Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method and a communication device. The communication method comprises: sending an NDPA frame for acquiring a wireless local area network sensing channel; sending an NDP frame for performing a wireless local area network sensing measurement; sending a trigger frame for indicating feedback of a wireless local area network sensing measurement result, wherein the trigger frame is used to trigger a delayed feedback result sending, which comprises information associated with the feedback; and receiving the wireless local area network sensing measurement result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) are characterized by flexibility, mobility, and low cost. With the development of communication technologies and the growth of user demands, research into WLAN applications is gradually deepening. For example, research is currently underway on WLAN sensing, with its main application scenarios including: location discovery in dense environments (home and enterprise environments), proximity detection, and presence detection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The various embodiments of this disclosure provide the following technical solutions:

[0004] A communication method is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method may include: sending an NDPA frame for acquiring a wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing channel; sending an NDP frame for performing WLAN sensing measurements; sending a trigger frame for indicating feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results, wherein the trigger frame is used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which includes information associated with the feedback; and receiving the WLAN sensing measurement results.

[0005] A communication method is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method may include: receiving an NDPA frame for acquiring a wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing channel; receiving an NDP frame for performing WLAN sensing measurements; receiving a trigger frame for indicating feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results, wherein the trigger frame is used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which includes information associated with the feedback; and transmitting the WLAN sensing measurement results.

[0006] A communication apparatus is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication apparatus may include: a transceiver module configured to: transmit an NDPA frame for acquiring a wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing channel; transmit an NDP frame for performing WLAN sensing measurements; transmit a trigger frame for indicating feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results, wherein the trigger frame is used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which includes information associated with the feedback; and receive the WLAN sensing measurement results.

[0007] A communication apparatus is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication apparatus may include: a transceiver module configured to: receive an NDPA frame for acquiring a wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing channel; receive an NDP frame for performing WLAN sensing measurements; receive a trigger frame for indicating feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results, wherein the trigger frame is used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which includes information associated with the feedback; and transmit the WLAN sensing measurement results.

[0008] An electronic device is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. The electronic device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method described above.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. A computer program is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the method described above.

[0010] The technical solutions provided by the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure improve the feedback method in WLAN sensing. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 This illustrates an exemplary way of WLAN awareness.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by the initiator under delayed feedback according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This illustrates the interaction process between the initiator and the responder under delayed feedback according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by the initiator under timely feedback according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This illustrates the interaction process between the initiator and the responder under timely feedback, according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by a responder under delayed feedback according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by a responder in a timely feedback manner according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments include various specific details, but these details are considered exemplary only. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known techniques, functions, and constructions may be omitted.

[0021] The terms and words used in this disclosure are not limited to their literal meanings, but are used solely by the inventors to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Therefore, the description of various embodiments of the disclosure provided is for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes.

[0022] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the word “comprising” as used in this disclosure means the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0023] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0024] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element. Furthermore, the use of “connected” or “coupled” herein can include wireless connections or wireless couplings. The terms “and / or” or the expression “at least one of…” as used herein include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0026] Figure 1 This illustrates an exemplary way of WLAN awareness.

[0027] The process of WLAN sensing can be as follows: an initiator initiates WLAN sensing (e.g., initiates a WLAN sensing session), and there may be multiple responders responding to it. Specific possible methods include... Figure 1 As shown in (a), (b) and (c) in the figure.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 In (a) of this clause, when a WLAN sensing initiator (e.g., a client) initiates WLAN sensing, multiple associated or unassociated WLAN sensing responders (e.g., three access points (APs)) can respond. Here, "associated" can mean that an associated connection has been established between the initiator and the responder, and "unassociated" can mean that no associated connection has been established between the initiator and the responder.

[0029] As an example, a client may include, but is not limited to: cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices, computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal communication system (PCS) devices, personal information managers (PIMs), personal navigation devices (PNDs), global positioning systems, multimedia devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0030] An access point (AP) can be a wireless switch for a wireless network or an access device for a wireless network. An AP may include software applications and / or circuitry to enable other types of nodes in the wireless network to communicate with the outside and inside of the wireless network. As an example, an AP may be a terminal device or network device equipped with a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) chip.

[0031] Figure 1 (b) and Figure 1 Similar to (a) in, but in Figure 1 In (b) of the above, the various responders (APs) can communicate with each other.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 In (c), both the WLAN sensing initiator and the WLAN sensing responder can be clients, and they can communicate by connecting to the same AP.

[0033] Although Figure 1 As shown in (a), (b), and (c) above, the client acts as the initiator and the AP as the responder; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the AP can act as the initiator and the client as the responder. Furthermore, the number of initiators and responders is not limited to [specific details needed]. Figure 1As shown in (a), (b) and (c) in the figure.

[0034] As an illustrative embodiment, the WLAN sensing process may include: WLAN sensing session establishment, WLAN sensing measurement establishment, WLAN sensing measurement, WLAN sensing measurement feedback, and WLAN sensing measurement termination. During WLAN sensing session establishment, operational parameters associated with the sensing session can be determined and exchanged between devices. During WLAN sensing measurement establishment, one or more WLAN sensing measurements may be established. During WLAN sensing measurement, the initiator and responder can perform WLAN sensing measurements, and a WLAN sensing measurement may include one or more WLAN sensing measurement events. During WLAN sensing measurement feedback, the responder can report the results of the WLAN sensing measurement to the initiator. During WLAN sensing measurement termination, the initiator and responder can stop performing the WLAN sensing measurement and terminate the sensing session.

[0035] Furthermore, in WLAN sensing technologies, trigger-based (TB-based) and non-trigger-based (Non-TB-based) sensing methods have been proposed. For example, in TB-based sensing, the AP can be either the initiator or the transmitter, while in Non-TB-based sensing, the STA can be either the initiator or the transmitter. Examples of STAs can be similar to the client example above; for simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0036] For WLAN sensing measurement feedback, the results of measurements performed within a sensing session should be obtained by the initiator or reported to the initiator. For example, WLAN sensing measurement feedback can be performed by sending a sensing measurement report frame, and this frame can be initiated by an MLME (MAC sublayer management entity) source. Furthermore, WLAN sensing measurement feedback can be performed using either immediate or delayed reporting. In the following text, immediate reporting may also be referred to as immediate feedback, and delayed reporting may also be referred to as delayed feedback. In the immediate reporting mode, the sensing measurement result is fed back immediately whenever a sensing measurement event is performed; in the delayed reporting mode, the sensing measurement result can be fed back after multiple sensing measurement events have been performed.

[0037] As mentioned above, in TB-based sensing, the AP can initiate downlink sensing by sending NDPA (null data packet announcement) and NDP (null data packet) frames, and the STA responds by providing feedback on sensing measurements. This feedback can be timely or delayed. However, current research lacks a well-developed mechanism for specifically implementing this feedback (e.g., timely or delayed reporting).

[0038] In view of this, a communication method and a communication apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure are provided.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment. Figure 2 The communication method shown can be applied to the initiator (AP) of WLAN sensing.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 In step 210, an NDPA frame for acquiring a WLAN sensing channel is sent. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the NDPA frame may carry various information about WLAN sensing. For example, the NDPA frame may include a WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier, information indicating the feedback method (timely feedback or delayed feedback), etc. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto; for example, the NDPA frame may also include a WLAN sensing session establishment identifier, etc.

[0041] In step 220, an NDP frame for performing WLAN sensing measurements is sent. In embodiments of this disclosure, the NDP frame may be a WLAN sensing frame; in other words, when the responder (STA) receives an NDP frame from the initiator (AP), it may utilize or perform WLAN sensing measurements based on the NDP frame.

[0042] In step 230, a trigger frame is sent to indicate the feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results. In embodiments of this disclosure, the trigger frame may correspond to delay feedback and may trigger the delay feedback measurement results.

[0043] In step 240, the WLAN sensing measurement results are received. For example, after sending the trigger frame for triggering feedback in step 230, the responder can send the WLAN sensing measurement results to the initiator based on the feedback information carried in the trigger frame. The information carried in the trigger frame in step 230 will be described in detail below.

[0044] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the trigger frame may include information associated with feedback. For example, the trigger frame may include at least one of the following:

[0045] WLAN-aware session identifier;

[0046] Establish identifiers for WLAN sensing measurements;

[0047] WLAN sensing measurement event identifier;

[0048] The type identifier that identifies the trigger frame as a delay measurement result feedback trigger frame;

[0049] Site identifiers of site devices participating in WLAN sensing measurement events;

[0050] Resource units that provide feedback on WLAN sensing measurement results;

[0051] The bandwidth used by frames that provide feedback on WLAN sensing measurement results;

[0052] Recipient's address.

[0053] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier included in the trigger frame can be the same as the WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier included in the NDPA frame described above. This allows it to be identified that the delayed feedback triggered by the trigger frame corresponds to the NDPA frame, ensuring the correctness of the feedback.

[0054] The trigger frame according to embodiments of this disclosure can take various forms. For example, as a non-limiting embodiment, the trigger frame sent in step 230 can be a BFRP (beamforming report poll) trigger frame. The aforementioned information can be carried in various information fields of the trigger frame. In other words, the trigger frame can include: a first information field associated with WLAN sensing measurement (e.g., common info field), a second information field associated with site equipment (e.g., STA info field), a third information field associated with control information (e.g., control field), and / or other information fields (e.g., receiver address (RA) etc.).

[0055] For example, the first information field (e.g., the common information field) of the trigger frame may include: a WLAN sensing session identifier, a WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier, a WLAN sensing measurement event identifier, a type identifier, etc. For example, but not limited to, the first information field (e.g., the common information field) of the trigger frame may have the format shown in Table 1 below.

[0056] Table 1

[0057] measurement setup ID1 sensing measurement instance ID11 sensing measurement instance ID12 …… sensing session ID2 measurement setup ID2 sensing measurement instance ID21 sensing measurement instance ID22 …… TYPE

[0058] A WLAN sensing session establishment process can initiate one or more WLAN sensing measurement establishments. For example, a trigger frame may include one or more WLAN sensing session identifiers (such as sensing session ID1, sensing session ID2, etc. in Table 1) to identify one or more WLAN sensing session establishments, wherein each WLAN sensing session identifier may correspond to one or more WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifiers (such as measurementsetup ID1, measurement setup ID2, etc. in Table 1). A WLAN sensing measurement establishment process can initiate one or more WLAN sensing measurement events. For example, a trigger frame may include one or more WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifiers to identify one or more WLAN sensing measurement establishment processes, wherein each WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier may correspond to one or more WLAN sensing measurement event identifiers (such as sensing measurement instance ID11, sensing measurement instance ID12, sensing measurement instance ID21, sensing measurement instance ID22, etc. in Table 1).

[0059] In addition, the first information field (e.g., the public information field) in Table 1 may also include a type identifier (TYPE) to identify the trigger frame (e.g., the BFRP trigger frame) as a delay measurement result feedback trigger frame.

[0060] It will be understood that the information contained in the first information field (e.g., the public information field) of the trigger frame in Table 1 is merely exemplary, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, some information in Table 1 may be omitted. For instance, when the trigger frame only indicates delayed feedback for sensing measurements in a WLAN sensing session, the WLAN sensing session identifier may be omitted; when the trigger frame only indicates delayed feedback for sensing measurement events in a WLAN sensing measurement establishment phase, the WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier may be omitted.

[0061] Furthermore, the format of the first information field (e.g., the public information field) shown in Table 1 is merely exemplary, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, Table 1 may be split into multiple first information fields (e.g., the public information field), that is, the first information field (e.g., the public information field) may appear repeatedly to identify different WLAN sensing session identifiers and / or WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifiers.

[0062] For example, a trigger frame may contain one or more second information fields (e.g., site information fields), and each second information field (e.g., site information field) may contain: a site identifier and a resource unit (RU). The second information field (e.g., site information field) may contain identifiers (i.e., one or more site identifiers) for one or more sites performing WLAN sensing measurements. Each site identifier may be represented as AID or UID. AID may indicate that the site identified by the identifier has established an association connection with the AP; for example, AID may be assigned by the STA during the association process with the AP. UID may indicate that the site identified by the identifier has not established an association connection with the AP; for example, UID may be assigned by the AP during the WLAN sensing measurement establishment process with the STA. The resource units (RUs) in the second information field (e.g., site information field) may correspond to the site identifiers to identify the resource unit (RU) used when the corresponding site feeds back measurement results. For example, a resource unit (RU) may represent subcarriers of different sizes or types, such as 26-tone, 52-tone, 106-tone, etc.

[0063] As described above, the site identifier and resource unit can be included in the site information field of the trigger frame. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the receiver address in the trigger frame can correspond to the second information field (site information field). In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the trigger frame includes a site information field, the receiver address can be the MAC address of the site device. In this case, the access point device and the site device can be devices that meet the Extremely High Throughput (EHT) communication standard, and the access point device and the site device can communicate under multiple links, and the receiver address can be the MAC address of the site device under the corresponding link. In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the trigger frame includes multiple site information fields, the receiver address can be a broadcast address. That is, when the trigger frame triggers multiple sites to provide delay feedback, the trigger frame can be sent in a broadcast manner. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; the receiver address can also be a multicast address.

[0064] For example, the third information field (e.g., the control field) of the trigger frame may include the bandwidth used by the frame that feeds back the WLAN sensing measurement results. For example, the third information field (e.g., the control field) may include a UL BW field to identify the uplink bandwidth of the frame that the responder sends to feed back the measurement results. According to embodiments of this disclosure, this bandwidth may be, for example, but not limited to, 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 80+80MHz, 320MHz, or 160+160MHz. In embodiments of this disclosure, this bandwidth may differ from the bandwidth used to send the NDP frame in step 220. Specifically, the frame that feeds back the WLAN sensing measurement results may contain more complex information than the NDP frame; therefore, the bandwidth used by the frame that feeds back the WLAN sensing measurement results may be greater than the bandwidth used to send the NDP frame. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; the bandwidths of both may be the same.

[0065] It will be understood that the information included in the trigger frame described in the above embodiments is merely exemplary, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. The trigger frame may also include other information such as the sender address (TA), or some of the information described in the above embodiments may be omitted from the trigger frame.

[0066] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a BFRP trigger frame can be sent at the delay feedback time point to trigger the responder to send the delay feedback measurement result, wherein the trigger frame includes at least:

[0067] The public information field contains the following information: a WLAN sensing measurement setup ID, which is the same as the ID value in the previously sent NDPA frame; and a WLAN sensing event ID (measurement instance ID) corresponding to the WLAN sensing measurement setup ID. The public information field can be repeated to identify different WLAN sensing measurement setup IDs.

[0068] The site information field may contain the STA's identifier (e.g., AID / UID) and its corresponding RU / MRU; the RU / MRU can be used by the STA to send delay feedback measurement results.

[0069] The control domain may include a UL BW domain, which is used to identify the uplink bandwidth of the frame in which the STA sends feedback measurement results. For example, the bandwidth can be identified using three bits, specifically, uplink bandwidths of 20 / 40 / 80 / 160(80+80) / 320(160+160) MHz can be identified respectively. In addition, the bandwidth of the measurement result feedback frame may be inconsistent with the bandwidth of the NDP frame sent by the initiator.

[0070] In addition, the BFRP trigger frame may include the type of the BFRP frame in the common information field, which is used to identify the trigger frame as a delay measurement result feedback trigger frame.

[0071] In addition, if the trigger frame contains only one site information field, the RA address can be the MAC address of the STA / the MAC address under the corresponding connection (if the device meets the EHT communication standard); if it contains multiple site information fields, the RA is the broadcast address.

[0072] As can be seen from the embodiments described above, Figure 2 The flowchart shown can correspond to a delayed feedback approach. For example, the interaction process between the initiator and the responder under a delayed feedback approach can be as follows: Figure 3 As shown. (Refer to...) Figure 3 During time period T1, the following can be executed. Figure 2 Steps 210 and 220 can be executed within time period T2. Figure 2 Steps 230 and 240 in the process. However, it will be understood that... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The flowcharts and interactive processes shown are merely illustrative, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in Figure 3 During time period T1, multiple NDP frames can be sent for multiple WLAN sensing measurements; during time period T2, a trigger frame can trigger the feedback of these multiple WLAN sensing measurements, and in the delay report, the initiator can receive the results of these multiple WLAN sensing measurements (e.g., CSI (channel state information)).

[0073] In embodiments of this disclosure, regarding the feedback method (e.g., Figure 2 The marking of delayed feedback can be implemented using different methods.

[0074] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the NDPA frame may include an identifier bit indicating the method of feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results. For example, a bit in the common information field of the NDPA frame may be used to identify the feedback method; when this bit is set to "0", it indicates that the measurement results are fed back in a timely manner (e.g., the following description may be performed). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The communication method shown above); when this bit is set to "1", it indicates the delay feedback measurement result (for example, the method described above can be performed). Figure 2 and Figure 3 (The communication method shown). According to one aspect of this disclosure, the flag bit can be set to a delayed feedback mode, thereby enabling the execution of... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Examples of implementations.

[0075] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the method for feeding back WLAN sensing measurement results can be determined during the WLAN sensing measurement establishment process. For example, it can be done during the execution of... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The method shown involves determining the feedback method beforehand. Specifically, during the WLAN sensing measurement setup process, the initiator and responder negotiate the type of feedback (feedback method), and information about the feedback type is generally carried in the measurement setup request frame and the measurement setup response frame. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the determined method can be delayed feedback, thereby enabling execution... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Examples of implementations.

[0076] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the flag bit in the NDPA frame can be set to timely feedback, or the feedback method determined during the WLAN sensing measurement establishment process can be timely feedback. In this case, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The step of sending the trigger frame can be omitted, and the WLAN sensing measurement results can be received directly. In other words, with timely feedback, it is possible to perform... Figure 4 The flowchart shown and Figure 5 The interactive process is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In step 410, an identifier bit for timely feedback can be set in the NDPA frame sent, or the timely feedback method can be determined during the WLAN sensing measurement establishment process performed before step 410; in step 420, an NDP frame can be sent. Because a timely feedback method is adopted, therefore... Figure 5 During the time period T1, only one NDP frame can be sent; and in step 430, the WLAN sensing measurement results can be received directly (i.e., reported in a timely manner).

[0077] The communication method according to embodiments of this disclosure improves the delayed feedback method and / or timely feedback method in TB-based sensing, enabling it to adapt to the needs of WLAN sensing.

[0078] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by a responder under delayed feedback according to an example embodiment. That is, Figure 6The communication method shown can be applied to the responder (site).

[0079] Reference Figure 6 In step 610, an NDPA frame for acquiring a WLAN sensing channel is received; in step 620, an NDP frame for performing WLAN sensing measurements is received; in step 630, a trigger frame for indicating feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results is received, wherein the trigger frame can be used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which includes information associated with the feedback; in step 640, the WLAN sensing measurement results are transmitted. It will be understood that... Figure 6 The embodiments shown are not limited to these, for example, Figure 6 The communication method may also include performing sensing measurements using the received NDP frames and sending delayed feedback measurement results when a trigger frame is received.

[0080] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the trigger frame may include at least one of the following:

[0081] WLAN-aware session identifier;

[0082] Establish identifiers for WLAN sensing measurements;

[0083] WLAN sensing measurement event identifier;

[0084] The type identifier that identifies the trigger frame as a delay measurement result feedback trigger frame;

[0085] Site identifiers of site devices participating in WLAN sensing measurement events;

[0086] Resource units that provide feedback on WLAN sensing measurement results;

[0087] The bandwidth used by frames that provide feedback on WLAN sensing measurement results;

[0088] Recipient's address.

[0089] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the NDPA frame may include a WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier, wherein the WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier included in the trigger frame may be the same as the WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier included in the NDPA frame.

[0090] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the bandwidth can be 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 80+80MHz, 320MHz, or 160+160MHz.

[0091] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the bandwidth used by the frame that feeds back the WLAN sensing measurement results (i.e., the bandwidth used in step 640) may be different from the bandwidth used to receive the NDP frame (i.e., the bandwidth used in step 620).

[0092] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the site identifier and resource unit may be included in the site information field of the trigger frame.

[0093] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the trigger frame includes a site information field, the receiver address can be the MAC address of the site device; while when the trigger frame includes multiple site information fields, the receiver address can be the broadcast address.

[0094] The above-described example of the trigger frame can be applied to... Figure 6 For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0095] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the NDPA frame may include an identifier bit indicating the method of feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results. For example, the identifier bit may be set to a delayed feedback method, thereby performing... Figure 6 The communication method shown.

[0096] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the method for feeding back WLAN sensing measurement results can be determined during the WLAN sensing measurement establishment process. For example, the determined method is delayed feedback, thereby executing... Figure 6 The communication method shown.

[0097] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the aforementioned flag bit in the NDPA frame can be set to timely feedback, or the determined method can be timely feedback. In this case, Figure 6 The receive trigger frame is omitted, and the WLAN sensing measurement results are sent directly; that is, it can be executed. Figure 7 The communication method shown. In Figure 7 In step 710, an NDP frame (which may carry an identifier bit for timely feedback) may be sent. Upon receiving the NDP frame (step 720), the responder may perform WLAN sensing measurement and, upon obtaining the result of the WLAN sensing measurement, immediately feed back the result to the initiator (step 730).

[0098] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an example embodiment. Figure 8 The communication device 800 may include a processing module 810 and a transceiver module 820. In one embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown can be applied to an initiator (AP); in another embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 8The communication device 800 shown can be applied to the responder (STA).

[0099] exist Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown can be applied to an initiator (AP). The processing module 810 can be configured to: control the overall operation of the communication device 800 (e.g., control the determination and transmission of NDPA frames, NDP frames, and trigger frames); the transceiver module 820 can be configured to: transmit NDPA frames for acquiring a WLAN sensing channel; transmit NDP frames for performing WLAN sensing measurements; transmit trigger frames for indicating feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results, wherein the trigger frames are used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which include information associated with the feedback; and receive WLAN sensing measurement results. That is, Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown can perform the reference Figures 2 to 5 The communication method described above, and the embodiments regarding trigger frames described above, can be applied here. To avoid redundancy, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0100] exist Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown can be applied to a responder (STA) scenario. The transceiver module 820 can be configured to: control the overall operation of the communication device 800 (e.g., control the reception of NDPA frames, NDP frames, and trigger frames; control the execution of WLAN sensing measurements; control the feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results, etc.); the processing module 810 can be configured to: receive NDPA frames for acquiring a WLAN sensing channel; receive NDP frames for performing WLAN sensing measurements; receive trigger frames for indicating feedback of WLAN sensing measurement results, wherein the trigger frames are used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which include information associated with the feedback; and transmit the WLAN sensing measurement results. That is, Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown can perform the reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The communication method described above, and the embodiments regarding trigger frames described above, can be applied here. To avoid redundancy, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0101] Will understand, Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown is merely exemplary, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 800 may also include other modules, such as a memory module. Furthermore, the various modules in the communication device 800 may be combined into more complex modules, or may be divided into more individual modules.

[0102] The communication method and communication apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure improve the feedback method (e.g., delayed feedback method and / or timely feedback method) in WLAN sensing, enabling it to adapt to the needs of WLAN sensing.

[0103] Based on the same principles as the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, embodiments of this disclosure also provide an electronic device, which includes a processor and a memory; wherein the memory stores machine-readable instructions (also referred to as a "computer program"); ​​and the processor is configured to execute the machine-readable instructions to implement the reference... Figures 2 to 7 The method described.

[0104] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements a reference... Figures 2 to 7 The method described.

[0105] In exemplary embodiments, the processor may be a variety of exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with this disclosure, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a general-purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The processor may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0106] In the example embodiment, the memory may be, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or other optical disc storage, optical disk storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Furthermore, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0108] While this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments, but rather should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: Send an empty data packet to declare an NDPA frame for acquiring the wireless LAN-aware channel; Send empty data packet (NDP) frames for wireless LAN sensing measurements; Send a trigger frame for indicating feedback of wireless LAN sensing measurement results, wherein the trigger frame is used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which includes information associated with the feedback; Receive wireless LAN sensing measurement results; The trigger frame includes at least one of the following: Site identifiers for site devices participating in wireless LAN sensing measurement events; Resource units that provide feedback on wireless LAN sensing measurement results; The site identifier and the resource unit are included in the site information field of the trigger frame.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The trigger frame includes at least one of the following: Wireless LAN-aware session identifier; Wireless LAN sensing measurement establishes identifiers; Wireless LAN sensing measurement event identifier; The type identifier that identifies the trigger frame as a delay measurement result feedback trigger frame; The bandwidth used by frames that provide feedback on wireless LAN sensing measurement results; Recipient's address.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein, The NDPA frame includes a wireless LAN sensing measurement establishment identifier. The WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier included in the trigger frame is the same as the WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier included in the NDPA frame.

4. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein, The bandwidth is 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 80+80 MHz, 320 MHz, or 160+160 MHz.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, wherein, The bandwidth is different from the bandwidth used to send the NDP frame.

6. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, When the trigger frame includes a site information field, the receiver address is the MAC address of the site device. Wherein, if the trigger frame includes multiple site information fields, the receiver address is a broadcast address.

7. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The NDPA frame includes identifier bits that indicate the method of feeding back wireless LAN sensing measurement results. The flag bit is configured to provide delayed feedback.

8. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The communication method further includes: determining the method for feeding back the wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing measurement results during the establishment of the WLAN sensing measurement process. The determined method is delayed feedback.

9. The communication method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The communication method further includes: When the flag is set to timely feedback or the determined method is timely feedback, the trigger frame is omitted, and the wireless LAN sensing measurement result is received directly.

10. A communication method, comprising: Receive empty data packet declaration NDPA frame for acquiring the wireless LAN-aware channel; Receive empty data packet (NDP) frames used for wireless LAN sensing measurements; Receive a trigger frame for indicating feedback of wireless local area network sensing measurement results, wherein the trigger frame is used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which includes information associated with the feedback; Send the wireless LAN sensing measurement results; The trigger frame includes at least one of the following: Site identifiers for site devices participating in wireless LAN sensing measurement events; Resource units that provide feedback on wireless LAN sensing measurement results; The site identifier and the resource unit are included in the site information field of the trigger frame.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein, The trigger frame includes at least one of the following: Wireless LAN-aware session identifier; Wireless LAN sensing measurement establishes identifiers; Wireless LAN sensing measurement event identifier; The type identifier that identifies the trigger frame as a delay measurement result feedback trigger frame; The bandwidth used by frames that provide feedback on wireless LAN sensing measurement results; Recipient's address.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein, The NDPA frame includes a wireless LAN sensing measurement establishment identifier. The WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier included in the trigger frame is the same as the WLAN sensing measurement establishment identifier included in the NDPA frame.

13. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein, The bandwidth is 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 80+80 MHz, 320 MHz, or 160+160 MHz.

14. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein, The bandwidth is different from the bandwidth used to receive the NDP frame.

15. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein, When the trigger frame includes a site information field, the receiver address is the MAC address of the site device. Wherein, if the trigger frame includes multiple site information fields, the receiver address is a broadcast address.

16. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein, The NDPA frame includes identifier bits that indicate the method of feeding back wireless LAN sensing measurement results. The flag bit is configured to provide delayed feedback.

17. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein, The communication method further includes: determining the method for feeding back the wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing measurement results during the establishment of the WLAN sensing measurement process. The determined method is delayed feedback.

18. The communication method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The communication method further includes: When the flag is set to timely feedback or the method is determined to be timely feedback, the receiving trigger frame is omitted, and the wireless LAN sensing measurement results are sent directly.

19. A communication device, comprising: The transceiver module is configured to send empty data packet declaration NDPA frames for acquiring the wireless LAN-aware channel; Send empty data packet (NDP) frames for wireless LAN sensing measurements; Send a trigger frame for indicating feedback of wireless LAN sensing measurement results, wherein the trigger frame is used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which includes information associated with the feedback; receive wireless LAN sensing measurement results; The trigger frame includes at least one of the following: Site identifiers for site devices participating in wireless LAN sensing measurement events; Resource units that provide feedback on wireless LAN sensing measurement results; The site identifier and the resource unit are included in the site information field of the trigger frame.

20. A communication device, comprising: The transceiver module is configured to receive empty data packet declaration NDPA frames used to acquire the wireless LAN-aware channel. Receive empty data packet (NDP) frames used for wireless LAN sensing measurements; Receive a trigger frame for indicating feedback of wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing measurement results, wherein the trigger frame is used to trigger the transmission of delayed feedback results, which includes information associated with the feedback; transmit the WLAN sensing measurement results; The trigger frame includes at least one of the following: Site identifiers for site devices participating in wireless LAN sensing measurement events; Resource units that provide feedback on wireless LAN sensing measurement results; The site identifier and the resource unit are included in the site information field of the trigger frame.

21. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9 or any one of claims 10 to 18.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9 or any one of claims 10 to 18.

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