Clock synchronization method and computer program product

Abstract

The invention provides a clock synchronization method and a computer program product, and a sensing service control network element sends a first sensing request to a sensing data processing network element needing clock synchronization, so that the sensing data processing network element actively performs clock synchronization. And the sensing service control network element sends a second sensing request to the sensing equipment, so that the sensing equipment actively performs clock synchronization based on the target server selected by the sensing data processing network element. Therefore, in the multi-device cooperative sensing network, the client side can initiate the clock synchronization operation actively, so that the situation that devices which do not need to perform clock synchronization perform the clock synchronization operation is avoided, and the signaling expenditure of the whole network can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a clock synchronization method and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] When multiple devices collaborate in sensing operations, the joint processing of sensing data requires correlation based on timestamp information. Therefore, 3GPP networks need to define how to coordinate sensing devices to achieve high-precision clock synchronization.

[0003] Clock synchronization is typically initiated by the server, with clients synchronizing sequentially. However, if some sensing devices in the network require time synchronization while others do not, it becomes difficult to flexibly distinguish and handle these differences. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a clock synchronization method and a computer program product. By having the client actively perform clock synchronization, time synchronization across multiple devices can be achieved.

[0005] In one aspect, this embodiment provides a clock synchronization method applied to a sensing service control network element, which communicates with at least one sensing data processing network element and at least one sensing device. The method includes: sending a first sensing request to the sensing data processing network element based on a sensing request, wherein the first sensing request is at least used to trigger the sensing data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization; sending a second sensing request to the sensing device, wherein the second sensing request is at least used to trigger the sensing device to actively perform clock synchronization; and determining a sensing result based on sensing data information determined by the sensing device.

[0006] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first sensing request includes at least one or more of the following: a first clock synchronization indication and clock synchronization server information. The first clock synchronization indication is used to trigger the sensing data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization. The clock synchronization server information includes at least one clock synchronization server.

[0007] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second sensing request includes at least one or more of the following: sensing configuration information, second clock synchronization indication, sensing data processing network element information, collaborative sensing operation identifier, and target server selected by the sensing data processing network element for clock synchronization; wherein, the second clock synchronization indication is at least used to trigger the sensing device to actively perform clock synchronization based on the sensing data processing network element information.

[0008] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: receiving a response message sent by a sensing data processing network element, the response message including one or more of the interface information of the sensing data processing network element and a target server, wherein the target server is configured as a server for clock synchronization of the sensing data processing network element.

[0009] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the target server for clock synchronization of the sensing device is the same as the target server for clock synchronization of the sensing data processing network element.

[0010] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: receiving sensing capability information sent by multiple sensing devices, wherein the sensing capability information includes at least one or more of sensing area information, sensing data information, and a collaborative sensing support identifier; and determining sensing devices and sensing data processing network elements based on sensing requests and collaborative sensing support identifiers.

[0011] In embodiments of this disclosure, clock synchronization is determined based on at least one or more of a first synchronization request, a first synchronization response message, a second synchronization request, and a second synchronization response message; the first synchronization request and the second synchronization request are configured to be sent by the sensing data processing network element or the sensing device to the target server, and the first synchronization response message and the second synchronization response message are configured to be sent by the target server to the sensing data processing network element or the sensing device.

[0012] In embodiments of this disclosure, clock synchronization is determined based on at least one or more of a first synchronization request, a first synchronization response message, a second synchronization request, and a second synchronization response message, including: determining a first delay difference based on a first time of sending the first synchronization request and a second time of receiving the first synchronization request; determining a second delay difference based on a third time of sending the first synchronization response message and a fourth time of receiving the first synchronization response message; determining a third delay difference based on a fifth time of sending the second synchronization request and a sixth time of receiving the second synchronization request; determining a fourth delay difference based on a seventh time of sending the second synchronization response message and an eighth time of receiving the second synchronization response message; and performing clock synchronization based on one or more of the first delay difference, the second delay difference, the third delay difference, and the fourth delay difference.

[0013] In embodiments of this disclosure, clock synchronization is performed based on one or more of a first delay difference, a second delay difference, a third delay difference, and a fourth delay difference, including: determining a time correction amount based on the first delay difference, the second delay difference, the third delay difference, and the fourth delay difference; and performing clock synchronization based on the local time of the sensing data processing network element or the time correction amount of the sensing device.

[0014] In the embodiments of this disclosure, determining the sensing result based on the sensing data information determined by the sensing device includes: establishing a transmission link between the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element based on the establishment transmission request sent by the sensing device, wherein the establishment transmission request includes at least one or more of the following: a collaborative sensing operation identifier and sensing data processing network element information; determining the sensing result based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data information; and sending the sensing result to the sending device of the sensing request.

[0015] In embodiments of this disclosure, determining a perception result based on timestamp information and / or perception task identifier carried by the perception data information includes: determining at least one perception data group based on timestamp information and / or perception task identifier carried by the perception data information, wherein one perception data group corresponds to one perception task, and the perception request includes at least one perception task; and determining a perception result based on at least one perception data group.

[0016] In another aspect, this embodiment provides a clock synchronization method applied to a sensing data processing network element, which communicates with a sensing service control network element and at least one sensing device. The method includes: receiving a first sensing request sent by the sensing service control network element, wherein the first sensing request is at least used to trigger the sensing data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization; actively performing clock synchronization based on the first sensing request; and determining a sensing result based on sensing data information transmitted by the sensing device via a transmission link.

[0017] In embodiments of this disclosure, actively performing clock synchronization based on a first sensing request includes: determining a target server for clock synchronization based on the first sensing request, wherein the first sensing request includes at least one or more of a first clock synchronization indication and clock synchronization server information; performing clock synchronization based on one or more of a first synchronization request, a first synchronization response message, a second synchronization request, and a second synchronization response message, wherein the first synchronization request and the second synchronization request are configured to be sent by the sensing data processing network element to the target server, and the first synchronization response message and the second synchronization response message are configured to be sent by the target server to the sensing data processing network element.

[0018] In embodiments of this disclosure, clock synchronization based on one or more of a first synchronization request, a first synchronization response message, a second synchronization request, and a second synchronization response message includes: sending a first synchronization request to a target server, the first synchronization request including a first time of sending the first synchronization request; receiving a first synchronization response message sent by the target server, the first synchronization response message including at least a third time of sending the first synchronization response message and a second time of receiving the first synchronization request; sending a second synchronization request to the target server, the second synchronization request including at least a fifth time of sending the second synchronization request; receiving a second synchronization response message sent by the target server, the second synchronization response message including at least a seventh time of sending the second synchronization response message and a sixth time of receiving the second synchronization request; and performing clock synchronization based on the first time, second time, third time, fifth time, sixth time, and seventh time.

[0019] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first synchronization response message further includes a first delay difference, and the second synchronization response message further includes a third delay difference.

[0020] In embodiments of this disclosure, clock synchronization based on a first time, a second time, a third time, a fifth time, a sixth time, and a seventh time includes: determining a first time delay difference based on the first time and the second time; determining a second time delay difference based on the third time and a fourth time of receiving the first synchronization response message; determining a third time delay difference based on the fifth time and the sixth time; determining a fourth time delay difference based on the seventh time and an eighth time of receiving the second synchronization response message; and performing clock synchronization based on one or more of the first time delay difference, the second time delay difference, the third time delay difference, and the fourth time delay difference.

[0021] In embodiments of this disclosure, clock synchronization is performed based on one or more of a first delay difference, a second delay difference, a third delay difference, and a fourth delay difference, including: determining a time correction amount based on the first delay difference, the second delay difference, the third delay difference, and the fourth delay difference; and performing clock synchronization based on the local time and the time correction amount.

[0022] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: in response to completing clock synchronization, sending a response message to the sensing service control network element, the response message including interface information of the sensing data processing network element and one or more of the target server, so that the sensing device can perform clock synchronization based on the target server.

[0023] In embodiments of this disclosure, determining a sensing result based on sensing data information transmitted by the sensing device via a transmission link includes: determining at least one sensing data group based on timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data information, wherein one sensing data group corresponds to one sensing task, and the sensing request includes at least one sensing task; and determining a sensing result based on at least one sensing data group.

[0024] In another aspect, this embodiment provides a clock synchronization method applied to a sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a sensing service control network element and at least one sensing data processing network element. The method includes: receiving a second sensing request sent by the sensing service control network element, the second sensing request being used at least to trigger the sensing device to actively perform clock synchronization; determining a target server for clock synchronization based on the second sensing request, the target server being configured to be the same as the target server selected for clock synchronization by the sensing data processing network element included in the second sensing request; and transmitting sensing data information via a transmission link with the sensing data processing network element, so that the sensing service control network element and / or the sensing data processing network element determine the sensing result based on the sensing data information.

[0025] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: sending sensing capability information, which includes at least one or more of sensing area information, sensing data information, and a collaborative sensing support identifier, so that the sensing service control network element can determine the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element based on the sensing request and the collaborative sensing support identifier.

[0026] In embodiments of this disclosure, transmitting sensing data information via a transmission link with a sensing data processing network element includes: determining sensing data information, wherein the sensing data information carries at least timestamp information and / or a sensing task identifier; determining at least one sensing data group based on the timestamp information and / or the sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data information, wherein one sensing data group corresponds to one sensing task, and a sensing request includes at least one sensing task; and transmitting at least one sensing data group via the transmission link.

[0027] In another aspect, this embodiment provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the clock synchronization method described above. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0029] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates an environmental application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating another clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 The flowchart illustrating a method for determining a perception result according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the illustration.

[0033] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates another method for determining a perception result according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 7The flowchart illustrating an active clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the illustration.

[0036] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates an active clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating another clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating another clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates an active clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 12 The flowchart illustrating another method for determining a perception result according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0041] Figure 13 The diagram illustrates a sensing data information transmission according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 14 The diagram illustrates another sensing data information transmission according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating another clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 16 The flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting sensed data information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the illustration.

[0045] Figure 17 A schematic diagram illustrating a clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 18 The diagram illustrates a block diagram of a computer program product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0048] Figure 1The schematic diagram illustrates an environmental application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the sensing service control network element 101 can communicate with multiple sensing data processing network elements 102, multiple sensing devices 103, and a second network device 104.

[0050] The sensing service control network element 101 can be a sensing function network element (SF) responsible for sensing service processing. The SF network element can perform sensing service analysis based on the received sensing requirements and provide sensing results.

[0051] In some embodiments, the SF network element can be deployed independently or co-located with 5GC network elements (such as Network Repository Function (NRF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), or Local Management Function (LMF)).

[0052] Furthermore, based on deployment requirements, SF network elements can include two forms: Sensing Function-Control Plane (SF-C) and Sensing Function-User Plane (SF-U). In this case, the Sensing Service Control Network Element 101 can be an SF-C network element.

[0053] In some embodiments, the sensing data processing network element 102 can collect sensing measurement data generated by the sensing device 103 or the sensing service control network element 101, and analyze and process this sensing measurement data to extract information related to the sensing target. In some embodiments, the sensing data processing network element 102 can be an SF-U network element.

[0054] In some embodiments, the sensing device 103 can be a hardware device for tasks such as environmental perception, target detection, and status monitoring. Examples include smartphones, smart cameras, robot vacuum cleaners, smart speakers, temperature and humidity sensors, and drones.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second network device 104 may be a network device requesting a sensing operation, such as a terminal or system that actively initiates a sensing task or invokes sensing capabilities. The second network device 104 may be a terminal directly operated by the user, or a system component that indirectly triggers the sensing function through the network. Examples include smart tablets, smartphones, smart home control systems, and smart inspection robots.

[0056] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second network device 104 may initiate a sensing request to the sensing service control network element 101. Based on the sensing request, the sensing service control network element 101 may send a first sensing request to some of the sensing data processing network elements 102 among the plurality of sensing data processing network elements 102, and a second sensing request to some of the sensing devices 103 among the plurality of sensing devices 103.

[0057] Furthermore, the sensing data processing network element 102 and the sensing device 103 can perform clock synchronization based on the first sensing request / second sensing request. By actively synchronizing their clocks, the sensing data processing network element 102 and the sensing device 103 can resolve issues such as timing discrepancies, data inconsistencies, and collaboration failures caused by clock differences, thereby ensuring the overall accuracy, reliability, and coordination of the system.

[0058] Next, this article will combine Figures 2 to 17 The method for clock synchronization between the sensing data processing network element 102 and the sensing device 103 is described in detail.

[0059] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the clock synchronization method of this disclosure embodiment is applied to a sensing service control network element, which communicates with at least one sensing data processing network element and at least one sensing device, including S201, S202 and S203:

[0061] In embodiments of this disclosure, a sensing service control network element, such as NRF / AMF / LMF / SF / SF-C, can communicate with at least one sensing data processing network element, such as SF-U. Different sensing data processing network elements can be responsible for processing sensing measurement data of different types or sources, or provide services to different applications or user groups, or be allocated different computing, storage, and network resources according to the tasks they undertake and the amount of data they process, etc.

[0062] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing service control network element can also communicate with at least one sensing device. For example, based on a sensing request, the sensing service control network element can communicate with multiple sensing devices, and the multiple sensing devices can work together to complete the sensing task of the target environment or object, thereby improving the accuracy, robustness, comprehensiveness and efficiency of the overall sensing.

[0063] S201. Based on the perception request, a first perception request is sent to the perception data processing network element. The first perception request is used at least to trigger the perception data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization.

[0064] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing service control network element can receive sensing requests sent by a second network device. The sensing request may include sensing service type, sensing area information, time information, accuracy requirements, and other sensing information.

[0065] The sensing service control network element can determine which sensing devices and sensing data processing network elements truly require coordinated sensing based on sensing requests. The process by which the sensing service control network element determines the sensing devices and sensing data processing network elements can be as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0066] Figure 3 The flowchart illustrating another clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the illustration. Figure 3 As shown, steps S301 and S302 are included:

[0067] S301. Receive sensing capability information sent by multiple sensing devices, wherein the sensing capability information includes at least one or more of the following: sensing area information, sensing data information, and supporting collaborative sensing identifier.

[0068] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing service control network element can receive registration messages and sensing capability information sent by the sensing device to establish bidirectional communication between the sensing device and the sensing service control network element, thereby enabling identity authentication, resource allocation, and service function activation. Simultaneously, the sensing capability information may include sensing area information, sensing data information, and a collaborative sensing identifier, so that the sensing service control network element can acquire the sensing functions of the sensing device.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sensing area information may include spatial area information such as the size, shape, and location coordinates of the sensing area. The sensing data information may include the sensing data processing level, supported sensing data types, sensing data sources, and data formats. A collaborative sensing identifier can indicate whether the sensing device supports collaborative sensing operations.

[0070] S302. Based on the perception request and the support for collaborative perception identifier, determine the perception device and the perception data processing network element.

[0071] In the embodiments of this disclosure, different sensing data processing network elements can have different sensing data processing types and coverage areas. The sensing data processing network element can synchronize this information with the sensing service control network element when establishing a link with it. For example, the SF-U synchronizes the coverage area information and sensing data processing type information supported by its device to the SF-C when establishing a link with the SF-C. Furthermore, after receiving a sensing request, the SF-C can select the SF-U based on the area of ​​the sensing request and the sensing data information corresponding to the sensing task.

[0072] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing service control network element can also identify multiple sensing devices that do indeed need to perform collaborative sensing based on the sensing request and the collaborative sensing identifier of multiple sensing devices.

[0073] According to the disclosed embodiments, the sensing service control network element can determine suitable sensing devices and sensing data processing network elements from multiple sensing devices and sensing data processing network elements based on sensing requests and supporting cooperative sensing identifiers. This avoids the sensing service control network element sending first / second sensing requests to sensing devices and sensing data processing network elements that do not require clock synchronization, thereby preventing resource waste and reducing signaling overhead.

[0074] Returning to S201, collaborative sensing operations require the joint efforts of multiple devices. Processing the sensing data generated based on collaborative sensing necessitates correlation based on timestamp information. Therefore, after establishing collaborative sensing operations, it is necessary to synchronize the clock information between multiple sensing devices and multiple sensing data processing network elements to ensure that multiple devices are synchronized in the time dimension, avoiding data corruption, process outages, or functional failures due to time differences.

[0075] Based on this, the sensing service control network element can send a first sensing request to a designated sensing data processing network element. This first sensing request is at least used to trigger the sensing data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization. Furthermore, the sensing data processing network element can receive the first sensing request and perform clock synchronization based on it.

[0076] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first sensing request includes at least one or more of the following: a first clock synchronization indication and clock synchronization server information. The first clock synchronization indication is used to trigger the sensing data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization. The clock synchronization server information includes at least one clock synchronization server.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first sensing request may further include a first clock synchronization indication, clock synchronization server information, and sensing task information. The first clock synchronization indication may be an indication that triggers the sensing data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization. The clock synchronization server information may refer to relevant information about a server that can provide clock synchronization services to the sensing data processing network element, such as server address and type. The sensing task information may be determined by the sensing service control network element based on the sensing request, so that the sensing data processing network element can select a server to perform clock synchronization services based on the sensing task information.

[0078] In some embodiments, the server information for clock synchronization may include at least one server available for clock synchronization services by the sensing data processing network element. In some cases, multiple sensing data processing network elements may choose the same server for clock synchronization services. However, when the sensing area or sensing information corresponding to the sensing task has different clock synchronization requirements, multiple sensing data processing network elements may choose different servers for clock synchronization.

[0079] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can perform clock synchronization operations based on a first sensing request. Furthermore, it can obtain server information available for clock synchronization services from the first sensing request. Therefore, the sensing device can accurately and quickly select a server for clock synchronization.

[0080] In embodiments of this disclosure, the clock synchronization method further includes: receiving a response message sent by a sensing data processing network element, the response message including one or more of the interface information of the sensing data processing network element and a target server, wherein the target server is configured as a server for clock synchronization of the sensing data processing network element.

[0081] In some embodiments, after completing clock synchronization, the sensing data processing network element can send a response message to the sensing service control network element. This response message may include interface information for the sensing data processing network element to receive sensing data, and the target service selected by the sensing data processing network element for clock synchronization. The sensing service control network element can receive this response message to obtain information such as the target server and interface selected by the sensing data processing network element for clock synchronization.

[0082] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can feed back relevant information of its selected server to the sensing service control network element, so that the sensing service control network element can synchronize this information to the sensing devices. This allows for clock synchronization of multiple devices on the same timescale.

[0083] S202. Send a second sensing request to the sensing device. The second sensing request is at least used to trigger the sensing device to actively perform clock synchronization.

[0084] In the embodiments of this disclosure, after receiving the response message, the sensing service control network element can send a second sensing request to a determined sensing device. The second sensing request is at least used to trigger the sensing device to actively perform clock synchronization. Furthermore, the sensing device can perform clock synchronization based on the second sensing request, and the sensing device can obtain information about the target server from the second sensing request to select the same target server for clock synchronization.

[0085] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second sensing request includes at least one or more of the following: sensing configuration information, second clock synchronization indication, sensing data processing network element information, collaborative sensing operation identifier, and target server selected by the sensing data processing network element for clock synchronization; wherein, the second clock synchronization indication is at least used to trigger the sensing device to actively perform clock synchronization based on the sensing data processing network element information.

[0086] In some embodiments, the sensing configuration information may include area information, time information, sensing frequency (range), accuracy requirements (range), and the level of uploaded sensing data processing. It is understood that the sensing configuration information can be determined based on a sensing request. The second clock synchronization indication may be an indication that triggers the sensing device to actively synchronize its clock with the sensing data processing network element. The sensing data processing network element information may be relevant information about the sensing data processing network element corresponding to the sensing device, determined by the sensing service control network element based on the sensing request.

[0087] For example, the sensing service control network element determines, based on a sensing request, that sensing device A and sensing device B need to cooperate in sensing, as well as sensing data processing network element A and sensing data processing network element B. Here, sensing device A corresponds to sensing data processing network element A, and sensing device B corresponds to sensing data processing network element B. In this case, the second sensing request sent by the sensing service control network element to sensing device A may include sensing configuration information, a second clock synchronization indication, information about sensing data processing network element A, a cooperative sensing operation identifier, and information about the target server selected by sensing data processing network element A for clock synchronization.

[0088] In some embodiments, the cooperative sensing operation identifier is used at least to indicate that the sensing device needs to perform a cooperative sensing operation.

[0089] In embodiments of this disclosure, the target server for clock synchronization of the sensing device is the same as the target server for clock synchronization of the sensing data processing network element.

[0090] In some embodiments, the sensing data processing network element can send information about the server selected for clock synchronization to the sensing service control network element via a response message. Further, the sensing service control network element sends a second sensing request to the sensing device, the second sensing request carrying the target server selected by the sensing data processing network element for clock synchronization. Thus, the sensing device can also synchronize its clock through this target server to maintain clock synchronization among all devices.

[0091] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device can synchronize its clock with the sensing data processing network element included in the second sensing request and its selected target server. This allows for clock synchronization of multiple devices on the same timescale with their corresponding sensing data processing network element.

[0092] The process of clock synchronization between sensing data processing network elements and sensing devices will be described in detail below.

[0093] S203. Determine the sensing result based on the sensing data information determined by the sensing device.

[0094] In the embodiments of this disclosure, after the sensing device completes clock synchronization based on the second sensing request, it can perform collaborative sensing operations to obtain sensing data information. The sensing service control network element can determine the sensing result based on the sensing data information.

[0095] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing service control network element, based on a sensing request, can enable the client to proactively perform clock synchronization by first sending a first sensing request to the sensing data processing network element and then sending a second sensing request to the sensing device. This allows for flexible determination of the devices in the network that require clock synchronization, thereby further reducing the signaling overhead of the entire network.

[0096] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining a perception result according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the above S203 also includes S401, S402 and S403:

[0097] S401. Based on the transmission request sent by the sensing device, establish a transmission link between the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element. The transmission request shall include at least one or more of the following: a collaborative sensing operation identifier and sensing data processing network element information.

[0098] In some embodiments, the sensing service control network element can receive a transmission establishment request sent by the sensing device, and establish a transmission link between the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element based on the transmission establishment request. Thus, the sensing device can transmit sensing data information to the sensing data processing network element and / or the sensing device based on the transmission link.

[0099] In some embodiments, the sensing data processing network element information may include relevant information about the sensing data processing network element corresponding to the sensing device, such as GTP endpoint information, IP information, port number, etc. It is understood that the sensing data processing network element corresponding to the sensing device here is the sensing data processing network element included in the second sensing request.

[0100] S402. Determine the sensing result based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data.

[0101] In some embodiments, the sensing data generated by the sensing device may carry timestamp information and / or a sensing task identifier. The timestamp information refers to a timestamp for each piece of sensing data, used to record the specific time of data acquisition or generation. The sensing task identifier can be used to indicate the sensing task currently being served by the sensing data service; the sensing service control network element can aggregate and analyze sensing data serving the same sensing task based on the sensing task identifier.

[0102] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the above S402 also includes S501 and S502. Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates another method for determining a perception result according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] S501. Based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data information, determine at least one sensing data group, one sensing data group corresponds to one sensing task, and the sensing request includes at least one sensing task.

[0104] In some embodiments, a sensing request may include at least one sensing task, and the sensing service control network element may determine different sensing devices and sensing data processing network elements corresponding to the sensing devices based on different sensing tasks.

[0105] In some cases, multiple sensing devices can jointly perform a sensing task, with each device generating sensing data. Different sensing devices can send transmission establishment requests to the sensing service control network element to establish a transmission link with the sensing data processing network element determined by the sensing service control network element, and then transmit sensing data to the corresponding sensing data processing network element based on the transmission link. Thus, the sensing service control network element and / or the sensing data processing network element can aggregate sensing data belonging to the same sensing task based on timestamp information and / or sensing task identifiers, forming a sensing data group. That is, one sensing data group corresponds to one sensing task.

[0106] In the embodiments of this disclosure, one sensing device can correspond to one sensing task, meaning one sensing device can handle multiple sensing tasks, and one sensing task can be processed collaboratively by multiple sensing devices. One sensing task corresponds to one clock synchronization requirement, and one sensing task corresponds to one sensing data processing network element. It is understood that different sensing tasks can correspond to different sensing data processing network elements, or they can correspond to the same sensing data processing network element. One sensing data processing network element can correspond to different sensing tasks, or it can correspond to one sensing task. Different sensing tasks can correspond to different clock synchronization requirements, or they can correspond to the same clock synchronization requirement.

[0107] S502. Determine the sensing result based on at least one set of sensing data.

[0108] In some embodiments, the sensing service control network element and / or sensing data processing network element may determine the sensing result based on multiple sensing data sets.

[0109] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sensed data under each sensed task is clustered using the timestamp information and / or sensed task identifier, and then reported to the corresponding sensed data processing network element via a transmission link. This enables accurate transmission of sensed data and also reflects the correspondence between sensed tasks, sensed devices, sensed data, and sensed data processing network elements.

[0110] S403. Send the sensing result to the sending device that sent the sensing request.

[0111] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a transmission link is established between the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element by establishing a transmission request. This enables accurate transmission of sensing data.

[0112] In some embodiments, the sensing service control network element and / or sensing data processing network element may return sensing results to the transmitting device that sent the sensing request.

[0113] Next, this article will combine Figures 6-14 The sensing data processing network element of the present disclosure embodiments will be introduced.

[0114] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0115] like Figure 6 As shown, the clock synchronization method of this disclosure embodiment is applied to a sensing data processing network element, which communicates with a sensing service control network element and at least one sensing device, including S601, S602, and S603:

[0116] S601. Receive the first sensing request sent by the sensing service control network element. The first sensing request is used at least to trigger the sensing data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization.

[0117] In some embodiments, the sensing data processing network element may receive a first sensing request sent by the sensing service control network element.

[0118] S602. Actively synchronize the clock based on the first perception request.

[0119] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can proactively perform clock synchronization based on a first sensing request. Exemplarily, the clock synchronization process of the sensing data processing network element is as follows: Figure 7 As shown. Figure 7 The above S602 includes S701 and S702.

[0120] Figure 7 The flowchart illustrating an active clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the illustration.

[0121] S701. Based on the first perception request, determine the target server for clock synchronization. The first perception request includes at least one or more of the following: a first clock synchronization indication and server information for clock synchronization.

[0122] In some embodiments, the sensing service control network element can determine sensing task information based on a sensing request. The first sensing request sent by the sensing service control network element to the sensing data processing network element may include sensing task information, so that the sensing data processing network element can select a server for clock synchronization services based on the sensing task information.

[0123] S702. Clock synchronization is performed based on one or more of the first synchronization request, the first synchronization response message, the second synchronization request, and the second synchronization response message. The first synchronization request and the second synchronization request are configured to be sent by the sensing data processing network element to the target server, and the first synchronization response message and the second synchronization response message are configured to be sent by the target server to the sensing data processing network element.

[0124] In embodiments of this disclosure, clock synchronization is determined based on at least one or more of a first synchronization request, a first synchronization response message, a second synchronization request, and a second synchronization response message; the first synchronization request and the second synchronization request are configured to be sent by the sensing data processing network element or the sensing device to the target server, and the first synchronization response message and the second synchronization response message are configured to be sent by the target server to the sensing data processing network element or the sensing device.

[0125] In some embodiments, the sensing data processing network element or sensing device can act as a client. The first synchronization request and the second synchronization request can be sent by the client. The first synchronization response message and the second synchronization response message are responses to the first synchronization request and the second synchronization request, respectively, and are sent by the server to the client.

[0126] The following combination Figure 8 and Figure 12 The process of clock synchronization is explained. Figure 8 The flowchart illustrating an active clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the illustration.

[0127] like Figure 8 As shown, S702 above includes S801 to S805:

[0128] S801. Send a first synchronization request to the target server. The first synchronization request includes the first time the first synchronization request is sent.

[0129] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can send a first synchronization request to the target server. The first synchronization request can be a time synchronization request message, and the first time, i.e., the sending timestamp t1, is carried in the first synchronization request message.

[0130] S802, Receive a first synchronization response message sent by the target server, the first synchronization response message including at least the third time of sending the first synchronization response message and the second time of receiving the first synchronization request.

[0131] In the embodiments of this disclosure, after receiving the first synchronization request message from the sensing data processing network element, the target server records a second time of receiving the message, i.e., a reception timestamp t2. After receiving the first synchronization request message, the target server sends a first synchronization response message to the sensing data processing network element, carrying a third time, i.e., a sending timestamp t3, in the first synchronization response message. The first synchronization response message can be a synchronization response message. The sensing data processing network element receives the first synchronization response message and can thus obtain the sending timestamp t3. Simultaneously, the sensing data processing network element can record a fourth time of receiving the first synchronization response message, i.e., a reception timestamp t4.

[0132] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first synchronization response message may further include a second time, namely a receiving timestamp t2. The sensing data processing network element can calculate a first delay difference T1 based on the sending timestamp t1 and the receiving timestamp t2. The first delay difference T1 is the delay of the first synchronization request, and T1 = t2 - t1.

[0133] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first synchronization response message may further include a first delay difference T1, that is, the target server calculates the delay difference of the first synchronization request based on the sending timestamp t1 and the receiving timestamp t2, and sends it to the sensing data processing network element through the first synchronization response message.

[0134] S803. Send a second synchronization request to the target server. The second synchronization request includes at least the fifth time when the second synchronization request is sent.

[0135] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can send a second synchronization request to the target server. The second synchronization request can be a time-delayed synchronization request message. The second synchronization request can carry a fifth time, namely the sending timestamp t5 of the second synchronization request.

[0136] S804. Receive a second synchronization response message sent by the target server. The second synchronization response message includes at least the seventh time when the second synchronization response message was sent and the sixth time when the second synchronization request was received.

[0137] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the target server receives a second synchronization request message from the sensing data processing network element and records the sixth time of receiving the message, i.e., the reception timestamp t6, and sends a response message to the sensing data processing network element in response to the second synchronization request, i.e., a second synchronization response message. The second synchronization response message can be a delayed synchronization response message. The second synchronization response message may include a seventh time, i.e., the sending timestamp t7. Simultaneously, the sensing data processing network element can record the eighth time of receiving the second synchronization response message, i.e., the reception timestamp t8.

[0138] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second synchronization response message may further include a sixth time, namely, a receiving timestamp t6. The sensing data processing network element can calculate a third delay difference T3 based on the sending timestamp t5 and the receiving timestamp t6. The third delay difference T3 is the delay of the second synchronization request, and T3 = t6 - t5.

[0139] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second synchronization response message may include a third delay difference T3, that is, the target server calculates the delay difference of the second synchronization request based on the sending timestamp t5 and the receiving timestamp t6, and sends it to the sensing data processing network element through the second synchronization response message.

[0140] S805 performs clock synchronization based on the first time, second time, third time, fifth time, sixth time, and seventh time.

[0141] In embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 9 As shown, the above-mentioned S805 also includes S901 to S905.

[0142] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating another clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0143] S901. Determine the first time delay difference based on the first time and the second time.

[0144] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first delay difference T1 can be calculated based on the sending timestamp t1 and the receiving timestamp t2.

[0145] S902. Determine the second time delay difference based on the third time and the fourth time of receiving the first synchronization response message.

[0146] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can determine a second delay difference T2 based on the sending timestamp t3 and the receiving timestamp t4. The second delay difference T2 is the delay of the first synchronization response message, and T2 = t4 - t3.

[0147] S903. Determine the third time delay difference based on the fifth and sixth times.

[0148] In embodiments of this disclosure, a third delay difference T3 can be calculated based on the sending timestamp t5 and the receiving timestamp t6, where the third delay difference T3 is the delay of the second synchronization request.

[0149] S904. Determine the fourth time delay difference based on the seventh time and the eighth time of receiving the second synchronization response message.

[0150] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can also determine a fourth delay difference T4 based on the sending timestamp t7 and the receiving timestamp t8. The fourth delay difference T4 is the delay of the second synchronization response message, and T4 = t8 - t7.

[0151] S905, performs clock synchronization based on one or more of the first delay difference, the second delay difference, the third delay difference, and the fourth delay difference.

[0152] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can perform clock synchronization based on T1, T2, T3, and T4.

[0153] In embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 10 As shown, the above-mentioned S905 also includes S1001 and S1002.

[0154] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating another clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0155] S1001. Determine the time correction amount based on the first time delay difference, the second time delay difference, the third time delay difference, and the fourth time delay difference.

[0156] In some embodiments, the time correction amount can be calculated using the following formula:

[0157] Timeoffset = (T4 + T3 + T2 + T1) / 4

[0158] S1002. Clock synchronization is performed based on local time and time correction.

[0159] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can correct the local time by subtracting a time correction amount from the local time.

[0160] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can perform clock synchronization through the above-described process. Similarly, the sensing device can also perform clock synchronization through the above-described process. The clock synchronization process for the sensing device is similar to the process described above and will not be repeated here.

[0161] The following is combined with Figure 11 The process of clock synchronization is explained. Figure 11 The diagram illustrates an active clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0162] like Figure 11 As shown, the client actively sends the first synchronization request at time t1. The server receives the first synchronization request at time t2 and sends the first synchronization response message at time t3. The client receives the first synchronization response message at time t4 and sends a second synchronization request at time t5. The server receives the second synchronization request at time t6 and sends the second synchronization response message at time t7. The client receives the second synchronization response message at time t8.

[0163] Therefore, the client can calculate T1, T2, T3, and T4 based on the above times, and then correct the local time based on the time correction amount. It should be noted that... Figure 11 The client in the process can be a sensing data processing network element or a sensing device.

[0164] In embodiments of this disclosure, in response to completing clock synchronization, a response message is sent to the sensing service control network element. The response message includes one or more of the interface information of the sensing data processing network element and the target server, so that the sensing device can perform clock synchronization based on the target server.

[0165] In the embodiments of this disclosure, after the sensing device completes clock synchronization, it can send a response message to the sensing service control network element, so that the sensing service control network element can send a second sensing request to the sensing device based on the response message.

[0166] According to embodiments of this disclosure, clock synchronization can be performed by the client initiating two synchronization request messages. This reduces clock synchronization errors caused by a single synchronization request, thus improving clock synchronization accuracy.

[0167] return Figure 6 S603. Determine the sensing result based on the sensing data information transmitted by the sensing device via the transmission link.

[0168] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can acquire sensing data information through a transmission link and determine the sensing result based on the sensing data information. Furthermore, the sensing data processing network element can also send the sensing result to the sending device that sent the sensing request.

[0169] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element actively performs clock synchronization operations upon receiving a first sensing request. This allows clock synchronization to be initiated proactively by the client, avoiding server-side initiation of synchronization to clients that do not require it, thereby reducing resource waste.

[0170] In embodiments of this disclosure, S603 further includes S1201 and S1202, as follows: Figure 12 As shown.

[0171] Figure 12 The flowchart illustrating another method for determining a perception result according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0172] S1201. Based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data information, determine at least one sensing data group, one sensing data group corresponds to one sensing task, and the sensing request includes at least one sensing task.

[0173] In embodiments of this disclosure, a sensing request may include multiple sensing tasks. Each sensing task may correspond to a different sensing device, and each sensing device may correspond to a sensing data processing network element.

[0174] In some cases, these sensing data processing network elements can be different. Each sensing device can then transmit sensing data to different sensing data processing network elements via a transmission link. Different sensing data processing network elements can determine multiple sensing results based on the acquired sensing data. Furthermore, the sensing data processing network element or the sensing service control network element can determine the final sensing result based on these multiple sensing results.

[0175] In other cases, these sensing data processing network elements can be the same sensing data processing network element. In this case, different sensing tasks may correspond to different clock synchronization requirements, and each sensing device transmits sensing data information to the same sensing data processing network element through a transmission link. Then, the sensing data processing network element can determine the sensing data group belonging to the same sensing task based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried in the sensing data information.

[0176] In other cases, the sensing device performing different sensing tasks can be the same sensing device. Each sensing task can correspond to a different sensing data processing network element, and different sensing tasks may have different clock synchronization requirements. That is, the sensing device may need to support different clock synchronization requirements simultaneously. In this case, the sensing device can report the sensing data corresponding to different sensing tasks to the corresponding sensing data processing network elements separately. That is, the sensing device can add timestamp information and / or sensing task identifiers corresponding to different sensing tasks to the sensing data, so as to send it to different sensing data processing network elements. For example, such as... Figure 13 As shown.

[0177] Figure 13 The diagram illustrates a sensing data information transmission according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] Figure 13 In this system, a single sensing device can perform multiple sensing tasks. Different sensing tasks (1, 2, and 3) have different clock synchronization requirements. Different sensing tasks correspond to different sensing data processing network elements. Therefore, the sensing device can add timestamp information and / or sensing task identifiers corresponding to different sensing tasks to the sensing data before sending it to the appropriate sensing data processing network elements.

[0179] In other cases, the sensing device performing different sensing tasks can be the same device, with each sensing task corresponding to the same sensing data processing network element, and different sensing tasks having different clock synchronization requirements. In this situation, the sensing device can complete sensing data transmission based solely on a specific timestamp. The sensing data processing network element can then match the sensing data to different sensing tasks based on the timestamp information and / or the sensing task identifier in the sensing data. That is, the sensing data processing network element can store the clock synchronization requirements corresponding to the sensing tasks and group the sensing data according to the clock synchronization requirements of different sensing tasks to obtain different sensing data groups. For example, ... Figure 14 As shown.

[0180] Figure 14 The diagram illustrates another sensing data information transmission according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] Figure 14 In this scenario, a single sensing device can perform multiple sensing tasks. Different sensing tasks (1, 2, and 3) have different clock synchronization requirements. These different sensing tasks correspond to the same sensing data processing network element. The sensing device then uniformly reports the sensing data, and the sensing data processing network element can match the sensing data to different sensing tasks based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier in the sensing data information. Alternatively, the sensing device can also add the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier corresponding to different sensing tasks to the sensing data, and then send it in groups.

[0182] S1202. Determine the sensing result based on at least one set of sensing data.

[0183] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing data processing network element can determine the sensing result corresponding to the sensing task based on the sensing data set. Furthermore, the sensing data processing network element can also determine the final sensing result based on multiple sensing results.

[0184] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating another clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0185] like Figure 15 As shown, the clock synchronization method of this disclosure embodiment is applied to a sensing device, which communicates with a sensing service control network element and at least one sensing data processing network element, including S1501, S1502 and S1503:

[0186] S1501, Receive a second sensing request sent by the sensing service control network element. The second sensing request is at least used to trigger the sensing device to actively perform clock synchronization.

[0187] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device may receive a second sensing request sent by a sensing service control network element.

[0188] S1502. Based on the second sensing request, determine the target server for clock synchronization. The target server is configured to be the same as the target server selected for clock synchronization by the sensing data processing network element included in the second sensing request.

[0189] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device can proactively perform clock synchronization based on a second sensing request. Furthermore, the target server for clock synchronization by the sensing device is the same as the target server for clock synchronization by the sensing data processing network element, in order to maintain consistency in the time dimension.

[0190] S1503. Transmit sensing data information via a transmission link with the sensing data processing network element so that the sensing service control network element and / or the sensing data processing network element can determine the sensing result based on the sensing data information.

[0191] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device may also send a transmission establishment request to the sensing service control network element to establish a transmission link with the sensing data processing network element. Furthermore, the sensing device may transmit sensing data to the sensing data processing network element via the transmission link.

[0192] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device can receive a second sensing request sent by a sensing service control network element and obtain from it the target server selected by the sensing data processing network element for clock synchronization. Therefore, the sensing device can proactively perform clock synchronization based on the target server, thereby ensuring that it maintains time synchronization with the corresponding sensing data processing network element.

[0193] Figure 16 The flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting sensed data information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the illustration.

[0194] like Figure 16 As shown, the above S1503 also includes S1601, S1602 and S1603:

[0195] S1601. Determine the sensing data information, which shall at least carry timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier.

[0196] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device accepts a second sensing request and completes clock synchronization and sensing configuration. Further, the sensing device performs collaborative sensing operations to generate sensing data information. The sensing data information carries timestamp information and / or a sensing task identifier to indicate the generation time of the sensing data and which sensing task / / or sensing request it belongs to.

[0197] S1602. Based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data information, determine at least one sensing data group, one sensing data group corresponds to one sensing task, and the sensing request includes at least one sensing task.

[0198] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device can handle different sensing tasks, and different sensing tasks may correspond to different clock synchronization requirements. Therefore, the sensing device can divide the sensing data into different sensing data groups based on timestamp information and / or sensing task identifiers to cluster sensing data belonging to the same sensing task.

[0199] S1603, Transmit at least one sensing data set via a transmission link.

[0200] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device can transmit sensing data to the sensing data processing network element in the form of sensing data groups. In another embodiment, the sensing device can uniformly report all sensing data to the sensing data processing network element. The sensing data processing network element determines the sensing data group based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried in the sensing data information.

[0201] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device can tag the acquired sensing data with different timestamp information and sensing task identifiers based on the sensing task. This ensures that when determining the sensing result, the sensing data is calculated and analyzed based on the same sensing task, thereby providing a foundation for ensuring the accuracy of the sensing results.

[0202] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: sending sensing capability information, which includes at least one or more of sensing area information, sensing data information, and a collaborative sensing support identifier, so that the sensing service control network element can determine the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element based on the sensing request and the collaborative sensing support identifier.

[0203] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device may also send sensing capability information to the sensing service control network element, so that the sensing service control network element can determine the sensing devices that need to cooperate in sensing based on the sensing capability information of the sensing device.

[0204] Figure 17 A schematic diagram illustrating a clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0205] like Figure 17 As shown, the system includes sensing device 1, sensing device 2, a sensing service control network element, network equipment, a clock synchronization server, and a sensing data processing network element. In some embodiments, the sensing service control network element can be SF / NEF / AMF / LMF / SF-C, etc. The second network equipment can be the network equipment that sends sensing requests. The clock synchronization server can be a server that provides clock synchronization services.

[0206] S1701. Sending Sensing Capability Information. The sensing device sends sensing capability information to the sensing service control network element so that the sensing service control network element can identify the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element based on the sensing request and the cooperative sensing support identifier.

[0207] S1702. Send a sensing request. The network device sends a sensing request to the sensing service control network element to request multiple sensing devices to cooperate in sensing tasks.

[0208] S1703. Select the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element, and first send a first sensing request to the sensing data processing network element. The sensing service control network element selects the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element based on the sensing request and the collaborative sensing support identifier, and first sends a first sensing request to the sensing data processing network element.

[0209] S1704. Perform clock synchronization operation. Based on the first sensing request, the sensing data processing network element performs clock synchronization operation with the clock synchronization server.

[0210] S1705. Send a response message. The sensing data processing network element completes clock synchronization and sends a response message to the sensing service control network element.

[0211] S1706. Send a second sensing request. Based on the response message, the sensing service control network element sends a second sensing request to the sensing device. The second sensing request includes at least one or more of the following: sensing configuration information, second clock synchronization indication, sensing data processing network element information, collaborative sensing operation identifier, and target server selected by the sensing data processing network element for clock synchronization.

[0212] S1707. Perform clock synchronization operation. Based on the second sensing request, the sensing device actively performs clock synchronization operation with the clock synchronization server.

[0213] S1708. Perform collaborative sensing operation. The sensing devices perform collaborative sensing operation.

[0214] S1709. Send a transmission establishment request. The sensing device sends a transmission establishment request to establish a transmission link.

[0215] S1710. Transmitting Sensing Data Information. The sensing device transmits sensing data information based on the transmission link.

[0216] S1711. Determine the sensing result. The sensing service control network element / or sensing data processing network element determines the sensing result based on the sensing data information.

[0217] S1712. Sending Sensing Results. The sensing service control network element / or sensing data processing network element sends the sensing results to the network equipment.

[0218] Figure 18 A block diagram illustrating a computer program product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0219] like Figure 18 As shown, a computer program product 1800 according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes a computer program 1801, which, when executed by a processor, implements the clock synchronization method described above.

[0220] The above description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates a clock synchronization method and computer program product according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method involves a sensing service control network element sending a first sensing request to a sensing data processing network element that requires clock synchronization, thereby causing the sensing data processing network element to proactively perform clock synchronization. The sensing service control network element then sends a second sensing request to a sensing device, causing the sensing device to proactively perform clock synchronization based on a target server selected by the sensing data processing network element. Therefore, in a multi-device collaborative sensing network, clock synchronization operations can be proactively initiated by the client side, thus avoiding clock synchronization operations performed by devices that do not require them. This reduces the signaling overhead of the entire network.

[0221] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0222] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0223] Additionally, as used herein, the “or” used in a list of items beginning with “at least one” indicates a separate list, such that a list of, for example, “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, the word “exemplary” does not imply that the described example is preferred or better than other examples.

[0224] It should also be noted that in the systems and methods of this disclosure, the components or steps can be decomposed and / or recombined. These decompositions and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions to this disclosure.

[0225] Various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the technology described herein without departing from the teachings defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the claims of this disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects of the processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, and actions described above. Currently existing or later-developed processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding aspects described above can be utilized. Therefore, the appended claims include such processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions within their scope.

[0226] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0227] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations therein.

Claims

1. A clock synchronization method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a sensing service control network element, which communicates with at least one sensing data processing network element and at least one sensing device, includes: Based on the perception request, a first perception request is sent to the perception data processing network element, and the first perception request is at least used to trigger the perception data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization. Sending a second sensing request to the sensing device, the second sensing request being used at least to trigger the sensing device to actively perform clock synchronization; and Based on the sensing data information determined by the sensing device, the sensing result is determined.

2. The clock synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sensing request includes at least one or more of the following: a first clock synchronization indication and clock synchronization server information. The first clock synchronization indication is used to trigger the sensing data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization. The clock synchronization server information includes at least one clock synchronization server.

3. The clock synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second sensing request includes at least one or more of the following: sensing configuration information, second clock synchronization indication, sensing data processing network element information, collaborative sensing operation identifier, and target server selected by the sensing data processing network element for clock synchronization. The second clock synchronization indication is used at least to trigger the sensing device to actively synchronize its clock based on the sensing data processing network element information.

4. The clock synchronization method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The system receives a response message sent by the sensing data processing network element. The response message includes one or more of the interface information of the sensing data processing network element and a target server. The target server is configured as a server for clock synchronization of the sensing data processing network element.

5. The clock synchronization method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The target server for clock synchronization of the sensing device is the same as the target server for clock synchronization of the sensing data processing network element.

6. The clock synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The system receives sensing capability information sent by multiple sensing devices, wherein the sensing capability information includes at least one or more of the following: sensing area information, sensing data information, and a collaborative sensing support identifier; and Based on the perception request and the supporting collaborative perception identifier, the perception device and the perception data processing network element are determined.

7. The clock synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Clock synchronization is determined based on at least one or more of the following: a first synchronization request, a first synchronization response message, a second synchronization request, and a second synchronization response message; The first synchronization request and the second synchronization request are configured to be sent by the sensing data processing network element or the sensing device to the target server, and the first synchronization response message and the second synchronization response message are configured to be sent by the target server to the sensing data processing network element or the sensing device.

8. The clock synchronization method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The clock synchronization is determined based on at least one or more of the following: a first synchronization request, a first synchronization response message, a second synchronization request, and a second synchronization response message: The first delay difference is determined based on the first time of sending the first synchronization request and the second time of receiving the first synchronization request; The second time delay difference is determined based on the third time of sending the first synchronization response message and the fourth time of receiving the first synchronization response message; The third delay difference is determined based on the fifth time of sending the second synchronization request and the sixth time of receiving the second synchronization request; A fourth time delay difference is determined based on the seventh time of sending the second synchronization response message and the eighth time of receiving the second synchronization response message; and Clock synchronization is performed based on one or more of the first delay difference, the second delay difference, the third delay difference, and the fourth delay difference.

9. The clock synchronization method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The clock synchronization based on one or more of the first delay difference, the second delay difference, the third delay difference, and the fourth delay difference includes: The time correction amount is determined based on the first time delay difference, the second time delay difference, the third time delay difference, and the fourth time delay difference; and Clock synchronization is performed based on the local time of the sensing data processing network element or the sensing device and the time correction amount.

10. The clock synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the sensing result based on the sensing data information determined by the sensing device includes: Based on the transmission establishment request sent by the sensing device, a transmission link is established between the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element. The transmission establishment request includes at least one or more of the following: a collaborative sensing operation identifier and information of the sensing data processing network element. The sensing result is determined based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data; and The sensing result is sent to the sending device of the sensing request.

11. The clock synchronization method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The step of determining the perception result based on the timestamp information and / or perception task identifier carried by the perception data information includes: Based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data, at least one sensing data group is determined, one sensing data group corresponds to one sensing task, and the sensing request includes at least one of the sensing tasks; and The perception result is determined based on at least one of the perception data sets.

12. A clock synchronization method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a sensing data processing network element that communicates with a sensing service control network element and at least one sensing device, includes: The first sensing request sent by the sensing service control network element is received, and the first sensing request is at least used to trigger the sensing data processing network element to actively perform clock synchronization. Actively synchronize the clock based on the first sensing request; and The sensing result is determined based on the sensing data information transmitted by the sensing device via the transmission link.

13. The clock synchronization method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The step of actively synchronizing the clock based on the first sensing request includes: Based on the first sensing request, the target server for clock synchronization is determined, wherein the first sensing request includes at least one or more of the following: a first clock synchronization indication and server information for clock synchronization. Clock synchronization is performed based on one or more of the following: a first synchronization request, a first synchronization response message, a second synchronization request, and a second synchronization response message. The first synchronization request and the second synchronization request are configured to be sent by the sensing data processing network element to the target server, and the first synchronization response message and the second synchronization response message are configured to be sent by the target server to the sensing data processing network element.

14. The clock synchronization method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The clock synchronization based on one or more of the first synchronization request, the first synchronization response message, the second synchronization request, and the second synchronization response message includes: Send the first synchronization request to the target server, wherein the first synchronization request includes the first time of sending the first synchronization request; The system receives the first synchronization response message sent by the target server, wherein the first synchronization response message includes at least a third time of sending the first synchronization response message and a second time of receiving the first synchronization request. Send the second synchronization request to the target server, the second synchronization request including at least a fifth time when the second synchronization request was sent; Receive the second synchronization response message sent by the target server, the second synchronization response message including at least the seventh time of sending the second synchronization response message and the sixth time of receiving the second synchronization request; and Clock synchronization is performed based on the first time, the second time, the third time, the fifth time, the sixth time, and the seventh time.

15. The clock synchronization method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first synchronization response message also includes a first delay difference, and the second synchronization response message also includes a third delay difference.

16. The clock synchronization method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The clock synchronization based on the first time, the second time, the third time, the fifth time, the sixth time, and the seventh time includes: A first time delay difference is determined based on the first time and the second time. The second delay difference is determined based on the third time and the fourth time of receiving the first synchronization response message; The third time delay difference is determined based on the fifth time and the sixth time. The fourth delay difference is determined based on the seventh time and the eighth time of receiving the second synchronization response message; and Clock synchronization is performed based on one or more of the first delay difference, the second delay difference, the third delay difference, and the fourth delay difference.

17. The clock synchronization method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The clock synchronization based on one or more of the first delay difference, the second delay difference, the third delay difference, and the fourth delay difference includes: The time correction amount is determined based on the first time delay difference, the second time delay difference, the third time delay difference, and the fourth time delay difference; and Clock synchronization is performed based on local time and the time correction amount.

18. The clock synchronization method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to the completion of clock synchronization, a response message is sent to the sensing service control network element. The response message includes one or more of the interface information of the sensing data processing network element and the target server, so that the sensing device can perform clock synchronization based on the target server.

19. The clock synchronization method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The determination of the sensing result based on the sensing data information transmitted by the sensing device via the transmission link includes: Based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data, at least one sensing data group is determined, one sensing data group corresponds to one sensing task, and the sensing request includes at least one of the sensing tasks; and The perception result is determined based on at least one of the perception data sets.

20. A clock synchronization method, characterized in that, Applied to a sensing device, the sensing device communicating with a sensing service control network element and at least one sensing data processing network element, the method includes: The system receives a second sensing request sent by the sensing service control network element, wherein the second sensing request is at least used to trigger the sensing device to actively perform clock synchronization. Based on the second sensing request, a target server is determined for clock synchronization, wherein the target server is configured to be the same as the target server selected for clock synchronization by the sensing data processing network element included in the second sensing request; and Sensing data information is transmitted via a transmission link with the sensing data processing network element so that the sensing service control network element and / or the sensing data processing network element can determine the sensing result based on the sensing data information.

21. The clock synchronization method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Also includes: Send sensing capability information, which includes at least one or more of sensing area information, sensing data information, and a collaborative sensing support identifier, so that the sensing service control network element can determine the sensing device and the sensing data processing network element based on the sensing request and the collaborative sensing support identifier.

22. The clock synchronization method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The transmission of sensing data information via the transmission link with the sensing data processing network element includes: The sensed data information is determined, and the sensed data information carries at least timestamp information and / or sensed task identifier; Based on the timestamp information and / or sensing task identifier carried by the sensing data, at least one sensing data group is determined, one sensing data group corresponds to one sensing task, and the sensing request includes at least one of the sensing tasks; and At least one of the sensing data sets is transmitted via the transmission link.

23. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When a computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the clock synchronization method as described in any one of claims 1 to 22.

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