuracy of the core network system providing positioning services and/or ranging services.

FIG3A is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be executed by a third network element 103. The method includes:

Step S3101, obtain a first request message.

In some embodiments, the first request message is used to request to call the positioning calculation service of the third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 receives the first request message sent by the LMF, but is not limited to this, and may also receive the first request message sent by other entities.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 obtains a first request message specified by the protocol.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 performs processing to obtain the first request message.

In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the third network element 103 autonomously implements the function indicated by the first request message, or the above function is default or by default.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

Step S3102, determine whether to send a second request message.

In some embodiments, the second request message is used to request to call the data storage service of the first network element 101.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may determine whether to send the second request message based on the positioning method included in the first request message.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may determine whether to send the second request message based on a protocol agreement.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

Step S3103, sending a second request message.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may send a second request message to the first network element 101 when determining that the second request message needs to be sent.

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 receives the second request message.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

Step S3104, obtaining positioning assistance information.

In some embodiments, the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element 103 in performing positioning calculations.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 receives the positioning assistance information sent by the first network element 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the positioning assistance information sent by other entities.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 obtains positioning assistance information specified by the protocol.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 performs processing to obtain positioning assistance information.

In some embodiments, step S3104 is omitted, and the third network element 103 autonomously implements the function indicated by the positioning assistance information, or the above function is default or by default.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

Step S3105, determine the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may perform positioning calculation based on the measurement data included in the first request message to obtain the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may perform positioning calculation based on the measurement data and positioning assistance information included in the first request message to obtain the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

Step S3106, sending a first response message.

In some embodiments, the first response message includes the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may send a first response message to the LMF.

In some embodiments, the LMF receives a first response message.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3106 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the positioning method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3106. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S3103 to S3104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3102 to S3104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, step S3105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S3105 to S3106 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3101 to S3106 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, step S3101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the positioning calculation is performed by LMF or other execution function network element, step S3101 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S3102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the third network element 103 sends the second request message to the first network element 101 according to the protocol agreement, or determines that the second request message will not be sent to the first network element 101 according to the protocol agreement, step S3102 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S3103 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the third network element 103 determines that it will not send the second request message to the first network element 101, step S3103 may not be performed. For another example, when the first network element 101 periodically provides positioning assistance information to the third network element 103, step S3103 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S3104 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the third network element 103 determines that it will not send the second request message to the first network element 101, step S3104 may not be performed. For another example, when the first network element 101 has provided positioning assistance information to the third network element 103, and the content of the positioning assistance information has not been updated, step S3104 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S3105 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the positioning calculation is performed by the LMF or other functional network elements, step S3105 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S3106 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when other functional network elements provide positioning results to the LMF or the LMF itself determines the positioning results, step S3106 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, steps S3101 to S3106 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In the above embodiment, the third network element can perform positioning calculation based on more and richer positioning auxiliary information, reducing the core The latency of the core network system’s positioning service and/or ranging service is reduced, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of the positioning service and/or ranging service provided by the core network system.

FIG3B is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be executed by the first network element 101. The method includes:

Step S3201, obtain a second request message.

In some embodiments, the second request message is used to request to call the data storage service of the first network element 101.

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 receives the second request message sent by the third network element 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the second request message sent by other entities.

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 obtains a second request message specified by the protocol.

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 performs processing to obtain a second request message.

In some embodiments, step S3201 is omitted, and the first network element 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the second request message, or the above function is default or default.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

Step S3202, sending positioning assistance information.

In some embodiments, the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element 103 in performing positioning calculations.

In some embodiments, the first network element 101 sends positioning assistance information to the third network element 103 .

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 receives positioning assistance information.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the positioning method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3202. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3201+S3202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, step S3201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the third network element 103 determines that it will not send the second request message to the first network element 101, step S3201 may not be performed. For another example, when the first network element 101 periodically provides positioning assistance information to the third network element 103, step S3201 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S3202 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the third network element 103 determines that it will not send the second request message to the first network element 101, step S3202 may not be performed. For another example, when the first network element 101 has provided positioning assistance information to the third network element 103, and the content of the positioning assistance information has not been updated, step S3202 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, steps S3201 to S3202 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In the above embodiment, the first network element can provide the required data to other functional network elements based on the request messages sent by other functional network elements. For example, based on the second request message sent by the third network element, the first network element can provide positioning assistance information to the third network element, thereby enriching the available data of the core network system and improving the reliability and accuracy of the core network system in providing positioning services and/or ranging services.

FIG3C is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3C , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, which can be performed by LMF, and the method includes:

Step S3301, determine to trigger terminal positioning.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

Step S3302, sending a first request message.

In some embodiments, the first request message is used to request to call the positioning calculation service of the third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the LMF may send the first request message to the selected third network element 103 .

In some embodiments, the third network element 103 receives the first request message.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

Step S3303, obtain the first response message.

In some embodiments, the first response message is used to respond to the first request message.

In some embodiments, the first response message includes a positioning result.

In some embodiments, the LMF receives a first response message sent by the third network element 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive a first response message sent by other entities.

In some embodiments, the LMF obtains a first response message specified by the protocol.

In some embodiments, the LMF performs processing to obtain a first response message.

In some embodiments, step S3303 is omitted, and the LMF autonomously implements the function indicated by the first response message, or the above function is default or by default.

In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the positioning method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3303. For example, step S3301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S3301+S3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3301 to S3303 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, step S3301 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when terminal positioning is not required, step S3301 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S3302 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when the LMF or other execution function network element performs the positioning calculation, step S3302 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, step S3303 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments. For example, when other functional network elements provide positioning results to the LMF or the LMF itself determines the positioning results, step S3303 may not be performed.

In some embodiments, steps S3301 to S3303 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In the above embodiment, the LMF can send a first request message to the third network element, and the third network element performs positioning calculation and returns the positioning result to the LMF through a first response message. This reduces the latency of the core network system positioning service and/or ranging service, and improves the reliability and accuracy of the core network system in providing positioning services and/or ranging services.

The above process is further illustrated below with examples.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning method using a computing function is provided, including:

After receiving the positioning request, the LMF determines the positioning method and collects measurement data. Further, the LMF selects a calculation function (ie, the third network element 103) and requests the calculation function to perform positioning calculation or positioning estimation.

FIG1B provides a core network system architecture including a specific computing function CF (i.e., the third network element 103), which is based on the 5G network architecture, reorganizes network functions, and is applicable to a variety of services. At the same time, the terminal and access network equipment side will also have computing and perception capabilities, and can use local computing resources to calculate and process data, realize distributed computing coordinated by multiple terminals and access network equipment, and greatly improve the utilization rate of idle computing resources.

Based on the idea of functional reorganization, the following three functional network elements are proposed:

The data storage function (i.e., the first network element 101), the NFs responsible for storage, such as NRF, UDR, and UDM are reorganized into the data storage function. For new scenarios such as sensing and positioning, the data storage function also has new capabilities, which can store sensing/computing nodes and positioning auxiliary information, such as 3D maps and/or the absolute position of access network devices.

The data collection function (i.e., the second network element 102) obtains real-time network information, collects data and information provided by the first node, such as NFs, gNB, and UE, and formats the obtained data and messages.

Computing function (ie, the third network element 103), the future network will have powerful computing capabilities and will be service-oriented.

1) For collaborative computing tasks of multiple UEs/gNBs, it schedules the resources of each computing node and has AI analysis/computation/prediction capabilities;

2) For sensing/positioning services, the computing power of the network and the stored auxiliary information can be used to provide higher quality services;

3) Capable of providing specific artificial intelligence computing services.

In this embodiment, the positioning service process of the 5G-MO-LR process and the 5G-MT-LR process is described. It can be understood that it can also be adapted to other positioning service processes involving positioning estimation.

FIG4A is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, and the method includes:

Step S4101: The terminal sends a first positioning request message to the AMF.

In some embodiments, the terminal triggers the terminal positioning estimation, that is, triggers the MO-LR process.

In some embodiments, the AMF receives the first positioning request message.

Step S4102: AMF sends a third request message to LMF.

In some embodiments, the third request message is used to request the LMF to locate the terminal.

Exemplarily, the third request message may be used to request calling of a location service, such as requesting calling of an Nmf_Location_EDetermineLocation service.

In some embodiments, the AMF sends the third request message to the selected LMF, and the LMF receives the third request message.

Step S4103, LMF determines the positioning method.

In some embodiments, the LMF determines the positioning method based on the third request message.

Step S4104, LMF determines the trigger terminal positioning.

In some embodiments, the LMF triggers terminal positioning to collect measurement data for performing said positioning calculation.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4104 is similar to the above-mentioned step S2101 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4105, LMF sends a first request message to the selected third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4105 is similar to the above-mentioned step S2102 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4106a: The third network element 103 sends a second request message to the first network element 101.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4106a is similar to step S2103 and step S2104, and will not be repeated here.

Step S 4106b, the first network element 101 sends positioning assistance information to the third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4106b is similar to step S2105 and will not be repeated here.

Step S 4107, the third network element 103 performs positioning calculation and obtains the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4107 is similar to the above-mentioned step S2106 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4108: The third network element 103 sends a first response message to the LMF.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4108 is similar to the above-mentioned step S2107 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4109, LMF sends a third response message to AMF.

In some embodiments, the third response message may be used to respond to the third request message.

In some embodiments, the third response message may be a Nmf_Location_EdetermineLocation response message.

In some embodiments, the third response message may include a positioning result.

Step S4110, AMF reports the positioning result to GMLC/NEF/Client/AF.

In some embodiments, the AMF may send a notification message including the positioning result to at least one of the GMLC/NEF/Client/AF.

Step S4111, AMF returns a first positioning response message to the terminal.

In some embodiments, the first positioning response message is used to respond to a positioning request message initiated by the terminal.

In some embodiments, the first positioning response message may be a MO-LR response message.

In some embodiments, the positioning response message may include the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the above steps S4106a and S4106b are optional steps.

In the above embodiment, the third network element can perform positioning calculation in the MO-LR process and provide the obtained positioning result to the LMF, thereby enriching the data and/or information required by the core network system and improving the performance and reliability of services provided by the core network system.

FIG4B is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4B , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, and the method includes:

Step S4201, AMF receives a second positioning request message.

In some embodiments, at least one of GMLC, NEF, Client, and AF triggers terminal location estimation, that is, triggers the MT-LR process. At least one of GMLC, NEF, Client, and AF sends a second location request message to AMF via LMF.

In some embodiments, the AMF receives the second positioning request message.

Step S4202, AMF sends a third request message to LMF.

In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4202 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4102 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4203, LMF determines the positioning method.

In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4203 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4103 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4204, LMF determines the trigger terminal positioning.

In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4204 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4104 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4205, LMF sends a first request message to the selected third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4205 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4105 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4206a: The third network element 103 sends a second request message to the first network element 101.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4206a is similar to that of step S4106a and will not be repeated here.

Step S 4206b, the first network element 101 sends positioning assistance information to the third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4206b is similar to step S4106b and will not be repeated here.

Step S 4207, the third network element 103 performs positioning calculation and obtains the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4207 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4107 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4208: The third network element 103 sends a first response message to the LMF.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4208 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4108 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4209, LMF sends a third response message to AMF.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4209 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4109 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4210, AMF sends a second positioning response message to GMLC/NEF/Client/AF.

In some embodiments, the AMF may send a second positioning response message to at least one of the GMLC/NEF/Client/AF.

Exemplarily, the second positioning response message may be an MT-LR response message.

Exemplarily, the second positioning response message may include the positioning result.

In the above embodiment, the third network element can perform positioning calculations during the MT-LR process and provide the obtained positioning results to the LMF, thereby enriching the data and/or information required by the core network system and improving the performance and reliability of services provided by the core network system.

In this embodiment, the positioning service process of the SL-MO-LR process and the SL-MT-LR process is described. It can be understood that it can also be adapted to other positioning service processes involving positioning estimation.

FIG4C is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, and the method includes:

Step S4301: The terminal sends a first positioning request message to the AMF.

In some embodiments, the terminal triggers the terminal positioning estimation, that is, triggers the SL-MO-LR process.

In some embodiments, the AMF receives the first positioning request message.

In some embodiments, the terminal in FIG. 4C may be a target terminal, ie, a terminal that needs to determine its own positioning result, and/or may be other terminals participating in the SL-MO-LR process, including but not limited to the aforementioned positioning service terminal.

Step S4302: AMF sends a third request message to LMF.

In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4302 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4102 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4303, LMF determines the positioning method.

In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4303 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4103 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4304, LMF determines the trigger terminal positioning.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4304 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4104 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4305, LMF sends a first request message to the selected third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4305 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4105 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4306a: The third network element 103 sends a second request message to the first network element 101.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4306a is similar to that of step S4106a and will not be repeated here.

Step S 4306b, the first network element 101 sends positioning assistance information to the third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4306b is similar to step S4106b and will not be repeated here.

Step S 4307, the third network element 103 performs positioning calculation and obtains the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4307 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4106 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4308: The third network element 103 sends a first response message to the LMF.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4308 is similar to the above-mentioned step S2107 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4309, LMF sends a third response message to AMF.

In some embodiments, the third response message may be used to respond to the third request message.

In some embodiments, the third response message may be a Nmf_Location_EdetermineLocation response message.

In some embodiments, the third response message may include a positioning result.

Step S4310, AMF reports the positioning result to GMLC/NEF/Client/AF.

In some embodiments, the AMF may send a notification message including the positioning result to at least one of the GMLC/NEF/Client/AF.

Step S4311, AMF returns a first positioning response message to the terminal.

In some embodiments, the first positioning response message is used to respond to a positioning request message initiated by the terminal.

In some embodiments, the first positioning response message may be a SL-MO-LR response message.

In some embodiments, the first positioning response message may include a positioning result.

In some embodiments, the above steps S4306a and S4306b are optional steps.

In the above embodiment, the third network element can perform positioning calculations during the SL-MO-LR process and provide the obtained positioning results to the LMF, thereby enriching the data and/or information required by the core network system and improving the performance and reliability of services provided by the core network system.

FIG4D is a flow chart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4D , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning method, and the method includes:

Step S4401, AMF receives a second positioning request message.

In some embodiments, at least one of GMLC, NEF, Client, and AF triggers terminal location estimation, that is, triggers the MT-LR process. At least one of GMLC, NEF, Client, and AF sends a second location request message to AMF via LMF.

In some embodiments, the terminal in FIG. 4D may be a target terminal, that is, a terminal that needs to determine its own positioning result, and/or, It may be other terminals participating in the SL-MT-LR process, including but not limited to the aforementioned positioning service terminal.

In some embodiments, the AMF receives the second positioning request message.

Step S4402, AMF sends a third request message to LMF.

In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4402 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4102 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4403, LMF determines the positioning method.

In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4403 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4103 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4404, LMF determines the trigger terminal positioning.

In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4404 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4104 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4405, LMF sends a first request message to the selected third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4405 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4105 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4406a, the third network element 103 sends a second request message to the first network element 101.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4406a is similar to that of step S4106a and will not be repeated here.

Step S 4406b, the first network element 101 sends positioning assistance information to the third network element 103.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4406b is similar to step S4106b and will not be repeated here.

Step S 4407, the third network element 103 performs positioning calculation and obtains the positioning result.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4407 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4107 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4408: The third network element 103 sends a first response message to the LMF.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4408 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4108 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4409, LMF sends a third response message to AMF.

In some embodiments, the implementation process of step S4409 is similar to the above-mentioned step S4109 and will not be repeated here.

Step S4410, AMF sends a second positioning response message to GMLC/NEF/Client/AF.

In some embodiments, the AMF may send a second positioning response message to at least one of the GMLC/NEF/Client/AF.

Exemplarily, the second positioning response message may be a SL-MT-LR response message.

Exemplarily, the second positioning response message may include the positioning result.

In the above embodiment, the third network element can perform positioning calculations during the SL-MT-LR process and provide the obtained positioning results to the LMF, thereby enriching the data and/or information required by the core network system and improving the performance and reliability of services provided by the core network system.

It should be noted that the above is only an exemplary description. Based on the core network system architecture provided by this application, solutions for implementing various services, including but not limited to artificial intelligence, ranging and other services should all fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

The embodiments of the present disclosure also propose a device for implementing any of the above methods. For example, a device is proposed, and the above device includes units or modules for implementing each step executed by each functional network element (including but not limited to the third network element 103, the first network element 101, the second network element 102, and LMF) in any of the above methods.

It should be understood that the division of the units or modules in the above device is only a division of logical functions, which can be fully or partially integrated into one physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and instructions are stored in the memory. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory inside the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules may be implemented by designing the hardware circuits. The hardware circuits may be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the hardware circuits are application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the functions of some or all of the above units or modules may be implemented by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuits; for another example, in another implementation, the hardware circuits may be implemented by programmable logic devices (PLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) may be used as an example, which may include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits may be configured by configuring the configuration files, thereby implementing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices may be implemented in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in the form of software called by the processor, and the remaining part may be implemented in the form of hardware circuits.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor may be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP), etc. In another implementation, the processor may implement certain functions through the logical relationship of hardware circuits, and the logical relationship of the above hardware circuits is fixed or reconfigurable, such as a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the hardware circuit configuration process, which can be understood as a processor. The process of loading instructions from the processor to realize the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASIC, such as Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU), etc.

Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third network element proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 5A, the third network element 5100 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 5101, a processing module 5102, and the like.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module 5101 is configured to receive a first request message sent by a positioning management function LMF, where the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element.

In some embodiments, the processing module 5102 is configured to perform positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain a positioning result.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module 5101 is also configured to send a first response message to the LMF, and the first response message includes the positioning result.

Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module 5101 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and/or receiving performed by the third network element 5100 in any of the above methods (for example, step S2102, step S2104, step S2105, step S2107, but not limited to these), which will not be repeated here.

Optionally, the processing module 5102 is used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S2103, step S2106, but not limited to these) performed by the third network element 5100 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

FIG5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network element proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5B , the first network element 5200 may include: a transceiver module 5201 .

In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5201 is configured to receive a second request message sent by a third network element, where the third network element is used for performing calculations, and the second request message is used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module 5201 is also configured to send positioning assistance information to the third network element based on the second request message, and the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element in performing positioning calculation.

Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module 5201 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and/or receiving performed by the first network element 5201 in any of the above methods (for example, step S2104, step S2105, but not limited to this), which will not be repeated here.

Fig. 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the LMF proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 5C, the LMF 5300 may include: at least one of a processing module 5301, a transceiver module 5302, and the like.

In some embodiments, the processing module 5301 is configured to determine the trigger terminal location.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module 5302 is configured to send a first request message to a selected third network element, where the third network element is used for calculation, and the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module 5302 is further configured to receive a first response message sent by the third network element, and the first response message includes a positioning result.

Optionally, the processing module 5301 is used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S2101, but not limited to this) performed by LMF5300 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module 5301 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and/or receiving performed by LMF5300 in any of the above methods (for example, step S2102, step S2107, but not limited to this), which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a sending module and/or a receiving module, and the sending module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

In some embodiments, the processing module can be a module or include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be replaced with the processor.

6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 6100 may be a network device (e.g., a core network device, a core network functional network element, etc.), or may be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the core network device to implement any of the above methods, or may be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the core network device to implement any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 may be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment, and the details may refer to the description in the above method embodiment.

As shown in FIG6A , the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process the communication protocol and the communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control the communication device (such as the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, the LMF, etc.), execute the program, and process the data of the program. The communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6102 may also be outside the communication device 6100.

In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6103. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6103, the transceiver 6103 performs the communication steps such as sending and/or receiving in the above method (for example, steps S2102, The processor 6101 executes at least one of the steps (step S2104, step S2105, step S2107, but not limited to these), and the processor 6101 executes at least one of the other steps (step S2101, step S2103, step S2106, but not limited to these).

In some embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and/or a transmitter, and the receiver and the transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc. may be replaced with each other, the terms such as transmitter, transmission unit, transmitter, transmission circuit, etc. may be replaced with each other, and the terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. may be replaced with each other.

In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6102, and the interface circuit 6104 may be used to receive signals from the memory 6102 or other devices, and may be used to send signals to the memory 6102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 may read instructions stored in the memory 6102 and send the instructions to the processor 6101.

The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 6200 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the case where the communication device 6200 may be a chip or a chip system, reference may be made to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 6200 shown in FIG6B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201, and the chip 6200 is used to execute any of the above methods.

In some embodiments, the chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, the interface circuit 6202 is connected to the memory 6203. The interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 6203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 6202 can be used to send signals to the memory 6203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6202 can read instructions stored in the memory 6203 and send the instructions to the processor 6201.

In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 executes at least one of the communication steps such as sending and/or receiving in the above method (for example, step S2102, step S2104, step S2105, step S2107, but not limited to these), and the processor 6201 executes at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2101, step S2103, step S2106, but not limited to these).

In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, the chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6203 may be outside the chip 6200.

The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium, on which instructions are stored, and when the instructions are executed on the communication device 6100, the communication device 6100 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a temporary storage medium.

The present disclosure also proposes a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 6100, enables the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute any one of the above methods.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. The present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not disclosed in the present disclosure. The description and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (28)

A core network system, characterized by comprising at least one of the following: A first network element, wherein the first network element is used for storing data; A second network element, the second network element is used to collect data and/or information provided by the first node, the first node includes at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; a terminal; A third network element, wherein the third network element is used for performing calculations. The system according to claim 1 is characterized in that at least one of the first network element, the second network element, and the third network element accesses the radio access network RAN through an access and mobility management function AMF. The system according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that at least one of the first network element, the second network element, and the third network element is connected to a user plane function UPF. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the data stored in the first network element includes at least one of the following: The data that the network storage function NRF needs to store; The data that needs to be stored in the user data register UDR; Unified Data Management (UDM) is the data that needs to be stored; data collected by the second network element; The data required by the third network element for calculation. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second network element is further configured to perform at least one of the following: filtering the data and/or information provided by the first node; Formatting the data and/or information provided by the first node. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the third network element is used to perform at least one of the following: Calling computing resources of multiple first nodes to perform collaborative computing; Calculation is performed on the first service to obtain a calculation result; wherein the first service includes at least one of the following: positioning service; sidelink positioning service; ranging service; artificial intelligence service; perception service. A positioning method, characterized in that the method is performed by a third network element, and the third network element is used to perform calculation; The method comprises: Receiving a first request message sent by a positioning management function LMF, where the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element; Performing positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain a positioning result; A first response message is sent to the LMF, where the first response message includes the positioning result. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first request message includes at least one of the following: A positioning method determined by the LMF; Measurement data used to perform the positioning calculation. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the performing positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain the positioning result comprises: Based on the positioning method included in the first request message, determining that there is no need to send a second request message to a first network element, the first network element is used for data storage, and the second request message is used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element; Based on the measurement data used for performing the positioning calculation included in the first request message, a positioning calculation is performed to obtain the positioning result. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the performing positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain the positioning result comprises: Based on the positioning method included in the first request message, determining that a second request message needs to be sent to a first network element, the first network element is used for data storage, and the second request message is used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element; Sending the second request message to the first network element; receiving positioning assistance information sent by the first network element based on the second request message, where the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element in performing positioning calculation; Based on the measurement data used for performing the positioning calculation and the positioning assistance information included in the first request message, a positioning calculation is performed to obtain the positioning result. The method according to claim 10, wherein the positioning assistance information includes at least one of the following: 3D map information; The absolute location information of the access network device. The method according to claim 10 or 11 is characterized in that the positioning assistance information is collected by a second network element, and the second network element is used to collect data and/or information provided by a first node, and the first node includes at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; a terminal. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the receiving a first request message sent by a location management function LMF comprises: Receiving the first request message sent by the LMF after determining to trigger terminal positioning in the first positioning process; wherein the first positioning process includes any one of the following: The terminal terminates the positioning request MT-LR process; The terminal initiates the MO-LR process of positioning request; The terminal terminates the positioning request SL-MT-LR process; The terminal initiates the positioning request SL-MO-LR process. A positioning method, characterized in that the method is performed by a first network element, and the first network element is used for data storage; The method comprises: receiving a second request message sent by a third network element, where the third network element is used to perform calculations, and the second request message is used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element; Based on the second request message, positioning assistance information is sent to the third network element, where the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element in performing positioning calculation. The method according to claim 14, wherein the positioning assistance information includes at least one of the following: 3D map information; The absolute location information of the access network device. The method according to claim 14 or 15 is characterized in that the positioning assistance information is collected by a second network element, and the second network element is used to collect data and/or information provided by a first node, and the first node includes at least one of the following: a core network function network element; an access network device; a terminal. A positioning method, characterized in that the method is performed by a positioning management function LMF, and the method comprises: Determine the trigger terminal location; Sending a first request message to a selected third network element, where the third network element is used to perform calculations, and the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element; A first response message sent by the third network element is received, where the first response message includes a positioning result. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the method further comprises: Based on the first information of each of the third network elements, the third network element is selected; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The geographical location of the third network element; A computing function supported by the third network element; The computing capability supported by the third network element; The load status of the third network element. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the first request message includes at least one of the following: A positioning method determined by the LMF; Measurement data used to perform the positioning calculation. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the determining triggering terminal positioning comprises: In the first positioning process, based on the third request message sent by the access and mobility management function AMF, it is determined to trigger the terminal positioning, and the third request message is used to request the LMF to perform the terminal positioning; wherein the first positioning process includes any one of the following: The terminal terminates the positioning request MT-LR process; The terminal initiates the MO-LR process of positioning request; The terminal terminates the positioning request SL-MT-LR process; The terminal initiates the positioning request SL-MO-LR process. A third network element, characterized in that the third network element is used to perform calculations, including: A transceiver module, configured to receive a first request message sent by a location management function LMF, wherein the first request message is used to request to call a location calculation service of the third network element; A processing module is configured to perform positioning calculation based on the first request message to obtain a positioning result; The transceiver module is further configured to send a first response message to the LMF, wherein the first response message includes the fixed bit result. A first network element, characterized in that the first network element is used for data storage, including: a transceiver module, configured to receive a second request message sent by a third network element, the third network element being used to perform calculations, the second request message being used to request to call a data storage service of the first network element; The transceiver module is further configured to send positioning assistance information to the third network element based on the second request message, where the positioning assistance information is used to assist the third network element in performing positioning calculation. A location management function LMF, characterized by comprising: A processing module, configured to determine the trigger terminal location; A transceiver module is configured to send a first request message to a selected third network element, the third network element is used to perform calculations, and the first request message is used to request to call a positioning calculation service of the third network element; The transceiver module is further configured to receive a first response message sent by the third network element, where the first response message includes a positioning result. A third network element, characterized in that the third network element is used to perform calculations, including: one or more processors; The third network element is used to execute the positioning method described in any one of claims 7-13. A first network element, characterized in that the first network element is used for data storage, including: one or more processors; The first network element is used to execute the positioning method described in any one of claims 14-16. A location management function LMF, characterized by comprising: one or more processors; Wherein, the LMF is used to execute the positioning method described in any one of claims 17-20. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the positioning method as described in any one of claims 7 to 19. A positioning system, characterized in that it comprises: A third network element, the third network element is used to perform calculations, and the third network element is also used to execute the positioning method according to any one of claims 7 to 13 above; A first network element, the first network element is used for data storage, and the first network element is also used to execute the positioning method according to any one of claims 14 to 16 above; The positioning management function LMF is also used to execute the positioning method described in any one of claims 17-20 above.