Patent Description:
With development of communications services, a positioning service plays an important role as an indispensable part of a mobile communications or personal communications service. The positioning service is to obtain position information (longitude and latitude coordinates) of a terminal device (User Equipment, UE) by using a network (such as an LTE network) of a mobile telecom operator, for example, to estimate a distance between a base station and the UE, and determine position information of the UE based on position information of the base station and the distance between the base station and the UE. The distance between the base station and the UE may be obtained by using a difference between an uplink subframe for carrying an uplink signal and a downlink subframe for carrying a downlink signal. However, when the base station fast schedules the uplink subframe or the downlink subframe, the "difference between the uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal and the downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal" is variable. In a conventional positioning method, it is assumed that the "difference between the uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal and the downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal" is already known to a positioning server, and that the "difference between the uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal and the downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal" in the positioning server remains fixed and unchanged. Consequently, the positioning server cannot accurately calculate the distance between the UE and the base station, and positioning accuracy is reduced.

The Article by <NPL>, describes systems and methods for a preliminary discussion on UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement for NB-IoT.

<CIT> describes methods in a radio network node for enabling an enhanced cell Identity, E-CID, timing measurement for positioning of a user equipment in a cell served by the radio network node. The radio network node obtains information that the user equipment in the cell is requested to perform an E-CID timing measurement. The radio network node then configures uplink and/or downlink signals that are needed to perform the E-CID timing measurement.

<CIT> describes wireless devices and methods for performing a positioning measurement. The wireless device obtains uplink/downlink, "UL/DL", subframe configuration information relating to a second radio network node neighboring to a first radio network node. The wireless device performs the positioning measurement while taking the obtained UL/DL subframe configuration information into account.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a positioning information transmission method, a related device, and a system, to improve positioning accuracy. Preferred embodiments are described by the dependent claims.

The following "aspects of the embodiments" in the "Summary" section show some or all features of the present invention which are included for illustrative purpose and for facilitating the understanding of the invention.

A first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides a positioning information transmission method. A base station may determine an uplink subframe for carrying an uplink signal, determine a downlink subframe for carrying a downlink signal, determine first measurement information, determine second measurement information, and send the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server, for locating a terminal device by the positioning server.

The first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the uplink signal and a sending time of the downlink signal, or the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the downlink signal and a sending time of the uplink signal. The second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe.

Optionally, the difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe is obtained by using a difference between a subframe identifier of the uplink subframe and a subframe identifier of the downlink subframe.

Optionally, the second measurement information may include at least one of the following: the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe; a quantity of times of repeatedly carrying the uplink subframe; a quantity of times of repeatedly carrying the downlink subframe; the difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe; and a configuration (UL/DL configuration) between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe.

Optionally, before sending the second measurement information to the positioning server, the base station may send identity information to the positioning server; and when receiving a measurement information obtaining request that is fed back by the positioning server in response to the identity information, the base station sends the second measurement information to the positioning server. The identity information is used to indicate that the base station has a capability of sending the second measurement information.

A second aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides a positioning information transmission method. A base station may determine third measurement information, and send the third measurement information to a positioning server, for locating a terminal device by the positioning server. The third measurement information is used to indicate a distance between the base station and the terminal device, or the third measurement information is used to indicate a transmission time of an uplink signal and/or a transmission time of a downlink signal.

Optionally, a specific manner in which the base station determines the third measurement information may be: receiving, by the base station, the third measurement information sent by the terminal device.

Optionally, a specific manner in which the base station determines the third measurement information may be: determining, by the base station, first measurement information, receiving second measurement information sent by the terminal device, and calculating the third measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information. The first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the uplink signal and a sending time of the downlink signal, or the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the downlink signal and a sending time of the uplink signal. The second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between an uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal and a downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal.

Optionally, before sending the third measurement information to the positioning server, the base station may send identity information to the positioning server; and when receiving a measurement information obtaining request that is fed back by the positioning server in response to the identity information, the base station may send the third measurement information to the positioning server. The identity information is used to indicate that the base station has a capability of sending the third measurement information.

Optionally, the third measurement information includes a sum of the transmission time of the uplink signal and the transmission time of the downlink signal, the transmission time of the uplink signal, the transmission time of the downlink signal, and a round-trip distance between the base station and the terminal device or a one-way distance between the base station and the terminal device.

A third aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides a positioning information transmission method. A terminal device may determine first measurement information, and send the first measurement information to a positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server. The first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of a downlink signal and a sending time of an uplink signal.

Optionally, the terminal device may further determine an uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal, determine a downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal, determine second measurement information, calculate third measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information, and send the third measurement information to the positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server. The second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe. The third measurement information is used to indicate a distance between a base station and the terminal device, or the third measurement information is used to indicate a transmission time of the uplink signal and/or a transmission time of the downlink signal.

Optionally, the terminal device may further determine an uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal, determine a downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal, determine second measurement information, and send the second measurement information to the positioning server. The second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe.

Optionally, the terminal device may further determine an uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal, determine a downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal, determine second measurement information, and send the second measurement information to a base station. The second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe.

Optionally, the second measurement information includes at least one of the following: the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe; a quantity of times of repeatedly carrying the uplink subframe; a quantity of times of repeatedly carrying the downlink subframe; the difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe; and a configuration (UL/DL configuration) between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe.

Optionally, before sending the second measurement information to the positioning server, the terminal device may further send identity information to the positioning server; and when receiving a measurement information obtaining request that is fed back by the positioning server in response to the identity information, the terminal device sends the second measurement information to the positioning server. The identity information is used to indicate that the terminal device has a capability of sending the second measurement information.

Optionally, before sending the third measurement information to the positioning server, the terminal device may further send identity information to the positioning server; and when receiving a measurement information obtaining request that is fed back by the positioning server in response to the identity information, the terminal device sends the third measurement information to the positioning server. The identity information is used to indicate that the terminal device has a capability of sending the third measurement information.

A fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides a positioning information transmission method. A positioning server may receive first measurement information and second measurement information, and locate a terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information. The first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the uplink signal and a sending time of the downlink signal, or the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the downlink signal and a sending time of the uplink signal. The second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between an uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal and a downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal.

Optionally, the positioning server may further receive third measurement information, and locate the terminal device based on the third measurement information. The third measurement information is used to indicate a distance between the base station and the terminal device, or the third measurement information is used to indicate a transmission time of the uplink signal and/or a transmission time of the downlink signal.

A fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides a computer storage medium, where the computer storage medium stores a program. When the program is executed, all or some steps of the positioning information transmission method provided in the first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention are included.

A sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides a computer storage medium, where the computer storage medium stores a program. When the program is executed, all or some steps of the positioning information transmission method provided in the second aspect of the embodiments of the present invention are included.

A seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides a computer storage medium, where the computer storage medium stores a program. When the program is executed, all or some steps of the positioning information transmission method provided in the third aspect of the embodiments of the present invention are included.

An eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides a computer storage medium, where the computer storage medium stores a program. When the program is executed, all or some steps of the positioning information transmission method provided in the fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention are included.

A ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a base station. The base station includes modules configured to perform the positioning information transmission method disclosed in the first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention.

A tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a base station. The base station includes a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver, where the memory stores a set of program code, and the processor calls the program code stored in the memory to perform the following operations:.

An eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a base station. The base station includes modules configured to perform the positioning information transmission method disclosed in the second aspect of the embodiments of the present invention.

A twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a base station. The base station includes a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver, where the memory stores a set of program code, and the processor calls the program code stored in the memory to perform the following operations:.

A thirteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a terminal device. The terminal device includes modules configured to perform the positioning information transmission method disclosed in the third aspect of the embodiments of the present invention.

A fourteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a terminal device. The terminal device includes a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver, where the memory stores a set of program code, and the processor calls the program code stored in the memory to perform the following operations:.

A fifteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a positioning server. The positioning server includes modules configured to perform the positioning information transmission method disclosed in the fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention.

A sixteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a positioning server. The positioning server includes a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver, where the memory stores a set of program code, and the processor calls the program code stored in the memory to perform the following operations:.

A seventeenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a positioning information transmission system. The positioning information transmission system includes the base station disclosed in the tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, the terminal device disclosed in the fourteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, and the positioning server disclosed in the sixteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention.

An eighteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a positioning information transmission system. The positioning information transmission system includes the base station disclosed in the twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, the terminal device disclosed in the fourteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, and the positioning server disclosed in the sixteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention.

To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments.

In the following the invention is best understood in view of <FIG> and <FIG> and the associated passages. The remaining embodiments, aspects and examples disclosed below are included for illustrative purpose and for facilitating the understanding of the invention.

The following clearly and completely describes the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Apparently, the described embodiments are merely some but not all of the embodiments of the present invention.

In a conventional enhanced cell ID positioning (Enhanced Cell ID positioning, E-CID) technology, a distance between UE and a base station may be determined by using UE Rx-Tx measurement (a difference between a transmission time at which the UE transmits an uplink signal and a receiving time at which the UE receives a downlink signal) or eNB Rx-Tx measurement (a difference between a transmission time at which the base station transmits a downlink signal and a receiving time at which the base station receives an uplink signal). Specifically, the distance between the UE and the base station is equal to: (eNB Rx-Tx time difference - (Uplink subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal - Downlink subframe in which the base station transmits the downlink signal))/(<NUM> * Light velocity). However, for a cellular-based Narrow Band Internet of Things (Narrow Band Internet of Things, NB-IoT) mode, an HD-FDD mode, a time division duplex (Time Division Duplex, TDD) mode, or the like, the base station may fast schedule the subframe in which the uplink signal is located or the subframe in which the downlink signal is located. As a result, the "difference between the uplink subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the downlink subframe in which the base station transmits the downlink signal" is variable. In the conventional enhanced cell ID positioning technology, it is assumed that the "difference between the uplink subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the downlink subframe in which the base station transmits the downlink signal" is already known to a positioning server, and that the "difference between the uplink subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the downlink subframe in which the base station transmits the downlink signal" remains fixed and unchanged. Consequently, the positioning server cannot accurately calculate the distance between the UE and the base station, and positioning accuracy is reduced. The "difference" in the present invention, for example, a difference between A and B, includes a difference obtained after B is subtracted from A or a difference obtained after A is subtracted from B, and no distinction is made. The "subframe" in the present invention includes frame concepts, such as a radio frame, a super frame, a hyperframe, a subframe, and a frame, in different communications systems.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning information transmission method. A base station may determine an uplink subframe for carrying an uplink signal and a downlink subframe for carrying a downlink signal, and determine first measurement information and second measurement information; the base station may send the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server; the positioning server may calculate a distance between the base station and a terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information; and the positioning server may further locate the terminal device based on the calculated distance between the base station and the terminal device, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

Based on the foregoing principle, an embodiment of the present invention provides a schematic architectural diagram of a positioning information transmission system. Referring to <FIG>, an architecture of the positioning information transmission system may include at least: a base station <NUM>, a terminal device <NUM>, and a positioning server <NUM>. For example, a communications interface between the positioning server <NUM> and the base station <NUM> may be 3GPP <NUM> LPPa, and a communications interface between the positioning server <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM> may be 3GPP <NUM> LPP.

A data flow between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM> may be as follows: The terminal device <NUM> sends an uplink signal to the base station <NUM>, and the base station <NUM> sends a downlink signal to the terminal device <NUM>. The terminal device <NUM> (or the base station <NUM>) may obtain first measurement information based on a sending time at which the terminal device <NUM> sends the uplink signal and a receiving time at which the terminal device <NUM> receives the downlink signal, where the first measurement information includes a difference between the receiving time of the downlink signal and the sending time of the uplink signal. The terminal device <NUM> (or the base station <NUM>) may further obtain second measurement information based on an uplink subframe in which the terminal device <NUM> sends the uplink signal and a downlink subframe in which the terminal device <NUM> receives the downlink signal, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the downlink subframe and the uplink subframe. The terminal device <NUM> (or the base station <NUM>) sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server103. The positioning server <NUM> may obtain a distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM> based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information, and the positioning server <NUM> may further locate the terminal device <NUM> based on the distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM>. Further, optionally, after obtaining the first measurement information and the second measurement information, the terminal device <NUM> (or the base station <NUM>) may obtain third measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information, where the third measurement information is used to indicate the distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM> or a round-trip distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM>. The terminal device <NUM> (or the base station <NUM>) may send the third measurement information to the positioning server <NUM>, and the positioning server <NUM> may locate the terminal device <NUM> based on the third measurement information. Further, optionally, the third measurement information may be used to indicate a transmission time of the uplink signal and/or a transmission time of the downlink signal, or a round-trip transmission time. After the terminal device <NUM> (or the base station <NUM>) sends the third measurement information to the positioning server103, the positioning server <NUM> may obtain the distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM> based on the third measurement information, and the positioning server <NUM> may further locate the terminal device <NUM> based on the distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM>.

Optionally, a data flow between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM> may be as follows: The base station <NUM> sends a downlink signal to the terminal device <NUM>, and the terminal device <NUM> sends the uplink signal to the base station <NUM>. The base station <NUM> may obtain first measurement information based on a sending time at which the base station <NUM> sends the downlink signal and a receiving time at which the base station <NUM> receives the uplink signal, where the first measurement information includes a difference between the receiving time of the uplink signal and the sending time of the downlink signal. The base station <NUM> may further obtain second measurement information based on a downlink subframe in which the base station <NUM> sends the downlink signal and an uplink subframe in which the base station <NUM> receives the uplink signal, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe. The base station <NUM> sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server <NUM>. The positioning server <NUM> may obtain, based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information, a distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM> or a round-trip distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM>. The positioning server <NUM> may further locate the terminal device <NUM> based on the distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM>. Further, optionally, after obtaining the first measurement information and the second measurement information, the base station <NUM> may obtain third measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information, where the third measurement information is used to indicate the distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM> or the round-trip distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM>. The base station <NUM> may send the third measurement information to the positioning server <NUM>, and the positioning server <NUM> may locate the terminal device <NUM> based on the third measurement information. Further, optionally, the third measurement information may be used to indicate a transmission time of the uplink signal and/or a transmission time of the downlink signal, or a round-trip transmission time. After the base station <NUM> sends the third measurement information to the positioning server103, the positioning server <NUM> may obtain the distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM> based on the third measurement information, and the positioning server <NUM> may further locate the terminal device <NUM> based on the distance between the base station <NUM> and the terminal device <NUM>.

Before the specific embodiments of the present invention are described, concepts that may be used in the present invention, such as a base station, a terminal device, and a positioning server, are briefly described first. The base station may be a macro base station; an LMU; a femtocell; a picocell base station; a pico remote radio unit (pico Remote Radio Unit, pRRU), a remote radio unit (Remote Radio Head, RRH), and the like that belong to a same macro base station; or a pRRU, an RRH, and the like that belong to different macro base stations. The LMU is a logical entity, and may share a device with a base station, or may be an independent network element device, and is used in an Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (Uplink Time Difference of Arrival, UTDOA) technology, to participate in positioning and receive a sounding reference signal (Sounding Reference Signal, SRS) sent by UE. The terminal device may also be referred to as UE, a mobile station, an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a terminal, a wireless communications device, a user agent, a user apparatus, or the like; and may be specifically any one of a station (Station, ST) in a WLAN, a cellular phone, a cordless telephone set, a Session Initiation Protocol (Session Initiation Protocol, SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (Wireless Local Loop, WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (Personal Digital Assistant, PDA), a handheld device or a computing device having a wireless communication function, another processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a mobile station on a future <NUM> network, a terminal device on a future evolved PLMN network, and the like. The positioning server (Enhanced Serving Mobile Location Center, E-SMLC) is a generic name of all logical entities that are responsible for positioning in a communications system.

Before the specific embodiments of the present invention are described, concepts that may be used in the present invention, such as an uplink signal, a downlink signal, an uplink subframe, or a downlink subframe, are briefly described first.

Signals transmitted between UE and a base station may be classified into a uplink signal and a downlink signal. The uplink signal is a signal sent by the UE to the base station, and the downlink signal is a signal sent by the base station to the UE. A subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal sent by the UE may be referred to as an uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal. Specifically, the base station may receive a subframe number of the subframe in which the uplink signal sent by the UE is located, for example, system frame number (System Frame Number, SFN) information and subframe number information. A subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal may be referred to as a downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal. Specifically, the base station may obtain a subframe number of the subframe in which the downlink signal sent to the UE is located, for example, SFN information and subframe number information. A subframe in which the UE receives the downlink signal sent by the base station may be referred to as a downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal. Specifically, the UE may receive a subframe number of the subframe in which the downlink signal sent by the base station is located, for example, SFN information and subframe number information. A subframe in which the UE sends the uplink signal may be referred to as an uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal. Specifically, the UE may obtain a subframe number of the subframe in which the uplink signal sent to the base station is located, for example, SFN information and subframe number information. Generally, the subframe in which the UE receives the downlink signal is the same as the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal, and the subframe in which the UE sends the uplink signal is the same as the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal.

One system radio frame may include several subframes, a subframe length of a carrier may be <NUM>*<NUM>^n (where <NUM>^n is <NUM> to the power of n), and a subframe length corresponding to the system radio frame is <NUM>/(<NUM>^n) ms, where n is an integer. In other words, a plurality of transmission time units such as <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are supported. Different subframes correspond to different subframe identifiers, such as subframe numbers. Because naming manners and components of frames in different communications systems are different, the "subframe" in the present invention includes frame concepts, such as a radio frame, a super frame, a hyperframe, a subframe, and a frame, in different communications systems.

A distance between the base station and the UE may be calculated by using the following formula: <MAT>.

eNB Rx-Tx measurement is a difference between a sending time at which the base station sends the downlink signal and a receiving time at which the base station receives the uplink signal; eNB Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal - Subframe in which the base station transmits the downlink signal) is a sum of a transmission time of the uplink signal and a transmission time of the downlink signal; (eNB Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal - Subframe in which the base station transmits the downlink signal))/<NUM> is the transmission time of the uplink signal or the transmission time of the downlink signal; (eNB Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal - Subframe in which the base station transmits the downlink signal))/(<NUM> * Light velocity) is a one-way distance between the base station and the UE; and (eNB Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal - Subframe in which the base station transmits the downlink signal))/Light velocity is a round-trip distance between the base station and the UE.

Optionally, the distance between the base station and the UE may be calculated by using the following formula: <MAT>.

UE Rx-Tx measurement is a difference between a receiving time at which the UE receives the downlink signal and a sending time at which the UE sends the uplink signal; UE Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the UE receives the downlink signal - Subframe in which the UE sends the uplink signal) is a sum of a transmission time of the uplink signal and a transmission time of the downlink signal; (UE Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the UE receives the downlink signal - Subframe in which the UE sends the uplink signal))/<NUM> is the transmission time of the uplink signal or the transmission time of the downlink signal; (UE Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the UE receives the downlink signal - Subframe in which the UE sends the uplink signal))/(<NUM> * Light velocity) is a one-way distance between the base station and the UE; and (UE Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the UE receives the downlink signal - Subframe in which the UE sends the uplink signal))/Light velocity is a round-trip distance between the base station and the UE.

Based on the schematic architectural diagram of the positioning information transmission system shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a positioning information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the positioning information transmission method in this embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps.

A base station sends a downlink signal to a terminal device.

In specific implementation, the base station may send a downlink signal to the terminal device at an interval of preset duration, and receive an uplink signal fed back by the terminal device. After determining first measurement information and second measurement information, the base station may send the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server.

Optionally, after receiving a request for locating the terminal device, the positioning server may configure the base station to measure an eNB Rx-Tx time difference. In this case, the base station may send the downlink signal to the terminal device.

Optionally, the positioning server may inquire whether the base station has a capability of reporting the second measurement information. When the base station reports, to the positioning server, that the base station has the capability of reporting the second measurement information, the positioning server may send a second measurement information obtaining request to the base station, and the base station may send the downlink signal to the terminal device in response to the second measurement information obtaining request. Optionally, the base station may alternatively send, to the positioning server in response to the second measurement information obtaining request, second measurement information that is obtained most recently.

The terminal device generates an uplink signal, and sends the uplink signal to the base station.

After receiving the downlink signal, the terminal device can process the downlink signal, generate an uplink signal, and then send the uplink signal to the base station. A period from a time at which the terminal device receives the downlink signal to a time at which the terminal device sends the uplink signal may be duration in which the terminal device processes the downlink signal, where the processing duration may be obtained by using a difference between a subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and a subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal. For example, when a subframe number of the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal is <NUM>, a subframe number of the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal is <NUM>, and a subframe length of a first subframe is <NUM>, the terminal device may determine that the duration in which the terminal device processes the downlink signal is (<NUM> - <NUM>) * <NUM> = <NUM>.

The base station determines first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the uplink signal and a sending time of the downlink signal.

The base station may determine the first measurement information, where the first measurement information may include the difference between the receiving time of the uplink signal and the sending time of the downlink signal. For example, if the receiving time at which the base station receives the uplink signal is <NUM>:<NUM>, and the sending time at which the base station sends the downlink signal is <NUM>:<NUM>, the base station may determine that the first measurement information is <NUM>.

The base station determines a subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and a subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal.

After sending the downlink signal to the terminal device, the base station may determine the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal, for example, a subframe number of the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal. In addition, after receiving the uplink signal sent by the terminal device, the base station may determine the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal, for example, a subframe number of the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal.

It needs to be noted that, this embodiment of the present invention does not limit a time sequence based on which the base station determines the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the base station determines the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal. For example, the base station may determine the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal after determining the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal; for another example, the base station may determine the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal after determining the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal; and for another example, the base station may simultaneously determine the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal, and this is not limited by this embodiment of the present invention.

The base station determines second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal.

After determining the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal, the base station may determine the second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate the difference between the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal. For example, the second measurement information may include the subframe number of the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the subframe number of the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal. For another example, the second measurement information may include the difference between the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal. For example, when the subframe number of the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal is <NUM>, the subframe number of the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal is <NUM>, and a subframe length of a first subframe is <NUM>, the base station may determine that the difference between the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal is (<NUM> - <NUM>) * <NUM> = <NUM>. In other words, the duration in which the terminal device processes the downlink signal is <NUM>. It needs to be noted that an execution sequence of step S203 and step S205 is not limited in this embodiment of the present invention. For example, the base station may perform step S203 after performing step S205.

Optionally, the second measurement information may include at least one of the following: an uplink subframe and/or a downlink subframe; a quantity of times of repeatedly carrying the uplink subframe; a quantity of times of repeatedly carrying the downlink subframe; a difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe; a configuration (UL/DL configuration) between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe; configuration information of the uplink subframe and/or configuration information of the downlink subframe, such as a bit map; configuration information of an uplink resource element (resource element) and/or configuration information of a downlink resource element, such as a bit map; and configuration information of an uplink resource block (resource block) and/or configuration information of a downlink resource block, such as a bit map.

The base station sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server.

After determining the first measurement information and the second measurement information, the base station may send the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server by using a communications interface between the base station and the positioning server.

The positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

After receiving the first measurement information and the second measurement information by using the communications interface between the base station and the positioning server, the positioning server may obtain a distance between the terminal device and the base station by using the following formula: (eNB Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal - Subframe in which the base station transmits the downlink signal))/(<NUM> * Light velocity); and then locate the terminal device based on the distance between the terminal device and the base station.

In the positioning information transmission method shown in <FIG>, the base station determines the first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes the difference between the receiving time of the uplink signal and the sending time of the downlink signal, and determines the second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate the difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe; and the base station sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server, so that the positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

Based on the schematic architectural diagram of the positioning information transmission system shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a positioning information transmission method according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the positioning information transmission method in this embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps.

A base station sends a downlink signal to a terminal device.

For details, refer to the foregoing description about step S201. Details are not described again in this embodiment of the present invention.

The terminal device generates an uplink signal, and sends the uplink signal to the base station.

For details, refer to the foregoing description about step S202. Details are not described again in this embodiment of the present invention.

The base station determines first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the uplink signal and a sending time of the downlink signal.

For details, refer to the foregoing description about step S203. Details are not described again in this embodiment of the present invention.

The terminal device determines a subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and a subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal.

After sending the uplink signal to the base station, the terminal device may determine the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal, for example, a number of the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal. In addition, after receiving the downlink signal sent by the base station, the terminal device may determine the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal, for example, a number of the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal.

The terminal device determines second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal.

After determining the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal, the terminal device may determine the second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate the difference between the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal. For example, the second measurement information may include the subframe number of the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and the subframe number of the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal. For another example, the second measurement information may include the difference between the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal. For example, when the subframe number of the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal is <NUM>, the subframe number of the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal is <NUM>, and a subframe length of a first subframe is <NUM>, the terminal device may determine that the difference between the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal is (<NUM> - <NUM>) * <NUM> = <NUM>. In other words, duration in which the terminal device processes the downlink signal is <NUM>.

The terminal device sends the second measurement information to the base station.

Optionally, after determining the second measurement information, the terminal device may send the second measurement information to a positioning server by using a communications interface between the terminal device and the positioning server. In addition, after determining the first measurement information, the base station may send the first measurement information to the positioning server by using a communications interface between the base station and the positioning server, so that the positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

The base station sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server.

The positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

In the positioning information transmission method shown in <FIG>, the base station determines the first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes the difference between the receiving time of the uplink signal and the sending time of the downlink signal; the terminal device determines the second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate the difference between the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal; the terminal device sends the second measurement information to the base station; and the base station sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server.

Based on the schematic architectural diagram of the positioning information transmission system shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a positioning information transmission method according to still another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the positioning information transmission method in this embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps.

A terminal device sends an uplink signal to a base station.

In specific implementation, the terminal device may send an uplink signal to the base station at an interval of preset duration, and receive a downlink signal sent by the base station. After determining first measurement information and second measurement information, the base station may send the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server.

Optionally, after receiving a request for locating the terminal device, the positioning server may configure the base station to measure an eNB Rx-Tx time difference. In this case, the base station may send a signal request to the terminal device, and the terminal device sends the uplink signal to the base station based on the signal request.

Optionally, the positioning server may inquire whether the base station has a capability of reporting the second measurement information. When the base station reports, to the positioning server, that the base station has the capability of reporting the second measurement information, the positioning server may send a second measurement information obtaining request to the base station, and the base station may send a signal obtaining request to the terminal device in response to the second measurement information obtaining request, so that the terminal device sends the uplink signal to the base station based on the signal request. Optionally, the base station may alternatively send, to the positioning server in response to the second measurement information obtaining request, second measurement information that is obtained most recently.

The base station generates a downlink signal, and sends the downlink signal to the terminal device.

After receiving the uplink signal, the base station may process the uplink signal, generate a downlink signal, and send the downlink signal to the terminal device. A period from a time at which the base station receives the uplink signal to a time at which the base station sends the downlink signal may be duration in which the base station processes the uplink signal, where the processing duration may be obtained by using a difference between a subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal and a subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal. For example, when a subframe number of the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal is <NUM>, a subframe number of the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal is <NUM>, and a subframe length of a first subframe is <NUM>, the base station may determine that the duration in which the base station processes the uplink signal is (<NUM> - <NUM>) * <NUM> = <NUM>.

The base station determines first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a sending time of the downlink signal and a receiving time of the uplink signal.

The base station may determine the first measurement information, where the first measurement information may include the difference between the sending time of the downlink signal and the receiving time of the uplink signal. For example, if the sending time at which the base station sends the downlink signal is <NUM>:<NUM>, and the receiving time at which the base station receives the uplink signal is <NUM>:<NUM>, the base station may determine that the first measurement information is <NUM>.

The base station determines a subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal and a subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal.

After receiving the uplink signal sent by the terminal device, the base station may determine the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal, for example, the subframe number of the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal. In addition, after sending the downlink signal to the terminal device, the base station may determine the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal, for example, the subframe number of the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal.

The base station determines second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal and the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal.

After determining the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal, the base station may determine the second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate the difference between the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal and the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal. For example, the second measurement information may include the subframe number of the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and the subframe number of the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal. For another example, the second measurement information may include the difference between the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal and the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal. For example, when the subframe number of the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal is <NUM>, the subframe number of the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal is <NUM>, and a subframe length of a first subframe is <NUM>, the base station may determine that the difference between the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal and the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal is (<NUM> - <NUM>) * <NUM> = <NUM>. In other words, the duration in which the base station processes the uplink signal is <NUM>.

The base station sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server.

The positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

After receiving the first measurement information and the second measurement information by using the communications interface between the base station and the positioning server, the positioning server may obtain a distance between the terminal device and the base station by using the following formula: (eNB Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal - Subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal))/(<NUM> * Light velocity); and locate the terminal device based on the distance between the terminal device and the base station.

In the positioning information transmission method shown in <FIG>, the base station determines the first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes the difference between the sending time of the downlink signal and the receiving time of the uplink signal; determines the second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate the difference between the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal and the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal; and sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

Based on the schematic architectural diagram of the positioning information transmission system shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a positioning information transmission method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the positioning information transmission method in this embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps.

A terminal device sends an uplink signal to a base station.

In specific implementation, the terminal device may send an uplink signal to the base station at an interval of preset duration, and receive a downlink signal sent by the base station. After determining first measurement information and second measurement information, the terminal device may send the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server.

Optionally, after receiving a request for locating the terminal device, the positioning server may configure the terminal device to measure a UE Rx-Tx time difference. In this case, the terminal device may send the uplink signal to the base station.

Optionally, the positioning server may inquire whether the terminal device has a capability of reporting the second measurement information. When the terminal device reports, to the positioning server, that the terminal device has the capability of reporting the second measurement information, the positioning server may send a second measurement information obtaining request to the terminal device. The terminal device may send the uplink signal to the base station in response to the second measurement information obtaining request. Optionally, the terminal device may alternatively send, to the positioning server in response to the second measurement information obtaining request, second measurement information that is obtained most recently.

The base station generates a downlink signal, and sends the downlink signal to the terminal device.

For details, refer to the foregoing description about step S402. Details are not described again in this embodiment of the present invention.

The terminal device determines first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the downlink signal and a sending time of the uplink signal.

When sending the uplink signal to the base station, the terminal device may determine the sending time of the uplink signal; and when receiving the downlink signal sent by the base station, the terminal device may determine the receiving time of the downlink signal, so as to obtain the first measurement information by using the difference between the receiving time of the downlink signal and the sending time of the uplink signal.

The terminal device determines a subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal and a subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal.

The terminal device determines second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal.

After determining the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal, the terminal device may determine the second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate the difference between the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal. For example, the second measurement information may include the subframe number of the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal and the subframe number of the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal. For another example, the second measurement information may include the difference between the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal. For example, when the subframe number of the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal is <NUM>, the subframe number of the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal is <NUM>, and when a subframe length of a first subframe is <NUM>, the terminal device may determine that the difference between the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal is (<NUM> - <NUM>) * <NUM> = <NUM>. In other words, duration in which the base station processes the uplink signal is <NUM>.

The terminal device sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server.

After determining the first measurement information and the second measurement information, the terminal device may send the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server by using a communications interface between the terminal device and the positioning server.

The positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

After receiving the first measurement information and the second measurement information by using the communications interface between the terminal device and the positioning server, the positioning server may obtain a distance between the terminal device and the base station by using the following formula: (UE Rx-Tx time difference - (Subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal - Subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal))/(<NUM> * Light velocity); and locate the terminal device based on the distance between the terminal device and the base station.

In the positioning information transmission method shown in <FIG>, the terminal device determines the first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes the difference between the sending time of the downlink signal and the receiving time of the uplink signal; determines the second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate the difference between the subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal and the subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal; and sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

Based on the schematic architectural diagram of the positioning information transmission system shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a positioning information transmission method according to still yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the positioning information transmission method in this embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps.

A terminal device sends an uplink signal to a base station.

For details, refer to the foregoing description about step S401. Details are not described again in this embodiment of the present invention.

The base station generates a downlink signal, and sends the downlink signal to the terminal device.

The terminal device determines first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the downlink signal and a sending time of the uplink signal.

For details, refer to the foregoing description about step S503. Details are not described again in this embodiment of the present invention.

The terminal device determines a subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal and a subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal.

For details, refer to the foregoing description about step S504. Details are not described again in this embodiment of the present invention.

The terminal device determines second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal and the subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal.

For details, refer to the foregoing description about step S505. Details are not described again in this embodiment of the present invention.

The terminal device sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the base station.

The base station sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server.

The positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

Optionally, after the base station generates the downlink signal and sends the downlink signal to the terminal device, the base station may determine the first measurement information, and the base station sends the first measurement information to the positioning server; and the terminal device may determine the second measurement information, and the terminal device sends the second measurement information to the positioning server, so that the positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

Optionally, after the base station generates the downlink signal and sends the downlink signal to the terminal device, the base station may determine the first measurement information, and the terminal device may determine the second measurement information; and the terminal device sends the second measurement information to the base station, and the base station sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server, so that the positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

Optionally, after the base station generates the downlink signal and sends the downlink signal to the terminal device, the terminal device may determine the first measurement information, and the terminal device sends the first measurement information to the positioning server; and the base station may determine the second measurement information, and the base station sends the second measurement information to the positioning server, so that the positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

Optionally, after the base station generates the downlink signal and sends the downlink signal to the terminal device, the terminal device may determine the first measurement information, and the terminal device sends the first measurement information to the base station; and the base station may determine the second measurement information, and the base station sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server, so that the positioning server locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

In the positioning information transmission method shown in <FIG>, the terminal device determines the first measurement information and the second measurement information, and then may send the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the base station, and the base station sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

Based on the schematic architectural diagram of the positioning information transmission system shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a positioning information transmission method according to a further embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the positioning information transmission method in this embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps.

A base station sends a downlink signal to a terminal device.

The terminal device generates an uplink signal, and sends the uplink signal to the base station.

The base station determines third measurement information, where the third measurement information is used to indicate a distance between the base station and the terminal device, or the third measurement information is used to indicate a transmission time of the uplink signal and/or a transmission time of the downlink signal.

In specific implementation, the base station may determine first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the uplink signal and a sending time of the downlink signal; and determine second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between a subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal and a subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal; and the base station may calculate the third measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information. For example, the base station subtracts the second measurement information from the first measurement information, and obtained third measurement information is used to indicate a sum of the transmission time of the uplink signal and the transmission time of the downlink signal. For another example, the base station uses, as the third measurement information, half of a difference that is obtained after the second measurement information is subtracted from the first measurement information, where the third measurement information is used to indicate the transmission time of the uplink signal or the transmission time of the downlink signal. For another example, the base station uses, as the third measurement information, a quotient that is obtained after half of the difference between the first measurement information and the second measurement information is divided by light velocity, where the third measurement information is used to indicate a one-way distance between the base station and the terminal device. For another example, the base station uses, as the third measurement information, a quotient that is obtained after the difference between the first measurement information and the second measurement information is divided by light velocity, where the third measurement information is used to indicate a round-trip distance between the base station and the terminal device.

Optionally, the terminal device may determine the second measurement information, and send the second measurement information to the base station; and the base station calculates the third measurement information based on the determined first measurement information and the second measurement information that is sent by the terminal device.

The base station sends the third measurement information to a positioning server.

The base station may send the third measurement information to the positioning server by using a communications interface between the base station and the positioning server.

The positioning server locates the terminal device based on the third measurement information.

In the positioning information transmission method shown in <FIG>, the base station sends the third measurement information to the positioning server, where the third measurement information is used to indicate the distance between the base station and the terminal device, or the third measurement information is used to indicate the transmission time of the uplink signal and/or the transmission time of the downlink signal, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

Based on the schematic architectural diagram of the positioning information transmission system shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a positioning information transmission method according to a still further embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the positioning information transmission method in this embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps.

A terminal device sends an uplink signal to a base station.

The base station generates a downlink signal, and sends the downlink signal to the terminal device.

The base station determines third measurement information, where the third measurement information is used to indicate a distance between the base station and the terminal device, or the third measurement information is used to indicate a transmission time of the uplink signal and/or a transmission time of the downlink signal.

In specific implementation, the base station may determine first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a sending time of the downlink signal and a receiving time of the uplink signal; and determine second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between a subframe in which the base station sends the downlink signal and a subframe in which the base station receives the uplink signal; and the base station may calculate the third measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information. For example, the base station subtracts the second measurement information from the first measurement information, and obtained third measurement information is used to indicate a sum of the transmission time of the uplink signal and the transmission time of the downlink signal. For another example, the base station uses, as the third measurement information, half of a difference that is obtained after the second measurement information is subtracted from the first measurement information, where the third measurement information is used to indicate the transmission time of the uplink signal or the transmission time of the downlink signal. For another example, the base station uses, as the third measurement information, a quotient that is obtained after half of the difference between the first measurement information and the second measurement information is divided by light velocity, where the third measurement information is used to indicate a one-way distance between the base station and the terminal device. For another example, the base station uses, as the third measurement information, a quotient that is obtained after the difference between the first measurement information and the second measurement information is divided by light velocity, where the third measurement information is used to indicate a round-trip distance between the base station and the terminal device.

Optionally, the terminal device may determine the first measurement information, and send the first measurement information to the base station; and the base station calculates the third measurement information based on the first measurement information sent by the terminal device and the determined second measurement information.

Optionally, the terminal device may determine the first measurement information and the second measurement information, and send the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the base station; and the base station calculates the third measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information that are sent by the terminal device.

The base station sends the third measurement information to a positioning server.

The positioning server locates the terminal device based on the third measurement information.

Based on the schematic architectural diagram of the positioning information transmission system shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a positioning information transmission method according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the positioning information transmission method in this embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps.

A terminal device sends an uplink signal to a base station.

For details, refer to the foregoing description about step S501. Details are not described again in this embodiment of the present invention.

The base station generates a downlink signal, and sends the downlink signal to the terminal device.

The terminal device determines third measurement information, where the third measurement information is used to indicate a distance between the base station and the terminal device, or the third measurement information is used to indicate a transmission time of the uplink signal and/or a transmission time of the downlink signal.

In specific implementation, the terminal device may determine first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the downlink signal and a sending time of the uplink signal; and determine second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between a subframe in which the terminal device receives the downlink signal and a subframe in which the terminal device sends the uplink signal; and the terminal device may calculate the third measurement information based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information. For example, the terminal device subtracts the second measurement information from the first measurement information, and obtained third measurement information is used to indicate a sum of the transmission time of the uplink signal and the transmission time of the downlink signal. For another example, the terminal device uses, as the third measurement information, half of a difference that is obtained after the second measurement information is subtracted from the first measurement information, where the third measurement information is used to indicate the transmission time of the uplink signal or the transmission time of the downlink signal. For another example, the terminal device uses, as the third measurement information, a quotient that is obtained after half of the difference between the first measurement information and the second measurement information is divided by light velocity, where the third measurement information is used to indicate a one-way distance between the base station and the terminal device. For another example, the terminal device uses, as the third measurement information, a quotient that is obtained after the difference between the first measurement information and the second measurement information is divided by light velocity, where the third measurement information is used to indicate a round-trip distance between the base station and the terminal device.

The terminal device sends the third measurement information to a positioning server.

The positioning server locates the terminal device based on the third measurement information.

In the positioning information transmission method shown in <FIG>, the terminal device sends the third measurement information to the positioning server, where the third measurement information is used to indicate the distance between the base station and the terminal device, or the third measurement information is used to indicate the transmission time of the uplink signal and/or the transmission time of the downlink signal, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the base station in this embodiment of the present invention may include a subframe determining module <NUM>, a measurement information determining module <NUM>, and a measurement information sending module <NUM>.

The subframe determining module <NUM> is configured to determine an uplink subframe for carrying an uplink signal.

The subframe determining module <NUM> is further configured to determine a downlink subframe for carrying a downlink signal.

The measurement information determining module <NUM> is configured to determine first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the uplink signal and a sending time of the downlink signal, or the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the downlink signal and a sending time of the uplink signal.

The measurement information determining module <NUM> is further configured to determine second measurement information, where the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe.

The measurement information sending module <NUM> is configured to send the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server, for locating a terminal device by the positioning server.

Optionally, the second measurement information includes at least one of the following:.

Further, in an optional embodiment, the base station may further include:
an identity information sending module <NUM>, configured to: before the measurement information sending module <NUM> sends the second measurement information to the positioning server, send identity information to the positioning server, where the identity information is used to indicate that the base station has a capability of sending the second measurement information.

The measurement information sending module <NUM> is further configured to: when a measurement information obtaining request that is fed back by the positioning server in response to the identity information is received, send the second measurement information to the positioning server.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the subframe determining module <NUM> determines the uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal and the downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal; the measurement information determining module <NUM> determines the first measurement information and the second measurement information; and the measurement information sending module <NUM> sends the first measurement information and the second measurement information to the positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a base station according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the base station in this embodiment of the present invention may include: a measurement information determining module <NUM> and a measurement information sending module <NUM>.

The measurement information determining module <NUM> is configured to determine third measurement information, where the third measurement information is used to indicate a distance between the base station and a terminal device, or the third measurement information is used to indicate a transmission time of an uplink signal and/or a transmission time of a downlink signal.

The measurement information sending module <NUM> is configured to send the third measurement information to a positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server.

Further, in an optional embodiment,
the measurement information determining module <NUM> is specifically configured to receive the third measurement information sent by the terminal device.

Further, in an optional embodiment, the measurement information determining module <NUM> may be specifically configured to:.

Further, in an optional embodiment, the base station may further include:.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the measurement information determining module <NUM> determines the third measurement information, and the measurement information sending module <NUM> sends the third measurement information to the positioning server, for locating a terminal device by the positioning server, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the terminal device in this embodiment of the present invention may include a measurement information determining module <NUM> and a measurement information sending module <NUM>.

The measurement information determining module <NUM> is configured to determine first measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of a downlink signal and a sending time of an uplink signal.

The measurement information sending module <NUM> is configured to send the first measurement information to a positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server.

Further, in an optional embodiment, the terminal device may further include:.

Further, optionally, the second measurement information includes at least one of the following:.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the measurement information determining module <NUM> determines the first measurement information, and the measurement information sending module <NUM> sends the first measurement information to the positioning server, for locating the terminal device by the positioning server, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a positioning server according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the positioning server in this embodiment of the present invention may include a measurement information receiving module <NUM> and a positioning module <NUM>.

The measurement information receiving module <NUM> is configured to receive first measurement information and second measurement information, where the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the uplink signal and a sending time of the downlink signal, or the first measurement information includes a difference between a receiving time of the downlink signal and a sending time of the uplink signal, and the second measurement information is used to indicate a difference between an uplink subframe for carrying the uplink signal and a downlink subframe for carrying the downlink signal.

The positioning module <NUM> is configured to locate a terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information.

Further, it needs to be noted that, in an optional embodiment, the measurement information receiving module <NUM> may receive only the first measurement information and the third measurement information, or receive only the third measurement information; and the positioning module locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the third measurement information or based on the third measurement information.

Further, optionally, the third measurement information includes a sum of the transmission time of the uplink signal and the transmission time of the downlink signal, the transmission time of the uplink signal, the transmission time of the downlink signal, and a round-trip distance between the base station and the terminal device or a one-way distance between the base station and the terminal device.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the measurement information receiving module <NUM> receives the first measurement information and the second measurement information, and the positioning module <NUM> locates the terminal device based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a positioning information transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the system includes a base station, a terminal device, and a positioning server.

Specifically, refer to related description in the foregoing embodiments for the base station, the terminal device, and the positioning server.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the base station may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a transmitter <NUM>, and a receiver <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be a high-speed RAM memory, or may be a non-volatile memory (non-volatile memory), such as at least one magnetic disk memory. Optionally, the memory <NUM> may be further at least one storage apparatus far away from the processor <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> stores a set of program code, and the processor <NUM> calls the program code stored in the memory to perform the following operations:.

Specifically, the base station described in this embodiment of the present invention may be configured to implement some or all processes in the method embodiments of the present invention that are described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a base station according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the base station may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a transmitter <NUM>, and a receiver <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be a high-speed RAM memory, or may be a non-volatile memory (non-volatile memory), such as at least one magnetic disk memory. Optionally, the memory <NUM> may be further at least one storage apparatus far away from the processor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the terminal device may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a transmitter <NUM>, and a receiver <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be a high-speed RAM memory, or may be a non-volatile memory (non-volatile memory), such as at least one magnetic disk memory. Optionally, the memory <NUM> may be further at least one storage apparatus far away from the processor <NUM>.

Specifically, the terminal device described in this embodiment of the present invention may be configured to implement some or all processes in the method embodiments of the present invention that are described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a positioning server according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the positioning server may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a transmitter <NUM>, and a receiver <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be a high-speed RAM memory, or may be a non-volatile memory (non-volatile memory), such as at least one magnetic disk memory. Optionally, the memory <NUM> may be further at least one storage apparatus far away from the processor <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> stores a set of program code, and the processor <NUM> calls the program code stored in the memory <NUM> to perform the following operations:.

Specifically, the positioning server described in this embodiment of the present invention may be configured to implement some or all processes in the method embodiments of the present invention that are described with reference to <FIG>.

In the description of this specification, descriptions about reference terms such as "an embodiment", "some embodiments", "an example", "a specific example", and "some examples" mean that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described with reference to the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the foregoing example expressions of the terms are not necessarily with respect to a same embodiment or example. In addition, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in a proper manner in any one or more of the embodiments or examples. In addition, a person skilled in the art may integrate or combine different embodiments or examples and characteristics of different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as long as they do not conflict with each other.

In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are merely intended for a purpose of description, and shall not be understood as an indication or implication of relative importance or implicit indication of a quantity of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature limited by "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the descriptions about the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, for example, two or three, unless otherwise specifically limited.

Descriptions about any process or method described in a flowchart or in another manner herein may be understood as indicating that one or more modules, segments, or parts of code that can execute an instruction and that is used to implement a specific logical function or a step of a process are included, a scope of preferred implementations of the present invention includes other implementation, and functions may be performed in a sequence other than a shown or discussed sequence, including a generally simultaneous manner or a reverse sequence according to the functions concerned. This should be understood by a person skilled in the technological field to which the embodiments of the present invention belong.

Logic and/or steps shown in the flowcharts or described herein in other manners, for example, may be considered as a program list of executable instructions that are used to implement logic functions, and may be specifically implemented on any computer-readable medium, for an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (for example, a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or another system that can fetch instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions) to use, or for a combination of the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device to use. In terms of this specification, the "computer-readable medium" may be any apparatus that may include, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs, for the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device to use, or for a combination of the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device to use. More specific examples (this list is not exhaustive) of the computer-readable medium include the following: an electrical portion (an electrical apparatus) with one or more buses, a portable computer cartridge (a magnetic apparatus), a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber apparatus, and a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). In addition, the computer-readable medium may even be a piece of paper on which the programs can be printed or another appropriate medium. Because, for example, optical scanning may be performed on the paper or the another medium, then processing, such as edition, decoding, or another appropriate means when necessary, may be performed to obtain the programs in an electronic manner, and then the programs are stored in a computer memory.

It should be understood that, various parts in the present invention may be implemented by using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the foregoing implementations, a plurality of steps or methods may be implemented by using software or firmware that is stored in a memory and that is executed by an appropriate instruction execution system. For example, if hardware is used for implementation, same as in another implementation, any item or a combination of the following well-known technologies in the art may be used for implementation: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit that is used to implement a logic function for a data signal, an application-specific integrated circuit having an appropriate combinatorial logic circuit, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like.

A person of ordinary skill in the art may understand that all or some of the steps of the method embodiments may be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium. When the program runs, one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments are performed.

In addition, functional units in the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into one processing module, or each of the units may exist alone physically, or two or more units are integrated into one module. The integrated module may be implemented in a form of hardware, or may be implemented in a form of a software functional module. When the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

Claim 1:
A positioning information transmission method, wherein the method is applied to a base station, and the method comprises:
determining an uplink subframe for carrying an uplink signal;
determining a downlink subframe for carrying a downlink signal;
determining (S203) first measurement information, wherein the first measurement information comprises a difference between a receiving time of the uplink signal and a sending time of the downlink signal, or the first measurement information comprises a difference between a receiving time of the downlink signal and a sending time of the uplink signal;
determining (S205) second measurement information, wherein the second measurement information is used to indicate a time difference between the uplink subframe and the downlink subframe; and
sending (S206) the first measurement information and the second measurement information to a positioning server, for locating a terminal device by the positioning server.