CN116548028B

CN116548028B - Method, apparatus and computer readable medium for location area update

Info

Publication number: CN116548028B
Application number: CN202080107287.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 孟艳; 陶涛; 刘建国; 晁华
Original assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd; Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd; Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Priority date: 2020-11-18
Filing date: 2020-11-18
Publication date: 2024-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-18
Also published as: WO2022104577A1; CN116548028A

Abstract

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

Description

Method, apparatus and computer readable medium for location area update

Technical Field

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

Background

In telecommunication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems and new air interface (NR or 5G) systems, a mobile station or User Equipment (UE) may initiate tracking area updates or registration updates, e.g., periodically, to keep its registration in the tracking area active, and may also initiate location area updates, e.g., upon entering a new tracking area.

Disclosure of Invention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the first location area update procedure may further comprise: at least one adjacent location area is added to the registration area information.

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

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

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: first capability information for determining enablement or disablement of a first location area update procedure is received from a mobile station, the first capability information including information regarding at least one of: whether the mobile station supports positioning, the type of mobile station, and the mobile speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: a first capability inquiry message is transmitted to the mobile station for requesting first capability information.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: second capability information for determining enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure is received from the second device, the second capability information comprising information regarding whether the second device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: a second capability query message is transmitted to the second device for requesting second capability information.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: location area update assistance information is received from the second device via a service-based interface exposed by the location management function.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: location area update assistance information is periodically received from the second device.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: determining a reporting periodicity of the location area update assistance information; and transmitting information about the reporting periodicity to the second device.

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

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: receiving information associated with a disabling of a first location area update procedure for the mobile station from one of the second device and the mobile station; transmitting information associated with at least one of a disabling of the first location area update procedure and an enabling of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station to the other of the second device and the mobile station; and activating a second location area update procedure based on the location report from the mobile station.

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise: means for receiving second capability information from the second device for determining enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure, the second capability information comprising information regarding whether the second device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise: means for determining a reporting periodicity of the location area update assistance information; and means for transmitting information about the reporting periodicity to the second device.

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

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

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the device to perform: first capability information for determining whether to enable or disable the first location area update procedure is received from the mobile station, the first capability information including information regarding whether the mobile station supports at least one of positioning, a type of mobile station, and a speed of movement of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the device to perform: a first capability inquiry message is transmitted to the mobile station requesting the first capability information.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the device to perform: second capability information for determining enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure is received from the second device, the second capability information including information regarding whether the second device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the device to perform: a second capability query message is transmitted to the second device requesting the second capability information.

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: capability information is transmitted to the second device, the capability information including information regarding whether the first device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the method may include: capability information is transmitted to the second device, the capability information including information regarding whether the first device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the method may include: a capability query message is received from the second device for requesting capability information.

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

In some embodiments, the method may include: reporting periodicity of receiving the transmit location area update assistance information.

In some embodiments, the method may include: information associated with disabling of the location area update procedure is transmitted to the second device.

In some embodiments, the method may include: information associated with disabling of the location area update procedure is received from the second device.

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

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise: means for transmitting capability information to the second device, the capability information comprising information about whether the first device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise: means for receiving information associated with a disabling of a location area update procedure from a second device.

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

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: capability information is transmitted to the second device, the capability information including information regarding whether the first device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: a capability query message is received from the second device requesting the capability information.

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

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: information associated with disabling of the location area update procedure is transmitted to the second device.

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

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

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: capability information is transmitted to the first device, the capability information including information regarding at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a movement speed of the mobile station.

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: capability information is transmitted to the first device, the capability information including information regarding whether the mobile station supports at least one of positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a movement speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: a capability query message is received from a first device for requesting capability information.

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

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: transmitting information associated with at least one of a disabling of a first location area update procedure and an enabling of a second location area update procedure initiated by the mobile station to the first device; and activating transmission of the location report to the first device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: capability information is transmitted to the first device, the capability information including information regarding at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a movement speed of the mobile station.

In some embodiments, the instructions may further cause the apparatus to perform: a capability query message is received from the first device requesting the capability information.

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

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

Drawings

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

Fig. 1 shows an example of a location area update in one embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a location area update in one embodiment.

Fig. 3 shows an example of a location area update in one embodiment.

Fig. 4 shows an example of a location area update in one embodiment.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of location area update in one embodiment.

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

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

Fig. 8 illustrates an example device for location area update in one embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 14 illustrates an example device for location area update in one embodiment.

Detailed Description

In view of the possible naming convention evolution in LTE systems, NR systems and possible future systems, "location area" (LA) will be used herein to refer to any of the current and/or future area configurations applicable to location or mobility management (or similar functions) of a mobile station or UE, examples of which include, but are not limited to, tracking Area (TA) in LTE systems or NR systems, radio Access Network (RAN) notification area in NR systems, and so forth. Furthermore, the location area here may also correspond to a cell or, for example, to one or more parts of a cell in case the cell is divided into several parts. Accordingly, examples of Location Area Updates (LAUs) herein may include, but are not limited to, tracking Area Updates (TAU) in LTE systems, registration Updates (RU) in NR systems, RAN notification area updates in NR systems, and any other same or similar procedure, both current and future.

In some embodiments, the LAU may be initiated by the UE. For example, a UE in a connected state (e.g., RRC connected state as described in the third generation partnership project or 3GPP standards) may transmit a message to initiate an LAU when the UE moves to a new LA outside of its registered LA list. In another example, for a UE in an idle state (e.g., rrc_idle state as described in the 3GPP standard) or an inactive state (e.g., RR c_inactive state as described in the 3GPP standard) that will keep its registration in LA, the UE may wake up and establish a connection with an entity associated with access and mobility management in the Core Network (CN) (e.g., a mobility management entity in the LTE system or MME, access and mobility management function in the NR system, or AMF), to initiate LAU, e.g., periodically, and return to the idle or inactive state after LAU. In such embodiments, for example, a significant amount of signaling overhead and high power consumption may be incurred to the UE.

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

Fig. 1 shows an example of LAU procedure in one embodiment involving a UE 101, a device 102 associated with access and mobility management in the CN (e.g., MME in LTE system or AMF in NR system), and a device 103 associated with location management in the CN (e.g., LMF in LTE or NR system).

It should be understood that for ease and clarity of description, three entities (UE 101, devices 102 and 103) are shown in fig. 1 and other figures of the present disclosure, while entities (or parts or devices) associated with other functions in the access network (e.g., base station) and CN, as well as associated signaling and procedures (such as determining device 102 for UE 101 by the base station) are omitted.

As shown in fig. 1, for a UE 101, a device 102 may determine in operation 104 an enablement of a first LAU that is assisted by a device 103 or a disablement of a second LAU that is initiated by the UE 101, and may transmit information 105 associated with the enablement of the first LAU or the disablement of the second LAU to the UE 101, e.g., via non-access stratum (NAS) signaling.

As shown in fig. 1, in response to receiving the information 105 from the device 102, the ue 101 may deactivate the second RUP in operation 107, for example, by deactivating transmitting a location report for the second RUP to the device 102.

In another embodiment, in response to receiving the information 105, the UE 101 may transmit a response (not shown in FIG. 1) to the device 102, e.g., via NAS signaling. For example, the response to the information 105 may include information associated with rejecting or not confirming that the first LAU is enabled or that the second LAU is disabled if the UE 101 does not support the first LAU, or the UE 101 desires to execute the second LAU, or the like, and the device 102 may disable the first LAU and enable the second LAU based on the reject response from the UE 101. In another example, the device 102 can start a timer after transmitting the information 105 to await a response from the UE 101, and can disable the first LAU and enable the second LAU, for example, if the timer expires.

As shown in fig. 1, after operation 104, the device 102 may also transmit information 106 associated with the enablement of the first LAU or the disablement of the second LAU to the device 103, e.g., via Nlmf interface (service-based interface as shown by LMF) signaling. For example, the information 106 may include information regarding one or more of an Identity (ID) of the UE 101, a type of the UE 101, an ID of a group to which the UE 101 belongs, an indication of enablement of the first LAU or disablement of the second LAU, and the like.

As shown in fig. 1, in response to receiving the information 106 from the device 102, the device 103 may determine LAU assistance information for the first LAU of the UE 101 in operation 108 and may transmit the determined LAU assistance information 109 to the device 102.

For example, in operation 108, the device 103 may obtain location measurement information associated with the UE 101 and a set of cells from a set of location measurement units (LMUs, e.g., a set of base stations performing location measurements in an access network) associated with the set of cells. The device 103 may then select at least one (e.g., all or no more than a predetermined number) of cells from the set of cells, e.g., based on the obtained location measurement information, and may determine LAU assistance information 109 based on the selected at least one cell.

In various examples, the location measurement information may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: time of arrival (TOA) information associated with one or more signals between the UE 101 and the set of cells; distance information between the UE 101 and the set of cells; quality information associated with one or more channels between the UE 101 and the set of cells, such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) or Channel State Information (CSI), etc.; etc.

For example, in operation 108, the device 103 may select a cell from the set of cells to determine LAU assistance information 109, such as the TOA associated with the UE 101 and the cell satisfying a first condition (e.g., being less than or equal to a predetermined threshold).

In another example, in operation 108, the device 103 may estimate a location (e.g., geographic coordinates) between the UE 101 and a set of LMUs based on location measurement information from the set of LMUs and may determine a distance between the UE 101 and the respective LMUs. The device 103 may then select a cell from the set of cells to determine LAU assistance information 109, such as a distance between the UE 101 and the cell satisfying a second condition (e.g., being less than or equal to a predetermined threshold).

In yet another example, in operation 108, the device 103 may select a cell from the set of cells to determine LAU assistance information 109, such as a quality associated with a channel between the UE 101 and the cell satisfying a third condition (e.g., being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold).

In yet another example, in operation 108, the device 103 may determine a score for the cell, e.g., based on a weighted sum of the respective location measurement information items associated with the UE 101 and the cells in the group of cells, and may select a cell from the group of cells to determine LAU assistance information 109, e.g., the score satisfies a fourth condition (e.g., is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold).

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

Then, as shown in fig. 1, the device 103 may transmit LAU assistance information 109 to the device 102, e.g., via Nmmf interface signaling. For example, LAU assistance information 109 may be transmitted to device 102 as part of Nlmf _location_ DetermineLocation response information already described in the 3GPP standards. In another example, LAU assistance information 109 may be transmitted to the device 102 via one or more other messages. For example, the device 103 may periodically transmit LAU assistance information 109 to the device 102. In another example, the device 103 can transmit LAU assistance information 109 to the device 102 in response to detecting one or more predetermined events, such as in the event a change in cell information associated with the UE 101 is detected.

In another embodiment, in response to receiving information 106, device 103 may transmit a response (not shown in fig. 1) to device 102, e.g., via Nlmf interface signaling. For example, the response to the information 106 may include information associated with rejecting or not confirming that the first LAU is enabled or that the second LAU is disabled if the device 103 does not support the first LAU. The device 102 may then disable the first LAU and enable the second LAU based on the rejection response from the device 103. In another example, the device 102 may start a timer after transmitting the information 106 to await a response from the device 103, and may disable the first LAU and enable the second LAU, for example, if the timer expires.

As shown in fig. 1, in operation 110, the device 102 may activate the first LAU based on LAU assistance information 109 for the UE 101 from the device 102 instead of a location report from the UE 101.

For example, in operation 110, the device 102 may determine a serving cell for the UE 101 based on the LAU assistance information 109, e.g., a cell having a channel quality above a predetermined threshold (e.g., having a best channel quality) or a cell having a distance to the UE 101 below a predetermined threshold (e.g., having a shortest distance) among at least one cell included in the LAU assistance information 109. The device 102 may then determine to update the LA information for the UE 101, for example, if it is detected that the serving cell for the UE 101 is outside of the current LA information (e.g., current list of LAs) for the UE 101. The device 102 may then determine a new serving LA for the UE 101 (e.g., that includes at least a portion of the serving cell for the UE 101) based on the LAU assistance information 109 and update the LA information for the UE 101 based on the new serving TA determined for the UE 101, e.g., by updating the LA information for the UE 101 using the new serving TA determined for the UE 101. In another example, one or more neighboring LA's may also be included in the updated LA information for the UE 101. In one example, the device 102 may also transmit updated LA information for the UE 101 to the device 103 such that the device 103 may use the updated LA information for the UE 101 (e.g., for functions such as positioning).

Thus, during the enabling of the first LAU, the LAU may be enabled for the UE 101 without a location report from the UE 101 even when the UE 101 is in an idle or inactive state, such that signaling overhead and power consumption for the UE 101 may be reduced, for example.

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

For example, the capability information 201 from the UE 101 to the device 102 may be via NAS signaling and may include, but is not limited to, information associated with one or more of the following: whether the UE 101 supports positioning; the type of UE 101; the speed of movement of the UE 101; whether the UE 101 supports a first LAU, and so on. For example, capability information 202 from device 103 to device 102 may be signaled via Nmmf interfaces and may include, but is not limited to, information associated with one or more of the following: whether the device 103 is capable of providing location information for the UE 101; whether the device 103 supports a first LAU; etc.

Then, in operation 104, the device 102 may determine enablement of the first LAU for the UE101, for example, if it is determined based on the capability information 201 and 202 that one or more predetermined conditions are met, for example: the UE101 supports a first LAU; the type of UE101 is a predetermined type that may enable the first LAU; the moving speed of the UE101 satisfies a predetermined condition; the device 103 supports a first LAU; etc.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the device 102 may transmit a capability query message 203 to the UE 101 to obtain capability information 201 of the UE 101. Further, device 102 can transmit a capability query message 204 to device 103 to obtain capability information 202 of device 103.

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

For example, the device 102 may periodically determine the reporting periodicity of the LAU assistance information 109 as a predetermined value. In another example, the device 102 can determine the reporting periodicity based on the capability information 201 of the UE 101. For example, depending on the type of UE101, the reporting periodicity may be configured with a first value for a first speed of movement of the UE101 and may be configured with a second value for a second speed of the UE 101.

Further, the fallback scheme from the first LAU to the second LAU may be initiated, for example, in the event that the device 103 fails to obtain location information for the UE 101 and fails to successfully perform the first LAU or in the event that a location request for a location service client is canceled, or in the event that the UE 101 is out of an idle or inactive state and desires to use the second LAU, and so forth. Then, for example, where device 102 receives information associated with the disabling of the first LAU or the enabling of the second LAU from one of UE 101 and device 103, device 102 may transmit information associated with the disabling of the first LAU and/or the enabling of the second LAU to the other of UE 101 and device 103, and may activate to monitor a location report from UE 101 while disabling the first LAU, for example, by stopping or suspending or ignoring the receiving or monitoring of LAU assistance information 109 from device 102. When the device 102 receives the location report from the UE 101, the device 102 may activate the second LAU based on the location report from the UE 101.

As shown in fig. 4, for example, in the event that the device 103 fails to obtain location information for the UE 101 and fails to successfully perform the first LAU, or in the event that a location request for a location service client is canceled, the device 103 may autonomously transmit information 401 associated with disabling the first LAU to the UE 101. For example, information 401 may be transmitted via Nmmf interface messages. For example, the information 401 may include information about at least one of: an indication of disablement of the first LAU; UE ID (e.g., ID of UE 101); the reason for disablement (e.g., an ID or description of the abnormal event to which device 103 is subject); etc. The device 103 may then stop or pause or deactivate at least one of the operation 108 and the transmission of LAU assistance information 109.

As shown in fig. 4, in the event that the device 102 receives information 401 associated with the disabling of the first LAU from the device 103, the device 102 may forward the information 401 to the UE 101 or may transmit a message 402 associated with the disabling of the first LAU or the enabling of the second LAU to the UE 101. For example, the information 402 may be transmitted via a NAS message. For example, the information 402 may include information about at least one of: an indication of a disablement of the first LAU or enablement of the second LAU; UE ID (e.g., ID of UE 101); the reason for disablement (e.g., an abnormal event suffered by the device 103 such as an ID or description of a failure to obtain location information of the UE 101); etc. The device 102 may then deactivate the first LAU, for example, by stopping or suspending or ignoring receiving or monitoring the LAU assistance information 109 from the device 103.

As shown in fig. 4, in the event that the UE 101 receives information 402 from the device 102, the UE 101 may fall back to the second LAU, for example, by activating transmission of a location report 404 in operation 403. Then, for example, the UE 101 may transmit a location report 404 periodically or when the UE 101 moves to a new LA, and the device 102 may activate the second LAU based on the location report 404 from the UE 101 instead of activating the first LAU based on the LAU assistance information 109 from the second device in operation 405.

In addition to replacing the example shown in fig. 4, as shown in fig. 5, the UE 101 may also autonomously transmit information 501 associated with the disabling of a first LAU for the UE 101 or the enabling of a second LAU for the UE 101. For example, the information 501 may be transmitted via a NAS message. For example, the information 501 may include information about at least one of: an indication of a disablement of the first LAU or enablement of the second LAU; UE ID (e.g., ID of UE 101); the reason for disabling the first LAU or enabling the second LAU; etc. The UE 101 may then fall back to the second LAU, for example, by activating transmission of the location report 404 in operation 403.

As shown in fig. 5, in the event that the device 102 receives information 501 associated with the disabling of the first LAU or the enabling of the second LAU from the UE 101, the device 102 may forward the information 501 to the device 103 or may transmit a message 502 associated with the disabling of the first LAU to the UE 101. For example, information 502 may be transmitted via Nmmf interface messages. For example, the information 502 may include information about at least one of: an indication of disablement of the first LAU; UE ID (e.g., ID of UE 101); the reason for disablement; etc.

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

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

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

It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the sequence of operations and/or signaling as described above may be changed. Further, communication between the UE 101 and the device 102 may be, but is not limited to being via one or more NAS messages, and communication between the device 102 and the device 103 may be, but is not limited to being via one or more Nlmf interface messages.

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

As shown in fig. 6, example method 600 may include operations 601, 602, and 603.

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

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

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

In the first LAU, no or less mobile stations (e.g., UE 101) may be involved, such that, for example, signaling overhead and power consumption of the mobile stations (e.g., of UE 101) may be reduced.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, in the example method 600, the device (e.g., device 102) may also receive LAU assistance information (e.g., LAU assistance information 109) from another device (e.g., device 103), for example, via the Nmf interface.

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

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

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

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

Fig. 7 illustrates an example apparatus 700 for an LAU in an IAB network, which may be at least a portion of an apparatus associated with access and mobility management (e.g., device 102 in the above-described examples).

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

In various embodiments, at least one processor 701 in example apparatus 700 may include, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor including at least one microprocessor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a portion of at least one hardware processor, and any other suitable special purpose processor such as a special purpose processor developed based on, for example, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). In addition, the at least one processor 701 may also include at least one other circuit or element not shown in fig. 7.

In various embodiments, the at least one memory 702 in the example apparatus 700 may include various forms of at least one storage medium, such as volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory can include, for example, but is not limited to, random Access Memory (RAM), cache memory, and the like. Nonvolatile storage can include, but is not limited to, for example, read Only Memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, and the like. Further, at least memory 702 may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination of the preceding.

Further, in various embodiments, the example apparatus 700 may also include at least one other circuit, element, and interface, such as at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, and so forth.

In various embodiments, the circuits, components, elements, and interfaces in the example device 700, including the at least one processor 701 and the at least one memory 702, may be coupled together via any suitable connection, including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wires, and/or wireless lines, such as through electrical, magnetic, optical, electrical, electromagnetic, and the like.

Fig. 8 illustrates another example device 800 for an LAU, which may be at least a portion of a device associated with access and mobility management (e.g., device 102 in the above examples).

As shown in fig. 8, example apparatus 800 may include means 801 for performing operation 601 of example method 600, means 802 for performing operation 602 of example method 600, and means 803 for performing operation 603 of example manner 600. In one or more other embodiments, at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, etc. may also be included in the example device 800. In some embodiments, examples of the means in apparatus 800 may comprise circuitry. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities. In some embodiments, one or more additional means may be included in the apparatus 800 for performing one or more additional operations of the example method 600.

The term "circuitry" throughout this disclosure may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog and/or digital circuits only); (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, e.g., as applicable (i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuitry and software/firmware, and (ii) a hardware processor and software (including digital signal processors), software, and any portion of memory, that work together to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; and (c) hardware circuitry and/or a processor, such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but when software is not required to operate, the software may not be present. This definition of circuitry applies to one or all uses of that term in this disclosure, including any claims. As a further example, as used in this disclosure, the term circuit also encompasses embodiments of only a hardware circuit or processor (or processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. For example and if applicable to the claimed elements, the term circuitry also encompasses a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

Fig. 9 illustrates an example method 900 for an LAU in one embodiment, which may be performed, for example, in a device associated with location management (e.g., device 103 in the above-described example).

As shown in fig. 9, the example method 900 may include operations 901, 902, and 903.

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

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

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

In the first LAU, no or less mobile stations (e.g., UE 101) may be involved, such that signaling overhead and power consumption of the mobile stations (e.g., UE 101) may be reduced, for example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fig. 10 illustrates an example apparatus 1000 for an LAU in an IAB network, which may be at least a portion of an apparatus associated with location management (e.g., device 103 in the above-described examples).

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

In various embodiments, the at least one processor 1001 in the example apparatus 1000 may include, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor including at least one microprocessor such as a CPU, a portion of at least one hardware processor, and any other suitable special purpose processor such as a special purpose processor developed based on, for example, FPGAs and ASICs. In addition, the at least one processor 1001 may also include at least one other circuit or element not shown in fig. 10.

In various embodiments, at least one memory 1002 in the example apparatus 1000 may include various forms of at least one storage medium, such as volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory can include, for example, but is not limited to, RAM, cache, and the like. Nonvolatile storage can include, but is not limited to, ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc., for example. Furthermore, at least memory 1002 may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination of the preceding.

Further, in various embodiments, the example apparatus 1000 may also include at least one other circuit, element, and interface, such as at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, and so forth.

In various embodiments, the circuits, components, elements, and interfaces in the example apparatus 1000 including the at least one processor 1001 and the at least one memory 1002 may be coupled together in any suitable manner, such as electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc., by any suitable connection including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wiring, and/or wireless links.

Fig. 11 illustrates another example device 1100 for an LAU in an IAB network, which may be at least a portion of a device associated with location management (e.g., device 103 in the above examples).

As shown in fig. 11, the example apparatus 1100 may include means 1101 for performing operation 901 of the example method 900, means 1102 for performing operation 902 of the example method 900, and means 1103 for performing operation 903 of the example method 900. In one or more other embodiments, at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, etc. may also be included in the example device 1100. In some embodiments, examples of the means in apparatus 1100 may comprise circuitry. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities. In some embodiments, one or more additional means for performing one or more additional operations of the example method 900 may be included in the device 1100.

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

As shown in fig. 12, example method 1200 may include operation 1201 and operation 1202.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In various embodiments, the at least one processor 1301 in the example apparatus 1300 may include, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor including at least one microprocessor such as a CPU, a portion of at least one hardware processor, and any other suitable special purpose processor such as a special purpose processor developed based on, for example, FPGAs and ASICs. In addition, the at least one processor 1301 may also include at least one other circuit or element not shown in fig. 13.

In various embodiments, at least one memory 1302 in the example apparatus 1300 may include various forms of at least one storage medium, such as volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory can include, for example, but is not limited to, RAM, cache, and the like. The non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc. Furthermore, at least memory 1302 may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination of the preceding.

Furthermore, in various embodiments, the example apparatus 1300 may also include at least one other circuit, element, and interface, such as at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, and so forth.

In various embodiments, the circuits, components, elements, and interfaces in the example apparatus 1300, including the at least one processor 1301 and the at least one memory 1302, may be coupled together in any suitable manner, e.g., electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc., via any suitable connection, including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wiring, and/or wireless links.

Fig. 14 illustrates another example device 1400 for an LAU in an IAB network, which may be at least a portion of a mobile station (e.g., UE 101 in the above examples).

As shown in fig. 14, the example apparatus 1400 may include means 1401 for performing operation 1201 of the example method 1200 and means 1402 for performing operation 1202 of the example method 1200. In one or more other embodiments, at least one I/O interface, at least one antenna element, etc., may also be included in the example device 1400. In some embodiments, examples of the means in the apparatus 1400 may comprise circuitry. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities. In some embodiments, one or more additional devices may be included in the apparatus 1400 for performing one or more additional operations of the example method 1200.

Another example embodiment may relate to computer program code or instructions that may cause an apparatus to perform at least the various methods described above. Another example embodiment may relate to a computer-readable medium having such computer program code or instructions stored thereon. In some embodiments, such computer-readable media may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory can include, for example, but is not limited to, RAM, cache, and the like. The non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc. The non-volatile memory may also include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination of the foregoing.

Throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise," "include," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense, unless the context clearly requires otherwise; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to". As generally used herein, the term "coupled" refers to two or more elements that may be connected directly, or through one or more intervening elements. Also, as generally used herein, the term "connected" refers to two or more elements that may be connected directly or through one or more intervening elements. Furthermore, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context allows, words in the specification using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number, respectively. The term "or" refers to a list of two or more items, which term encompasses all of the following interpretations of the term: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

Furthermore, conditional language, such as "may," "possible," "such as," "for example," "such as," etc., as used herein is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include and other embodiments do not include certain features, elements and/or states unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise understood in the context of use. Thus, such conditional language does not generally imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required by one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

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

Claims

1. An apparatus for communication, comprising:

At least one processor;

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

Determining an enablement of a first location area update procedure facilitated by a second device associated with location management for a mobile station;

Transmitting information associated with the enablement of the first location area update procedure to the mobile station and the second device; and

The first location area update procedure is activated based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from the second device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform:

first capability information for determining enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure is received from the mobile station, the first capability information including information regarding whether the mobile station supports at least one of positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a speed of movement of the mobile station.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform:

Second capability information for determining enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure is received from the second device, the second capability information comprising information regarding whether the second device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the location area update assistance information comprises information regarding at least one of: at least one cell identity; at least one time of arrival associated with at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the mobile station and the at least one cell; and at least one distance between the mobile station and the at least one cell.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first location area update procedure comprises:

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

Location area information of the mobile station is updated based on the service location area.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first location area update procedure further comprises:

At least one adjacent location area is added to the updated location area information.

7. An apparatus for communication, comprising:

at least one processor; and

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

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

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

The location area update assistance information is transmitted to the second device for use in a location area update procedure.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform:

Capability information is transmitted to the second device, the capability information including information regarding whether the first device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8, wherein the location area update assistance information comprises information regarding at least one of: at least one cell identity; at least one time of arrival associated with at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the mobile station and the at least one cell; and at least one distance between the mobile station and the at least one cell.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the determination of the location area update assistance information comprises:

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

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

The location area update assistance information is determined based on the at least one cell.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the location measurement information comprises at least one of: time of arrival information associated with at least one signal between the mobile station and the set of cells; distance information between the mobile station and the set of cells; and quality information associated with at least one channel between the mobile station and the set of cells.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one of time of arrival information, distance information, and quality information associated with the mobile station and the at least one cell satisfies at least one predetermined condition.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the location area update assistance information is transmitted in response to at least one predetermined event.

14. An apparatus for communication, comprising:

at least one processor; and

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

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

The transmission of the location report to the first device is disabled.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform:

Capability information is transmitted to the first device, the capability information including information regarding at least one of whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a movement speed of the mobile station.

16. A method for communication, comprising:

Determining, at a first device associated with access and mobility management, enablement of a first location area update procedure facilitated by a second device associated with location management of a mobile station;

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

At a first device, the first location area update procedure is activated based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from a second device.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

First capability information for determining enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure is received at the first device and from the mobile station, the first capability information including information regarding whether the mobile station supports at least one of positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a speed of movement of the mobile station.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising:

second capability information for determining enablement or disablement of the first location area update procedure is received at the first device and from the second device, the second capability information including information regarding whether the second device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

19. The method of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the location area update assistance information comprises information about at least one of: at least one cell identity; at least one time of arrival associated with at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the mobile station and the at least one cell; and at least one distance between the mobile station and the at least one cell.

20. The method of any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first location area update procedure comprises:

And updating the position area information of the mobile station based on the service position area.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first location area update procedure further comprises:

22. A method for communication, comprising:

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

determining, at a first device, location area update assistance information for the mobile station during the location area update; and

At the first device, the location area update assistance information is transmitted to the second device for use in the location area update procedure.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

Capability information is transmitted at the first device to the second device, the capability information including information regarding whether the first device is capable of providing location information of the mobile station.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the location area update assistance information comprises information about at least one of: at least one cell identity; at least one time of arrival associated with at least one cell; at least one channel quality between the mobile station and the at least one cell; and at least one distance between the mobile station and the at least one cell.

25. The method according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the determination of the location area update assistance information comprises:

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the location measurement information comprises at least one of: time of arrival information associated with at least one signal between the mobile station and the set of cells; distance information between the mobile station and the set of cells; and quality information associated with at least one channel between the mobile station and the set of cells.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein at least one of time of arrival information, distance information, and quality information associated with the mobile station and the at least one cell satisfies at least one predetermined condition.

28. The method of any of claims 22 to 27, wherein the location area update assistance information is transmitted in response to at least one predetermined event.

29. A method for communication, comprising:

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

The transmission of the location report to the first device is disabled at the mobile station.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

capability information is transmitted to the first device at the mobile station, the capability information including information regarding whether the mobile station supports positioning, a type of the mobile station, and a movement speed of the mobile station.

31. An apparatus as a first device associated with access and mobility management, comprising:

Means for determining an enablement of a first location area update procedure facilitated by a second device associated with location management of a mobile station;

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

Means for activating the first location area update procedure based on location area update assistance information for the mobile station from the second device.

32. A device that is a first device associated with location management, comprising:

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

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

Means for transmitting the location area update assistance information to the second device in a location area update procedure.

33. An apparatus as a mobile station, comprising:

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

Means for disabling transmission of a location report to the first device.

34. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus as a first device associated with access and mobility management to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 21.

35. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus as a first device associated with location management to perform the method of any of claims 22 to 28.

36. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus as a mobile station to perform the method of any of claims 29 to 30.