Perception method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a sensing method and device which can be applied to a wireless local area network system of 802.11 series protocols. The sensing method comprises the following steps: a second access point receives a first request message from a first access point, sends a response message of the first request message to the first access point, and sends a second request message to a site associated with the second access point. Wherein the first request message is used for requesting the second access point to assist the first access point in sensing measurement. The second request message is used for requesting the site associated with the second access point to participate in the sensing measurement session initiated by the first access point. Through the method, the non-access point site can clearly know whether there is an access point to search the perception response end through the access point associated with the non-access point site, so that the access point searching the perception response end is subsequently assisted to establish perception.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of wireless local area network (WLAN), and in particular to a sensing method and device. Background Art

[0002] The signals sent by wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) devices are usually received after being reflected, diffracted and scattered by various obstacles. By analyzing the characteristics of wireless signals affected by various obstacles, the surrounding environment can be inferred and perceived, thus deriving wireless local area network (WLAN) perception technology.

[0003] The IEEE 802.11bf protocol supports the establishment of perception between access points and non-access point stations. Currently, non-access point stations determine whether an access point is looking for a perception responder (e.g., a non-access point station) based only on the access point's probe response. If a non-access point station does not send a probe request, the non-access point station cannot determine whether the access point is looking for a perception responder, resulting in the non-access point station being unable to participate in the perception measurement. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a sensing method and device, which can solve the problem that non-access point sites cannot participate in sensing measurements.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the embodiment of the present application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a perception method, which can be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device may be an access point, or the first communication device may be a component for implementing the functions of an access point. For example, the first communication device may be a unit / module, a circuit or a chip inside an access point. The method provided in the first aspect is described below by taking the first communication device as the second access point itself as an example. In the first aspect, the non-access point site is associated with the second access point and is not associated with the first access point.

[0007] The perception method includes: a second access point receives a first request message from a first access point, sends a response message of the first request message to the first access point, and sends a second request message to a station associated with the second access point. The first request message is used to request the second access point to assist the first access point in performing perception measurement. The second request message is used to request the station associated with the second access point to participate in a perception measurement session initiated by the first access point.

[0008] In this solution, the first access point requests the second access point to assist the first access point in performing perception measurement. In response to the request of the first access point, the second access point may request the site associated with the second access point to participate in the perception measurement session initiated by the first access point. For the first access point, the site associated with the second access point is an unassociated non-access point site. Through this method, the non-access point site can clearly know that the first access point unassociated with itself needs to perceive the responding end through the second access point associated with itself, so as to subsequently participate in the perception measurement session initiated by the first access point and assist the first access point in establishing perception.

[0009] In an implementation manner, the first request message includes first time information, where the first time information is used to indicate time information when the first access point sends the awareness measurement request message or time information when the awareness measurement session is initiated.

[0010] The first access point sends a perception measurement request message, which can be considered as the first access point initiating a perception measurement session. The first access point informs the second access point through the first request message of the time when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message, so as to assist the second access point in instructing the non-access point site to send a perception measurement query message before the first access point sends the perception measurement request message. This solution can ensure that the first access point receives the perception measurement query message before initiating the perception measurement session, thereby obtaining the perception capability information and perception time window information of the non-access site from the perception measurement query message, and assisting the first access point in establishing a perception measurement session with the non-access site.

[0011] In one implementation, the first time information is the first moment, which reduces processing complexity.

[0012] In one implementation, the first time information is a first duration, which is a duration between a first starting moment and a moment when the first access point sends a perception measurement request message, wherein the first starting moment is a moment when the first request message is sent.

[0013] In one implementation, the first request message also includes time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement. The time window information helps the second access point select a suitable site to assist the first access point in establishing perception, and tries to avoid inappropriate sites assisting the first access point in establishing perception, which can improve the success rate and efficiency of establishing perception.

[0014] In one implementation, the first request message also includes a perception measurement parameter, which is used by the first access point to establish a perception measurement session with the site. Based on the perception measurement parameter, all sites selected by the second access point can participate in the perception measurement of the first access point, thereby improving the success rate of establishing perception between the first access point and the non-access point site.

[0015] In one implementation, the first request message also includes the number of sites requested by the first access point. Based on the number of sites requested by the first access point, the second access point can select an appropriate number of sites to reduce unnecessary non-access point sites assisting the first access point in establishing perception and save resources.

[0016] In one implementation, the response message to the first request message includes the number of sites provided by the second access point. This solution helps the first access point decide whether it is necessary to request other access points to assist in performing perception measurements to meet the perception requirements of the first access point. For example, if the sites provided by the second access point are not sufficient to meet the perception requirements of the first access point, the first access point may also request other access points to assist the first access point in establishing perception.

[0017] In an implementation manner, the first request message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to request the second access point to provide identification information of a station participating in the perception measurement initiated by the first access point.

[0018] In one implementation, the response message to the first request message includes identification information of the site provided by the second access point.

[0019] According to the indication information, the second access point provides the first access point with identification information of the site participating in the perception measurement initiated by the first access point, and the first access point can clearly participate in establishing the perception site and initiate a perception measurement session to the site without waiting for the perception measurement query message of the site. This solution can save the signaling overhead of the perception measurement query message and improve the efficiency of the first access point in initiating the perception measurement session.

[0020] In one implementation, the second request message includes second time information and identification information of the first access point; wherein the second time information is used to indicate the time information when the station sends the perception measurement query message; or, the second time information is used to indicate the time information when the first access point sends the perception measurement request. This solution enables the non-access point station to decide when to send the perception measurement query message to the first access point, so as to inform the first access point of the existence of the non-access point station in advance, provide the first access point with the perception capability information and perception time window information of the non-access station, and reduce the failure of the non-access point station to assist in establishing perception.

[0021] In one implementation, the second time information is a second moment; or, the second time information is a second duration, wherein the second duration is a duration between a second starting moment and a first moment, and the second starting moment is a time when the second request message is sent.

[0022] In an implementation manner, the response message to the first request message further includes third time information, where the third time information is used to indicate the time when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message.

[0023] The third time information may be provided by the second access point to the first access point to prevent the first access point from sending the perception measurement request message too early, causing the non-access point station to miss the perception measurement request message.

[0024] In one implementation, the third time information is a third moment or a third duration, where the third duration is the duration between a third starting moment and a moment when the first access point sends a perception measurement request message, and the third starting moment includes a moment when a response message to the first request message is sent.

[0025] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a perception method that can be performed by a second communication device. The second communication device can be an access point, or the second communication device is a component for implementing the functions of an access point. For example, the second communication device is a unit / module, circuit or chip inside the access point. The method provided in the second aspect is described below by taking the second communication device as the first access point itself as an example. In the first aspect, the non-access point site is associated with the second access point and is not associated with the first access point.

[0026] The sensing method includes: a first access point sends a first request message to a second access point, receives a response message to the first request message sent by the second access point, and sends a sensing measurement request message to a station that assists the first access point in performing sensing measurement. The first request message is used to request the second access point to assist the first access point in performing sensing measurement.

[0027] In an implementation manner, the first request message includes first time information, where the first time information is used to indicate time information when the first access point sends the awareness measurement request message or time information when the awareness measurement session is initiated.

[0028] In one implementation, the first time information is a first moment; or, the first time information is a first duration, the first duration being the duration between a first starting moment and a moment when the first access point sends a perception measurement request message, wherein the first starting moment is a moment when the first request message is sent.

[0029] In one implementation, the first request message further includes time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement.

[0030] In an implementation manner, the first request message further includes a perception measurement parameter, where the perception measurement parameter is used for the first access point to establish a perception measurement session with the station.

[0031] In one implementation, the first request message further includes the number of sites requested by the first access point.

[0032] In one implementation, the response message to the first request message includes the number of sites provided by the second access point.

[0033] In an implementation manner, the first request message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to request the second access point to provide identification information of a station participating in the perception measurement initiated by the first access point.

[0034] In one implementation, the response message to the first request message includes identification information of the site provided by the second access point.

[0035] In one implementation, the second request message includes second time information and identification information of the first access point; wherein the second time information is used to indicate the time information at which the station sends the perception measurement query message; or, the second time information is used to indicate the time information at which the first access point sends the perception measurement request.

[0036] In one implementation, the second time information is a second moment; or, the second time information is a second duration, wherein the second duration is a duration between a second starting moment and a first moment, and the second starting moment is a time when the second request message is sent.

[0037] In an implementation, before sending a perception measurement request message to a station assisting the first access point in performing perception measurement, the method further includes: the first access point receiving a perception measurement query message sent by the station, the perception measurement query message including identification information of the second access point.

[0038] In one implementation, the response message of the first request message includes identification information of the site; the first access point sends a perception measurement request message to the site that assists the first access point in performing perception measurement, including: the first access point sends a perception measurement request message to the site that assists the first access point in performing perception measurement according to the identification information.

[0039] In an implementation manner, the response message to the first request message further includes third time information, where the third time information is used to indicate the time when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message.

[0040] In one implementation, the third time information is a third moment or a third duration, where the third duration is the duration between a third starting moment and a moment when the first access point sends a perception measurement request message, and the third starting moment includes a moment when a response message to the first request message is sent.

[0041] In one implementation, the first access point sends a perception measurement request message to a station that assists the first access point in performing perception measurement, including: the first access point sends a perception measurement request message to the station that assists the first access point in performing perception measurement according to the identification information of the station and the third time information included in a response message to the first request message.

[0042] For the beneficial effects of the second aspect and each implementation method, reference may be made to the beneficial effects of the first aspect and each implementation method of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0043] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a perception method, which can be performed by a third communication device. The third communication device can be a site, or the third communication device is a component for implementing the function of the site. For example, the third communication device is a unit / module, circuit or chip inside the site. The method provided by the third aspect is described below by taking the third communication device as a non-access point site itself as an example. The non-access point site is associated with the second access point and is not associated with the first access point.

[0044] The perception method includes: a non-access point site receives a second request message from a second access point, sends a perception measurement query message to a first access point, or receives a perception measurement request message sent by the first access point. The second request message requests a site associated with the second access point (i.e., a non-access point site) to participate in a perception measurement session initiated by the first access point. The perception measurement query message includes identification information of the second access point.

[0045] In one implementation, the second request message includes second time information and identification information of the first access point; wherein the second time information is used to indicate time information when the non-access point site sends the perception measurement query message; or, the second time information is used to indicate time information when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message.

[0046] In an implementation manner, the second time information is a second moment, and the non-access point station sending a perception measurement query message to the first access point includes: the non-access point station sending the perception measurement query message to the first access point at the second moment.

[0047] In one implementation, the second time information is a second duration, and the non-access point station sends a perception measurement query message to the first access point, including: the non-access point station sends a perception measurement query message to the first access point within the second duration starting from a second starting time, wherein the second starting time is the time when the second request message is sent.

[0048] In one implementation, the second time information is a second moment, and the non-access point station does not enter the sleep state before the first access point sends the perception measurement request message. Alternatively, the second time information is a second duration, and the non-access point station does not enter the sleep state within the second duration starting from the second starting moment, wherein the second starting moment is the time when the second request message is sent.

[0049] For the beneficial effects of the third aspect and each implementation method, reference may be made to the beneficial effects of the first aspect and each implementation method of the first aspect, and no further details will be given here.

[0050] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a perception method, which can be performed by a third communication device. The third communication device may be a site, or the third communication device may be a component for implementing the function of the site. For example, the third communication device is a unit / module, a circuit or a chip inside the site. The method provided in the third aspect is described below by taking the third communication device as a non-access point site (e.g., the first site) itself as an example. The non-access point site is associated with the second access point and is not associated with the first access point.

[0051] The sensing method includes: a first station receives a detection response message from at least one access point, and sends a sensing measurement query message to a first access point among the at least one access point. The detection response message of each access point includes time window information for sensing measurement performed by the access point. The time window information of the first station matches the time window for sensing measurement performed by the first access point.

[0052] In this solution, a station can decide which access point to assist in establishing perception based on the time window information of the perception measurements performed by multiple access points, so as to maximize the success rate of establishing perception.

[0053] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the behavior in the method example of any aspect of the first to fourth aspects above, and the beneficial effects can be found in the relevant description of the first to fourth aspects and will not be repeated here. For example, the communication device can be the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point site or the first site in any aspect of the first to fourth aspects. For another example, the communication device can be a device that can support the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point site or the first site to implement the functions required by the method provided in any aspect of the first to fourth aspects, for example, the communication device can be a chip or chip system in the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point site or the first site.

[0054] In one possible design, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device.

[0055] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding means or modules for executing the methods of the first aspect to the fourth aspect. For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also referred to as a processing module or processor) and / or a transceiver unit (sometimes also referred to as a transceiver module or transceiver). The transceiver unit can implement the sending function and the receiving function. When the transceiver unit implements the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also referred to as a sending module). When the transceiver unit implements the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also referred to as a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional unit, which is called a transceiver unit, and the functional unit can implement the sending function and the receiving function; or, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional units, and the transceiver unit is a general term for these functional units. These units (modules) can perform the corresponding functions in the method examples of any aspect of the first aspect to the fourth aspect above. Please refer to the detailed description in the method example for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0056] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be the communication device in the fifth aspect of the above-mentioned embodiment, or a chip or chip system arranged in the communication device in the fifth aspect. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and the processor is used to execute the method performed by the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point site or the first site in the above-mentioned method embodiment. For example, the communication device may be the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point site or the first site, and the communication device may also be a functional module in the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point site or the first site, such as a processing chip and a radio frequency chip.

[0057] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be the communication device in the fifth aspect of the above embodiment, or a chip or chip system arranged in the communication device in the fifth aspect. The communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions or data, and the processor is coupled to the memory. When the processor reads the computer program or instructions or data, the communication device executes the method executed by the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point station or the first station in the above method embodiment.

[0058] In one implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0059] In one implementation, the memory is located within the communication device.

[0060] In one implementation, the processor and the memory are integrated together.

[0061] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and may also include a communication interface for implementing the method described in any aspect from the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0062] In one implementation, the chip system also includes a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs (also referred to as codes, or instructions). The processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, so that the device equipped with the chip system executes the method in the first aspect and any one of its implementations, or the device equipped with the chip system executes the method in the second aspect and any one of its implementations, or the device equipped with the chip system executes the method in the third aspect and any one of its implementations, or the device equipped with the chip system executes the method in the fourth aspect and any one of its implementations. The chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0063] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes an input / output interface and a logic circuit. The input / output interface is used to input and / or output information. The input / output interface can be an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit, etc. The logic circuit is used to execute the method described in any aspect of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0064] In the specific implementation process, the above-mentioned communication device can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the logic circuit can be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter, and the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the input and output interface and the logic circuit.

[0065] In one implementation, when the communication device is a wireless communication device, the wireless communication device may be a station such as a mobile phone. The interface circuit may be a radio frequency processing chip in the wireless communication device, and the processing circuit may be a baseband processing chip in the wireless communication device. Alternatively, the wireless communication device may be an access point such as a router. The interface circuit may be a radio frequency processing chip in the wireless communication device, and the processing circuit may be a processing chip in the wireless communication device.

[0066] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is used to implement the functions of the method described in any aspect from the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0067] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store computer programs or instructions. When the computer-readable storage medium is executed, the method described in the first aspect and any one of its implementations is implemented, or the method described in the second aspect and any one of its implementations is implemented, or the method described in the third aspect and any one of its implementations is implemented, or the method described in the fourth aspect and any one of its implementations is implemented.

[0068] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the method described in the first aspect and any one of its implementations to be implemented, or enables the method described in the second aspect and any one of its implementations to be implemented, or enables the method described in the third aspect and any one of its implementations to be implemented, or enables the method described in the fourth aspect and any one of its implementations to be implemented.

[0069] The beneficial effects of the above-mentioned fifth to twelfth aspects and their implementation methods can refer to the description of the beneficial effects of any aspect of the first to fourth aspects and any implementation method thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Figure 1 A network architecture diagram applicable to the embodiments of the present application;

[0071] Figure 2 A flowchart of an AP unicast detection response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application, and a non-AP STA establishing perception with an AP;

[0072] Figure 3 A flowchart of establishing perception between a non-AP STA and an AP when an AP broadcasts a detection response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 4 A flowchart of a sensing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a management frame in the 802.11 protocol provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a first frame structure of a first request message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a second frame structure of a first request message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] Figure 8A schematic diagram of a third frame structure of a first request message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a fourth frame structure of a first request message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a first frame structure of a first response message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a second frame structure of a first response message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a third frame structure of a first response message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of a first frame structure of a second request message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of a second frame structure of a second request message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of the MSDU provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] Fig.17 Another structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] The embodiments of the present application can be applicable to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios, can be applicable to IEEE 802.11 system standards (such as 802.11ax standards), and can also be applicable to the next generation of 802.11ax standards, such as 802.11be standards (Wi-Fi7 or extremely high throughput (EHT)), 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bf. The embodiments of the present application can also be applied to WLAN systems such as the Internet of Things (IoT) network or the Vehicle to X (V2X) network. Of course, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, new radio (NR) systems, and future cellular communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication technology (6G), etc.

[0088] For example, see Figure 1 , shows a network architecture diagram of a WLAN applicable to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 1 Take the WLAN as an example, which includes two wireless access points (AP) (AP1 and AP2) and five non-AP stations (non-AP STA) (STA11, STA12, STA13, STA21 and STA22). Among them, STA11, STA12 and STA13 are associated with AP1, and STA21 and STA22 are associated with AP2. The association of a STA with an AP means that the STA accesses the basic service set (BSS) where the AP is located. The AP can perform network configuration and management on the STA, so that the STA can communicate with other STAs in the BSS through the AP. Relatively speaking, a STA that is not associated or non-associated with an AP cannot use the network services provided by the AP, and thus cannot communicate with the STAs in the BSS where the AP is located. The STA associated with the AP can be referred to as an associated STA, and the STA can establish an association with the AP through the association process. The STA that is not associated with the AP can be referred to as an unassociated STA.

[0089] exist Figure 1In the example, STA21 and STA22 are associated with AP1 but not with AP2. To distinguish them, Figure 1 In the figure, the solid lines indicate the association between AP1 and STA11, STA12 and STA13, and the dotted lines indicate the non-association between AP1 and STA21 and STA22. Figure 1 The number of APs and STAs in the example is only an example, and can be more or less. For example, the STAs associated with AP1 can include other STAs in addition to STA11, STA12, and STA13, and the STAs associated with AP2 can include other STAs in addition to STA21 and STA22. For another example, Figure 1 The WLAN shown may also include more APs. The embodiments of the present application are also applicable to communication between APs, for example, each AP may communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS). Through the DS, the AP may communicate with the STA associated with it and / or the STA not associated with it. The embodiments of the present application are also applicable to communication between STAs.

[0090] AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STA. For example, AP can be an access point for STA (such as a mobile phone) to enter a wired (or wireless) network. It is mainly deployed in homes, buildings and parks, with a typical coverage radius of tens of meters to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. AP is equivalent to a bridge connecting wired networks and wireless networks. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to Ethernet. The AP involved in the embodiment of the present application can be an AP applicable to the IEEE 802.11 system standard. For example, AP can be a device supporting the 802.11be standard, or it can be a device supporting multiple WLAN standards of the 802.11 family such as 802.11ay, 802.11ad, 802.11ax and 802.11be next generation. The access point in this application can be a highly efficient (HE) AP or an extremely high throughput (EHT) AP, or it can be an access point applicable to a future generation of Wi-Fi standards. AP is usually a network-side product that supports MAC and PHY of the 802.11 system standard. For example, an AP may be a communication device such as a base station, a router, a gateway, a repeater, a communication server, a switch or a bridge, wherein a base station may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. For another example, an AP may be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) with a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip.

[0091] STA is usually a terminal product that supports the media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) of the 802.11 system standard. It can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor or a wireless communication terminal, etc., and can also be called a user. For example, STA can be a mobile phone that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a tablet computer that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a set-top box that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a smart TV that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a smart wearable device that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a vehicle-mounted communication device that supports Wi-Fi communication function, and a computer that supports Wi-Fi communication function, etc. In one implementation, STA supports the 802.11be standard; alternatively, STA can also support multiple WLAN standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ay, 802.11ad, 802.11ax, and the next generation of 802.11be. The STA in the present application may be a directional multi-gigabit (DMG) STA, an EDMG enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) STA, a HE STA or an EHT STA, and may also be a STA applicable to a future generation of Wi-Fi standards.

[0092] In the embodiments of the present application, AP and STA can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles, IoT nodes and sensors in the IoT, smart cameras and smart remote controls in smart homes, smart water and electricity meters, and sensors in smart cities.

[0093] The 802.11bf protocol supports the establishment of a perception session between an AP and a non-AP STA and performs perception measurements, so that a non-AP STA can sense an unassociated AP without being associated. Perception measurement can also be called wireless perception or WLAN perception. In the embodiments of the present application, perception can be WLAN sensing, Wi-Fi sensing, or DMG sensing. For ease of understanding, the relevant content of perception technology is first introduced.

[0094] Perception measurement refers to the purpose of discovering a target or determining the state of a target by transmitting signals between the transmitter and the receiver. WLAN perception refers to the use of received WLAN signals by STAs with WLAN perception capabilities to detect characteristic information of expected targets in a given environment. For example, characteristic information includes one or more of distance, speed, angle, motion, presence or proximity, gesture, etc. Targets include one or more of objects, people, animals, etc. The environment includes one or more of rooms, houses, vehicles, enterprises, etc. For example, the transmitter can send a signal for perception measurement to the receiver, and the receiver can measure the signal to obtain a channel estimation result, such as CSI. The receiver can perceive based on the CSI. Alternatively, the receiver can send the channel estimation result to the transmitter, and the transmitter performs target perception or target state perception based on the channel estimation result. For example, the receiver or the transmitter can process the CSI to determine whether there is a moving target in the environment.

[0095] In the process of perception measurement, the devices involved in perception mainly have the following roles:

[0096] Sensing initiator: a device that initiates a sensing measurement process and sends a sensing measurement request. For non-DMG devices, the sensing initiator refers to a device that sends a sensing measurement request frame. For DMG devices, the sensing initiator refers to a device that sends a DMG sensing measurement session request frame. The sensing initiator may be an AP, for example, an AP initiates a sensing measurement process as a sensing initiator, and one or more non-AP STAs participate in the sensing measurement process as sensing responders. The sensing initiator may be a non-AP STA, for example, a non-AP STA initiates a sensing measurement process as a sensing initiator, and an AP participates in the sensing measurement process as a sensing responder. The sensing measurement process initiated by an AP as a sensing initiator is also called a trigger-based (TB) sensing measurement process; the sensing measurement process initiated by a non-AP STA as a sensing initiator is also called a trigger-based (non-trigger based, non-TB) sensing measurement process.

[0097] Sensing responder: A device that responds to the sensing process initiated by the sensing initiator and sends a sensing measurement response. For non-DMG devices, the sensing responder refers to the device that sends the sensing measurement response frame. For DMG devices, the sensing responder refers to the device that sends the DMG sensing measurement session response frame.

[0098] Sensing transmitter: A device that sends a sensing signal, where the sensing signal may refer to a signal used for sensing measurement, such as a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU).

[0099] Sensing receiver: A device that receives the sensing signal sent by the sensing transmitter.

[0100] Sensing measurement generally includes the following four stages: sensing capabilities exchange; sensing measurement session; sensing measurement exchange; sensing measurement session termination.

[0101] In the sensing capability interaction phase, the sensing initiator and the sensing responder exchange their respective sensing capability information. For example, the AP acts as the sensing initiator, and one or more STAs act as sensing responders. One or more STAs can send sensing capability information to the AP, and the AP can also send sensing capability information to one or more STAs.

[0102] In the perception measurement session phase, the perception initiator and the perception responder can negotiate configuration parameters for the perception measurement, such as the role of the perception responder (e.g., perception sender or perception receiver), the bandwidth of the null data packet (NDP), the time window for the perception measurement, the period of the perception measurement, etc.

[0103] In the sensing measurement interaction phase, the sensing transmitter sends an NDP to the sensing receiver, which performs measurements and estimates channel state information (CSI).

[0104] Termination of a perception measurement session refers to the termination of one or more perception measurement sessions by a perception initiator or a perception responder.

[0105] STA needs to associate with AP to communicate. STA and AP associate, which can also be understood as STA joining a basic service set (BSS). Usually, a BSS includes an AP. The association is initiated by STA. For example, STA sends an association request to AP. If STA is accepted by AP, then AP replies with an association response. Based on the association request and association response, the interaction of capability information between STA and AP can be achieved. AP can also inform STA of the operating parameters of the BSS where AP is located through the association response. After joining the BSS, STA can communicate with other members in the BSS through AP.

[0106] In a possible scenario, an AP needs to establish a perception session or perform perception measurements. Taking AP1 as an example, when the devices associated with AP1 are not sufficient to meet the perception measurement requirements, and no other STAs that can participate in perception are associated with AP1, given that the IEEE 802.11bf protocol supports APs and unassociated non-AP STAs (unassociated non-AP STAs) to establish perception measurement sessions and perform perception measurements, so that non-APSTAs can perceive unassociated APs, AP1 can request unassociated non-AP STAs to perform perception measurements with AP1. Unless otherwise specified, non-AP STAs in the following text refer to unassociated non-AP STAs. For the convenience of description, unassociated non-AP STAs are referred to as unassociated stations.

[0107] Currently, it is stipulated that the AP carries a sensing capabilities element in the probe response frame. The sensing capabilities element carries sensing capability information. If the AP needs an unassociated non-APSTA to participate in the sensing measurement session as a sensing responder, the value of the responder needed field included in the sensing capabilities element is set to 1.

[0108] like Figure 2As shown in the figure, when the non-AP STA actively scans the surrounding wireless networks, for example, the non-AP STA sends a probe request frame to the AP, and the AP replies with a probe response frame. The non-AP STA can know whether the AP is looking for a sensing responder based on the value of the responder needed field in the proberesponse frame. Figure 2 The STA in the STA refers to the non-AP STA.

[0109] Even if a non-AP STA is not associated with an AP, the non-AP STA can provide sensing services to the AP. For example, the non-AP STA has been associated with other APs. Although, for the AP, the non-AP STA is an unassociated non-AP STA, the non-AP STA can provide sensing services to the AP. For example, the non-AP STA can send a sensing measurement query frame to the AP, and the sensing measurement query frame includes the sensing capability information and time window information of the non-AP STA. The time window information indicates a time window, which is a sensing availability window. The time window information of the non-AP STA indicates that the non-AP STA can perform sensing measurements within the time window. The time window is periodic. In addition, the sensing measurement query frame can also make the AP aware of the existence of the non-AP STA, because if the non-AP STA is a non-AP STA for the AP, and the non-AP STA does not send a probe request frame to the AP, then the AP may not know that the non-AP STA exists. The AP determines that the non-AP STA meets the AP's sensing measurement requirements based on the sensing capability information of the non-AP STA, and then the AP can send a sensing measurement request frame to the non-AP STA to initiate the establishment of a sensing measurement session. The sensing measurement request frame includes a sensing measurement parameter element, which is used to set the sensing measurement configuration parameters of the sensing responder (e.g., non-AP STA). In response to the sensing measurement request frame, the non-AP STA sensing measurement request frame indicates the reception or rejection of the request to establish a sensing measurement session.

[0110] Figure 2 Taking the AP unicasting the probe response frame as an example, in possible scenarios, the AP can also broadcast the probe response frame, such as Figure 3 As shown. If the AP broadcasts the probe response frame, then even if the non-AP STA does not send a probe request frame to the AP, it can know whether the AP is looking for a sensing responder. For example, other non-AP STAs send probe request frames to the AP, and the AP replies with a probe response frame by broadcasting. Then the non-AP STA can also receive the probe response frame from the AP, and thus know whether the AP is looking for a sensing responder.

[0111] from Figure 2 It can be seen from the process that when the non-AP STA does not associate with the AP, if the non-AP STA does not actively send a probe request frame to the AP, then the non-AP STA will not receive a probe response frame from the AP, and will not know whether the AP is looking for a sensing responder. Figure 3 It can be seen from the process that when the AP replies to the detection response frame in unicast mode, the non-AP STA that exists does not receive the detection response frame from the AP, and therefore does not know whether the AP is looking for the perception response end. It can be seen that since the non-AP STA does not know whether the AP is looking for the perception response end, even if the non-AP STA can serve as the perception response end of the AP, it will not send the perception measurement query frame to the AP, and there will be no subsequent perception measurement process, resulting in the problem that the AP and non-AP STA cannot establish a perception measurement session. In addition, if the non-AP STA does not send the perception measurement query frame to the AP, the AP will not know the existence of the non-AP STA, and there will be no subsequent perception measurement process, resulting in the problem that the AP and non-AP STA cannot establish a perception measurement session.

[0112] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution of an embodiment of the present application is provided. In the embodiment of the present application, an AP (such as AP1) can request another AP (such as AP2) to assist AP1 in performing perception measurement, so that AP2 can request the non-AP STA associated with AP2 to participate in the perception measurement session initiated by AP1. For AP1, the STA associated with AP2 is an unassociated non-AP STA. Therefore, the non-AP STA can clearly know that AP1 needs a perception responder through the AP2 associated with itself, thereby participating in the perception measurement session initiated by AP1 and assisting AP1 in establishing perception.

[0113] Among them, AP2 and AP1 can detect each other's information, for example, AP1 and AP2 belong to overlapping basic service sets (OBSS). OBSS refers to two or more BSSs working in the same channel and being close enough to each other that they can physically detect information from each other. For example, a STA or AP belonging to one BSS can receive information frames sent by a STA or AP in another BSS. Alternatively, the basic service area of ​​a BSS (for example, the first BSS) overlaps with the basic service area of ​​another BSS (for example, the second BSS). The first BSS can be called the OBSS of the second BSS, and the second BSS can also be called the OBSS of the first BSS. Among them, the basic service area refers to the area containing members of the basic service set, which may contain members of other BSSs. The overlap of the basic service area of ​​one BSS with the basic service area of ​​another BSS can be a partial overlap of the basic service areas of one BSS and another BSS, or the basic service area of ​​one BSS falls within the basic service area of ​​another BSS.

[0114] Continue to use Figure 1 For example, Figure 1 Take the existence of BSS1 and BSS2 as an example. Figure 1 Taking the basic service areas of BSS1 and BSS2 as circles as an example, it is understandable that the basic service areas of BSS may also be rectangular, elliptical or other regular or irregular shapes. Here, only a circle is used as an example for description. Figure 1 In the example, AP1, STA11, STA12, and STA13 belong to BSS1, and STA11, STA12, and STA13 are all associated with AP1; AP2, STA21, and STA22 belong to BSS2, and STA21 and STA22 are all associated with AP2. Figure 1 In the example, if the basic service area of ​​BSS1 overlaps with the basic service area of ​​BSS2, BSS1 can be called the OBSS of BSS2, and BSS2 can also be called the OBSS of BSS1.

[0115] Figure 1 Take two BSSs as OBSSs for each other as an example. If there is overlap between two or more BSSs, the two or more BSSs can also be called OBSSs of other BSSs. In the case where multiple BSSs have an OBSS relationship, the AP or STA in any BSS among the multiple BSSs can also execute the method involved in any embodiment of the present application. For details, please refer to the description of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here.

[0116] STA needs to associate with AP to communicate. Usually, a BSS includes an AP. If STA needs to communicate, then the STA needs to join a BSS. STA joining the BSS can also be understood as STA and AP associating. The association is initiated by the STA. For example, the STA sends an association request to the AP. If the STA is accepted by the AP, the AP replies with an association response. Based on the association request and association response, the interaction of capability information between the STA and the AP can be achieved. Through the association response, the AP can also inform the STA of the operating parameters of the BSS where the AP is located. After joining the BSS, the STA can communicate with other members in the BSS through the AP.

[0117] The solution provided by the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0118] In the embodiments of the present application, the "messages" transmitted between AP and AP, and between AP and STA are also referred to as "frames", for example, "perception measurement request message" and "perception measurement request frame" are replaceable, "perception measurement response message" and "perception measurement response frame" are replaceable, "perception measurement query message" and "perception measurement query frame" are replaceable, "perception measurement request message" and "perception measurement request frame" are replaceable, and so on. "When...", "if" and "if" all mean that the device will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, which is not a time limit, and does not require that the device must have a judgment action when it is implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" are replaceable, and "when..." and "in the case of..." are replaceable. "When..." and "if" / "if" are replaceable.

[0119] For the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, it means "singular noun or plural noun", that is, "one or more". "Multiple" means two or more. In view of this, in the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two". "At least one" can be one or more, for example, at least one is one, two or more. For example, including at least one means including one, two or more, and there is no limit on which ones are included. For example, including at least one of A, B and C, then A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C can be included. Similarly, the understanding of descriptions such as "at least one" is also similar. "At least one of the following items (items)" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items (items) or plural items (items). For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character “ / ”, unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an “or” relationship.

[0120] Unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority or importance of multiple objects, and the description of "first" and "second" does not necessarily limit the objects to be different. For example, the first request message and the second request message represent two request messages, and do not limit the priority or importance of the two request messages.

[0121] In the method (e.g., communication method 400) provided in the embodiment of the present application, the steps performed by the access point may be implemented by the access point itself, or by a component in the access point (e.g., a chip, or other processing unit or processor module). For example, the access point may be AP1 or AP2 in 1, or may be Figure 1 The steps performed by the station can be implemented by the station itself or by components in the station (such as chips, processing units, or processor modules). The station can be Figure 1 STA21 or STA22 shown, or it can also be Figure 1 The chip (system) in STA21 or STA22.

[0122] In the following, taking the case where the perception method involved in the embodiment of the present application is performed by the first access point, the second access point, and the non-access point site as an example, the method is introduced from the perspective of the interaction between the first access point, the second access point, and the non-access point site. It should be understood that the perception method involved in the embodiment of the present application can also be implemented by other devices, such as a chip or a communication device with communication functions. Among them, the first access point is the access point that needs to perform perception measurement, and the BSS where the second access point is located and the BSS where the first access point is located are OBSSs to each other. The non-access point site is associated with the second access point and is not associated with the first access point. Taking the perception method provided in the embodiment of the present application as an example, it is applied to Figure 1 In the illustrated scenario, the first access point may be AP1, the second access point may be AP2, and the non-access point station may be STA21 or STA22. In the embodiment of the present application, the first access point and the second access point have been time synchronized in advance.

[0123] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a sensing method 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, the process of the perception method 400 includes the following steps.

[0124] S401. A first access point sends a first request message to a second access point, where the first request message is used to request the second access point to assist the first access point in performing perception measurement.

[0125] Correspondingly, the second access point receives the first request message from the first access point. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific name of the first request message. For example, the first request message can be called a sensing assistance request message or a sensing assistance request frame. The first request message is used to request the second access point to assist the first access point in performing sensing measurements, and can also be replaced by: the first request message is used to request the second access point to assist the first access point in establishing sensing; or, the first request message is used to request the second access point to provide a non-access point site to participate in a sensing measurement session initiated by the first access point; or, the first request message is used to request the second access point to provide a non-access point site to assist the first access point in establishing sensing.

[0126] The content included in the first request message may vary according to different requirements of the first access point. For example, the first request message may include one or more of the following information. The content included in the first request message is introduced in sequence below.

[0127] 1) The first request message includes time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement.

[0128] The time window information may indicate a time window (availability window) in which the first access point performs sensing measurement. The time window available for sensing measurement may also be referred to as a sensing time window (sensing availability window). The sensing time window may be periodic. The time window information may indicate a time interval and a period for the first access point to perform sensing measurement.

[0129] There may be multiple sites associated with the second access point, and only some of these multiple sites may assist the first access point in establishing perception. For example, only some of these multiple sites may be used for perception within the availability window of the first access point for perception measurement. In other words, the communication time of some of these multiple sites conflicts with the availability window of the first access point for perception measurement. For example, these multiple sites include site 1 and site 2. The communication time of site 1 is not within the availability window of the first access point. If site 1 assists the first access point in establishing perception, it will not affect the normal communication of site 1. On the contrary, the communication time of site 2 partially or completely overlaps with the availability window of the first access point. Then, if site 2 assists the first access point in establishing perception, it will affect the normal communication of site 2. Alternatively, the perception time window of site 1 or site 2 may not meet the time window requirement of the first access point. In this case, site 1 or site 2 cannot assist the first access point in establishing perception. For example, site 1 and site 2 have established perception with the second access point. The second access point can obtain the perception time window information of each of site 1 and site 2. If the perception time window information of site 1 meets the time window requirement of the first access point, it can assist the first access point in establishing perception; if site 2 does not meet the time window requirement of the first access point, it cannot assist the first access point in establishing perception. It should be noted that multiple perception measurements can be performed within a perception time window. If the perception time window of the first access point and the perception time window of the second access point overlap, the first access point and the second access point can perform perception measurements in turn within the same perception time window through a collaborative method, such as multi-AP coordination.

[0130] Therefore, the embodiment of the present application uses the time window information of the first access point performing perception measurement carried by the first request message to enable the second access point to determine that site 1 can assist the first access point in establishing perception, and site 2 cannot assist the first access point in establishing perception, so that the second access point selects a suitable site to assist the first access point in establishing perception, which helps to improve the success rate and efficiency of establishing perception.

[0131] In one implementation, the first request message may not carry the time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement. In this case, the embodiment of the present application does not limit how the second access point selects a site from the associated sites to assist the first access point in establishing perception. For example, the second access point may request all associated sites to assist the first access point in establishing perception.

[0132] 2) The first request message includes first time information.

[0133] The first time information may be used to indicate the time information when the first access point sends a sensing measurement request message. The first access point sending the sensing measurement request message is the first stage of the first access point initiating a sensing measurement session. Therefore, the first time information may also be used to indicate the time information when the first access point initiates the sensing measurement session. The sensing measurement request message may also be referred to as a sensing measurement request frame.

[0134] It is understandable that if the non-access point site does not send a perception measurement query message to the first access point, the first access point will not know the existence of the non-access point site, and will not be able to obtain the perception capability information and perception time window information of the non-access point site, and will not be able to initiate a perception measurement session to the non-access point site. Therefore, in order to enable the non-access point site to send a perception measurement query message to the first access point before the first access point sends a perception measurement request message, so that the first access point initiates a perception measurement session to the non-access site according to the perception capability and perception time window of the non-access point site, the first request message carries the first time information. In this way, the second access point can indicate the timing of the non-access point site to send the perception measurement query message according to the first time information, so as to ensure that the first access point obtains the perception capability information and perception time window information of the non-access site before initiating the perception measurement session, thereby assisting the first access point in establishing a perception measurement session with the non-access site.

[0135] The first time information may be a first moment, where the first moment is the moment when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message. Figure 4 In this way, the second access point can instruct the non-access point station to send the perception measurement query message before the first moment according to the first moment.

[0136] Alternatively, the first time information may be a first duration, and the first duration is a duration between a first starting time and a time when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message. In this way, the second access point may determine the time when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message according to the first starting time and the first duration, thereby instructing the non-access point site to send the perception measurement query message before the time when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message.

[0137] The first start time may be the time at which the first request message is sent. In this case, the first request message may include the first start time and the first duration. The timing starts after the first access point sends the first request message ( Figure 4 Taking this as an example), a perception measurement request message is sent when the first duration is reached. For example, after the first access point sends the first request message, a timer is started, and the timing duration of the timer is the first duration. When the timing duration of the timer is reached, a perception measurement request message is sent. Alternatively, the protocol may define the first starting time as the moment when the second access point receives the first request message, and the first request message includes the first duration. The moment when the second access point receives the first request message can be regarded as the moment when the first access point completes sending the first request message. The moment when the first access point completes sending the first request message can be determined based on the moment when the first access point sends the first request message and the transmission delay of the first request message. In this case, the first access point starts timing after sending the first request message, and sends the perception measurement request message when the first duration is reached. Alternatively, the protocol defines the first starting time as the moment when the first access point receives a response message to the first request message. In this case, the first access point starts timing after receiving the response message to the first request message, and sends the perception measurement request message when the first duration is reached.

[0138] 3) The first request message includes the number of sites requested by the first access point.

[0139] Depending on the perception requirements, the number of non-access point sites required by the first access point may also be different. If the first access point requires more non-access point sites, and among the sites associated with the second access point, there are fewer sites that can assist the first access point in establishing perception, then even if all the sites under the second access point that can assist the first access point in establishing perception participate in the perception measurement session sent by the first access point, the perception requirements of the first access point cannot be met. If the first access point requires fewer non-access point sites, but the second access point provides more non-access point sites for the first access point, it will cause waste. To this end, the first request message may include the number of sites requested by the first access point, so that the second access point selects an appropriate number of non-access point sites to assist the first access point in establishing perception, minimizes the participation of unnecessary non-access point sites, and saves resources. It can be understood that if the non-access point sites provided by the second access point are not enough to meet the perception requirements of the first access point, then the first access point can also request other access points to assist the first access point in establishing perception.

[0140] In one implementation, the first request message may not include the number of sites requested by the first access point. In this case, the embodiment of the present application does not limit how the second access point selects how many non-access point sites to assist the first access point in establishing perception. For example, the second access point may decide to provide all non-access point sites that can assist the first access point in establishing perception. Alternatively, the protocol stipulates that the second access point provides all non-access point sites that can assist the first access point in establishing perception.

[0141] 4) The first request message includes a perception measurement parameter, where the perception measurement parameter is used for the first access point to establish a perception measurement session with the non-access point site.

[0142] As mentioned above, the perception measurement parameters may include the availability window for the first access point to perform perception measurement, the period of the perception measurement, the bandwidth of the NDP, and the like. Among the sites associated with the second access point, the perception capability of some sites may not support the perception measurement parameters of the first access point. In this case, even if the second access point selects a non-access point site according to the availability window for the first access point to perform perception measurement, the selected one or more non-access point sites may still be unable to assist the first access point in establishing perception, resulting in a failure in the perception establishment. In order to reduce unnecessary signaling overhead and improve the success rate of the perception establishment between the first access point and each non-access point site, the first request message may include the perception measurement parameters. In this way, the second access point determines the non-access point site that can assist the first access point in establishing perception based on the perception measurement parameters, which helps to improve the success rate and efficiency of establishing perception.

[0143] In an implementation manner, the first request message may not carry the perception measurement parameter.

[0144] 5) The first request message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to request the second access point to provide identification information of non-access point sites participating in the perception measurement initiated by the first access point.

[0145] As mentioned above, if the non-access point site does not send a perception measurement query message to the first access point, the first access point does not know the existence of the non-access point, and naturally will not initiate a perception measurement session to the non-access point site. To this end, the first access point can request the second access point to provide identification information of the non-access point site, so that the first access point can know the non-access point site without the need for the non-access point site to send a perception measurement query message, and then initiate a perception measurement session to the non-access point. Since there is no need for the non-access point site to send a perception measurement query message, signaling overhead can be saved and the efficiency of the first access point initiating a perception measurement session can be improved. In addition, the second access point provides identification information of the non-access point site, which can enable the first access point to clearly understand the perception range and associate the non-access point site.

[0146] The identification information of the non-access point station may be media access control (MAC) address information of the non-access point station or other information that may uniquely identify the non-access point station.

[0147] The indication information may be an indication field. If the first request message includes the indication field, the first request message further requests the second access point to provide identification information of non-access point sites participating in the perception measurement initiated by the first access point. Alternatively, the indication information is a value of the indication field. When the first request message includes the indication field, and the value of the indication field is a first value (e.g., 1), the first request message further requests the second access point to provide identification information of non-access point sites participating in the perception measurement initiated by the first access point.

[0148] In one implementation, the first request message may not include indication information.

[0149] It should be noted that the first request message may include one or more combinations of the above 1)-5). For example, the first request message may include the first time information and the time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement. Alternatively, the first request message may include the first time information and the number of non-access point sites that the first access point needs to request. Alternatively, the first request message may include the first time information and the time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement and the number of non-access point sites that the first access point needs to request. Alternatively, the first request message may include the first time information and indication information. Alternatively, the first request message may include the first time information and the time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement and indication information. Alternatively, the first request message may include the first time information and the time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement, the number of non-access point sites that the first access point needs to request and indication information. Examples are not given one by one here.

[0150] S402: The second access point sends a response message to the first request message to the first access point.

[0151] Accordingly, the first access point receives a response message to the first request message from the second access point. For ease of description, in the embodiment of the present application, the response message to the first request message is referred to as a first response message. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific name of the first response message, for example, the first response message is referred to as a sensing assistance response message or a sensing assistance response frame. The first response message may indicate whether the second access point accepts the first request message.

[0152] For example, there is no site among the sites associated with the second access point that can assist the first access point in establishing perception. In this case, the first response message may indicate that the first request message is not accepted or rejected, indicating that the second access point cannot provide a site that assists the first access point in establishing perception.

[0153] For another example, among the sites associated with the second access point, there is a site that can assist the first access point in establishing perception, but the site may have already established a perception measurement session with other access points. If the site assists the first access point in establishing perception, it is necessary to interrupt the perception measurement session that has been established by the site, which will affect the perception of other sites. In this case, the first response message may also indicate that the first request message is not accepted or rejected, indicating that the second access point cannot provide a site that assists the first access point in establishing perception.

[0154] Alternatively, there is a site among the sites associated with the second access point that can assist the first access point in establishing awareness, and the first response message may indicate acceptance of the first request message, indicating that the second access point can provide a site that can assist the first access point in establishing awareness.

[0155] Depending on the content included in the first request message, the content included in the first response message may also be different. For example, the first request message includes the number of sites for which the first access point performs perception measurement, and the first response message may include the number of sites provided by the second access point. Based on the number included in the first response message, the first access point may determine whether it needs to request other access points to assist in perception measurement to meet the actual perception needs of the first access point. For example, if the number included in the first response message is less than the number included in the first request message, the first access point may request other access points to assist in perception measurement. If the number included in the first response message is greater than or equal to the number included in the first request message, the first access point does not need to request other access points to assist in perception measurement.

[0156] For example, the first request message includes indication information, and if the second access point determines that there is a non-access point site that can assist the first access point in establishing perception, then the first response message may include identification information of the non-access point site provided by the second access point. Alternatively, the first response message includes identification information of the non-access point site that participates in / assists the perception measurement initiated by the first access point. In this case, the first access point can clearly assist the first access point in establishing the perceived non-access point site according to the first response message, thereby initiating a perception measurement session to the non-access point site.

[0157] It is understandable that the process in which the second access point requests the non-access point site to assist the first access point in establishing perception through the second request message requires a certain amount of processing time. In order to avoid that the interaction between the second access point and the non-access point site has not been completed, and the first access point has already sent the measurement perception request message, resulting in some non-access point sites being unable to receive the measurement perception request message, the second access point can also inform the first access point of the time to send the perception measurement request message.

[0158] For example, the first response message further includes third time information, and the third time information may indicate the time when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message.

[0159] In one implementation, the third time information is a third duration, and the third duration is the duration between the third starting moment and the first access point sending the perception measurement request message. The third starting moment may be the moment when the second access point sends the first response message, or the third starting moment may be the moment when the second access point finishes sending the first response message. The moment when the second access point finishes sending the first response message may be determined according to the moment when the second access point sends the first response message and the transmission time of the first response message. The first access point starts timing when it receives the first response message, and may send the measurement perception request message when the third duration is reached.

[0160] In one implementation, the third time information is a third moment, which can be determined according to the processing time required for interaction between the second access point and the non-access point site when the second request message is sent / the first response message is sent.

[0161] The content included in the aforementioned first response message is only an example. When the first request message includes one or more of the aforementioned 1)-5), the first response message may also include the number and / or identification information of the sites provided by the second access point. It can be understood that when the first response message includes the number and identification information of the sites provided by the second access point, the number of identification information is the same as the number of sites. Alternatively, the first response message may include the identification information of the sites provided by the second access point and the third time information. Alternatively, the first response message includes the number of sites provided by the second access point, the identification information of the sites provided by the second access point, and the third time information.

[0162] It should be noted that the first access point and the second access point may belong to the same DS, that is, the first request message and the first response message may be transmitted through the communication line between the first access point and the second access point.

[0163] S403: The second access point sends a second request message to the non-access point station, where the second request message is used to request the non-access point station to participate in the perception measurement session initiated by the first access point.

[0164] Accordingly, the non-access point site receives the second request message from the second access point, and it should be understood that the non-access point site is a site associated with the second access point. If there is a non-access point site that can assist the first access point in establishing perception among the sites associated with the second access point, the second access point can request the non-access point site to participate in the perception measurement session initiated by the first access point. For example, the second access point sends a second request message to the non-access point site, and the second request message is used to request the non-access point site to participate in the perception measurement session initiated by the first access point. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific name of the second request message. For example, the second request message can be called an associated sensing assistance request message / associated sensing assistance request frame.

[0165] If the non-access point station can assist the first access point in establishing perception, the non-access point station can send a perception measurement query message to the first access point so that the first access point knows the existence of the non-access point station. From this perspective, the second request message can also be used to request the non-access point station to send a perception measurement query message to the first access point.

[0166] Accordingly, the second request message may include identification information of the first access point and second time information. The identification information of the first access point may be the BSSID of the BSS where the first access point is located or the MAC address information of the first access point. The non-access point station receives the second request message and determines to send a perception measurement query message to the first access point according to the identification information of the first access point. The second time information is used to indicate the time information at which the non-access point station sends the perception measurement query message to the first access point. The non-access point station may determine the timing of sending the perception measurement query message according to the second time information. Since the non-access point station needs to send the perception measurement query message to the first access point before the first access point sends the perception measurement request message, if the non-access point station knows the time when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message, it can also decide when to send the perception measurement query message to the first access point. From this perspective, the second time information can also be used to indicate the time information at which the first access point sends the perception measurement request message.

[0167] It can be understood that if the first response message sent by the second access point to the first access point includes identification information of the non-access point station participating in the perception measurement performed by the first access point, then there is no need for the non-access point station to send a perception measurement query message to the first access point. In this case, the second time information may indicate that the non-access point station waits to receive the perception measurement request message from the first access point before the time indicated by the second time information.

[0168] The second time information may be a second moment, and the second moment may be the same as the aforementioned first moment, or may be earlier than the first moment. Figure 4 Take this as an example).

[0169] The second time information may also be a second duration, where the second duration is the duration between the second start time and the first time, and the second start time may be the time when the second request message is received ( Figure 4 Taking this as an example) or the second starting time may be the time when the second request message is sent. For example, the second access point may determine the time (for example, the first time) when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message from the first time information in the first request message, and the second access point may determine the second duration according to the second starting time and the first time.

[0170] The second access point may unicast the second request message, that is, the second access point sends the second request message to the non-access point site that can assist the first access point in establishing perception. Alternatively, the second access point may also multicast or unicast the second request message. In this case, the non-access point site that intercepts the second request message may decide whether to assist the first access point in establishing perception according to its own situation. If the non-access point site that receives the second request message determines to assist the first access point in establishing perception, then a perception measurement query message is sent to the first access point so that the first access point knows the existence of the non-access point site, thereby initiating a perception measurement session to the non-access point site.

[0171] S404: The non-access point station sends a perception measurement query message to the first access point.

[0172] Correspondingly, the first access point receives a perception measurement query message from the non-access point station. The non-access point station sends the perception measurement query message to the first access point before the second moment according to the second time information, or the non-access point station sends the perception measurement query message to the first access point within the second duration after receiving the second request message according to the second time information.

[0173] The perception measurement query message includes the identification information of the second access point, and the identification information of the second access point may be a BSSID of a BSS where the second access point is located. In this way, the first access point can clearly know which access point the non-access point station comes from.

[0174] If the first response message sent by the second access point to the first access point includes the identification information of the non-access point site of the second access point, the first access point can directly initiate a perception measurement session to the non-access point site indicated by the first response message, or initiate a perception measurement request message to the non-access point site indicated by the first response message. In this case, there is no need for the non-access point site to send a perception measurement query message to the first access point. Therefore, S404 is not a step that must be performed. Figure 4 Indicated by dotted line.

[0175] After the non-access point station sends the perception measurement query message, before the first access point sends the perception measurement request message (i.e., at the first moment), it does not enter the dormant state or is in the active state, so as to avoid missing the perception measurement request message of the first access point as much as possible. Similarly, the second time information is the second duration, and after the non-access point station sends the perception measurement query message, it does not enter the dormant state or is in the active state within the second duration.

[0176] S405: The first access point initiates a perception measurement session to a non-access point site.

[0177] The first access point knows that the non-access point site can assist itself in establishing perception, and initiates a perception measurement session to the non-access point site, for example, sends a perception measurement request message to the non-access point, and the non-access point site responds to the perception measurement request message and sends a perception measurement response message to the first access point. It can be understood that if the first response message sent by the second access point to the first access point includes identification information of the non-access point site participating in the perception measurement performed by the first access point, the first access point sends a perception measurement request message to the non-access point site that assists the first access point in performing the perception measurement according to the identification information.

[0178] Regarding the first access point initiating a perception measurement session to the non-access point site, reference may be made to the current process of an access point initiating a perception measurement session, which will not be described in detail herein.

[0179] In the sensing method 400, the first access point requests assistance from the second access point for sensing measurement, so that the stations associated with the second access point can clearly know through the second access point that the first access point needs to sense the responder, thereby assisting the first access point in establishing sensing.

[0180] In a possible scenario, a station (e.g., a first station) may receive probe response messages from multiple access points, and the probe response message of each access point includes the time window information of the access point for performing perception measurement. Among them, the first station can assist one or more access points among the multiple access points to establish perception. In this case, the first station can decide which access point to assist in establishing perception based on the time window information carried in the probe response message of each access point. Taking the example that the first station can assist the first access point among the multiple access points to establish perception, the time window information of the first station matches the time window for the first access point to perform perception measurement. In other words, the time window of the first station meets the requirements of the time window for the first access point to perform perception measurement, then the first station can send a perception measurement query message to the first access point.

[0181] The following introduces possible frame structures of a first request message, a first response message, a second request message, and a perception measurement query message involved in an embodiment of the present application.

[0182] In the embodiment of the present application, the information exchanged between access points can be carried in the management frame of the 802.11 protocol, and of course, can also be carried in other possible frame structures, which are not limited by the embodiment of the present application. The following takes the example of the information exchanged between access points being carried in the management frame of the 802.11 protocol to introduce the possible frame structures of the first request message and the first response message.

[0183] See also Figure 5 , shows the management frame structure in the 802.11 protocol. The management frame includes a frame control field, a duration field, an address 1 field, an address 2 field, an address 3 field, a sequence control field, a HT control (High throughput control, HT control) field, a frame body field, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field. For the meaning of each field in the management frame and the proportion / byte size, please refer to the provisions of the 802.11 protocol, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] In an embodiment of the present application, the first request message may include a first field, and the first field is used to carry the first time information. Alternatively, the first request message includes a first field and a second field, the first field is used to carry the first time information, and the second field is used to carry the time window information of the first access point for performing perception measurement. Alternatively, the first request message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field, and the value of the third field is the first value. If the first request message includes the third field, and the value of the third field is the second value, then the first request message does not include the second field.

[0185] In an implementation manner, the first request message may further include a fourth field, where the fourth field is used to carry the number of sites that the first access point needs to request.

[0186] In one implementation, the first request message further includes a fifth field, and the fifth field finally carries indication information.

[0187] In a possible implementation manner, the frame structure of the first request message may be as follows: Figure 6As shown. The first request message includes a category, a public action / protected dual of public action, a dialog token, a sensing assistance control, and an RSTA availability window element. The category field can be used to indicate the type of message; the public action / protected dual of public action field can be used to indicate the function of the message; and the dialog token can be used to identify a dialog, for example, a pair of corresponding requests and responses can have the same dialog token. Figure 6 The number of bits and bytes occupied by each field in the embodiment of the present application is only for reference. Figure 6 There is no limit on the number of bits and bytes occupied by each field.

[0188] The RSTA available window element field is the second field, which may be the RSTAAvailability Window element in the 802.11bf protocol, and will not be described in detail here.

[0189] In one implementation, the first request message may not include the window field available to the RSTA, that is, Figure 6 The structure shown may not include a window element field available to RSTA.

[0190] In one implementation, the first request message further includes a third field, namely Figure 6 The structure shown may also include a third field ( Figure 6 (not shown). When the value of the third field is the first value, Figure 6 The structure shown includes a window element field available to RSTA; when the value of the third field is the second value, Figure 6 The structure shown does not include the RSTA Available Window Elements field. A third field may be located after the Awareness Assistance Control field.

[0191] The first field is used to carry the first time information and can be called the unassociated STA query pre-index field. The present application embodiment does not limit the specific name of the first field. The first field can be included in the perception assistance field. For example, Figure 6 In the , the perception assistance control field includes the unassociated STA query pre-index field and the reserved field.

[0192] In one implementation, the third field is Figure 6 Any bit in the reserved field in . Figure 6The frame structure of the first request message shown is only an example. For example, the first request message may be Figure 6 Replace the content with Figure 5 In addition, the embodiment of the present application is Figure 6 The specific positions of the fields in the RSTA are not limited. For example, the perception assistance control field may be located before the RSTA available window field element, or may be located after the RSTA available window element field.

[0193] The fourth field is used to carry the number of sites that the first access point needs to request, and can be called the number of requested sensing responders field. The specific name of the fourth field is not limited in this embodiment of the application. Figure 7 As shown, the perception assistance control field includes the number of perception response terminals requested, the unassociated STA query pre-index field, and the reserved field. The specific locations of the multiple fields included in the perception assistance control field are not limited in this embodiment of the application. In addition, Figure 7 The number of bits and bytes occupied by each field included in the sensing assistance control field is only for illustration. Figure 7 There is no limit on the number of bits and bytes occupied by each field included in the perception assistance control field.

[0194] As mentioned above, the first request message may include the perception measurement parameter. Since the perception measurement parameter includes the time window information for performing the perception measurement. Therefore, in this case, the first request message may include the perception measurement parameter and may not include the second field. For example, see Figure 8 The first request message may include a category, a public action / protected dual of public action, a dialog token, a sensing assistance control, and a sensing measurement parameters element.

[0195] In this case, the first request message may also include indication information. The fifth field is used to carry indication information, and may also be referred to as a sensing responder address requested field. The present application embodiment does not limit the specific name of the fifth field. Figure 8As shown, the sensing assistance control field includes a sensing response end address request field, an unassociated STA query front index field, and a reserved field. The specific locations of the multiple fields included in the sensing assistance control field are not limited in this embodiment of the application. In addition, Figure 8 The number of bits and bytes occupied by each field included in the sensing assistance control field is only for illustration. Figure 8 There is no limit on the number of bits and bytes occupied by each field included in the perception assistance control field.

[0196] In one implementation, Fig. 9 As shown, the perception assistance control field includes the number of perception responders requested, the perception responder address request field, the unassociated STA query pre-index field, and the reserved field. The specific locations of the multiple fields included in the perception assistance control field are not limited in this embodiment of the application. In addition, Fig. 9 The number of bits and bytes occupied by each field included in the sensing assistance control field is only for illustration. Fig. 9 There is no limit on the number of bits and bytes occupied by each field included in the perception assistance control field.

[0197] like Fig.10 As shown, the first response message may include fields such as category, public action / protected dual of public action, dialog token, and status code. The status code field may indicate whether the second access point accepts the first request message. For example, if the status code field is set to SUCCESS, it means that the second access point accepts the first request message; if the status code field is set to REQUEST_DECLINED, it means that the second access point rejects the first request message.

[0198] In a possible scenario, the first response message includes the number of non-access point sites provided by the second access point. Accordingly, the first response message includes a sixth field, which is used to carry the number of non-access point sites provided by the second access point. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific name of the sixth field. For example, the sixth field can be called the number field of the perception response terminals. In this case, the first response message can also include a perception assistance control field, and the sixth field is included in the perception assistance control field. For example, see Fig.11 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first response message. Fig.10The first response message also includes a sensing assistance control field, which includes a number field of sensing response terminals and a reserved field. The specific locations of the multiple fields included in the sensing assistance control field are not limited in this embodiment of the application. In addition, Fig.11 The number of bits and bytes occupied by each field included in the sensing assistance control field is only for illustration. Fig.11 There is no limit on the number of bits and bytes occupied by each field included in the perception assistance control field.

[0199] In one implementation, the first response message may also include identification information of the non-associated site provided by the second access point. Accordingly, the first response message may also include a seventh field, which is used to carry the identification information of the non-associated site provided by the second access point. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific name of the seventh field. For example, the seventh field may be called a perception response end address field. For example, see Fig.12 , is another structural diagram of the first response message. Fig.11 , the first response message also includes a perception response end address field.

[0200] In one implementation, the first response message further includes an eighth field, which is used to indicate whether the seventh field exists. The eighth field may be referred to as a field for sensing the existence of the responder address, such as Fig.12 When the value of the eighth field is the first value, the first response message includes the seventh field; when the value of the eighth field is the second value, the first response message does not include the seventh field.

[0201] In one implementation, the first response message further includes the third time information. Accordingly, the first response message may further include a ninth field, which is used to carry the third time information. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific name of the ninth field. For example, the ninth field may be called a non-associated site request post-index field, such as Fig.12 shown. Fig.12 The number of bits and bytes occupied by each field in the embodiment of the present application is only for reference. Fig.12 There is no limit on the number of bits and bytes occupied by each field.

[0202] The possible frame structures of the aforementioned second request message and perception measurement query message are introduced.

[0203] The second request message may include a first field and a second field, wherein the first field is used to carry the second time information, and the second field is used to carry the identification information of the first access point. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific names of the first field and the second field. For example, the first field may be called a non-associated STA query pre-index field. The second field is called a requested BSSID field.

[0204] For example, see Fig.13 , shows a structure of the second request message. Fig.13 As shown, the second request message may include fields such as category, public action / protected dual of public action, requested BSSID, and perception assistance control. Among them, the perception assistance control field may include a non-associated STA query pre-index field and a reserved field. Fig.13 The number of bits and bytes occupied by each field in the embodiment of the present application is only for reference. Fig.13 There is no limit on the number of bits and bytes occupied by each field.

[0205] The perception measurement query message may include an access point identification field, and the access point identification field is used to carry the identification information of the second access point. In a possible implementation, a field may be added to the structure of the perception measurement query frame specified in the 802.11bf protocol, such as an assisting BSSID field, as an access point identification field, indicating the identification information of the second access point. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific name of the access point identification field, for example, the access point identification field is called an assisting BSSID field.

[0206] For example, see Fig.14 , shows a structure of a perception measurement query message. Fig.14 As shown, the sensing measurement query message may include fields such as category, public action / protected dual of public action, sensing capabilities element, assisting BSSID, and ISTA availability window element. Fig.14 The number of bits and bytes occupied by each field in the embodiment of the present application is only for reference. Fig.14 There is no limit on the number of bits and bytes occupied by each field.

[0207] In the foregoing, the information exchanged between access points and access points follows the management frame structure between access points specified in the 802.11bf protocol as an example, and the information exchanged between access points and stations also follows the management frame format as an example. In a possible implementation, the information exchanged between access points and access points and the information exchanged between access points and stations can follow the frame format of the communication between the sending and receiving ends specified in the 802.11 series of protocols. For example, the frame format can be the frame format of the MAC service data unit (MSDU).

[0208] See also Fig.15 , is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of MSDU. The MSDU may include fields such as logical link control (LCC), sub-network access protocol (SNAP), payload type and payload. The LLC field may indicate that the data carried by the MSDU is applied to the data link layer. The SNAP field is used to encapsulate the data carried by the MSDU. The payload type field may indicate the type of data carried by the MSDU. The payload field is used to carry the data carried by the MSDU.

[0209] The content included in the aforementioned first request message and the first response message can be carried in the load field. Accordingly, a new load type, such as a perception type, can be added, and the perception type is indicated by the load type field. For example, the value of the load type field is the third value, and the load type is the perception type. For example, the third value is 5 or 6, or other possible values.

[0210] For example, one or more of the first time information, the time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement, the number of sites required by the first access point, indication information, or perception measurement parameters can be carried in the Payload field. For another example, the number of sites or identification information provided by the second access point that participate in the perception measurement of the first access point can also be carried in the Payload field.

[0211] It should be noted that in Fig.15 The frame structure in can add a payload type field to indicate the type of the payload field. For example, if the payload type field is the first value, then the payload field carries perception-related information.

[0212] The above describes the method provided in the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of the interaction between the first access point, the second access point and the non-access point site. Among them, the steps performed by the first access point can be implemented by different functional entities constituting the first access point. The steps performed by the second access point can be implemented by different functional entities constituting the second access point. The steps performed by the non-access point site can be implemented by different functional entities constituting the non-access point site. In order to implement the various functions in the method provided in the above embodiment of the present application, the terminal device and the network device may include a hardware structure and / or a software module, and implement the above functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module. Whether one of the above functions is executed in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0213] The following describes the communication device used to implement the above method in the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the above contents can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated contents will not be repeated.

[0214] Fig.16 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1600 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1600 may be a first access point, a second access point, or a non-access point station in the above embodiment. For example, the communication device 1600 may be Figure 1or the communication device 1600 is a chip (system) in the first access point, or a chip (system) in the second access point, or a chip (system) in a non-access point site; or the communication device 1600 is a software module of the first access point, the second access point, or the non-access point site. The communication device 1600 can implement the functions or steps implemented by the first access point, the second access point, or the non-access point site in the above-mentioned various method embodiments. The communication device 1600 may include a processing module 1610 and a transceiver module 1620. Optionally, a storage module may be further included, which may be used to store instructions (codes or programs) and / or data. The storage module may be, for example, a memory. The processing module 1610 and the transceiver module 1620 may be coupled to the storage module. For example, the processing module 1610 may read instructions (codes or programs) and / or data in the storage module to implement the corresponding method. When the communication device 1600 is a chip in the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point site, the storage module may be a storage module in the chip, such as a register, a cache, etc. For example, the storage module may also be a storage module located outside the chip in the network device / terminal device, such as a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc. The above-mentioned units may be independently provided, or may be partially or fully integrated.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the processing module 1610 may be a processor or a controller, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processing (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of the present application. The processor may also be a combination that implements a computing function, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, and the like. The transceiver module 1620 is a transceiver, an interface circuit, a bus, a pin or other possible communication interface for receiving signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the transceiver module 1620 is an interface circuit for the chip to receive signals from other chips or devices, or an interface circuit for the chip to send signals to other chips or devices.

[0216] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1600 can implement the behavior and function of the first access point in the above method embodiment, for example, implement the method executed by the first access point in method 400. The communication device 1600 can be a first access point, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) applied to the first access point, or a chip or a chipset in the first access point or a part of the chip used to execute the function of the related method, or a software module capable of implementing the method executed by the first access point in method 400, without limitation.

[0217] For example, the processing module 1610 may be used to determine a first request message. The transceiver module 1620 is used to: send the first request message to the second access point, receive a response message to the first request message, and send a perception measurement request message to a site that assists the communication device 1600 in performing perception measurement. The first request message is used to request the second access point to assist the communication device 1600 in performing perception measurement.

[0218] As an optional implementation manner, the first request message includes first time information, where the first time information is used to indicate time information when the communication device 1600 sends the perception measurement request message or time information when the perception measurement session is initiated.

[0219] As an optional implementation, the first time information is a first moment; or, the first time information is a first duration, and the first duration is the duration between the first starting moment and the moment when the communication device 1600 sends the perception measurement request message. The first starting moment is the moment when the first request message is sent.

[0220] As an optional implementation manner, the first request message also includes time window information for the communication device 1600 to perform perception measurement.

[0221] As an optional implementation manner, the first request message further includes a perception measurement parameter, and the perception measurement parameter is used for the communication device 1600 to establish a perception measurement session with the site.

[0222] As an optional implementation manner, the first request message also includes the number of sites requested by the communication device 1600 .

[0223] As an optional implementation manner, the response message to the first request message includes the number of sites provided by the second access point.

[0224] As an optional implementation manner, the first request message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to request the second access point to provide identification information of the site of the perception measurement initiated by the communication device 1600.

[0225] As an optional implementation manner, the response message to the first request message includes identification information of the site provided by the second access point.

[0226] As an optional implementation method, the second request message includes second time information and identification information of the first access point; wherein the second time information is used to indicate the time information of the site sending the perception measurement query message; or, the second time information is used to indicate the time information of sending the perception measurement request as an optional implementation method.

[0227] As an optional implementation method, the second time information is the second moment; or, the second time information is the second duration, the second duration is the duration between the second start moment and the first moment, and the second start moment is the time when the second request message is sent.

[0228] As an optional implementation manner, the response message of the first request message further includes third time information, where the third time information is used to indicate the time when the communication device 1600 sends the perception measurement request message.

[0229] As an optional implementation method, the third time information is a third moment or a third duration, and the third duration is the duration between the third starting moment and the moment when the communication device 1600 sends the perception measurement request message, and the third starting moment includes the moment when the response message of the first request message is sent.

[0230] As an optional implementation manner, the transceiver module 1620 is specifically configured to send a perception measurement request message to the site that assists the first access point in performing the perception measurement according to the site identification information and the third time information included in the response message to the first request message.

[0231] As an optional implementation method, before the transceiver module 1620 sends a perception measurement request message to the site that assists the communication device 1600 in performing perception measurement, the transceiver module 1620 is also used to: receive a perception measurement query message sent by the site, and the perception measurement query message includes identification information of the second access point.

[0232] As an optional implementation method, the response message of the first request message includes the identification information of the site; the transceiver module 1620 sends a perception measurement request message to the site that assists the communication device in performing perception measurement, including: the transceiver module 1620 sends a perception measurement request message to the site that assists the communication device 1600 in performing perception measurement according to the identification information.

[0233] It should be understood that the communication device 1600 can be used to implement the steps performed by the first access point in the method 400, and the relevant features can refer to the various embodiments above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0234] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1600 can implement the behavior and function of the second access point in the above method embodiments, for example, implement the method executed by the second access point in method 400. The communication device 1600 may be a second access point, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) applied to the second access point, or a chip or a chipset in the second access point or a part of the chip used to execute the function of the related method, or a software module capable of implementing the method executed by the second access point in method 400, without limitation.

[0235] For example, the transceiver module 1620 is used to receive a first request message from a first access point, send a response message to the first request message, and send a second request message to a site associated with a second access point. The first request message is used to request the communication device 1600 to assist the first access point in performing a perception measurement. The second request message is used to request the site associated with the communication device 1600 to participate in a perception measurement session initiated by the first access point.

[0236] As an optional implementation manner, the first request message includes first time information, where the first time information is used to indicate time information when the communication device 1600 sends the perception measurement request message or time information when the perception measurement session is initiated.

[0237] As an optional implementation, the first time information is a first moment; or the first time information is a first duration, the first duration being the duration between a first start moment and a moment when the first access point sends a perception measurement request message. The first start moment is a moment when the first request message is sent.

[0238] As an optional implementation manner, the first request message also includes time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement.

[0239] As an optional implementation manner, the first request message further includes a perception measurement parameter, and the perception measurement parameter is used for the communication device 1600 to establish a perception measurement session with the site.

[0240] As an optional implementation manner, the first request message further includes the number of sites requested by the first access point.

[0241] As an optional implementation manner, the response message to the first request message includes the number of sites provided by the communication device 1600.

[0242] As an optional implementation manner, the first request message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to request the communication device 1600 to provide identification information of a site participating in the perception measurement initiated by the first access point.

[0243] As an optional implementation manner, the response message to the first request message includes identification information of the site provided by the communication device 1600 .

[0244] As an optional implementation method, the second request message includes second time information and identification information of the first access point; wherein the second time information is used to indicate the time information of the site sending the perception measurement query message; or, the second time information is used to indicate the time information of sending the perception measurement request as an optional implementation method.

[0245] As an optional implementation method, the second time information is the second moment; or, the second time information is the second duration, the second duration is the duration between the second start moment and the first moment, and the second start moment is the time when the second request message is sent.

[0246] As an optional implementation manner, the response message to the first request message further includes third time information, where the third time information is used to indicate the time when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message.

[0247] As an optional implementation method, the third time information is a third moment or a third duration, and the third duration is the duration between a third starting moment and the moment when the first access point sends a perception measurement request message, and the third starting moment includes the moment when a response message to the first request message is sent.

[0248] It should be understood that the communication device 1600 can be used to implement the steps performed by the second access point in the method 400, and the relevant features can refer to the various embodiments above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0249] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1600 can implement the behaviors and functions of the non-access point station in the above method embodiments, for example, implement the method performed by the non-access point station in the method 400. The communication device 1600 may be a non-access point station, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) used in a non-access point station, or a chip or a chipset in a non-access point station or a part of a chip used to perform related method functions, or a software module capable of implementing the method performed by the non-access point station in the method 400, without limitation.

[0250] For example, the transceiver module 1620 may be used to receive a second request message from a second access point, send a perception measurement query message to a first access point, or receive a perception measurement request message sent by the first access point. The second request message requests a station associated with the second access point to participate in a perception measurement session initiated by the first access point. The perception measurement query message includes identification information of the second access point.

[0251] As an optional implementation method, the second request message includes second time information and identification information of the first access point; wherein the second time information is used to indicate the time information when the site sends the perception measurement query message; or, the second time information is used to indicate the time information when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message.

[0252] As an optional implementation manner, the second time information is a second moment, and the transceiver module 1620 sends a perception measurement query message to the first access point, including: the transceiver module 1620 sends the perception measurement query message to the first access point at the second moment.

[0253] As an optional implementation method, the second time information is a second duration, and the transceiver module 1620 sends a perception measurement query message to the first access point, including: the transceiver module 1620 sends a perception measurement query message to the first access point at an interval of the second duration starting from the second starting time, wherein the second starting time is the sending time of the second request message.

[0254] As an optional implementation method, the second time information is a second moment, and the sleep state is not entered before the first access point sends a perception measurement request message; or, the second time information is a second time length, and the sleep state is not entered within the second time length, wherein the second start moment is the moment of receiving the second request message.

[0255] For another example, the transceiver module 1620 is used to receive a detection response message from at least one access point, and send a perception measurement query message to a first access point among the at least one access point. The detection response message of each access point includes time window information for the access point to perform perception measurement. The time window of the communication device 1600 matches the time window information of the first access point. Alternatively, the first access point is determined by the first station according to the time windows of each access point.

[0256] It should be understood that the communication device 1600 can be used to implement the steps performed by the non-access point station in the method 400, and the relevant features can refer to the various embodiments above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0257] When the communication device 1600 is a chip-type device or circuit, the transceiver module may be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface; the processing module may be an integrated processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit.

[0258] Fig.17 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1700 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1700 may be a network device or a terminal device in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the communication device 1700 may be Figure 1 or the communication device 1700 is a chip (system) in an access point or station. In the embodiment of the present application, the chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices. For specific functions, please refer to the description in the above method embodiment.

[0259] The communication device 1700 includes one or more processors 1701, which are used to implement or support the communication device 1700 to implement the function of the first access point or the second access point or the non-access point site in the method 400 provided in the embodiment of the present application. Please refer to the detailed description in the example of method 400 for details, which will not be repeated here. The processor 1701 may also be referred to as a processing unit or a processing module, which can implement certain control functions. The processor 1701 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it includes: a baseband processor, a central processing unit, an application processor, a modem processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a digital signal processor, a video codec processor, a controller, a memory, and / or a neural network processor, etc. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data. The central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 1700 (for example, the first access point or the second access point or the non-access point site), execute software programs and / or process data. Different processors may be independent devices, or they may be integrated in one or more processors, for example, integrated in one or more dedicated integrated circuits.

[0260] In one design, the processor 1701 may include a program 1703 (sometimes also referred to as code or instruction), and the program 1703 may be executed on the processor 1701 to enable the communication device 1700 to perform the method described in the following embodiments. In another possible design, the communication device 1700 includes a circuit ( Fig.17 The circuit is used to implement the function of the first access point or the second access point or the non-access point station in the above embodiments.

[0261] In one design, the communication device 1700 may include one or more memories 1702 on which a program 1704 (sometimes referred to as code or instruction) is stored. The program 1704 may be executed on the processor 1701 so that the communication device 1700 performs the method described in the above method embodiment, for example Figure 4 The process shown.

[0262] In one design, the processor 1701 and / or the memory 1702 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module 1707 and an AI module 1708, and the AI ​​module is used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RAN intelligent controller (RAN intelligent controller, RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0263] In a possible design, data may also be stored in the processor 1701 and / or the memory 1702. The processor and the memory may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0264] In a possible design, the communication device 1700 may also include a transceiver 1705 and / or an antenna 1706. The processor 1701 may also be sometimes referred to as a processing unit, which controls the communication device 1700. The transceiver 1705 may also be sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., which is used to implement the transceiver function of the communication device through the antenna 1706.

[0265] In a possible design, the communication device 1700 may also include one or more of the following components: a wireless communication module, an audio module, an external memory interface, an internal memory, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a power management module, an antenna, a speaker, a microphone, an input / output module, a sensor module, a motor, a camera, or a display screen, etc. It is understood that in some embodiments, the communication device 1700 may include more or fewer components, or some components may be integrated, or some components may be separated. These components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0266] The communication device in the above embodiment may be an access point or a station, or may be a chip applied to an access point or a station, or other combined devices, components, etc. having the above access point. When the communication device is an access point or a station, the transceiver module may be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and a radio frequency circuit, etc., and the processing module may be a processor, such as a CPU. When the communication device is a component having the above access point or station function, the transceiver module may be a radio frequency unit, and the processing module may be a processor. When the communication device is a chip system, the communication device may be an FPGA, a dedicated ASIC, a system on chip (SoC), a CPU, a network processor (NP), a DSP, a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD) or other integrated chips. The processing module may be a processor of a chip system. The transceiver module or the communication interface may be an input / output interface or an interface circuit of a chip system. For example, the interface circuit may be a code / data read / write interface circuit. The interface circuit can be used to receive code instructions (the code instructions are stored in the memory, can be read directly from the memory, or can be read from the memory through other devices) and transmit them to the processor; the processor can be used to run the code instructions to execute the method in the above method embodiment. For another example, the interface circuit can also be a signal transmission interface circuit between the communication processor and the transceiver.

[0267] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, specifically, the communication system includes multiple access points and at least one site. Exemplarily, the communication system includes an access point for implementing the access point related functions in the above method 400 and a site for implementing the non-access point site related functions in the above method 400. For details, please refer to the relevant description in the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0268] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method executed by the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point station in method 400.

[0269] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, including instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method executed by the first access point, the second access point, or the non-access point station in method 400.

[0270] The embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and may also include a memory, for implementing the functions of the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point site in the aforementioned method. The chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0271] In order to achieve the above Figure 16-17 In order to realize the functions of the communication device, the embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, including a processor, for supporting the communication device to realize the functions involved in the first access point, the second access point or the non-access point site in the above method embodiment. In one possible design, the chip is connected to a memory or the chip includes a memory, and the memory is used to store the computer programs or instructions and data necessary for the communication device.

[0272] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0273] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0274] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0275] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0276] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0277] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part of the technical solution of the present application that contributes essentially or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories (ROM), RAM, magnetic disks or optical disks.

Claims

1. A sensing method, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving a first request message from a first access point, where the first request message is used to request a second access point to assist the first access point in performing perception measurement; Sending a response message to the first request message; A second request message is sent to a station associated with the second access point, where the second request message is used to request the station to participate in the perception measurement session initiated by the first access point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first request message includes first time information, where the first time information is used to indicate time information when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message or time information when the perception measurement session is initiated.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The first time information is a first moment; or, The first time information is a first duration, the first duration is a duration from a first starting moment to a moment when the first access point sends a perception measurement request message, and the first starting moment is a moment when the first request message is sent.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first request message also includes time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first request message further includes a perception measurement parameter, where the perception measurement parameter is used by the first access point to establish a perception measurement session with the station.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first request message also includes the number of sites requested by the first access point.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The response message to the first request message includes the number of sites provided by the second access point.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The first request message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to request the second access point to provide identification information of sites participating in the perception measurement initiated by the first access point.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that: The response message to the first request message includes identification information of the site provided by the second access point.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The second request message includes second time information and identification information of the first access point; wherein the second time information is used to indicate the time information when the site sends the perception measurement query message; or, the second time information is used to indicate the time information when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The second time information is a second moment; or, the second time information is a second duration, the second duration is a duration between a second starting moment and the first moment, and the second starting moment is a time when the second request message is sent.

12. A sensing method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending a first request message to the second access point, where the first request message is used to request the second access point to assist the first access point in performing perception measurement; receiving a response message to the first request message; Sending a perception measurement request message to a station that assists the first access point in performing the perception measurement.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first request message includes first time information, where the first time information is used to indicate time information when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message or time information when the perception measurement session is initiated.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that: The first time information is a first moment; or, The first time information is a first duration, the first duration is a duration from a first starting moment to a moment when the first access point sends a perception measurement request message, and the first starting moment is a moment when the first request message is sent.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The first request message also includes time window information for the first access point to perform perception measurement.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that: The first request message further includes a perception measurement parameter, where the perception measurement parameter is used by the first access point to establish a perception measurement session with the station.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The first request message also includes the number of sites requested by the first access point.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The response message to the first request message includes the number of sites provided by the second access point.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that: The first request message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to request the second access point to provide identification information of sites participating in the perception measurement initiated by the first access point.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that: The response message to the first request message includes identification information of the site provided by the second access point.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that: The second request message includes second time information and identification information of the first access point; wherein the second time information is used to indicate the time information when the station sends the perception measurement query message; or, the second time information is used to indicate the time information when the first access point sends the perception measurement request.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The second time information is a second moment; or, the second time information is a second duration, the second duration is a duration between a second starting moment and the first moment, and the second starting moment is a time when the second request message is sent.

23. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that: Before sending the perception measurement request message to the station that assists the first access point in performing the perception measurement, the method further includes: A perception measurement query message sent by the station is received, where the perception measurement query message includes identification information of the second access point.

24. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that: The response message of the first request message includes the identification information of the site; sending a perception measurement request message to the site that assists the first access point in performing perception measurement includes: sending a perception measurement request message to the site that assists the first access point in performing perception measurement according to the identification information.

25. A sensing method, characterized in that: include: receiving a second request message from a second access point, wherein the second request message requests a station associated with the second access point to participate in a perception measurement session initiated by the first access point; Sending a perception measurement query message to the first access point, where the perception measurement query message includes identification information of the second access point; or receiving a perception measurement request message sent by the first access point.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: The second request message includes second time information and identification information of the first access point; wherein the second time information is used to indicate the time information when the site sends the perception measurement query message; or, the second time information is used to indicate the time information when the first access point sends the perception measurement request message.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein: The second time information is a second moment, and sending the perception measurement query message to the first access point includes: sending the perception measurement query message to the first access point at the second moment; or, The second time information is a second duration, and sending the perception measurement query message to the first access point includes: sending the perception measurement query message to the first access point within a second duration starting from a second starting time, wherein the second starting time is the sending time of the second request message.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein: The second time information is a second moment, and the first access point does not enter the sleep state before sending the perception measurement request message; or, the second time information is a second duration, and the sleep state does not enter the sleep state within the second duration, wherein the second start moment is the sending moment of the second request message.

29. A sensing method, characterized in that: include: The first station receives a probe response message from at least one access point, wherein the probe response message of each access point includes time window information for the access point to perform perception measurement; The first station sends a perception measurement query message to a first access point among the at least one access point, and the time window information of the first station matches a time window for the first access point to perform perception measurement.

30. A communication device, characterized in that: A module for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or a module for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 24, or a module for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, or a module for executing the method as claimed in claim 29.

31. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a processor for executing one or more computer programs or instructions so that the communication device performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or the communication device performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 24, or the communication device performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, or the communication device performs the method as claimed in claim 29.

32. A communication system, characterized in that: It comprises a first communication device, a second communication device and a third communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, the second communication device is used to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 21, and the third communication device is used to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28.

33. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: A computer program or instruction is stored, the computer program or instruction being used to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 24, or to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, or to implement the method as claimed in claim 29.

34. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises a computer program which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or enables the computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 23, or enables the computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, or enables the computer to execute the method as claimed in claim 29.

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